The Pride Flag Will Never Fall, a Transgender Bill of Rights is reintroduced & the Seeing Her docu-series is a must-see

This week on the Queer News podcast, In top news, The Trump Administration ordered the removal of the pride flag from Stonewall. Cathy Renna was there in person and left us a voicemail to share more about it. In politics, The Trump Administration attempts to revoke $600 million in health care funding from four states who've vocally opposed him, and we break down what the Transgender Bill Of Rights could look like. In culture and entertainment, Don Lemon pleads not guilty to federal charges and the Seeing Her docu-series premieres! Let's get into it.

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05:20:00 Queer News Headlines

06:01:06 The Trump Administration Orders The Removal of The Pride Flag From Stonewall

10:28:17 The Trump Administration Attempts To Revoke $600 million in health care funding from four states

12:50:00 The Trangender Law Center Breaks Down What A Transgender Bill Of Rights Could Look Like

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18:21:06 Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty To Charges in Minnesota

21:50:00 The Seeing Her Docu-Series Premieres!

25:00:00 Anna's Word

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This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 324.

This Week's Top Story

The Trump Administration Orders The Removal of The Pride Flag From Stonewall

The Trump Administration really tried it. Four days ago the Trump administration called for the removal of the pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument. The National Park Service complied, telling CNN that "Recent adjustments to flag displays at the monument were made to ensure consistency with federal guidance and applicable executive order…Stonewall National Monument remains committed to preserving and interpreting the history and significance of this site through its exhibits, programs, and educational initiatives"

People quickly organized a protest the same day that the pride flag was removed from Stonewall and many prominent lgbtq+ activists spoke out. Cathy Renna, the communications director for the national LGBTQ taskforce, left the QNP team a voicemail sharing what it was like at the protests at Stonewall and the energy on the ground when the flag was raised once again. Tune in to this week's episode to hear the full story.

This Week In Politics

The Trump Administration Attempts To Revoke $600 million in health care funding from four states

As if the removal of the pride flag wasn't enough, the Trump Administration is aiming to cut $600 million dollars in public health care funding to four states. California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota are all at risk of losing millions in federal funding grants. It's not lost on anyone that these states are led by democrats who continue to vocally disapprove of The Trump administration and its deplorable actions. A spokesman from the HHS announced that "These grants are being terminated because they do not reflect agency priorities". Those "unreflected priorities" being programs aimed at the LGBTQIA+ community, HIV awareness, and disease outbreak management. On February 13th Illinois federal judge Manish Shah blocked the cutting of funds citing that "the states have shown that they would suffer irreparable harm from the agency action.". This action stops the Trump Administration from acting on their decision to rescind the funds for 14 days.

The Trangender Law Center Breaks Down What A Transgender Bill Of Rights Could Look Like

The Transgender Law Center speculated what a potential Trans Bill of Rights could look like after the U.S. House of Representatives made a call for the development of a Transgender Bill of Rights. "Should the bill advance, this resolution would outline a federal framework to protect trans and gender-expansive people's access to healthcare, housing and shelter, safety from violence, and economic security." The Transgender Law Center encourages those who can to take action by calling their member of congress and asking them "Have you endorsed the transgender bill of rights?"

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty To Charges in Minnesota

Independent journalist Don Lemon has returned to Minnesota to testify in court. As we reported in episode 322, Lemon was one of a handful of journalists briefly detained earlier this year on charges of "conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and injuring, intimidating and interfering with the exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship". It was announced on Friday, February 13th that Don Lemon has pled not guilty. He addressed reporters and supporters outside the court house with the following message: "This isn't just about me, this is about all journalists, especially in the United States...The events before my arrest and what's happened since show that people are finally realizing what (the Trump administration) is all about. The process is the punishment with them," Lemon declared. "I will not be intimidated, I will not back down, I will fight these baseless charges and I will not be silenced."

The Seeing Her Docu-Series Premieres!

Maliyah Londyn serves on the major's LGBTQ advisory council, is the chair of the board at Howard Brown Health, and is featured in the new docu-series Seeing Her.

The docu-series "invites you to follow [the] inspiring journeys [of the recipients of the Deschamps-Braly Clinic's Pay It Forward program] firsthand—celebrating each recipient's advocacy, resilience, and personal evolution through surgery and healing. The Deschamps-Braly Clinic's Pay It Forward program honors "transgender advocates who exemplify courage, compassion, and community impact—offering each a fully funded, gender-affirming facial surgery."

Anna's Word

Anna's word for this week is "take-off". This is her word for 2026 and will remind her that this is the year we will indeed take-off to another level with this not only this work but the work of The Qube.

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.