frequently asked
I’m happy to answer any other questions you might have!
Email me at queerserial@gmail.com.
Devlyn
What’s going on? how does this podcast work?
Fair question.
Start with episode 1, as the story is told in order. The events of the podcast are true.
Season 1 covers the founding of the Mattachine Society. Season 2 stands on its own. You can start there, if you like. The Mattachinos step into “supporting roles.” The “characters” are all real historical figures who started the LGBTQ movement and fought every step of the way — with enemies and with each other. The story told on this podcast follows the individual battles of many activist groups, and their inside disputes with each other — between gay men, lesbians, bisexual people, transgender people, queer people of color, and, especially, queer people of many different ages in these early organizations all over the United States.
How did you get started making this podcast?
I began writing a pilot for television about Harry Hay and the Mattachine Foundation in early 2016 while living in Los Angeles. My first resource Behind the Mask of the Mattachine by James Sears led me to many more secondary sources such as Douglas Charles’s Hoover’s War on Gays and Marcia Gallo’s Different Daughters. I became impatient to tell this timely story about fear-mongering politicians and their scapegoats, and fortunately, podcasts were taking off in 2016. I’m thrilled to have the medium to tell this soapy story in its entirety. I’m not a historian, but the attention this story demanded of me caused me to become one.
I’d still love to make a film or television show, particularly of this story. Feel free to help!
What are your pronouns?
They/them.
Who makes the podcast with you?
It’s a one-woman show over here, but I do seek advice from many people. Historians, archivists, activists, filmmakers, podcast producers. A few I’m particularly indebted to: journalist Albert Williams, Radical Faeries and historians Joey Cain & Will Roscoe, archivist Jen Dentel, @lgbt_history’s Matthew Riemer, and good judy Salvio Gado, who all eagerly answer every single question I bring them.
how do you record the podcast?
On an H4N Zoom, and I record it in my closet. I know, I know.
how do you fund the show?
With your help! Single donations and monthly donations help me pay for archival audio (like Harry Hay’s voice in the first season, and José Sarria’s “Welcome to the Black Cat” song in season 2), printing promo flyers to hang around gay neighborhoods, and paying some talented folks for their help on the show.
Monthly donations get rewards, like the bonus podcast — and single donations get some perks, too, like a credit on the show. Thanks for your support!
will your podcast tell me who threw the first brick at stonewall?
No. But I’ll tell you the real history.
Do you have a day job outside of this thing?
Absolutely I do, and am very fortunate to work with many lovely queer people who lend their voices to the podcast.
Are the lines said by the voice actors real quotes?
Yes! All are real statements made in some form, be it a letter, a flyer, newspaper, homophile magazine or other publication.
Can I keep up with the show on any social media?
Yes, please! Follow @queerserial on Instagram and Twitter for regular updates.
Sign up for periodic email updates here!
Would you be willing to write for my website/magazine/etc.?
Do you have any ideas for the Frasier reboot?
Of course. Please email me immediately.
unanswered questions?
