Chicago announces its first Director of LGBTQ+ affairs, this ICE needs to melt, and we stand with Karamo around here

This week on the Queer News podcast, Chicago has appointed Antonio King as the city's first Director of LGBTQ+ affairs. In politics, we have updates on the murders committed by ICE in Minneapolis. and. In culture and entertainment, we share the 2026 LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame inductees, we say goodbye to ballroom legend Boom Balenciaga, and we stand with Karamo as this Queer Eye drama unfolds.

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06:42 Chicago's new Director of LGBTQ+ affairs

09:12 The Murders in Minneapolis

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15:58 The 2026 Class of the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame

18:32 Ballroom Loses A Legend

20:46 All Eyes on Queer Eye

24:00 Anna's Got A Word

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This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 321.

This Week's Top Story

Chicago's new Director of LGBTQ+ affairs

Chicago has elected Antonio King as the city's new Director of LGBTQ+ affairs. This is the first time that the newly elected director will work directly with Mayor Brandon Johnson's office to oversee the creation of policies that protect and create openings for LGBTQ+ Chicagoans. When asked about the promotion, King had this to say: "I'm building on the foundations that were laid by people like Mary Morten and Bill Greaves," King told the Windy City Times. "We're at a time where we have a federal administration that is so adversarial to the LGBTQ+ community, including our trans siblings who are under attack. It's important to have this role working with this mayor, at this moment in history, to show that we are supported in Chicago."

This Week In Politics

The Murders in Minneapolis

Yesterday ICE struck again, killing Alex Prettia, 37 year old nurse from Minneapolis. Caught on videos by a bystander, Alex could be seen helping a woman who was being targeted by ICE. He defended her from their physical assaults and in turn they redirected the attacks on him. Multiple ICE officers can be seen pepper spraying Alex and beating him before they brutally opened fire, shooting at the man multiple times. Alex was later pronounced dead by a local hospital. In the aftermath of the shooting protestors who were already on scene flocked to the location of Alex's murder to voice their anger with ICE. In response ICE deployed tear gas and flash bangs to disperse the crowd, but Minneapolis residents refused to back down. Hundreds gathered to pay their respect to Alex at a makeshift memorial on site. At this time updates about the shooting are still rolling in, but we will continue to keep you updated on ICE activity in Minneapolis as best we can.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

The 2026 Class of the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame

Last Tuesday the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame announced their class of 2026 at the Center on Halsted. Established 13 years ago, the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame has honored LGBTQ athletes for their efforts in sports and in the community. "The group's mission is to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and inspire future generations by recognizing the courage, talent, and perseverance of LGBTQ individuals who have broken barriers and made a lasting impact on the sporting community. Through education, advocacy, and celebration, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape where every athlete can thrive authentically, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression." Inductees will be inducted into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on July 25, 2026 in New York City. Congratulations to the Hall of Fame class of 2026.

Ballroom Loses A Legend

The House of Balenciaga announced on January 21st that legendary ballroom commentator and social media icon Boom Balenciaga has passed away at the young age of 36. Also known as Kirk Pressley, the beloved ballroom figure was a member of The House of Balenciaga as well as an initiate of the Mu Chapter of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. Outside of the ballroom scene, Pressley spent most of his career assisting the LGBTQ+ community through public health services. Others not familiar with the ballroom scene may recognize Pressley from his walk in season one of the hit show Pose. Those who tuned in to the 2023 Rihanna Super Bowl Halftime Performance would recognize Pressley's iconic voice in the teaser for the show. Houses and icons in the ballroom scene from all over have expressed their grief as the community continues to heal from this loss.

All Eyes on Queer Eye

Queer eye is in the media again for alleged in-fighting within the group after co-star Karamo Brown brings tensions to light live via a Gayle King interview. Brown's publicist sent a letter to Gayle that stated that "I hope everyone remembers the main theme I have tried to teach them over the past decade, which is to focus on and to protect their mental health/peace from people or a world who seek to destroy it; which is why I can't be there today." Gayle also mentioned that Brown was worried about being bullied by his castmates. The rest of the group was quick to wish Brown well. Fans observed that Brown also unfollowed the cast on their social media pages. Maybe the details of what went down between the group will be revealed during the new season?

Anna's Word

About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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