20 Queer Q's with Ira Madison III

The 20 Queer Q's series seeks to capture LGBTQ+ individuals (and allies) in a moment of authenticity. We get to know the subjects, what makes them who they are, and what they value.

The goal of these intimate conversations is to leave you, the reader, feeling like you just gained a new friend, a new perspective, and that you learned something new about or saw a different side of someone—maybe someone that you don’t see online, but someone that’s maybe like you.

In this 20 Queer Q’s, get to know Ira Madison III, host of the Keep It podcast and a writer on Netflix’s Daybreak, coming out in Fall 2019. His writing has been featured on MTV News, GQ, New York Magazine and other outlets.

Name: Ira Madison III

Age: 32

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

Sexually Identifies As: Gay

What do you love about the LGBTQ+ community?

I love how supportive it can be and I love how we exist with the knowledge that we are fighting for each other every day.

What does pride mean to you?

It means a celebration of a community and history and drinking.

Who is someone you consider to be an LGBTQ+ icon?

James Baldwin. As a writer, thinker, his words are so beautiful, his stories are so moving and lush. I think he had a lot of views on sexuality that were revolutionary for the time.

Use 3-5 words to describe your coming out experience?

Outed at Godspell cast party.

What is advice you have for LGBTQ+ youth?

Find people who are like you who you can trust and be yourself around.

Do you believe in love?

I do. I believe in it, but it has not happened to me yet. I don’t think I could be a writer if I didn’t believe in love.

Describe what being queer is like in 3-5 words.

Exhausting, great, there’s nothing better.

How do you feel about LGBTQ+ representation in media?

I think that it mostly sucks but it could be better. I think a lot of good people in the queer community are getting more positions of power in media, print, digital, and television and you can visibly see that things are changing.

What is something you want to change about yourself in the next 6 months?

I’d like to be less into what other people think. Sometimes I do and other times I don’t, it depends where it's coming from. It’s hard to be in the career I am in now and not always be thinking about what other people think. You also get feedback and criticism online which is funny saying that because that’s what I do for a living.

What do you feel most insecure about?

Falling in love and wondering if it’ll happen.

What do you feel most confident about?

My talent.

Do you feel that people are as authentic online as they are in person?

No, because I know people are always surprised that I am exactly the same in person as I am online. I don’t think everyone is. I know people who are more amusing online than they are in person or who seem more outgoing online. I’m lucky to have been able to create a career out of being myself online.

What are deal breakers for you when dating someone?

People who aren’t ambitious, complacency.

Who is someone in your life who gets you?

Sam Greisman. Because he gets me so well and we became friends so quickly, the internet assumes that we’re dating and we’re not.

What’s a song you consider to be an LGBTQ+ anthem?

I feel like Diana Ross’ "I’m Coming Out" is a classic for a reason but I think more people should listen to her music and her '80s pop songs.

What’s something that makes you angry?

Hypocrisy, people who can’t take jokes.

Have you found your chosen family? How do they make you feel?

Yeah, I have! I’m grateful where I have 2-3 very distinct groups that I fit in with who feel like family to me and I have one person in my life who is like family to me.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who meant well and tried to make the world better, who didn’t always go about things the right way but always had good intentions.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

From Sex and the City, Samantha Jones when she said, "If I worried about what every bitch in Manhattan thought of me I’d never leave my apartment."

What value/quality has being queer given you? What have you gained?

I think it’s made me a more empathetic person. It’s given me a gateway to see what other people are going through. I think being born a minority in the world, you learn to empathize better.

Keep up with Ira and his work over on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to check out his podcast Keep It wherever you listen to podcasts.