The Strapdown

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  What the Reality Check ANTM Documentary Reveals about Tyra Banks 13.03.2026 1ชม. 10นาที

  We break down some of the most controversial moments revisited in the documentary, including the infamous crime scene photoshoot and the GOT MILK partnership racially insensitive race-swap shoot. What milk has to do with black face? We'd love to know. We also revisit the legendary judging panel moment involving Tiffany Richardson and Tyra’s “We were rooting for you!” meltdown that still circulates online today. Were we witnessing a person who truly cares or a narcissist crash out? Tell us your thoughts! Beyond the viral clips, we talk about the deeper cultural impact of the show, how it shaped beauty standards, normalized harsh criticism of women’s bodies, and influenced a generation of viewers watching at home. How the show turned a very skinny model, Keenyah, and gave her a storyline of having weight issues, despite what we see with our very eyes.We also discuss the fallout between Tyra and key figures like J. Alexandar, Jay Manuel, and Nigel Barker and what it says about the power dynamics behind the scenes.Finally, we reflect on a bigger concern: the return of toxic skinny culture in today’s media and how young women chasing beauty industry dreams are still vulnerable to the same pressures. 
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  We Trusted Tyra! Recapping Netflix's ANTM Documentary 13.03.2026 1ชม. 5นาที

  Was America’s Next Top Model empowering young black women… or quietly exploiting them for entertainment? This week on The Strapdown Podcast we unpack the messy legacy of Tyra Banks, reality TV ethics, and why the new documentary has people rethinking everything we thought we knew.In this episode, we dive into the Netflix documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, which revisits the cultural impact and controversies surrounding America’s Next Top Model. For many Black millennial women was a cultural moment led by Tyra Banks, one of the few Black women running a major television franchise at the time. We talk about why the show meant so much to young viewers and how its influence still shapes conversations about beauty, ambition, and representation today.We also confront the darker side of the series. We discuss the treatment of Ebony Haith, a Black queer contestant whose experience is the intersection of homophobia, poverty exploitation, and colorism. We also revisit the disturbing controversy involving Shandi Sullivan, and the ethics of filming extremely vulnerable moments for entertainment.From the pressures contestants faced to the impact the show had on viewers at home, we ask the big question: Was Tyra Banks creating opportunities for women or building a reality TV empire that came at their expense? Let us know your thoughts below. Is Tyra Banks still in your head? Did you think the show did more harm than good? Tell us what we got right and what we got wrong. For a full uncensored discussion, visit our Patreon at Patreon.com/thestrapdownpodcast
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  Did Bridgerton Finally Give Us a Real Lesbian Love Story? | Francesca & Michaela Breakdown 05.03.2026 1ชม. 14นาที

  Did Bridgerton finally give us a real lesbian storyline or just another crumb of queer representation? In this episode of The Strapdown Podcast, we break down the chemistry, tension, and possible slow-burn romance between Francesca and Michaela and what it means for lesbian and queer fans watching closely.Bridgerton dipped its toe into new territory with Francesca and Michaela, the show’s first sapphic storyline, and we have thoughts. On this episode of The Strapdown Podcast, we unpack the dynamic between these two characters, from subtle longing looks to the possibility of an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers arc that we so desperately have been desiring. Stop teasing us Shondaland!!! We talk about what actually makes romantic tension work on screen and whether the show successfully captured yearning between two women. Did the writers deliver believable chemistry, or are queer audiences still being asked to read between the lines? We share what we saw, thought we saw, and what we missed. We also speculate about what might have happened between the pair during their time in Scotland. And by speculate, we mean we basically wrote our OWN fanfic. We also question how the show might realistically handle a public lesbian relationship in the Bridgerton world. Everyone always gets a happy ending, why should Franchaela be any different?Let us know your thoughts- what we got wrong, what we got right. Did you feel the romance vibes, or did they leave you stuck in the friend zone. Give us your predictions on what happened in Scotland, where did Michaela go, and what goes down in season 5 or 6?4:45 Breakfast at Francesca's15:43 Francesca and Michaela's Couch Chemistry? 26:09 Catching vibes at a funeral41:55 WE WANT TO SEE YEARNING!!47:07 Aurea's Scotland Theory 55:20 Michaela's Return1:05:00 Are we here for Season 5... or 6??
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  Did Bridgerton Give Us Lesbian Crumbs? | Season 4 Francesca & Michaela Explained 26.02.2026 41นาที

