When Joshua Croke of Worcester graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2014, one of the first things they did was get involved in helping the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Croke, who uses they/them pronouns, told MassLive they always considered themselves “biased towards action.” “My recently adopted mission is to make queer a joyful norm,” Croke said.
“Norm in this case meaning that we can exist as our authentic selves safely and that our cities are built to celebrate the diverse identities and cultures that are present within them.” As part of their mission, Croke, 33, launched a new podcast this year titled Queer for Cities . The program, available on all podcast platforms and broadcasting on Wednesdays at 6 p.
m. and Sundays at 11 p.m.
on WCIN , features interviews with members of the LBGTQ+ community throughout Massachusetts who have been involved in city planning. Each episode explores queer life and influence in Massachusetts and New England Cities and features conversations about how cities and towns can be more equitable and inclusive for those in the community, according to the Queer for Cities website. The podcast currently has three episodes, with a fourth one in production, Croke said.
Croke told MassLive it is their belief that municipalities, school committees and elected officials must do more to ensure LBGTQ+ residents can live freely and be able to go to school, go to work, have a home or even be themselves without facing discrimination. Cr.