Karen Tongson

author of “Normporn: Queer Viewers And The TV That Soothes Us,” professor of gender and sexuality, English, and American studies at USC

A professor at USC, panelist on the Pop Rocket podcast and the author of a new book called “Why Karen Carpenter Matters.”

Karen Tongson on KCRW

The genre “normporn” includes sedate, soothing family dramas that usually grapple with race and sexuality as a nonissue, and show a fantasy of what family should be.

‘Normporn’ TV appeals to viewers’ ‘universal desire for peace’

The genre “normporn” includes sedate, soothing family dramas that usually grapple with race and sexuality as a nonissue, and show a fantasy of what family should be.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The word “queer” insinuated someone’s sexual “deviance” in the 19th century. Now it’s used proudly to refer to the LGBTQ+ community. KCRW traces this evolution.

Queer: The word’s meaning has evolved since the 19th century

The word “queer” insinuated someone’s sexual “deviance” in the 19th century. Now it’s used proudly to refer to the LGBTQ+ community. KCRW traces this evolution.

from Greater LA

The Dodgers reinvited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their Pride Night celebration, after disinviting them over conservative backlash.

Dodgers are in a mess over drag charity group and Pride Night

The Dodgers reinvited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their Pride Night celebration, after disinviting them over conservative backlash.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Hollywood Sign. It’s been at the center of scandals, PR stunts, and more during its time perched up on Mount Lee.

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Adam Schiff or Steve Garvey will become the state’s next senator. Abortion access and pay equity will fall more heavily under the purview of men in the Senate.

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In the 1990s, a reading strategy called “balanced literacy” took over CA public schools. The problem? Kids didn’t learn to read. Now, phonics is making a comeback.

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Poet and essayist Ross Gay shares stories of joy and theorizes that the experience of joy might possibly be the best tool for uniting and depolarizing us as a people.

from Life Examined

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from Good Food

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from KCRW Features

The Aetna Street Collective came together three years ago to advocate for a tight-knit unhoused community facing harassment and street sweeps.

from Greater LA

Unhoused Angelenos in temporary shelters will get priority for many city-funded affordable housing units — under policy shift enacted by Mayor Karen Bass.

from Greater LA