Judge defends trans inmates’ rights, Native Son celebrates Black gay brilliance and drag entertainers crash Trump’s Kennedy Center debut - June 16, 2025

In this episode of Queer News, Anna breaks down one of the most significant legal wins for trans rights this year—a federal judge blocking Trump’s ban on gender-affirming care for incarcerated trans folks. We remember Laura Schueler, a beloved Black trans woman murdered in Cincinnati, and we honor the 49 lives lost at Pulse Nightclub nine years ago. Plus, we celebrate the power of protest and performance: four drag queens crashing Trump’s Kennedy Center return with defiance and dignity. Contributor Benjamin Coy takes us to the Native Son Gala, a night honoring the brilliance of Black gay and queer men. From the courts to the stage, from mourning to marching—this episode reminds us that resistance takes many forms and our stories will not be erased. 🏳️‍🌈Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right. 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 00:26    Welcome to Queer News 01:37    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew 02:02    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 02:31    Queer News Headlines 03:16    Judge Blocks Trump Ban on Transgender Healthcare in Federal Prisons 06:55    We Speak Her Name: Laura Schueler, Black Trans Woman Killed in Cincinnati 08:38    Navy to Erase Civil Rights Icons from Ship Names, Including Harvey Milk 12:48    9 Years After Pulse: Honoring Lives Lost, Fighting for Gun Safety 17:08    Native Son Gala Celebrates Black Queer Brilliance 19:33    Drag Queens Crash Trump’s Kennedy Center Return with Bold Defiance 22:45    Anna's Got A Word 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Politics ⚖️ Judge Blocks Trump Ban on Transgender Healthcare in Federal Prisons A Reagan-appointed federal judge sides with trans inmates, ruling that gender-affirming care is a constitutional right—even under Trump’s executive orders. 🕊️ We Speak Her Name: Laura Schueler, Black Trans Woman Killed in Cincinnati Laura’s death adds to the growing list of violence against trans women. Her community remembers her as a local icon, the “Beyoncé” of her city. 🚢 Navy to Erase Civil Rights Icons from Ship Names, Including Harvey Milk Defense Secretary Hegseth pushes name changes to support Trump’s “warrior ethos,” sparking backlash from Democrats and LGBTQ leaders. Culture & Entertainment 🕯️ 9 Years After Pulse: Honoring Lives Lost, Fighting for Gun Safety We revisit a conversation with survivor Brandon Wolf and call for real action—because remembrance without reform isn’t enough. 🏆 Native Son Gala Celebrates Black Queer Brilliance Contributor Benjamin Coy takes us inside the star-studded night uplifting Black gay and queer men making cultural change. 👑 Drag Queens Crash Trump’s Kennedy Center Return with Bold Defiance Tara Hoot, Vagenesis, Mari Con Carne, and Ricky Rosé turn protest into performance, refusing to be erased despite bans and censorship. 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices. 📢 Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT. Edited by Ryan Woodhall. Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.