  Did Bridgerton really give us a lesbian storyline… or did they give us crumbs in a corset? This week we’re talking about Season 4, Francesca, Michaela, and why queer audiences are tired of celebrating “representation” that barely shows up on screen.In this episode, we break down the hype around Bridgerton’s first sapphic storyline and whether it actually delivered. While queer media praised the inclusion of Francesca and Michaela, the reality? Minimal screen time, limited development, and a whole lot of “blink and you’ll miss it.” We unpack the backlash, why we felt underfed, and how shows sometimes market diversity harder than they actually commit to it.We also get into a bigger conversation about how lesbian and queer audiences are expected to clap for breadcrumbs. Is this progress? Or is it strategic PR? And of course, we give our predictions for Part Two. Do they commit or wuss out?Because as grown lesbian women? We don’t do scraps.1:35 A Lesbian Storyline on Bridgerton?7:41 Another Cinderella Story 10:38  Backlash to Sapphic Love story14:40 Comphet and Lavender Marriages 18:33 Making our own Gay Bridgerton Storylines25:35 Masculinizing Black Lesbians in Interracial Couples28:22 Part 2 Predictions34:24 A Stern Warning to Shonda, Netflix, and Gay Media
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  Is GloRilla Wrong for Not Paying Her Sister? | GloRilla & Brorilla Drama Explained 20.02.2026 53นาที

  When the money gets long but the boundaries get longer. What do you owe your family?This week we’re unpacking the very public drama between GloRilla and her sister, Brorilla, and asking the uncomfortable question: when you make it out, is everyone entitled to your success?In this episode, we break down the back-and-forth between GloRilla and Brorilla and what it reveals about family expectations, especially for Black daughters. We talk about the pressure to be the “provider,” the emotional tax of being the successful one, and how rap culture sells a flashy capitalist fantasy that doesn’t always match real-life bank accounts. Because social media money and actual liquidity? Two different things.Then we bring back Queer Black History, spotlighting the legendary Ernestine “Tiny” Davis, a trailblazing queer trumpet player who deserves way more recognition. Because while the timeline debates who owes who, we’re also honoring the Black queer women who paved the way.We also Put You on Strap Game to some Alt Pop goodness with nonbinary artist, Nxdia, and celebrate the latest Hemlocke Springs drop!! Where are quirky gays at????Hemlocke Springs Be the Girl https://youtu.be/-OW6gkIDeEE?si=bZ4TIIU0HKmP4fqSNxdia She likes a Boy Music Video https://youtu.be/pspcFwLWEWg?si=rX2EVRZ9mRTqP8x-1:29 Femme Topics: Battle of the Rillas - Glorilla vs Brorilla 11:47 Pressure of Being the Successful Daughter/Sibling 29:10 Queer Black History Ernestine Tiny Davis 43:35 Queer Alt Pop Artist Nxdia 48:53 Hemlocke Springs new drop!!
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  Why Paying WNBA Players More Makes People Uncomfortable | WNBA CBA Explained 12.02.2026 55นาที

