6 LGBTQ+ Icons Who Built Businesses, Movements & Legacies

Tony Zosherafatain: Director of “Trans and Trumpland”

Award-winning filmmaker Tony Zosherafatén joins host Ben Ferney to discuss the creation of Trans and Trumpland, an Emmy-shortlisted documentary capturing trans lives across the U.S. during a heightened political era. Tony opens up about his filmmaking journey, the urgency of trans-led storytelling, the power of queer community, and the courage it takes to stay visible. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories, the impact the series has had since its release, and a message of hope for LGBTQ+ people everywhere. We also dive into: * Filming in red states * Trans joy and resilience * The role of chosen family * What the media gets wrong about trans people * Tony’s upcoming queer film projects Follow Tony on Instagram at @TonyZFilms and learn more about Trans and Trumpland on Prime Video, Apple TV, or Tubi. ✨ The Queer Economy celebrates LGBTQ+ people shaping business, culture, and community. Trans and Trumpland, Trans filmmaker interview, LGBTQ documentary series, Queer storytelling, Trans visibility and representation, Trans rights in America, Tony Zosherafatén interview, Queer podcast 2025, LGBTQ creatives, Trans stories 2025, LGBTQ community resilience, Queer economy podcast, Political climate trans community, Trans joy

Snark, Stationery & Success: The Queer Business Journey of 'That’s So Andrew'

Ben Ferney talks with Andrew, the founder of That’s So Andrew — a snarky, stationery and gift line made for the girls, gays, and theys — and The Monitor Mercantile, a shop in Monroe, WA featuring over 25 local makers. Andrew shares how a $500 idea turned into a thriving business now sold in stores like Urban Outfitters, Spencer’s, and HomeGoods. He opens up about entrepreneurship, creating a queer-friendly storefront in a conservative town, and learning to balance hustle with mental health. 💡 Topics covered: * How That’s So Andrew began “by accident” * Growing from local markets to national retail * The impact of visibility and safe spaces in small towns * Setting boundaries as a creative entrepreneur Follow Andrew: @thatsoandrew_ | thatsoandrew.com Follow The Queer Economy: @thequeereconomy [https://www.instagram.com/thequeereconomy] 🎧 Every community holds queer stories worth telling. This is their platform.

Donny: Building 17th & Granville, A Black Queer Clothing Brand Rooted in Authenticity

Host Ben Ferney welcomes Anissa “Donny” Truitt, founder of 17th & Granville, a Black, queer, and gender-expansive clothing brand. Donny shares how their personal journey and identity fuel a mission-driven business rooted in authenticity, activism, and community support. We discuss: * Building a brand for self-expression and belonging * Lessons learned from starting and growing a queer-owned business * Why supporting small businesses truly matters * The role of fashion in activism and visibility This episode highlights the intersection of identity, entrepreneurship, and community resilience—a must-listen for anyone who cares about LGBTQ+ representation and supporting inclusive brands.

Ian Timbrell: Redefining LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education and Community

This week on The Queer Economy, Ben Ferney interviews Ian Timbrell, founder of the nonprofit More Than Flags and Rainbows. Ian shares his powerful journey from a career in teaching to building safer schools for LGBTQ+ youth across the UK. From the realities of adoption as a gay parent to standing up against performative allyship, Ian’s story highlights why true inclusion is about more than rainbow flags—it’s about making sure every child feels safe, seen, and supported. 🎙️ In this episode: * Life lessons from 20 years in education * The adoption process and parenthood as a gay man * What schools get wrong (and right) about LGBTQ+ inclusion * Stories of transformation from students and families Follow Ian on Instagram @MoreThanFlagsAndRainbows and grab his book on Amazon.

6 LGBTQ+ Icons Who Built Businesses, Movements & Legacies

Queer people have always been innovators, creators, and trailblazers. In this episode of The Queer Economy, Ben Ferney explores the lives of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs throughout history—from astronauts and economists to entertainers, activists, and billionaires. Hear the stories of: * Sally Ride (astronaut & STEM entrepreneur) * John Maynard Keynes (economist) * Josephine Baker (performer & activist) * Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera (community builders) * David Geffen (music mogul) * Jennifer Pritzker (philanthropist & trans leader) Their stories prove that the queer economy isn’t new—it’s woven throughout history. 🌈 Follow The Queer Economy for more inspiring LGBTQ+ stories from business, culture, and community.