Politixia
For the men behind the “Cheesesteak Queers” podcast, their love for Philadelphia remains at the heart of their show. Whether it’s famed local drag performers like Brittany Lynn or simply new residents to the City of Brotherly Love who are making their own splash in Philadelphia, Cheesesteak Queers plans to continue shining a light on the best of Philly. I got to sit down with the hosts of “Cheesesteak Queers,” Michael Frank and Matthew Taylor. Not only do they each have their own distinct view of Philadelphia and its queer community, but each of them has their own unique ways of finding community, a cocktail and yes, a phenomenal cheesesteak.
Tell me your origin story. Were you born in Philly or did you come to Philadelphia later?
Michael Frank: I was born and raised in Philadelphia. I was born at Methodist Hospital right on Broad Street in 1977. I lived in Philly until I was about nine, then my dad got a job in Las Vegas and we moved there. My parents divorced, and then me, my mom, and my brother moved back. I went to high school in New Jersey, but as soon as I became an adult, I moved back to the city, and I’ve been here ever since.
Matthew Taylor: I’m a Long Island boy originally. My family moved to the suburbs of Philly when I was eight. After college, I moved back to New York for a few years, then back to Philly, and I fell in love with it. It felt more chill than New York. I was acting for about 20 years, then had a massage practice. That’s how Mike and I met.
What sparked the idea of making a podcast?
MF: I’ve always loved talking to people and learning their stories. At a previous job, I was heavily involved in DEI programs and interviewing people. My new company doesn’t have that, but I still wanted that connection. One day, Matt and I were talking and said, “Let’s do a podcast.”
MT: We were sitting in my living room brainstorming names. We wanted something Philly and queer. When people think Philly, they think cheesesteaks. And “queers” felt like an umbrella term. We also wanted to reclaim that word.
Some people still get uncomfortable with it because it was used as a slur for so long,
but younger generations use it in a more inclusive way. We wanted it to feel happy and welcoming again.
What have you discovered about Philadelphia through the podcast?
MT: We realized there are millions of queer stories in Philadelphia worth celebrating. Every person has a fascinating story. Whether it’s a writer, director, someone in politics, someone opening a restaurant or bar, queer people need a voice. People in Philly are just awesome. Philly’s always stuck between New York and D.C. and gets little-brother syndrome, but it’s full of incredible people.
MF: Even interviewing close friends, I learned things I never knew about them. Some people I’d known for 15 years, and suddenly I’m hearing these deeply personal stories for the first time. Season one was mostly friends. Season two, we’re expanding and getting more outside guests. People have actually started reaching out to us!
Have you experienced any brushes with sudden podcast fame in the City of Brotherly Love?
MF: I was at The Bike Stop getting a drink and the bartender asked if I had a podcast. Then someone else waved and recognized me. I got nervous and just said, “Thanks for listening.” At the Italian Market Festival, someone yelled, “Oh my God, you’re a Cheesesteak Queer!”
What do you think the queer community in Philadelphia still needs?
MF: I definitely think we still need queer spaces that are ours. The bars have changed a lot over the years. There are more bachelorette parties and mixed crowds now, which is fine, but it’s different. We need to keep supporting queer businesses and bars, so they survive. I play for OutLoud and Stonewall Sports, so I’m always in the Gayborhood supporting places there. One of the best things I ever did was join Stonewall Sports after coming out. I met some of my best friends there. If you’re new to Philly and queer, I always recommend joining a league because you’ll find your tribe.
MT: There’s definitely been a shift, but queer people aren’t going anywhere.
What’s your favorite part of Philly life?
MT: I moved here for theater. I [performed in the ensemble of] a show at the Walnut Street Theatre — “Evita.” I was only supposed to stay four months and then I never left. Philly has an amazing theater community and there’s always queer cabaret and performance happening somewhere.
Final question — and this truly could determine the future of your podcast. What’s your favorite cheesesteak in Philadelphia?
MF: Randazzo’s on 17th and South. Provolone and raw onions.
MT: I can never pick just one, but it has to be on a sesame seed bun. Lightly toasted. Ketchup. Simple.
For more on “Cheesesteak Queers,” visit linktr.ee/CheesesteakQueers.
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