  They swear “nobody watches the WNBA”… but the numbers say otherwise.This week on The Strapdown Podcast, we break down the WNBA collective bargaining agreement drama and why people get real loud (and wrong) when Black queer women ask to be paid what they’re worth.In this episode, we unpack the latest conversations around the WNBA CBA negotiations, debunk the tired “it’s not profitable” and “no one watches” talking points, and ask the real question: why does it bother podcast bros so much when a league full of Black, queer, elite athletes demands more? We get into how racism, misogyny, and homophobia show up in sports media, and why that matters specifically to the lesbian community.Then we give some SUGAA, to a lesbian who keeps attracting mean girls and can’t figure out why. We talk about missing social cues (especially if you’re on the spectrum), recognizing subtle shade, and using the power of attraction to usher in the love or situationship you desire.Drop a comment: Do you think the WNBA players deserve more? How do you deflect a mean comment in real time? What's Ginger's full government name? 0:55 WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Drama Explained9:20 Debunking the WNBA Profitability Argument14:35 The Exploitation of Black Women's Labor 17:55 Debunking the Lack of Viewership Argument 20:50 Marketing Issues with the WNBA23:57 Counting the MNBA's Pockets30:23 SUGAA Surviving Mean Girl Nurses37:10 Combatting Missed Social Cues42:02 WNBA GAY 45:45 New Ksst Drop Brings Aury to TEARSWNBA Gay Hats: https://www.leifjlee.com/shop/studio-drop?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAP51LdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafYxsi1keZaSQCljfK_UUEfy_FCWaaqSxVWImvMrzNFhraGHKaV458m_DSvKQ_aem_Yai3g9DEpp1J-bmPtT3t-gLeifjlee on INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/leifjlee?igsh=MXJsbzhiaTM1c3pxeA==
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  Why was this Stud's Surprise Wedding Dress so Controversial? 05.02.2026 46นาที

  What if your masc/stud surprised you at your wedding in a wedding dress? On this episode of The Strapdown Podcast, we get into the conversation around masc and studs who choose wedding dresses instead of suits on their big day. We talk about gender expectations in queer spaces, why people love to police masculinity, and why a dress doesn’t cancel anyone’s identity. Also, be on the look out for RED PILL lesbians. Yes, you read that correctly. RED. PILL. LESBIANS. Let's talk about how straight, patriarchal dating logic keeps sneaking into lesbian culture. The CIA never takes a day off. This week's SUGAA features a real-life horror story that answers the age-old question: should you sign a lease with your girlfriend? (Short answer: Absolutely not!) We talk about "go" money, red flags, and weigh the pros and cons of bad credit versus hard time.To close things out, we put you on to some things we’re loving right now, including Queer Wrestling and a new YouTube POC web series called Queer Memoirs! Yaaas to creating our own art!!!Be sure to support Nekima Levy Armstong's Go Fund Me and continue to fight the good fight. Let us know your thoughts in comments!!! Stay Strapped!! Link to Bay Area Queer Wresting event:Crybaby Oakland: https://www.instagram.com/crybabyoakland?igsh=YnlxdDc3MGI3dXhqQueer Memoir: https://youtu.be/GGredqGNKAg?siOXWSkRVcH15Kqq@TEN01COLLECTIVE Go follow on Youtube!!!!!Go fund Me (reactivated as of time of posting)https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nekima-levy-armstrongs-legal-defensehttps://www.gofundme.com/f/support-minnesota-activists
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  Will we ever get a Black Sapphic Heated Rivalry? 29.01.2026 53นาที

  In today's femme topic we talk about the phenomenon around Heated Rivalry, what a fujoshi is, and why there are no Black people involved. Sheria discusses her Black Girl Bechdel Test and we talk about the fear of Black lesbians in media (as evidenced by the Netflix Lara Croft memes). We also give some special Solicited/Unsolicited Gay Auntie Advice to a 34 year old soft-masc looking for community and connection with help from our new sponsor at the HER App. https://weareher.com/download/We get an update from our Artist in Residence ksst, and our official niece, Aissatou Amiya puts us on Strap Game to some Black sapphic graphic novels.Thanks to HER for sponsoring this episode!
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  Ezee's fat suit is a tool of oppression REUPLOAD 22.01.2026 1ชม. 36นาที

