In a moment where LGBTQIA+ conversations have become polarized or divisive, perspective can mean everything.
In a new series, "It's OK to Ask Questions," NBC Chicago Today's Matthew Rodrigues showcases open and honest conversations with trailblazers in the queer community, offering a dialogue where no topic is off limits.
"At a time when people are afraid to ask questions about lives they don’t understand, this show encourages an open and honest dialogue with one another," Rodrigues said. "I am beyond grateful to my guests for their candor, bravery and beautiful insight."
The episodes below feature in-depth interviews with "RuPaul’s Drag Race" winner and Chicago native Shea Couleé; the first non-binary doctor on "Grey’s Anatomy," E.R. Fightmaster; Grammy-nominated songwriter Justin Tranter, who has worked alongside some of the biggest artists like Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Dan Reynolds, Lady Gaga and many more; world-renowned artist Nick Cave; and intersex activist and author Pidgeon Pagonis.
“With so many LGBTQIA+ trailblazers and stories of perseverance, I wanted to share the profound contributions from some of the most talented people in the Queer community,” Rodrigues said. “The conversations on the show are revealing and in-depth because ‘it’s ok to ask questions.’ I hope viewers will take away new perspectives that help us all better understand each other.”
NBC Chicago will release extended episodes for podcast listeners. "It's OK to Ask Questions" is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
For a step-by-step guide on how to navigate NBC Chicago’s 24/7 streaming news channel, visit NBCChicago.com/WatchNow.
Each episode will be viewable below after it airs. Check back for more episodes through the month of June.
"All of these conversations about drag being a threat to children's safety are so asinine." – Shea Couleé
RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Shea Couleé chats with Matt Rodrigues about music, growing up in Chicago & their art form being politicized. The two deep-dive into what the backlash against the drag community is really about and why Shea is not backing down. Shea also talks about their upcoming role in Marvel’s highly anticipated new series, “Ironheart,” their new album “8” and retiring from drag. Gasp!
"I don't feel minor discomfort when I'm mistaken for either. I feel dysphoria. I feel like a human being." – E.R. Fightmaster
Cast as the first non-binary doctor on Grey’s Anatomy, E.R. Fightmaster has been a trailblazer in Hollywood who doesn’t hold back when it comes to calling out injustice. Their conversation with Matt Rodrigues dives into their thoughts on how show business and society at large must learn to embrace the differences of the non-binary community. E.R. eloquently breaks down gender in a way that will have you screaming out, “Aha!” time and time again.
"We have still never had a music superstar who started their career out of the closet." - Justin Tranter
Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Dan Reynolds, Lady Gaga and so many more have worked alongside songwriter Justin Tranter to create some of the most popular pop songs of the last decade. Justin and Matt Rodrigues discuss how even after all of their multi-platinum hits they still face homophobic obstacles within the music industry. The two also look back at how Justin’s traumatic childhood was transformed when they transferred to a school that embraced their talents. A school that they recently donated half a million dollars to!
"We're not going anywhere. We all are going to be here. We all are here. And we've got to figure out how we are all going to live together." - Nick Cave
When the likes of Barack Obama, Beyonce and Madonna buy your art you know you’re doing something incredible. Nick Cave is one of the most prominent and respected artists in the world. He sat down with Matt Rodrigues to talk about the deeper meaning behind his fascinating artistic process. You’ll also hear Nick discuss how he navigates the world as a gay black man who has been shockingly confident since an early age.
"I feel that my tongue is tied every time I go to speak about these laws or about intersex rights in general. Everything I say to advocate for intersex kids could be used against trans kids." - Pidgeon Pagonis
Can you imagine discovering that what you thought your own body to be was actually a lie? That’s exactly what happened to intersex activist and author Pidgeon Pagonis. Their intense conversation with Matt Rodrigues will open your eyes to the obstacles intersex people face every day, but you’ll walk away being inspired by what one person can overcome.
