Remembering Sophie Lee and Asia Williams, Mass Arrests in Istanbul, and Chicago International Film Festival Queer Films Of 2026

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story pays respects to Sophie Lee, and Asia Williams, two black trans women killed in Baltimore this year. In politics, A group of LGBTQ+ middle schoolers sue their school board, and we cover the mass arrests at a lgbtq+ led protest in Istanbul. In culture and entertainment, the queer trans project supplies more than 500 gender-affirming supply kits to Floridian youth, and Chicago's International Film Festival Returns in October with a stunning lineup of queer films. Let's get into it!

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00:26 Welcome to Queer News

01:03 LGBTQ Veteran's Day

01:50 Join our Substack

02:21 Join the QCrew

02:49 Queer News Headlines

03:31 Remembering Sophie Lee and Asia Williams

06:11 LGBTQ+ middle schoolers sue their school board

08:13 Mass Arrests in Istanbul

11:56 Get your tickets to the 12th annual Purple Tie Affair today

12:50 The queer trans project supplies more than 500 gender-affirming supply kits

15:25 Chicago's International Film Festival Returns in October with a stunning lineup of queer films

18:12 Anna's Got A Word

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Important Episode Links

Fundraiser for Denise Jackson by Baltimore Safe Haven : I WAS SOMEBODY'S CHILD. I DESERVED TO LIVE

Fundraiser by Lisa drummond : Support for Jacqueline After Asia's Tragic Loss

Check out the Chicagoland Lesbian Business Directory

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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 358.

This Week's Top Story

Rest in Power to Sophie Lee, And Asia Williams, Two Black Trans Women Killed In Baltimore This Year

It's with a heavy heart that I share that two Black Trans Women have been killed in Baltimore. Sophie Lee, and Asia Williams have both been shot and killed in Baltimore this year. Police Investigations for both cases are under way, but no suspects or motives have been found. Asia was the 22nd trans woman killed this year and Sophie was the 23rd according to Pgh Lesbian. The gofundme's for both Asia and Sophie will be linked in the show notes if you'd like to support the families.

This Week In Politics

A group of LGBTQ+ middle schoolers sue their school board And Are Victorious!

This all started when 17 students attending a King George County school wanted to establish a GSA. The King George County School Board enacted a policy change in response to the backlash so that middle school students can no longer form noncircular clubs. Well, the students weren't having that so they took the school board to court! The students argued that the school board violated their first amendment rights by blocking their club from forming meanwhile other student organizations were allowed to continue. The students victory in court resulted in the policy being changed back to how it was as well as a settlement.

Mass Arrests At A LGBTQ+ Led Protest In Istanbul

In international news, multiple people were detained at a LGBTQ+ led protest in Istanbul. The protestors were asking for the release of numerous LGBTQ+ activists who were arrested during a police crack down on LGBTQ+ groups and organizations earlier this month. It's estimated that 150 people were detained at the protest in front of Istanbul's courthouse.

Titled the "My Family Is Safe" operation, local police swept through LGBTQ+ organization offices, popular queer hangout spots and safe spaces, LGBTQ+ activists homes, and they even went as far as to delete websites affiliated with the LGBTQ+ community. Close to 50 people were detained as a result of those raids.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

The Queer Trans Project Supplies More than 500 Gender-Affirming Supply Kits To Floridian Youth

The Queer Trans Project just donated more than 500 gender-affirming supply kits to youth in Florida. Their "Build a Queer Kits" include binders, tucking supplies, makeup kits, health supplies and much more at no cost!

The next restock of the build-a-queer kits is November 17th, and it's their biggest restock yet with more than 5000+ gender-affirming care items available. The kits are fully customizable and to apply for one, you can head to https://queertransproject.org/ for all the application details. The kits are distributed on a lottery based system, so even if you don't get selected for this drop, you can reapply for the next one. In addition to their build-a-queer kits, the Queer Trans Project also offers financial assistance for airfare in the form of their Flight Assistance program.

Introducing The Queer Films Showing At The Chicago International Film Festival

Continuing our coverage of Film Festival Season In Chicago, The Chicago International Film Festival is next month and they've just announced their full lineup for their 62nd year! Club Kid is one of the highly anticipated opening night films. Directed by and starring Jordan Fistman (I Love LA + Ms. Marvel) The film is described as hilarious, touching, racy, and tender and is about a New York club promoter who wakes up one day to find the ten year old british son he never knew he had at his door step. Filmmaker Jordan Fistman will be in attendance at the opening night screening on October 14th at the music box theatre.

In addition to premieres, there are many anniversaries being celebrated at the film festival as well. The Watermelon Woman turns 30 this year, and to celebrate, a special tribute to director Cheryl Dunye will be held before the screening of the film on October 17th at the Logan Center for the Arts. During the tribute, Cheryl will be presented with the Career Achievement Award.

Anna's Word: Reason, Season, or Lifetime

"What felt good then doesn't feel good now. What you accepted then you will not accept now. Hold space to grieve, but recognize that some people come into your life for a reason, a season, and a select few get to be for a lifetime."

Family, my word for this week comes from a place of deep personal reflection after a trying week. We grew up hearing the classic quote that people enter our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, but it isn't until we gain lived experience that the truth of those words really hits home.

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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 for Public Sound.

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