Today, we take a closer look at Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, one of the few openly bisexual rock stars to break into the mainstream. Green Day’s explosion from California’s punk scene to superstardom happened over 30 years ago with the release of their breakout 1994 album, Dookie. We'll talk about how Armstrong's sexuality shaped the band’s music and message, and why Green Day’s legacy is inseparable from punk’s radical, queer beginnings.
Music in this episode includes songs from The Ramones, Stiff Little Fingers, Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, The Jam, Pansy Division, Rancid, and more.
Jami also welcomed Program Specialist at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Center Phoenix Laxton and volunteer coordinator Cathy Rifenburg who are helping to launch a new program at the Center called Queer Kinship. Hosted on the fourth Sunday of each month, Queer Kinship is an all-ages social space that fosters connection between generations. Parents of LGBTQIA+ children in need of support can attend a counselor-facilitated group to connect with their peers. Free childcare will be available, as well as activities for youth during meetings, staffed by LGBTQIA+ adults. Breakfast and coffee will be provided.
