Massachusetts protects gender-affirming care, the Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage Threat & Black lesbian couple attacked in Virginia - August 18, 2025

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In politics, we celebrate Massachusetts' Shield Act 2.0 expanding protections for abortion and gender-affirming care, while keeping a close eye on a Supreme Court case threatening marriage equality. In culture and entertainment, a Black lesbian couple survives a racially charged roadside attack in Virginia, UCLA stands firm against the Trump administration amidst pressure to roll back trans rights, and fashion legend Rick Owens launches an OnlyFans page with proceeds supporting a trans shelter in France. Let's get into it.

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03:04 Queer News Headlines

04:00 Massachusetts Signs Shield Act 2.0 Into Law

08:00 The Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Threat

14:58 Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com

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17:12 Black lesbians attacked in Virginia

20:46 UCLA vs. Trump Administration

23:07 Rick Owens OnlyFans for Charity

25:31 Anna's Got A Word

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This Week In Politics

Massachusetts Signs Shield Act 2.0 Into Law: Governor Maura Healey signs legislation expanding protections for abortion and gender-affirming care. The Shield Act 2.0 updates the state's original shield law to safeguard patients and providers from out-of-state investigations or prosecutions.

The Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Threat: The Supreme Court has been formally asked to overturn same-sex marriage. While lower courts have consistently upheld the law, the Respect for Marriage Act provides some federal protections, but now it's time to make sure all legal paperwork is in order.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Black lesbians attacked in Virginia: A Black lesbian couple, Amylah Majors and Jamaria Gaskins, survive a racially charged roadside attack. They've started a GoFundMe for medical bills and recovery costs.

UCLA vs. Trump Administration: UCLA resists federal pressure to roll back trans rights and diversity programs, standing firm against demands that other universities have already met. The standoff highlights the high stakes for students and faculty, as 300 federal grants remain frozen and the outcome could set a precedent for how public universities defend LGBTQ+ protections nationwide.

Rick Owens OnlyFans for Charity: Fashion designer Rick Owens has launched an OnlyFans page featuring videos of his feet, with every dollar going to support La Maison d'Alanah, a trans shelter in France. He's blending art, activism, and creativity to support LGBTQ+ youth.

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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 drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.