  Sorry Riders, Technical difficulties continue to plague your gay Aunties.We have had Ginger up day and night trying to properly export this file to bring you this episode. Thank you so much for your patience we are really trying to grow and change and learn how to get the bitrate bit right. We love you.Read the back story here: https://people.com/plus-size-creator-samyra-responds-to-skit-mocking-her-exclusive-11885641What happens when humor crosses the line into harm?In this episode of The Strap Down Podcast, we're waking back up the controversy surrounding everyone's favorite toxic (stud), Ezee, and the backlash after the notorious fat suit skit mocking Black plus-sized influencer, Samyra. We open up this "internet joke" to a much deeper conversation about fat-phobia and anti-Blackness within Black and lesbian communities.We break down why this moment struck such a nerve, how anti-fatness often shows up disguised as comedy, and why Black plus-sized people are frequently expected to absorb harm in silence. Read Belly of the Beast: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55887785-belly-of-the-beast&ved=2ahUKEwinrubrlKCSAxUZhIkEHffWMpMQFnoECCQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0LGFj3-5ugN84h_COXZBcNWe also give some SUGAA by tackling a tricky but very real dating question: How do you tell someone you’re not interested because of physical appearance without being cruel or dishonest? This week Sheria puts y'all on to RYBE, a pop group good enough to possibly make Sheria give up Kpop for good. (hehe)If you’re into lesbian podcasts, conversations about Black culture, internet foolishness, or thoughtful takes on messy topics, STRAP IN and STRAP DOWN this episode is for you! Check out @RybeMusic on our Put You On Strap Game playlist on Spotify and Apple MusicPut You On Strap Game PlaylistSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3sfG0tdC0c9WTpW1l7vmkT?si=mCbLfILiQ2u7jI9D6FZ9LQApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/put-you-on-strap-game/pl.u-oZylM7ZCDoe60X
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  Strap Up, F**k ICE, & Cut Your Dirty Nails | The StrapDown Season 3 Ep.2 15.01.2026 1ชม. 24นาที

  In this episode we talk about what the Renee Good/the ICE situation happening in Minnesota means for racialize communities. On a lighter note, we give some SUGAA about how to prioritize your sexual health and role play how to talk to your partner about their dirty nails (because love and hygiene matter). We're also Putting You on Strap Game to Cat Burns’ new album- get your tissues ready! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly episodes centered on queer culture, dating, self-growth, and community.0:00:38 - Welcome back to Episode 20:01:14 - Femme Top Icks: Renee Good, Ice, Black fatigue 0:45:55 - Put you on strap game- Can Burns How to Be Human 0:56:06 - SUGAA - Dirty Nail Intervention 1:00:00 - Something good- Audience DMs
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  Nicki Minaj, The Funeral Stud, & Being Gay at Work - The StrapDown Season 3 Ep.1 08.01.2026 1ชม. 24นาที

  1-2-3 Release Em! We're back for Season 3! In this episode we talk about all the queer stories and nonsense we missed. From the creepy stud-stitute teacher who was fired on her first day, RHOA Porsha's new girlfriend, Nicki Minaj tap dancing for Turning Point USA, and Neace Robinson, the stud funeral singer who stole our hearts. 0:00 Intro Clip 1:16 Welcome to Season 3 2:02 Stories we missed 2:24 1-2-3 Release em! Funeral Stud 7:05 "Stud"-stitute Teacher Gets Fired9:45 RHOA Porsha Williams Pops Out with Lesbian GF14:15 Tammy Roman shames lesbian daughter16:41 Nicki Minaj's Maga Mixtape19:45 Femme Top-Icks We're Leaving in '2543:30 SUGAA 59:40 Put you on Strap Game: Mrs & Mrs1:05:25 Rider Shout Outs1:10:00 Tell Me Something GoodBe sure to check out and support Mrs and Mrs!!!‪@MrsHeavenGrace‬ https://www.instagram.com/mrsandmrs__...   / @mrsheavengrace   https://www.themrsandmrs.comLet us know your thoughts on this week's episode. Like, share, comment!! Let us know what you want to see from your Gay Aunties this season!!
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  The Druski Studs, Male-centered Mascs, & Queer representation| Season 2 Finale 24.10.2025 1ชม. 34นาที

