Documenting the LGBTQ+ experience around the globe during the coronavirus pandemic.
In this week's episode, Queerantine + Chill podcast host Vincent Jones & Producer Ben Salk reflect over the first season and spill lots of tea. Hear how the podcast came together, find out what happened with the guy our host had been dating, learn how the murders of George Floyd affected the show, get the story behind why the "gayborhood" became a key part of each episode and so much more. You'll also get a sneak peak of season two which will be slightly different.
Dig deeper into what life has been like for cruise ship crew stuck onboard during the pandemic, dilemma faced when considering going “home” by long term crew members, challenges being openly-LGBT on ships and more in this week’s episode of Queerantine + Chill featuring Cruise ship entertainment director Jamezy (he/him/his) from London on a cruise ship. Today’s episode was recorded on June 2, 2020.
Experiencing COVID in Scandinavia where countries took dramatically different approaches, working in a pharmacy in the midst of a pandemic, impact of weather on mental state during quarantines, and more are discussed in this week’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with Pharmacist Victor Betancourth (He/Him/His) in Norway from Guatemala. Today’s interview was recorded on July 1st.
Being one of a small number of students on campus after college went virtual, recreating the senior year experience under quarantine, entering the job market during one of the worst economic periods ever in American history, and more in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with recent college grad and student activist Alexander de Leon (he/him) from Hampshire College, Massachusetts. This conversation was recorded on June 2, 2020
Changing demographics of Brazilians infected by COVID-19, Carnival and social distancing, resurgence of classic telenovelas and more in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with YouTuber & tour operator Bruno Teixeira in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Today’s conversation with Bruno (he/him/his) was recorded on May 30, 2020.
Ball culture in Africa, role of Christian missionaries in spreading homophobia in Nigeria, power of viral social media content created by Black creators, and so much more in this special #Blackouttuesday episode of Queerantine + Chill with activist/philanthropist/entertainer/drag queen Bisi Alimi (@bisialimi) from Lagos, Nigeria. The conversation with Bisi (he/him/hers) took place on May 27, 2020.
Cruise staff stuck at sea, international students facing visa challenges, transgender community in the Amazon, and more in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with Tour Operator Ylan Chrem (@ylan.chrem) from Lima, Peru. Today’s conversation was recorded on May 26, 2020.
Running a hotel during and after quarantines and travel bans, potential impact to gay businesses, possible changes to cruise traffic in Key West and more discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with Equator Resort Manager Anthony Sibilly-Juarez in Key West.
Life after lockdowns, perspectives on international critique of the Chinese government’s reaction to Coronavirus, potential for support for more environmental protections in China, Shanghai pride, and so much more in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with Brand manager/musician/travel advisor Leon Guan in Shanghai, China. Today’s conversation was recorded on May 24, 2020.
Islamophobia and xenophobia colliding with coronavirus, preparing for a strict lockdown with only four hours advance notice, challenges of communicating public health measures in a country where many languages are spoken, and so much more in today's episode of Queerantine + Chill with Massage therapist & scientific researcher Moshin (he/him/his) in Mumbai, India. Today's conversation was recorded on May 23, 2020.
Sex work during lockdowns, underground drug parties, people in rehab falling through the cracks, and so much more in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with former Sex Worker “Kosher Sausage” (he/him/his) from Las Vegas, Nevada. This conversation was recorded on May 21, 2020.
Enduring an ongoing economic crisis during the pandemic, helping businesses to think deeper about what it means to support all of their stakeholders at this time, being a creative consultant, and more are discussed in today's episode of Queerantine + Chill with Creative Consultant Leandro Antoniuk (@leandro.antoniuk) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This conversation with Leandro (he/him/his) was recorded on May 19, 2020.
Transphobic quarantine policies, how coronavirus affected mass student-led protests around the country, a project to develop more affordable ventilators and more are discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with LGBTQ+/luxury travel advisor Santiago Aguirre Montoya (@santi_aguirrem) in Bogota, Colombia. Today’s conversation with Santiago (He/Him/His) was recorded on May 18, 2020).
Life after Coronavirus has been contained, leadership after successive crises - earthquake, mass shooting, grappling with a fast growing population at this time, bring Mr. Gay World New Zealand and more are discussed in today’s episode of the Queerantine + Chill Podcast with Mr. Gay World New Zealand, Ballroom Dancer, and salon consultant Liam Reid (@mr.gay.nz.2020) in New Zealand. This conversation with Liam (He/Him/His) was recorded on May 18, 2020.
The tragic murder of a mentally ill transgender woman, impact of recent natural disasters and political corruption on Coronavirus response, working artists finding a way to survive without gallery showings and more in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with crisis communications expert & art enthusiast Jose Luis Cedeno (@joseluiscedeno) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The conversation with Jose (He/Him/His) was recorded on May 15, 2020.
