Host: Alan Cumming.  Featured guests: Jacqueline Woodson, James Howe, Alex Sanchez, Catie Curtis, Harvey Fierstein, Martin Sherman, E. Lynn Harris.

Summary: The first episode of season 13 begins a segment about the Christian Coalition's relationship with local school boards, followed by an examination of the political process in which school textbooks are censored and selected for use. An update of a segment originally from episode 1302 looks at funding difficulties for gay-related HIV organizations. The next segment profiles gay best-selling young adult authors Jacqueline Woodson, James Howe and Alex Sanchez. The Real to Reel segment is about Treading Water, a film about rural gay America. Gay folk singer Catie Curtis is also profiled. Harvey Fierstein's Out Take is titled "And the Winner Is," and he and Martin Sherman also provide historical PSAs during the episode. E. Lynn Harris provides the celebrity ID.

Note: Some audio content removed due to copyright restrictions.
54:39 - 56:10: Aretha Franklin, "Think"

Host: Sharon Gless.  Featured guests: Howard Grossman, Ron Valdiserri, Larry Kramer.

Summary: This episode is a rebroadcast of episode 1412, which originally broadcast September 2005. It begins with a segment examining how perceptions of AIDS have changed over time, the seriousness of the crisis and new HIV treatments. The next segment is about methamphetamine use in the LGBT community, particularly relating to the increased risk of contracting HIV. Another segment spotlights homeless LGBT youth in Los Angeles and New York City, highlighting their struggles and HIV risk. The Real to Reel segment is about Of Men and Gods, a Haitian documentary that explores the nature of homosexual orientation within the context of voodoo and the shadow of AIDS.

Featured guests:  Kris Hayashi, Glen-Michael Francis.

Summary:  The episode begins with a segment about AIDS in black and Latino communities in the United States, and how issues of race, class and poverty affect HIV prevention and treatment. The A conversation with… segment features Kris Hayashi of the Audre Lorde Project and Glen-Michael Francis of GRIOT Circle discussing their groups and the LGBT community. The Real to Reel segment is about Derek, a documentary about Derek Jarman.

Summary: The episode begins with a segment considering laws that criminalize HIV exposure, transmission or nondisclosure of an individual's HIV status, looking at the stigma and misinformation in laws meant to curb the spread of disease and their impact on HIV-positive individuals. The next segment focuses on the health struggles of bisexual women.

Featured guests: Charles King, Harmony Santana.

Summary: The episode begins with a segment that looks back at the many HIV/AIDS-related stories In the Life has covered over the years. The A Conversation with… segment features Charles King of Housing Works and actress Harmony Santana discussing HIV prevention and the National AIDS Strategy.

Interview with journalist and activist Ann Northrop for the "Body Positive" segment of Episode 1209, "The Body Politic."

<  More In the Life unedited footage