Forgotten Queers cover art

Forgotten Queers

Forgotten Queers

Written by: Gary M Thoren Jr
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This is Forgotten Queers, a show about the queer figures history pushed aside. They were once stars, leaders, icons — but time, shame, and prejudice buried their names. We’re here to remember them, to honor them, and to say: you don’t get to forget us.

Cover art photo provided by Alexander Grey on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@sharonmccutcheon?utm_source=spreaker&utm_medium=referral

Cover art photo provided by Shannia Christanty on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@shanniacy?utm_source=spreaker&utm_medium=referral

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/forgotten-queers--6719466/support.8-24-2025 Hygiene & Healthy Living Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • Elvira AKA Cassandra Peterson - The Mistress of the Dark

    Elvira AKA Cassandra Peterson - The Mistress of the Dark
    May 26 2026
    Cassandra Peterson — better known to generations of horror fans as Elvira — is a horror icon, actress, writer, and savvy businesswoman who turned a campy late-night horror host into a decades-long entertainment empire. After early work in music, performance, and comedy (including time with The Groundlings), Peterson launched Elvira in 1981 and transformed the character into a pop culture phenomenon through television, movies, books, merchandise, live appearances, and licensing deals.
    In 2021, Peterson publicly came out and shared that she had been in a long-term relationship with a woman for many years, opening up in her memoir Yours Cruelly, Elvira. Her coming out was celebrated by many fans and added another layer to her legacy as a queer cultural figure.
    Equal parts spooky, funny, and entrepreneurial, Elvira remains proof that a woman can build a lasting brand, own her image, and stay gloriously weird while doing it.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/forgotten-queers--6719466/support.

    Please follow me on Facebook, BlueSky,TikToc,Twitter at Gary Thoren. We must never forget our Forgotten Queers

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
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    48 mins
  • John Schlesinger

    John Schlesinger
    May 19 2026
    John Schlesinger was a groundbreaking British director whose work helped bring queer stories and complicated outsiders into mainstream cinema. Born in 1926, he began as an actor before moving behind the camera, where he directed acclaimed films like Midnight Cowboy, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and Marathon Man.
    Openly gay within the industry at a time when many were forced to hide, Schlesinger often explored loneliness, identity, class, and sexuality in deeply human ways. Sunday Bloody Sunday was especially groundbreaking for its honest portrayal of a bisexual love triangle and one of the first same-sex kisses in a mainstream film.
    His work earned multiple Academy Award nominations, and Midnight Cowboy became the only X-rated film ever to win Best Picture. John Schlesinger died in 2003, but his influence on queer cinema and modern filmmaking still echoes today.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/forgotten-queers--6719466/support.

    Please follow me on Facebook, BlueSky,TikToc,Twitter at Gary Thoren. We must never forget our Forgotten Queers
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    52 mins
  • DanLevy

    DanLevy
    May 12 2026
    Dan Levy





    This week on Forgotten Queers, we’re talking about the endlessly charming, brilliantly funny, and quietly groundbreaking Dan Levy. From growing up as the son of comedy legend Eugene Levy to becoming one of the most recognizable queer creators on television, Dan carved out a space where queer joy, awkwardness, love, and family could exist without tragedy defining the story.We dive into his early years in Canadian television, his work as an MTV host, and the creation of the cultural phenomenon Schitt’s Creek—a series that changed LGBTQ representation by giving us a world where acceptance was simply the norm. Along the way, we’ll talk about David Rose, sweaters worth more than my car, Emmy history, and how Dan helped redefine what queer storytelling could look like for a whole generation.We also explore his openness about anxiety, body image, and self-worth, and why his vulnerability resonates so deeply with audiences. Because Dan Levy didn’t just make us laugh—he helped a lot of queer people feel safe, seen, and maybe even a little hopeful.So grab your coffee, your emotional support cardigan, and join me for the story of one of modern queer culture’s most beloved voices.#ForgottenQueers #DanLevy #SchittsCreek #QueerHistory #LGBTQStories #QueerLegacy #QueerPodcast







    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/forgotten-queers--6719466/support.

    Please follow me on Facebook, BlueSky,TikToc,Twitter at Gary Thoren. We must never forget our Forgotten Queers
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
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