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Remembering Dolly Parton with out country music journalist Hunter Kelly

31 Aug 20261h 6m

Welcome back to our Summer series! This week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community! Anna has a Queer News headline to share, then later, join Anna for an exclusive interview with leading journalist and broadcaster Hunter Kelly.

Hunter is a leading journalist and broadcaster whose focus on music and LGBTQ+ issues has influenced his work for more than a decade. His work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Apple News Radio, Variety, and NPR just to name a few publications.

Hunter served as the Nashville Correspondent for ABC News and ABC News Radio, where he's interviewed celebrities such as Katy Perry, Loretta Lyn, Garth Brooks, and Taylor Swift. From there he transitioned to Apple Music's Proud Radio, where he hosted "an hour-long show featuring LGBTQ+ artists in country and Americana music."

On this episode of Queer News, Anna and Hunter fondly remember the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.

You can find Hunter Kelly on instagram @nashvillehk.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://queernewspod.substack.com

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00:26 Welcome to Queer News

02:35 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

03:55 Drag Show Ban In Texas Struck Down By Judge

09:20 Interview with Hunter Kelly

35:41 Get your tickets to the 12th annual Purple Tie Affair Today

36:35 Subscribe to our Newsletter

36:57 Send us your Queer News Tip p

37:30 Interview with Hunter Kelly (continued)

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Featured Artists & Key Links

Hunter dropped incredible country, folk, and Americana artists during this conversation. Check out their music and support independent queer artists in country:

  • Denitia — Black queer country artist and featured vocalist on Dolly Parton's official symphony tour.

  • Joy Oladokun — Acclaimed Nashville-based Black queer singer-songwriter.

  • The Kentucky Gentlemen — Twin brothers making waves as Black queer artists in country music.

  • D'orjay (The Singing Shaman) — Canadian Black queer country singer-songwriter.

  • Chris Housman — Out gay country artist; check out his album Dodge City!

  • Allison Russell — Grammy-winning roots/country artist and activist.

  • Brandi Carlile — Multi-Grammy winning queer icon and champion of Dolly's legacy.

Connect with Hunter Kelly:

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Important Episode Links

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This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 355.

This Week's Top Story

Drag Show Ban In Texas Struck Down By Judge

U.S. District Judge David Hittner struck down a 2023 state law that had sought to ban drag shows last week in Texas.The law, also known as Senate Bill 12, was ruled as a violation of the First Amendment. Under Senate Bill 12, businesses would've faced fines up to $10,000 dollars and even up to 1 year in prison for hosting events that involve public nudity and/or sexual content.

In his ruling Judge Hittner wrote. "The vast majority of the law's numerous applications violate the First Amendment because all the performances that it has an actual impact on are constitutionally protected and are targeted for prohibition based on content and viewpoint." He added that for "those who find such activities as described in this case offensive…The solution is relatively simple ... just don't go."

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About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall for Public Sound.

Associate producer Myana Zhane'

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.