  It's the Season 2 finale and we're getting real with the femme topic today.We cover the interesting obsession with studs (black masculine presenting lesbians) by comedian and influencer, Druski. Is this obsession with studs weird? Is it genuine appreciation? Or are we too woke?New Name Alert!!! SUGAA (Solicited/Unsolicited Gay Auntie Advice): This week, we are talking about emotional manipulation, healing from a breakup, and energy cleansing!! Where our witches at??!!! Get ready to ride on your opps when Aurea Puts You On Strap Game to Chicago rapper Cosmo JuggaKnotts. And we close out the season with something new from our Artist in Residence, ksst, the Talk Us Through It Award, and some water-sign ahh feelings. We love you. Thank you for RIDING with us. Stay Strapped for more to come!Cosmo JuggaKnotts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/cosmoknotts...Cosmo JuggaKnotts "Choppa Talk" on Spotify: https://spotify.link/YXpCFZskuXbCosmo JuggaKnotts "Dumbass" on Spotify: https://spotify.link/yjQSlMwkuXbCosmo JuggaKnotts "Swisher" on Youtube:    • Live From The Hive: KariTYB x COSMO JUGGAK...  See CosmoJuggaKnotts LIVE: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2...For those in the NYC area in need of some reiki, check out the NYC POC Healing Circle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycpocheali...Support the Strapdown on Patreon and get uncensored episodes, bonus content, and more!:   / thestrapdownpodcast  
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  Femme4Femme Flirting, The Queer Ho Phase, & Asiahn 02.10.2025 1ชม. 25นาที

  Hit us up on Patreon for early, uncut, uncensored episodes at Patreon.com/TheStrapDownPodcastThis week we give some tips, tricks, and personal experiences with femme for femme flirting. We give some Solicited Auntie Advice to a listener entering their ho-phase, Put You on Strap Game to Asiahn's Queer R&B masterpiece album "Free", and give out our first "Talk You Through It Award" for the best comment we got this week!Femme Topics: Femme for Femme FlirtingAuntie Advice: How to navigate your Queer Ho Phase, ethicallyPut You On Strap Game:  ⁨@iamasiahn⁩  's album Free
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  Black Lesbian PDA, Lazy Loser Lesbians, & Kitty Pic Advice | S2. Ep. 18 25.09.2025 1ชม. 55นาที

  This week, Aurea and Sheria talk about the lack of Black lesbian romantic representation, talk about having compassion for the unmotivated sapphics, and give some advice about how to take a decent kitty pic, and how to go from casual dating to something more seriousPlus Aurea Puts You On StrapGame to women-owned sports bar, Wilka's and sports apparel shop playasociety.com . Also an epic update from Artist in Residence, ksst. Follow, rate us 5 stars, and share to STAY STRAPPEDpatreon.com/thestrapdownpodcastJoin the Patreon for longer, uncensored episodes, Bloopers, exclusive videos, and more!
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  Pew Pew Nation, Long Distance Relationship Advice, & Meta FanArt| S2.Ep. 17 18.09.2025 1ชม. 16นาที

  THERE IS A WEIRD STATIC NOISE AT 2:48 AND 3:10-5:36 IN THE CENSORED UPLOADS WE ARE TRYING TO FIX IT ASAP AND REUPLOAD IT WITHOUT THAT! IN THE MEANTIME PLEASE GO TO OUR PATREON FOR A VERSION WITHOUT ALL THE STATIC! Patreon.com/thestrapdownpodcastPlease be patient while we figure out WTH went wrong 😩 sorry! https://www.patreon.com/posts/pew-pew-nation-139153810?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkFull uncensored episode available to Patreon Subscribers and anyone who wants to pay $5 to hear us go all the way off. Support our attorney fees! In this episode's Femme Topics we talk about the very tragic demise of patriot martyr Charles W. Kirkland. We discuss our very different feelings on the matter, ask why Jennifer Coolidge, Selma Blair, and Kristin Chenowith felt safe revealing the real face of "gay icons", untangle Gen Z mayo boy nihilism, tell you why that little lesbian Dean Withers was really crying, and lament that none of this will bring us true liberation.We also give some SOLICITED Auntie Advice to a listener trying to keep her Long Distance Relationship strong, Put You On Strap Game to the new Hemlocke Springs single and video, relive some Black lesbian joy from our time at Gladys Books & Wine, and share an art update from StrapDown Artist In Residence, ksst along with a metatextual response from our first Patreon subscriber Cassie.
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  "Teaching Pronouns in School?" SNL YNs & Black Trans Femmes in Fargo | Ep. 16 12.09.2025 1ชม. 25นาที