Deciding to move LA Pride virtual, recovering from Covid-19, policymaking to help people survive the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic, loneliness in the gay community, and so much more are discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with LA Pride (@lapride) President & Legislative staffer Estevan Montemayor (@ejmontemayor) in West Hollywood, California. The conversation with Estevan (He/Him/His) was recorded on May 14, 2020)
Protecting benefits for workers and national guard members on the frontlines, young LGBT people quarantined at home in unsafe environments, being the first openly gay person of color in Congress, inspirational LGBT elected officials like Barbara Jordan, Barney Frank, Harvey Milk, and so much more are discussed in today’s special episode of Queerantine + Chill with Congressmember Mark Takano (@repmarktakano) in honor of Harvey Milk Day. This conversation with Congressmember Takano (He/Him/His) was recorded on May 19, 2020.
Being a new couple, the reality of contact tracing, public reactions to new infections after coronavirus was believed to be under control, and more are discussed in today's episode of Queerantine + Chill with binational (and new) couple Haechan (@haechanjun) & Arnaud (lotharian_13) in Seoul, South Korea. This conversation was recorded on May 12, 2020.
Bringing the dance floor to people in their homes via instagram, staying vigilant about politics, impact of quarantine on TV show productions, a look back at NYC gay nightlife in the late 90s and early 2000s and so much more in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with legendary DJ Lina Bradford (@thelinabradford) in New York City, NY. This conversation with Lina (she/her/hers) took place on May 12, 2020.
Fleeing anti-LGBT violence, anti-LGBTQ persecution in Uganda, living in a homeless shelter, being resilient during the coronavirus pandemic and more are discussed in today’s extra special episode of Queerantine + Chill with Refugee/entrepreneur/philanthropist/activist Michael Kajubi (He/Him/His) from Kampala, Uganda living in Toronto, Canada.
Listen to get an understanding of what the Queerantine + Chill podcast is all about.
Getting out the LGBTQ+ vote now, building community in virtual spaces, living with disabilities under quarantines and more are discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with Joe Biden for President LGBTQ+ Vote Director Reggie Greer (@rwgreer) in Washington, D.C. This conversation was recorded on May 7, 2020.
Celebrating Ramadan during quarantine, the pandemic in Palestine, being a college student now and so much more are discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with student and budding musician “Hope Seeker” from the Gaza Strip in Doha, Qatar. This conversation was recorded on April 28, 2020.
Protesting the murder of Ahmaud Abery, teaching, and being an entertainer under quarantine and more are discussed in today’s episode with comedian/event producer/community leader Kia Barnes (@kiacomedy) in Atlanta, Georgia. This conversation took place on May 6, 2020.
TV DJs bringing the club into homes during lockdown, challenges communicating public health messages in a country with 12 official languages, queer life before the lockdown and more are discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with creative and DJ Lelo Meslani (@lelowhatsgood) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Today’s episode was recorded on May 3, 2020.
Creating virtual spaces for lesbians, impact of national healthcare system on COVID-19 infection patterns in Great Britain, the good and the bad consequences of the role nightlife plays in the LGBTQ+ community and more are discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with nightlife experiences curator and entrepreneur Aisha Shaibu (she/her/hers) of Moonlight Experiences (@moonlight_experiences) in London. This conversation was recorded on April, 29, 2020.
Virtual and drive in concerts, Tiktok gays, quarenTEAMing, LGBT activism now, and more are discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with activist and @gaysofcoachella founder Mike Ai (He/Him/His) in Chino Hills, California. This conversation was recorded on May 3, 2020.
Challenges of running an international organization at this time, cruising during COVID-19, transitioning people forced to shelter in place in unsupportive living situations and more are discussed in today’s episode with activist and non-profit CEO Masen Davis (He/Him/His) in San Francisco, California (instead of Berlin, Germany) where he’s supposed to be now. This conversation was recorded on April 23, 2020)
Dating during and after quarantine, gyms as social centers for gay men, pro-democracy protests, and so much more are covered in today’s episode with fitness executive & drag queen Brad Wharakura (aka Madame Mincemeat) in Hong Kong. This conversation took place on April 25, 2020)
Parenting, testosterone shortages, prisoners rights during quarantine and more are discussed in today’s episode with activists/parents/entrepreneurs Trystan + Biff (@biffandi) in Portland, Oregon. This conversation was recorded on April 18, 2020.
Digitally uhauling under quarantine, appreciating the natural beauty around you more when you’re restricted from it, LGBTQ+ life in the Caribbean before COVID-19 and more in today’s episode with activist & entrepreneur Donnya Piggot (she/her/hers) of Pink Coconuts in Bridgetown, Barbados. This conversation was recorded on April 27, 2020.
Stopping tourism in the world’s most visited country, canceling a national holiday celebration that draws thousands of tourists, managing a luxury resort during lockdowns and more are discussed in today’s episode with hotelier Santichai Boonrasri (He/Him/His) in Phuket, Thailand. This conversation was recorded on April 18, 2020.
