The category is... QUEER JOY!

When I saw Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway, it was transformative for me. In this episode, I'm sharing my experience and why I feel this show embodies queer joy during a time we need it most.

Although the production officially closed on Broadway this past weekend (August 8, 2026), this episode is my love letter to everyone who was a part of bringing Cats: The Jellicle Ball from the PAC (Perelman Performing Arts Center) to Broadway, and my manifestation for a comeback. After all, cats have nine lives! 🐈‍⬛

Whether you love musicals or you’re not a fan, this episode is for everyone.

Cats: The Jellicle Ball is the queer reimagining of the original Broadway classic, and the winner of three 2026 Tony Awards (Best Direction, Best Choreography, and Best Costume Design), as well as nine 9 nominations.

What’s in this episode:

• Why the word QUEER perfectly embodies this show.
• A quick review of ballroom culture (I'm still learning), and the legends who brought this show to life.
• How New York City embraces Pride in ways that other cities don’t.
• Why protecting our own (queer) joy is important.
• Why Cats: The Jellicle Ball deserves another life on stage.

What’s not in this episode (just fun facts):

• The fact that when “Tempress” Chastity Moore sang “Memory,” I bawled. Through her poetic performance, I experienced the song in a new light.
• My sister and I sang a part of a Beyoncé song with Sydney James Harcourt (Rum Tum Tugger) at the stage door!
• I got to meet most of the cast (true icons and legends!) outside of the stage door. That memory will "live again" (iykyk)

A note from the host: Seeing Rumpleteazer's family with their shirts was a highlight for me, but my memory of which family shirts I saw could be off a bit. Either way, it was JOY!

Did you like the episode? I'd love to hear what you think! Click HERE to reach out and lemme know!

This episode was inspired by my Substack blog post "May We Be Little Deposits of Rainbows Wherever We Go," written during Lesbian Visibility Week (April 20 - 26, 2026). In it, I reflect on how we often don't realize the quiet but meaningful impact we have on the people around us.

During a time when living authentically can feel more difficult, this episode is a little reminder that even the smallest acts of visibility can leave a lasting impact.

mentioned in this episode:

Episode 23: Is It Coming Out or Is It Just Stating a Fact? A conversation with LGBTQ+ podcaster, Holly Krivo

Let's stay connected on Substack!

Did you like the episode? I'd love to hear what you think! Click HERE to reach out and lemme know!

This episode contains a quick mention of suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available: THE TREVOR PROJECT (1-866-488-7386).

In this episode, Britt Barton (LGBTQ+ Mindset Coach) shares a story about how an unexpected gift from her grandmother made her feel seen, and how that gift impacted her coming out journey.

Britt also shares her personal story of family expectations, embracing her identity, and becoming a role model for her LGBTQ+ family members.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The power of small gestures.
• As language evolves, so does our understanding of identity and of ourselves.
• The responsibility we have to the younger LGBTQ+ generations.

This episode is a great reminder that when words fail us, or when we don't have the language to express ourselves, small gestures of acceptance can speak volumes.

If you are struggling with how to have a conversation with your loved one, I hope Britt's story offers a message that acceptance doesn't have to come in grand gestures. It can be in the quietest forms, and in doing so, it can heal wounds and create bonds.

Note: This episode was recorded in August, 2024.

Did you like the episode? I'd love to hear what you think! Click HERE to reach out and lemme know!