This Queer Book Saved My Life
Episodes
The Gaily Show: Locker Room Talk and How Political Are Sports?
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our next episode drops on March 24th! In our off weeks, we air episodes of The Gaily Show. It's the only daily LGBTQ radio news and talk show in ...
Will Grayson, Will Grayson with Jake Stepansky and David Levithan
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Will I as a queer person be able to live openly, boldly, and out of the shadows?Today we meet Jake Stepansky and we’re talking about the queer book ...
The Gaily Show: "Greater Than" Campaign with Sarah M. Moore
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our next episode drops on March 10th! In our off weeks, we air episodes of The Gaily Show. It's the only daily LGBTQ radio news and talk show in ...
Reverie with William Ollayos and Ryan La Sala
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when the world tells you you're too much and you start shrinking yourself to survive?Today we meet William Ollayos and we’re talki...
The Gaily Show: Out in National Security with Lucas F. Schleusener
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our next episode drops on February 24th! In our off weeks, we air episodes of The Gaily Show. It's the only daily LGBTQ radio news and talk show ...
The Prince of Los Cocuyos with Karsten Vagner and Richard Blanco
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This question has followed me around my whole life: where do I come from?Today we meet Karsten Vagner and we’re talking about the queer book that sa...
The Gaily Show: Image Control: Art, Fascism, and the Right to Resist
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our next episode drops on February 10th! In our off weeks, we air episodes of The Gaily Show. It's the only daily LGBTQ radio news and talk show ...
Giovanni's Room with Michael Horvich
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In some ways, the characters in this book were my first lovers.Today we meet Michael Horvich and we're talking about the queer book that saved hi...
The Gaily Show: A Black Queer History of the United States
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our next episode drops on January 27th! In our off weeks, we air episodes of The Gaily Show. It's the only daily LGBTQ radio news and talk show i...
Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin with Lucas F. Schleusener and John D’Emilio
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How can we hold together idealism and authenticity even when the world is homophobic?Today we meet Lucas F. Schleusener and we’re talking about the ...
The Gaily Show: LGBTQ Journalism in the Age of MAGA
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Our first new episode of 2026 drops next week on January 13th! John is really proud of this upcoming episode which is about Bayard Rustin. For this we...
That's A Wrap on 2025!
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, host John Parker and Executive Producer Jim Pounds wrap up 2025 and preview 2026!Here's what we discuss:Where was our podcast listened to ...
The Gaily Show: Ilana Masad's Holiday Queer Book Recommendations
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A look back at 2025 and a preview of 2026 will air on December 30th! In our off weeks we play episodes of The Gaily Show which John hosts. The Gaily S...
The Satyricon with Neil Laird
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the world's oldest surviving novels was a queer book?!Today we meet Neil Laird and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his lif...
The Gaily Show: Queer Slang with K Anderson
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life drops on December 16th! In our off weeks we play episodes of The Gaily Show which John hosts. The Gaily...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Anne Laughlin and Clean Kill
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We have a new episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life on December 16th! Today, Once Upon a Crime Books presents 7 Minutes in Book Heaven, the podcast...
The Gaily Show: Ilana Masad’s Queer Book Recs! Plus: Queer TV Reviews
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Next week we have a special 7 Minutes in Book Heaven episode for you! And then, a new episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life drops on December 16th!...
Coming Out with Bobbie Smith
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can you have a happy ending in a gay relationship?Today we meet Bobbie Smith and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Coming Out ...
The Gaily Show: Laughing at the Sun and Hologram Boyfriends
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life drops on November 18th! In our off weeks we play episodes of The Gaily Show which John hosts. The Gaily...
Nightwood with Lauren Sanders
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Am I in love with a woman or am I a woman who's in love with women?Today we meet Lauren Sanders and we’re talking about the queer book that sav...
One Last Stop with AJ Writer
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A lot of us get to our 30s and we don't know what the next step is. Sometimes you make a big pivot.Today we meet Aj Writer and we’re talking ab...
Good Times/Bad Times with Joel Freedman
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This book flipped on a lot of switches in my head.Today we meet Joel Freedman and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Good Times...
The Hobbit with Troy Ford
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do I move forward in life without any queer representation in my life?Today we meet Troy Ford and we’re talking about the queer book that saved ...
Another Country with Abdi Nazemian
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What this book showed me was how to balance pieces of myself that didn't fit together.Today we meet Abdi Nazemian and we’re talking about the q...
The Deviant's War with Tim Jon Semmerling
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I was combating homophobia against one of the most powerful institutions in the world.Today we meet Tim Jon Semmerling and we’re talking about the q...
