We take a bite out of Chappell Roan through a brief queer history of Midwest music and media influences. Host R.B. Brooks (they/them) highlights queer and trans music artists with ties to the Midwest, how the Midwest is used intentionally in film and streaming series for dramatic effect, and the impact of Midwest stereotypes on racialized and gendered assumptions about the region.

Additional Resources and References: 

• In a Queer Time and Place by Jack Halberstam
• Rolling Stone article about Chappel Roan’s Casual release 
• Teen Vogue culture story about Chappell Roan 
• Right On, Cuee (Take the Last Bite interview with Black trans hip hop artist Cuee Wright

For questions, comments or feedback about this episode: lastbite@sgdinstitute.org

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Host: R.B. Brooks, they/them, director of strategy and impact for the Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity

Cover art: Adrienne McCormick