Disco — Jeff Illes on How Shaking It (in Platform Shoes) Shook the System.

Disco — Jeff Illes on How Shaking It (in Platform Shoes) Shook the System.

From Rhythms of Progress by Shozzett Silva

October 25, 2025 · 38 min · Season 1 · Episode 7

About this episode

Jeff Illes discusses how disco became a symbol of civil disobedience and a movement for visibility and equality in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Disco didn’t just light up dance floors — it became a symbol of civil disobedience . It gave marginalized communities the rhythm to resist and the freedom to shine. In this episode, Jeff Illes — advocate, scholar, and beloved voice in the LGBTQIA+ community- joins us to unpack how disco powered a movement for visibility, equality, and joy. Reminding us that music doesn’t just move bodies — it moves history. Because when the world says “stay still,” disco says: NO WAY!!!— grab your glitter and SHAKE IT UP!! ✨ LET’S BE FRIENDS Podcast Website Follow us on INSTAGRAM MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES The Trevor Project Trans Equality Entertainment Community Fund⁠ – Supporting artists & performers. Musicares.org ⁠ – Helping musicians stay healthy & thriving. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – You are not alone. Mental Health Resources by county – Thanks, Headspace. 13 Mental Health Resources That Are Absolutely Free – Thanks, Oprah!

People in this episode

Host: Shozzett Silva

Guest: Jeff Illes

Topics covered

  • disco
  • LGBTQIA+ community
  • civil disobedience
  • music and history
  • visibility
  • equality
  • joy

Keywords

  • disco
  • civil disobedience
  • LGBTQIA+
  • music history
  • equality
  • joy
  • visibility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Trevor Project, Trans Equality Entertainment Community Fund, Musicares.org, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Headspace, Oprah

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