When queer folk icon Phranc first started identifying as an "all-American Jewish lesbian folksinger" in the early 1980s, the world was in a very different place when it came to talking about queer identity. But the artist managed to carve out a space for herself with bright, cheery songs that celebrated queer love as often as they dealt with the darker realities of prejudice. This fall, Phranc is on the University of Michigan's campus to talk about her long career and share some of her sculptural work as part of a residency with the University of Michigan LSA Institute for the Humanities.

We talked to Phranc about her lifelong journey to make space for queer people–herself included–to be themselves. 

GUEST: 

Phranc, musician and artist behind the exhibit "The Butch Closet" 

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.