In a modest Eau Claire living room, two friends are giving small-town queer life a big, bold platform. Small Town, Big Gays, a Wisconsin-based podcast hosted by Travis Gorell and Chance Smith, is building a space for LGBTQ+ voices often unheard in rural America. With new episodes every Friday, the podcast brings heart, humor, and honesty to a landscape still learning to embrace its diversity.
What started as casual conversations quickly evolved into a platform challenging stereotypes and lifting queer voices beyond city borders. Gorell, who performs in drag under the name Khloe Wold, teams up with Smith, a native of New Lisbon, Wisconsin, to record weekly episodes full of laughter, stories, and candid takes on everything from dating apps to drag shows.
Why Their Podcast Matters
Though many assume LGBTQ+ culture is primarily city-centered, Small Town, Big Gays proves there’s a thriving, resilient queer presence in rural spaces. Their discussions go beyond surface-level topics. They talk about religion, conservative politics, family, friendships, identity, and, of course, drag—all from a small-town lens.
Listeners tune in not just from Wisconsin, but from across the country, many saying they feel seen and understood by the hosts’ raw honesty and relatable storytelling. The podcast builds connection and visibility, especially for queer folks who may feel isolated in smaller communities.
How It Started
The podcast launched on November 15, 2024, and is recorded entirely in Gorell’s living room. With a casual setup and a deeply personal approach, the show quickly gained a loyal audience.
Every episode dives into different aspects of queer life. Some days, it’s hookup culture. Other times, it’s drag events, mental health, or humorous takes on awkward encounters. What remains constant is the warmth and authenticity with which Gorell and Smith navigate these conversations.
Creating Safe Spaces Offline
Beyond their podcast, the duo actively contributes to building queer-friendly spaces in Wisconsin. From drag bingo nights to youth events and drag story hours, they’re involved in initiatives that help make rural Wisconsin more inclusive. Their efforts align with ongoing campaigns for equality and visibility by groups like Fair Wisconsin and national organizations such as GLAAD.
They’ve hosted local gatherings that provide not just entertainment but support for queer youth and adults who might otherwise struggle to find their place.
Challenges in a Conservative Landscape
Living as out, proud queer individuals in a region that leans conservative is not without challenges. From online harassment to real-life pushback, Gorell and Smith navigate a delicate balance between visibility and vulnerability. Still, their optimism and defiance shine through in each episode.
Their podcast doesn’t avoid hard conversations. They confront issues like anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, censorship in schools, and the erasure of queer history, encouraging listeners to stay informed and politically active.
For those looking to explore LGBTQ+ rights or support resources, government resources like Youth.gov or SAMHSA’s LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Resources offer important support.
Where to Listen and Follow
Small Town, Big Gays is available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube, making it easily accessible whether you’re in a big city or a town of 800.
Listeners can also follow the show on Instagram and TikTok @stbgpod, where clips from their show and behind-the-scenes moments continue to grow their fan base.
A Movement, Not Just a Microphone
What started as a podcast has blossomed into a community movement. Gorell and Smith prove that you don’t need to live in New York or San Francisco to find your queer family—or to be a voice for change.
Through each episode, they remind listeners that queerness isn’t a metropolitan monopoly. It’s a tapestry of identities that exists in suburbs, farmlands, and yes, even the heart of Wisconsin.
And in that spirit, Small Town, Big Gays isn’t just a catchy title. It’s a statement. Queer stories belong everywhere. Especially here.