Notes of a Crocodile with Caro De Robertis
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do we live radiantly when the world seems bent on our erasure?Today we meet Caro De Robertis and we’re talking about the queer book that saved t...
Confessions of the Fox with Ilana Masad and Jordy Rosenberg
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Where are all the queer people in history?Today we meet Ilana Masad and we’re talking about the queer book that saved her life: Confessions of the F...
Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality with Paul Cram
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is there any theology in the religion that I grew up in that is meaningful? Or is it just hate with a halo?Today we meet Paul Cram and we’re talking...
Uncle Bobby's Wedding with Brendan Gillett and Sarah S. Brannen
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The book that showed you what a positive queer future could be. And then literally came true.Today we meet Brendan Gillett and we’re talking about t...
The Priory of the Orange Tree with Arden Harris, Emily Autenrieth, and Samantha Shannon
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This book sparked a five-year long career and life journey.In a first for us, we have two guests today! They are Arden Harris and Emily Autenrieth. We...
Diving Into The Wreck with Kris Kleindienst
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I was hungry for language. And stories. And how to tell our stories. That's what this book gave me. But let's not make a Bible out of it.Tod...
The Murderbot Diaries with Esmé and Martha Wells
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What would it feel like for other people to love me if they were to truly see me and truly know me as I am right now?Today we meet Esmé and we’re t...
Something That May Shock and Discredit You with Christina Neuwirth and Daniel M. Lavery
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What would it happen if I allowed my thoughts about my gender become known to me?Today we meet Dr. Christina Neuwirth and we’re talking about the qu...
Dare Truth or Promise with Stephanie Beardslee and Paula Boock
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I was 8,000 miles from home asking is it ok to be gay? That's when I wandered into a shop found this book.Today we meet Stephanie Beardslee and w...
Mostly Dead Things with Casey Holland and Kristen Arnett
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How was I going to reshape my life into something new after this fundamental part of me had been buried?Today we meet Casey Holland and we’re talkin...
The Once and Future King with Max Yeshaye Brumberg-Kraus
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you get out of a spiral of shame and guilt and try to make the world a better place?Today we meet Max Yeshaye Brumberg-Kraus and we’re talkin...
The Persian Boy with Blair Fell
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When a queer book elevates our own expectations of ourselves and moves us to honor ourselves by saying: we deserve something more.Today we meet Blair ...
The Gaily Show: Queer Poetry for Valentines Day
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life drops next week on March 5! In our off weeks, we air a recent episode of The Gaily Show which J.P. host...
The Nearest Exit May Be Behind You with Seth Anderson-Matz and S. Bear Bergman
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ok, I've started to embody my transness. Now what?Today we meet Seth Anderson-Matz and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: ...
Ruby Fruit Jungle with Louisa Hext
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you find the book that gives you the resilience, strength, and willingness to be yourself.Today we meet Louisa Hext and we’re talking about the...
History Is All You Left Me with Edwin Santos Lepiz and Adam Silvera
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do I keep going when my one support person isn't there for me anymore?Today we meet Edwin Santos Lepiz and we’re talking about the queer bo...
Harriet the Spy with Dean Backus
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the loss of innocence the beginning of compassion and wisdom?Today we meet Dean Backus and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Lev AC Rosen and Rough Pages
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have a special Christmas episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life dropping next week! Today, Once Upon a Crime Books presents 7 Minutes in Book Hea...
Love Me Tender with Chloé Caldwell
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you go on in life after losing a child who is still alive?Today, Chloé Caldwell returns to the podcast! But this time, we talk about the queer...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Leslie Karst and Molten Death
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have a new episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life coming up December 10!Today, Once Upon a Crime Books presents 7 Minutes in Book Heaven, the pod...
Annie On My Mind with Haley Steinhilber
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I don't know who I was fooling by bringing this book to school with me and being like, "I am not gay."Today we meet Haley Steinhilber a...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with John Copenhaver and Hall of Mirrors
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Once Upon a Crime Books presents 7 Minutes in Book Heaven, the podcast where we interview LGBTQ authors about the new books they have coming ou...
I Will Greet The Sun Again with René Zadoorian and Khashayar J. Khabushani
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a level of "relate" that I hadn't read in other books.Today we meet René Zadoorian and we’re talking about the queer book th...
Angels in America with David Reddish
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book gave me an understanding of the queer community that I hadn’t found anywhere else.Today we meet David Reddish and we’re talking about th...
The Hours with Samantha Mann
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Who am I going to be and what is my life going to look like?Today we meet Samantha Mann and we’re talking about the queer book that saved her life: ...
