Drag Performers Under Attack

Episode 42

InterPride

Published in

InterPod

4 min readSep 30, 2023

Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 42 — Drag Performers Under Attack.

Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.

The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.

About Episode 42

About Todd Hotty (he/they)

Todd Hotty (he/they) is half human, half hotty. He started drag professionally as a member of the Little City Kings in 2006. He sets hearts on fire throughout various locales in Northern California and Nevada. He is the Imperial Crown Prince of San Francisco 2023 and is a proud founding Father of the Haus of Hotty.

Todd believes that you have to love the many versions of yourself so that you can love others! Catch his next performances by checking out his Instagram @Todd.Hotty.

About Cotton TheAct Hotty (he/they)

Cotton TheAct Hotty (he/they) is a campy comedy drag king who knows how to carry a tune! As the founding brother of the Haus of Hotty, Cotton comes in flaming, looking to inspire others with his smoking charm. From hosting a weekly Drag Brunch for a residency at Hard Rock Casino South Lake Tahoe to producing numerous shows, he loves philanthropy and variety.

Cotton is the fabric of our lives between his touch and his feel.

News Contributor

Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.

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Michelle Meow, Producer & Host

Michelle Meow is the host and producer of “The Michelle Meow Show.” The program’s tagline is: “Your A-Z, covering the LGBT, LMNOP, and everyone in between.” Michelle’s mission is to construct opportunities for people to listen to deep conversations to develop understanding and empathy. She shares, “We simply don’t have enough opportunities to talk and not enough moments to listen.” Michelle’s show can be heard in San Francisco and nationally on the Progressive Voices Network, and her local TV show can be seen on KBCW TV and Channel 44.

Michelle also produces programs at the iconic Commonwealth Club, where she has also served on their Board of Governors. There, she is dedicated to conversations around social justice with an intersectional lens. She has interviewed notable thought leaders such as Olympic medalist Adam Rippon, NFL’s first out LGBTQ coach Katie Sowers, the first American woman in space, and Sally Ride’s widow, Tam O’Shaughnessy. Since 2006, Michelle has been a co-host of the San Francisco Pride Parade broadcast and was President of their Board of Directors from 2014 to 2018. She is a self-described LGBTQI+ history geek, information sponge, and lover, not a fighter.

Michelle shares, “Exchanging thoughtful dialogue can create change. We are all different, but we find similarities and hope in our differences. Exchanging thoughtful dialogue can create the change we all seek in humanity.”

You can learn more about Michelle and her programming here.

Michael K. Lavers, Global LGBTQIA+ News Contributor

Michael K. Lavers is the award-winning International News Editor for the Washington Blade. He has been with the newspaper since 2012.

Michael has reported from the Deep South, the United Nations, Cuba, Israel, Brazil, and more than a dozen other countries and territories. In addition, he has appeared on Al Jazeera, BBC, Sirius XM, and other English and Spanish-language media outlets to discuss LGBTQ-specific issues.

Michael holds a degree in journalism and Spanish from the University of New Hampshire. He grew up in Manchester, N.H., and currently lives in Dupont Circle with his husband.