  This week we cover the conservative-friendly YN recently cast on SNL, why the dumbest parents are crashing out over Teacher Robi, and give some solicited advice to a Black trans femme looking for love in *checks notes* North Dakota? We also Put You On Strap Game to innit Zendaya R&b singer Ama Lou, call Sheria out for stealing, show off Artist in Residence ksst's new artwork, and celebrate our first Patreon subscriber, Cassie! Follow, rate us 5 stars, comment &Subscribe to our Patreon at Patreon.com/TheStrapDownPodcastto STAY STRAPPED
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  Raven's Wife, Snoop's Switchup, & Queer Fatphobia | S.2 Ep. 15 #wlw #ravensymone #snoopdogg #queer 04.09.2025 1ชม. 13นาที

  This week we sigh in collective black lesbian resignation at the latest shenanigans from Raven Symone's wife, talk about Snoop's harrowing Lightyear experience and ask why homophobic rappers make lesbian bangers, and give some unsolicited Auntie Advice to a Redditor whose fatphobia is keeping them from being attracted to their girlfriend. Plus we Put You On Strap Game to Durand Bernarr's album, Bloom and share more important political fan art from our Artist In Residence, ksst. Follow, rate 5 stars, and comment to STAY STRAPPED.
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  Betty Who's Mullet Malarky, & Political Fan Art | The StrapDown Ep.14 28.08.2025 1ชม. 15นาที

  This week we talk about Betty Who's nonsense screed about the alphabet mafia on the Made it Out Podcast, give some unsolicited advice to a redditor whose girlfriend doesn't drink water, and shout out Tubi and some incredibly moving fan art we received in our email. Follow, rate us 5 stars, and leave us comments to stay strapped.
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  Going 50/50 with a Broke gf, Gay Marriage, & ICE Sandwiches | Ep 13 #wlw #queerpodcast #blackwoman 21.08.2025 1ชม. 3นาที

  This week, Aurea and Sheria discuss whether we should be worried about losing gay marriage rights, give some unsolicited advice about how to split finances in a Queer relationship when one is struggling and the other is making good money, we Put You On Strap Game to  ⁨@amandamaryanna⁩  's new short film, Sugar Honey and celebrate the hero who threw a hero at that ICE agent. If you'd like to solicit some advice, questions, or recommend something for us leave a comment, dm us @thestrapdown on TikTok and Instagram or email us at [email protected], rate 5 stars, and leave us a comment to Stay Strapped!
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  Laverne, 613 Culture, & Decolonizing Queer Desire | The StrapDown Podcast | Ep.12 07.08.2025 51นาที

  Note: We filmed this episode before The Olay & Friends Livestream with Laverne Cox, which adds a lot of context to Laverne's story. We also understand that as cis women we are speaking from a position of relative privilege and ignorance but felt it was important to discuss this and extrapolate it to the larger issue of Black Queer desirability politics. In this episode we talk about Laverne Cox's Hwite MAGA-cop bae, talk about that masc with the mean "straight" ex gf on The Cut, show off a sweet dm and some cool Black wlw art, and give solicited advice to a subscriber who wonders if they're "unstrappable".Follow, rate 5 stars, and comment to stay strapped!