Women with Mia Arias Tsang and Chloé Caldwell
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Am I the only one who feels this crazy about what's happening to me right now?Today we meet Mia Arias Tsang and we’re talking about the book th...
Consenting Adult with Eric Marcus
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible that my family, my mother, could ever accept me?Today we meet Eric Marcus and we’re talking about the book that saved his life: Conse...
The Gaily Show: Lover of Men, The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life drops next week on September 17! In our off weeks, we air the most recent episode of The Gaily Show whi...
Exile and Pride with Seeley Quest and Eli Clare
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exile is not a choice that anyone wants to make. It’s something we come to through necessity.Today we meet seeley quest and we’re talking about th...
Broken Horses with Brent Love
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book isn’t about celebrity. It’s about queer heritage. And passing it on.Today we meet Brent Love and we’re talking about the book that sav...
Stars In My Pocket Like Grains of Sand with Robin Jeffrey
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No queer person is an island. Even if we start off that way.Today we meet Robin Jeffrey and we’re talking about the book that saved her life: Stars ...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Katrina Monroe and Through The Midnight Door
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Once Upon a Crime Books presents 7 Minutes in Book Heaven, the podcast where we interview LGBTQ authors about the new books they have coming ou...
The Clothesline Swing with Mike Z. and Danny Ramadan
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You love your parents because they’re your parents. But would you if they weren’t? This and other queer stories from the Middle East to Canada.Tod...
The Gaily Show: Libraries As Spaces Of Connection
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life drops next week on July 23rd! In our off weeks, we air the most recent episode of The Gaily Show which ...
Running With Scissors with Rex Ogle
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When the adults in your life are this reckless and dangerous, what do you do? Today we meet Rex Ogle and we’re talking about the book that saved his...
More Tales of the City with David Ciminello
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After reading about the characters in this book, I made it my mission to have their kind of life for myself. Today we meet David Ciminello and we’re...
Paul Takes The Form of a Mortal Girl with Saraid de Silva and Andrea Lawlor
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This book made me think about how my relationship to myself is lifelong.Today, we meet Saraid de Silva and we’re talking about the book that saved h...
LGBTQ Book Bans: Narrating the Crisis
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A deep dive into LGBTQ book bans with two of the nation's leading researchers.Today, we are joined by Sabrina Baêta and Tasslyn Magnusson. They ...
The Fire Next Time with Kim Hines
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When I read his work, I feel like he is a close friend that I lost. That’s how much he resonates with me.Today we meet Kim Hines and we’re talking...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Jessie Chandler and Shanghai Murder
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Once Upon a Crime Books presents 7 Minutes in Book Heaven, the podcast where we interview LGBTQ authors about the new books they have coming ou...
We Are All Armenian with Natalie Cruz
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Seriously though. When you're life is hyphenated, how do you put it altogether to live the life you want?Today we meet Natalie Cruz and we’re t...
Loveless with Jake Mier
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
They say what matters most is love. But for a lot of us...that’s not what matters most.Today we meet Jake Mier and we’re talking about the book th...
Catching the Queer Spirit!
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
That moment when you meet kindred queer spirits in podcasting.Today we have a special cross-pollination episode with the Queer Spirit podcast. The Q...
Love Lives Here with Archie Arnold and Rowan Jetté Knox
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All the love in our queer families.Today we meet Archie Arnold and we’re talking about the book that saved his life: Love Lives Here: A Story of Thr...
Becoming a Man with K Jason Bryan
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As gay kids we have to get through so much that we end up not remembering a lot of our childhoods. Today we meet K Jason Bryan and we’re talking abo...
Swinging on the Garden Gate with Sandy Hope and Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No one ever told me that I could be divine. That my sexuality was a gift.Today we meet Sandy Hope and we’re talking about the book that saved her li...
Dress Your Family In Corduroy and Denim with Jacob Budenz
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone calls me ma'am on the phone. I love it.Today we meet Jacob Budenz and we’re talking about the book that saved their life: Dress Your F...
Am I Blue with Ricardo Galaviz and Bruce Coville
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When a closeted queer kid meets his fairy godfather what does he wish for?Today we meet Ricardo Galaviz and we’re talking about the book that saved ...
To Kill A Mockingbird with Jean Gustafson
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A tomboy who wants to be Perry Mason (and has a crush on Della) included this book on job applications.Today we meet Jean M. Gustafson and we’re tal...
The Banned Book Club with John Bracken
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to un-ban LGBT books in real time? I share with you about The Banned Book Club and then I sit down with the head of the project: John B...
