Episode 2.22 - The Queering of Deep Space (Wilson Cruz)

Bob Harper is a reality TV legend (trust us, we remember being mesmerized by his hotness in primetime). The globally known fashionista, photographer, author and celebrity trainer starred first as a fitness coach on NBC’s The Biggest Loser and then as a host in the revival of the series. This, in turn, has thrust him to a special kind of stardom. His whole world nearly collapsed four years ago when, while in peak shape, he fell to a gym floor after suffering a heart attack. On this week’s episode of Why Here, Bob shares his near-death experience, explains the evolution of his queer identity and spills the tea on NY vs. LA gays. 

We don't use the term icon loosely. But if singer, actor, activist and author Mx. Justin Vivian Bond (Viv for short) aren’t deserving, then no one we know is. As an NYC entertainment mainstay, their stage performances, sultry vocals and searing humor have kept a generation of New Yorkers in check. On this episode of Why Here, they explain what it was like trying to make people pay attention to pronouns decades ago, share how they intend to "sleigh" Christmas this year and respond to the trans-phobia that persists in the media around us. At the end, Viv’s co-conspirator Herb joins the chat for a fact check. It's effing good ... and funny. Trust us. 

As a child in Afghanistan, Qais Munhazim says their queerness was something they were allowed to embrace. For many other queer and trans Afghans, Qais suggests it's a similar story. Still, the Taliban's recent return to power has left the fates of women, trans and queer people in question. On this week's episode, Qais helps us learn what everyday life holds for LGBTQ+ Afghans, how the world's perception of the country is often tainted and what it's like to move from a queer life in Afghanistan to one in America.  

When Dempsey Jara told her parents she was a girl and not a boy (which she was presumed to be at birth) a light went off in their heads. They could either get behind their young daughter or fight it. They chose the former, and what unfolded is a journey that has literally changed the narrative on how trans kids are perceived in the U.S. and the world (as proved by a lot of media coverage). On the Season 3 opener of Why Here, hosts Benton and Tristan chat with 10-year-old Dempsey and her mother Jaime about National Coming Out Day,  transitioning at a young age,  the anti-trans legislation sweeping the country, unicorns and — yes Benton — musicals.  

There is a question that has baffled scientists and scholars since the dawn of time: Is Scissoring A Thing? Well, finally the world has bonafide experts to answer it. Enter Daryn Carp and Liz Culley, the hosts of Scissoring Isn’t A thing, one of 2020’s breakout podcasts. On the season two finale of Why Here, the two join us to talk about scissoring, help us shed light on the technical term “baby dyke” and answer another huge question: can the gays and the lesbians really be friends? If this episode is any proof, yes! 

Actor, writer and director Colman Domingo has received a GLAAD Award, has starred in some of the most profound films in recent years (If Beale Street Could Talk, Lincoln, Selma, Birth of a Nation) and has played a role alongside Zendaya in HBO’s critically acclaimed Euphoria. On this week’s episode of Why Here, Colman joins us to talk about his passion for telling important stories, his take on kindness, his gardening obsession and he shares what #PRIDE means to him. In short, we’re hooked. You will be too. TRUST. 

It easy to have an extreme crush on Wilson Cruz. Not only is he smart, thoughtful and a shining example of queer pride, he is one of the Grand Marshalls of NYC Pride this year. They’re big shoes to fill, but he takes it all in stride, as he does his role as Dr. Hugh Culber on Paramount+’s Star Trek: Discovery. On this week’s episode of Why Here, Wilson shares his take on queer representation in outer space (and on American TV since the 90s) and he explains what it was like being a young Puerto Rican man exploring Latino culture in California. At the end, Star Trek co-star and former RENT co-star Anthony Rapp joins the chat for a “fact check.” It’s all funny and smart, but WARNING, there are tears too!  

In celebration of Pride month it’d be hard to find a campier, more brilliant light than THE Rufus Wainwright. The legendary queer performer and creator joins Why Here hosts Benton and Tristan to talk Pride, Lil Nas X’, Judy Garland (who he’s once again channeling for an upcoming show ) and he even sings a children’s song for us. 

When Diane Anderson-Minshall began her career as a journalist in small-town Idaho she had to plead with someone to hire her. Now she's literally at the top of the LGBTQIA publishing world.  The queer, Indigenous journalist, editor, author and activist, who has received numerous awards for her work, now helms Pride Media Inc. and is the editorial director of its titles, which include The Advocate and Out magazines. On this week's episode of Why Here, she shares the stories behind the Pride edition covers of The Advocate and Out, explains the moment she realized her wife was actually her husband and unpacks the devastating trend of many U.S. states squashing the rights of transgender people.   

Life as a quadruple threat is a challenge, but Kat Cunning takes it all in stride. The actor, dancer, vocalist and musician has already graced TV screens (on HBO's The Deuce), concert halls, Broadway stages and many of our playlists (and you may not even know it!). On this week's episode of Why Here, hosts Benton and Tristan go deep with Kat and learn that a three-year-old can actually know exactly what they want to be, how a father's love can mean letting his child leave home at 14 to follow a dream and why growing up knowing you aren't like everyone else can be a superpower.