In this special episode of Queernundrum, we’re diving into the legacy, allure, and enduring queerness of the one and only Marilyn Monroe. Joining us is the fabulous Jamie Truitt, a longtime friend of our host Gary and a bona fide Monroe aficionado—with a surprising love for Tolstoy to boot!

We kick things off with some heartwarming (and hilarious) memories from Jamie and Gary’s high school days, before launching into an illuminating conversation about Marilyn’s cultural impact, her rumored same-sex trysts, and why she continues to resonate so deeply with queer audiences today.

From Jamie’s personal reflections on Marilyn’s life and misunderstood brilliance to their favorite and most underrated Monroe films, this episode blends Hollywood history, queer theory, and a whole lot of admiration for a woman who was far more than a blonde bombshell.

✨ Questions we explore:

What made Marilyn such a powerful symbol for the LGBTQ+ community?
Is there truth to the whispers of her queer relationships?
What would a posthumous Monroe role look like?
And what can we still learn from her today?

Whether you're a Monroe superfan or just curious about her legacy through a queer lens, this episode promises glamour, depth, and insight.

Tune in, and fall in love with Marilyn all over again.

Intro music by Jahzzar “Please Listen Carefully” “Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA” and Outro music by Scott Holmes “Acoustic Indie Folk” @ scottianholmes@live.com.

Editor: H. Greystone via FinalCut Pro

Writer: G. Thoren

S5E10 Marilyn, Myths & Magic: A Queer Icon Explored