Special Edition: Pride on Full Display at the Obama Presidential Center

Special Edition: Pride on Full Display at the Obama Presidential Center

July 6, 2026 · 28 min · Season 5

About this episode

This episode explores the LGBTQ+ representation at the Obama Presidential Center through a personal tour by Anna DeShawn.

Family, this Queer News special edition episode is created in collaboration with GLAAD. Fresh off the historic grand opening this past Juneteenth, Anna DeShawn takes you through the 19.3 acre Obama Center through her eyes. Anna pulls back the curtain on the massive, unapologetic LGBTQ+ representation woven into the foundation of the campus. We are talking about the stunning 38-foot atrium masterpiece by out Black gay artist Mark Bradford, a pristine copy of the historic 1964 lesbian magazine The Ladder , Bayard Rustin's gold-plated pocket watch, Gilbert Baker's hand-dyed rainbow flag, and the vibrant "Pass it Forward" murals by Chicago icon Sam Kirk at Home Court. This isn't just a tour, it's a celebration of our impact, a critical look at what investments mean for our neighborhoods, and a vital reminder from Michelle Obama herself that hope is a choice we have to make every single day. 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 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right. 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Important Episode Links Check out the Chicagoland…

People in this episode

Host: Anna DeShawn

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: GLAAD

Places: Chicago

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