Karla Jay: The Lesbian Stonewall That History Forgot

Karla Jay: The Lesbian Stonewall That History Forgot

Author: Jeffrey Masters June 23, 2026 Duration: 43:31

Longtime activist Karla Jay recalls the early days of the Gay Liberation Front, the all-women's dance that ended in a mafia raid, and the Lavender Menace's 1970 takeover of the Second Congress to Unite Women that produced The Woman-Identified Woman manifesto: "A lesbian is the rage of all women condensed to the point of explosion."

LGBTQ&A⁠ is an independent, listener-supported podcast. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see photos of Karla and to learn about how to support our work.

LGBTQ&A features interviews with the most interesting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the world. Hosted and produced by Jeffrey Masters. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jeffmasters1⁠⁠⁠


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: 50

LGBTQ&A
Podcast Episodes
Shatzi Weisberger: Remembering The People's Bubbie (1930-2022) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:09
Shatzi Weisberger died this week at the age of 92. A lifelong activist, Shatzi was a fixture at marches and protests here in NYC and was affectionately known as The People’s Bubbie. "I was a political lesbian for many ye…
Angela Davis: Queer Revolutionary | LGBTQ+ Elders Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
"I totally support the politics of coming out, but at the same time, I'm critical of the assumption that one's identity has to be the major driving force that determines one's politics." For the final episode of our seas…
Colton Haynes: Is Still 'Trying To Figure Out Who The F*ck I Am' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:47
Please welcome to the stage, Miss Memory Lane! Colton Haynes talks about the barriers that queer actors still face in Hollywood, why he went back into the closet while acting on hit shows like Teen Wolf and Arrow, and hi…
Danica Roem: From Heavy Metal to Trans History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:25
The history-making politician shares every inspiring, heartbreaking, and drunken moment that led her to become the first openly trans person to serve in a state legislature in the United States. Danica Roem's new memoir,…
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…