In this episode, Tom dives into the vibrant LGBTQ+ history of Brooklyn with third-generation family friend and distant cousin, Hugh Ryan. Hugh, author of the acclaimed book "When Brooklyn Was Queer," takes us on a journey through time, exploring the rich tapestry of queer life in the borough from the 1850s to World War II and beyond. Hugh shares fascinating insights into the hidden stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, from Walt Whitman's era to the women who contributed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard during wartime. Join us as we uncover the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of a community often overlooked in mainstream narratives. After the podcast was recorded it was announced that Elliot Page will be executive producer of the virtual reality-based adaptation of "When Brooklyn Was Queer." This groundbreaking project promises to bring the centuries-old history of queer Brooklyn to life in a whole new dimension.