The Front Runner with Leon Acord
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was such a catharsis that I took the book into the woods and acted out scenes from it.Today we meet Leon Acord and we’re talking about the book t...
The Homosexualization of America with Philip Anthony and Dennis Altman
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You go to his place to hook up. The book that saves your life is on his coffee table.Today we meet Philip Anthony and we’re talking about the book t...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Jeff Billington and Summer's Second
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we meet Jeff Billington and his new novel: Summer's Second.In this novel, Asher Brock’s last summer of youth is far from ideal. His hope...
The Color Purple with Maya Williams
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
My eighth grade brain was like: they're such great friends AND they kiss on the mouth?! That's great!Today we meet Maya Williams and we’re...
Princess Freak with Adrineh Der Boghossian and Nancy Agabian
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Without this book, I wouldn't have become me. And I guess I'd be married to a man.Today we meet Adrineh Der Boghossian and we’re talking a...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Joshua Moehling and Where The Dead Sleep
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Once Upon a Crime Books presents 7 Minutes in Book Heaven, the podcast where we interview LGBTQ authors about the new books they have coming ou...
The Song of Achilles with Christina Bagni
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ancient queer Greek love. The Easter Bunny. And everything in between.Today we meet Christina Bagni and we’re talking about the book that saved her ...
American Renaissance with Scott Bane
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You didn't realize you'd end up reading a charming gay couple's 3,100 love letters. Today we meet Scott Bane and we’re talking about...
Blind: A Memoir with David-Elijah Nahmod and Belo Miguel Cipriani
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I knew something was wrong, but what? This book helped me realize I have a disability. And it's treatable.Today we meet David-Elijah Nahmod and w...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Dianna Hunter and Clouded Waters
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We meet Dianna Hunter and her new novel Clouded Waters which releases today: October 10!What's it about? When a local water scientist goes missin...
The Velvet Rage with Chris Tompkins
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
 Coming out wasn’t a switch that fixed everything. This book explained why.Today we meet Chris Tompkins and we’re talking about the book that sav...
Valencia with Leslie Vincent and Michelle Tea
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I had no queer friends. I kept going to the same bookstore hoping a girl would hit on me.Welcome to our new season! Today we meet Leslie Vincent and M...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Rebecca Turkewitz and Here in the Night
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series!Our series concludes today as we meet Rebecca Turkewitz and her new new spooky story collection: Here in the...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Rob Kirby and Marry Me A Little
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series!Every Tuesday this summer we will feature new episodes of 7 Minutes in Book Heaven which has your next summe...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Marisa Crane and I Keep My Exoskeletons To Myself
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series!Every Tuesday this summer we will feature new episodes of 7 Minutes in Book Heaven which has your next summe...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Tristan Taormino and A Part of the Heart Can't Be Eaten
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series!Every Tuesday this summer we will feature new episodes of 7 Minutes in Book Heaven which has your next summe...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Lin Thompson and The House That Whispers
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series!Every Tuesday this summer we will feature new episodes of 7 Minutes in Book Heaven which has your next summe...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Lucian Childs and Dreaming Home
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series!Every Tuesday this summer we will feature new episodes of 7 Minutes in Book Heaven which has your next summe...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Dr. Gwen Bass and Immaculate Misconception
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series! New episodes of This Queer Book Saved My Life! drop this September.Every Tuesday this summer we will featur...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Christine Suggs and ¡Ay, Mija!
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series!Every Tuesday this summer we will feature new episodes of 7 Minutes in Book Heaven which has your next summe...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with Kelly Balch and Aphrodite's Sister
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series!Every Tuesday this summer we will feature new episodes of 7 Minutes in Book Heaven which has your next summe...
7 Minutes in Book Heaven with C.H. Williams and One of a Thousand Names
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our Summer of Book Love series with our newest episode of 7 Minutes in Book Heaven! Every Tuesday we feature your next summer read. Meet ...
Fag Hag with Clark Carlton and Robert Rodi
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The book where your self-proclaimed fag hag decides to kidnap you. Today we meet Clark Carlton and Robert Rodi!Our guest is novelist, playwright, and...
Edith Can Shoot Things And Hit Them with Nick Bussett and A. Rey Pamatmat
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Queer kids have to grow up so fast to protect ourselves. Our guest todays are Nick Bussett and A. Rey Pamatmat!Nick is the co-host of Gay Talk 2.0 a...
The Waves with Steph Colbourn
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
All of the queer futures that we can build for ourselves.Our guest today is the CEO and founder of editaudio, Steph Colbourn.editaudio is a podcast pr...