Darryl Stephens: Noah's Arc Returns! Celebrating 20 Years of the Groundbreaking Gay TV Show

Darryl Stephens: Noah's Arc Returns! Celebrating 20 Years of the Groundbreaking Gay TV Show

Author: Jeffrey Masters June 16, 2025 Duration: 24:29

In 2019, almost 15 years after the beloved TV show, Noah's Arc, cemented itself into queer history, its star, Darryl Stephens, was considering shifting his focus away from acting. His subsequent roles were often met with the same response, fans expressing variations of "You'll always be Noah to me" and questions of "When's Noah going to come back?" If he couldn't do anything but remind people of Noah's Arc, Darryl thought, maybe he would do something else. "It had its impact. That's not a terrible legacy."

Imagining a career focused behind-the-scenes coincided with the beginning of a new chapter in his personal life: the decision to become a parent. "And then interestingly enough, when we decided to have the kid, work picked up."

The groundbreaking show returns with Noah’s Arc: The Movie on June 20th, streaming on Paramount+.

LGBTQ&A⁠ is an independent, listener-supported podcast. ⁠Click here⁠ to check out our Substack and learn more about how to support our work.
LGBTQ&A is hosted and produced by Jeffrey Masters. ⁠⁠@jeffmasters1⁠

[This conversation with Darryl was originally recorded in 2021.⁠]


Each week, LGBTQ&A presents a conversation that feels more like a deep, personal discussion than a formal interview. Host Jeffrey Masters guides these talks, creating a space where guests can share not just their achievements, but the real stories and experiences that shaped them. You’ll hear from a wide spectrum of voices within the community, from celebrated artists and politicians to groundbreaking activists and thinkers, all of whom offer unique perspectives on identity, culture, and the ongoing fight for equality. The roster speaks for itself, featuring illuminating talks with figures like Laverne Cox on visibility, Janelle Monáe on artistry and autonomy, Pete Buttigieg on public service, and the powerful insights of Angela Davis. What sets this podcast apart is its commitment to the nuanced, human narrative behind each public persona. It’s not about quick soundbites; it’s about understanding the journeys, the challenges, and the joys that define contemporary LGBTQ+ life. Tuning in means connecting with intimate, often surprising stories that you won’t find anywhere else, all framed by Jeffrey’s thoughtful and engaged questioning. This is a weekly invitation to listen, learn, and feel a deeper connection to the vibrant and diverse community it represents.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

LGBTQ&A
Podcast Episodes
Janelle Monáe: The Queer Icon Has a Warning for The Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:07
Janelle Monáe (!!!) joins us to talk about her journey to becoming a queer icon, new music, and her debut book, The Memory Librarian. “One of the main points that’s super important is about the threat of censorship, memo…
R. Eric Thomas: We Learn About Love By Loving Our Friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:14
Grab your best friend and give them the tightest possible hug: this episode is a celebration of platonic queer intimacy. R. Eric Thomas joins us to talk about being married to a pastor (it's fun!), the importance of quee…
Karine Jean-Pierre: The Historic White House Press Secretary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:49
As of today, a Black lesbian is now the voice and face of the United States government. Karine Jean-Pierre, the newest White House press secretary, joins us to talk about why there is a place for all of us in politics, n…
Hugh Ryan: Will Change How You Think About Queer History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:40
With his crucial new book, historian Hugh Ryan restores The Women's House of Detention to its rightful place in LGBTQ+ history. "It was one of the Village’s most famous landmarks: a meeting place for locals and a must-se…
Greg Louganis: This Is What HIV Looks Like | LGBTQ+ Elders Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:15
"When I was in the pool, HIV/AIDS didn't exist. That was a sanctuary for me. It was a place that I could go to, really to seek refuge from the stress of the HIV diagnosis." Four-time Olympic gold medal winner, Greg Louga…
Alexandra Billings: Transgender Acting Legend | LGBTQ+ Elders Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:16
Alexandra Billings is redefining what is possible for our community. Before making a name for herself in the Chicago theatre scene and landing her breakout role in the TV show, Transparent, Alexandra was a showgirl and s…
Jamison Green: Where Are All The Trans Men? | LGBTQ+ Elders Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:37
Jamison Green has spent his career fighting to make the healthcare world a safer, more accessible place for transgender people. He talks about the seeming invisibility of trans men, gives the best explanation I've ever h…