James Kirchick stops in to talk about his new book Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington. He and Bridget discuss his fascinating deep dive into the history of homosexuality in Washington D.C., his process for writing the book, how he researched it, what he uncovered, and which US President he considers the most homophobic. They also cover the Lavender Scare, writing a narrative history in an engaging way, the important role World War II played on gay consciousness in America, the dramatic transformation in public attitudes on homosexuality in the last few decades and what James attributes that to, and how he developed a real sense of gratitude as a gay man living today during the course of writing the book.
Walk-Ins Welcome with Bridget Phetasy
Bridget Phetasy admires grit and authenticity. On Walk-Ins Welcome, she talks about the beautiful failures and frightening successes of her own life and the lives of her guests. She doesn’t conduct interviews—she has conversations. Conversations with real people about the real struggle and will remind you that we can laugh in pain and cry in joy but there’s no greater mistake than hiding from it all. By embracing it all, and celebrating it with the stories she’ll bring listeners, she believes that our lowest moments can be the building blocks for our eventual fulfillment.
Bridget Phetasy admires grit and authenticity. On Walk-Ins Welcome, she talks about the beautiful failures and frightening successes of her own life and the lives of her guests. She doesn’t conduct interviews—she has conversations. Conversations with real people about the real struggle and will remind you that we can laugh in pain and cry in joy but there’s no greater mistake than hiding from it all. By embracing it all, and celebrating it with the stories she’ll bring listeners, she believes that our lowest moments can be the building blocks for our eventual fulfillment.Listen on
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