A Seat at the Table with Rainbow Grandma Radio
A Seat at the Table with Rainbow Grandma radio
Claudia Zinck’s (she/her) kitchen table in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, is becoming a central hub for community connection. Known to many as Rainbow Grandma, Claudia brings warmth, humour, and steady support to listeners across the region through her podcast, broadcast via 97.9 FM Go Rock!'s platform at goproud.ca.
Claudia wrote to What’s On Queer this week asking us to share her podcast with our readers. We were very happy to learn more about Rainbow Grandma Radio and hope you enjoy the tale. We’ve also shared this on our ‘Chatter’ page which features podcasts, blogs, magazines and servers.
“Each week, we wander through ordinary family life and whatever has come up along the way. Sometimes it is something distinctly queer—a story from the 2SLGBTIA+ community, discrimination, Pride, coming out, trans youth, or a conversation that made Grandma stop and think.”
The podcast mixes the rhythm of home life with open, grounded dialogue. Listeners drop in for practical domestic ideas, environmental insights from Claudia’s long-standing work with the Diocesan Environment Network, and straightforward discussions on 2SLGBTQiA+ life. Stories about coming out, supporting trans youth, and navigating everyday challenges sit naturally alongside recipes and crafting tutorials.
Claudia stepped into the role of podcast host after a compelling conversation with Lunenburg County Pride about the urgent need for positive support for trans youth in the area. Living on a Nova Scotia peninsula with her partner of 35 years, Lorna, Claudia offers a steadying presence for youth and adults alike.
"I figured the very least I could do was become a Grandma sitting at the kitchen table, talking about family life and letting kids of all ages know that there is someone in their corner."
That kitchen-table approach shines in Episode 11, which pairs an examination of issues facing 2SLGBTQiA+ kids in foster care with practical guides for making a quilt, building a bottle-cap mobile, and a story about rural schoolchildren. For families, allies, and 2SLGBTQiA+ community members looking for a welcoming, affirming space, Rainbow Grandma leaves the light on and the teapot full. Stream episodes and connect directly at goproud.ca.
About GoProud.ca
I did look into GoProud.ca to be sure it is legitimate and Canadian! I was happy to learn it is indeed a digital media platform based in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, operated in connection with Novacast Media and 97.9 FM Go Rock!. Created to serve the regional 2SLGBTQiA+ community, the platform provides dedicated radio webstreams, podcasts, local news, and community updates. GoProud.ca offers a space where local volunteers, hosts, and organizations can share stories, music, and resources that reflect and support 2SLGBTQiA+ lives across the region.