Supporting workers in the informal economy during quarantine, being adaptable when crisis impacts your business, queerness in the Costa Rican coffee industry and more are covered in today’s episode with Entrepreneur/activist Julio Cesar Calvo (He/him/his) in San Jose, Costa Rica. This conversation was recorded on April 21, 2020.
What life is like for a flight attendant right now, what the airplane experience might be like when we begin traveling again, and more are discussed in today’s episode with flight attendant Andrew Collins (He/Him/His) in Atlanta, Georgia. This conversation was recorded on April 24, 2020.
How taking Drag Queen Story Hour virtual is expanding its reach, what it's like to release a book "The Hips on the Drag Queen go Swish, Swish, Swish" during a global pandemic, a behind the scenes view of a virtual drag show and more are discussed in today's episode with activist/author/drag queen Lil Miss Hot Mess from San Francisco. Go to www.lilmisshotmess.com to see buy her book and to see performances. This conversation was recorded on (April 27, 2020)
What it’s like to be an openly gay nomad in countries where it’s illegal to be LGBTQ, how to quarantine at “home” when you’re a global nomad, why some locals might not be too kind to tourists “stuck” in their countries now and more are discussed in today’s episode with artist and global nomad and artist Mathieu Boucher (He/Him/His). This conversation was recorded on April 20, 2020.
Finding love and friendship while avoiding police harassment in a homophobic culture, how some Egyptians balance economic needs and protecting themselves from COVID-19, the Egyptian healthcare system and more are discussed in this episode with Muhammad (He/Him/His). This conversation was recorded on April 17, 2020. Please note that this episode includes discussion of an attempted suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please consider contacting the Trevor Project which has trained counselors on hand 24/7 who can help.
Dating, Being a religious leader, and making music during the coronavirus pandemic and more are discussed in today’s episode with Juval Porat (He/Him/His). Today’s conversation was recorded on April 14, 2020.
Netflix hits “Love is Blind” and “Tiger King,” LGBTQ+ teens quarantined in unsupportive homes, “Big Brother,” the potential for a second “roaring twenties” and more are discussed in today’s episode with Zach Zyskowski (He/Him/His). This conversation was recorded on April 11, 2020.
In today’s extra special episode, we talk with a doctor in New York City who is helping his regular clients by night and helping COVID-19 patients by day. Dr. Namdar also gives some insight into his LGBT activism, what it was like growing up in Iran and Israel, and how he balances his busy professional with his full personal life.
Being coupled up during Quarantine, having a scientist as a leader now, easy ways to help neighbors, and more are discussed in today’s episode with with Steffen Stefany (he/him/his) in Nuremberg, Germany. This conversation was recorded on April 10, 2020). Steffen is (anchors.world) on Instagram and TikTok
Going to church, running a non-profit organization, whether or not to continue smoking marijuana and more are covered in today’s episode with Gabe Maldanado (He/Him/His) in Riverside, California. This episode was recorded on Easter Sunday.
Impact of travel bans in a tourist dependent country, how community steps in to support each other when government infrastructure is weak, how women leaders around the world are showing us how to lead in a crisis, and more are discussed in today’s episode with expat couple Toni & Janice (she/her/hers). This episode was recorded on April 13, 2020.
Supporting gay bar workers, creatives adapting to quarantine, advocating for loved ones in hospitals, hookup apps, and more are discussed in today’s episode with Alexander Rodriguez)He/Him/His). This conversation was recorded on April 12, 2020.
The role of retail in the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Brix’s scarf game, being a vacation rental owner now and more are discussed in today’s episode with Wesley Gray (He/Him/His). This conversation was recorded on April 10, 2020.
Healthcare in the entertainment industry, making movies post COVID-19, being an out actor and more are discussed in today’s episode with Haviland Stillwell (she/her/hers). This conversation was recorded on April 11, 2020.
Transforming a restaurant overnight, helping to feed frontline workers in LA, maintaining the spark in a new marriage during the zombie apocalypse and more are coveted in today’s episode with Chef Lior Hillel(he/him/his). Today’s episode was recorded on April 15, 2020.
Leather community, Airbnb, essential workers and more are discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with longtime couple Steven & Heggie (He/Him/His). This conversation was recorded on April 5, 2020.
In today’s episode with Simon Mayle (he/him/his), we cover how coronavirus has impacted event planning and luxury travel as well as navigating shared living spaces, among other things. This conversation was recorded on April 6, 2020.
Cruising after COVID-19, LGBT life in Jamaica, gay travel to the island and more are discussed in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill. The interview with Mike the Tour Guide (he/him/his) was recorded on April 5, 2020.
Long distance relationships during quarantine, impact of coronavirus on Mexican tourism industry, and more in today’s episode of Queerantine + Chill with Ricardo Godoy (He/Him/His). This conversation was recorded on April 5, 2020.