This fine boxing day, I’m introducing you to my queer family: My partner Christian graciously agreed to crunch some candy cane with me for part II of the Holigay Special – and of course the reincats make an appearance as well. Together, we listen to messages from @ibiprofane of Drag & Panto episode fame, from listener @willowcabins, who shares her queer Carol-ling tradition, and from author @c.gemsa_author, who brings us a lesbian reading of The Grinch. We also talk about what our favourite queer spaces are up to for the holidays and we even have a mulled wine chat with our beautiful friend (and very clever author) Helen. This tinselating episode should not be missed!
(This being said, if you’re here for the scholarly content, maybe come back in January.)

People, places and texts mentioned (and their Insta handles):
Kit Heyam
Hannah Roche
Chris Mounsey
Kathrin Horn
Happiest Season
Single All the Way
White Lotus
Carol
Carol of the Bells
John Williams
Charlie Brown’s Christmas
Heavenue
Christian Gemsa‘s Das Flüstern der Kristalle
Nadja (@maladja_tattoo_art)
The Grinch
Nick Cherryman
Above the Stag Theatre & Bar (@abovethestag)
“When Harry Met Santa” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDLumk_rQQw
Royal Vauxhall Tavern (@rvtoffivial)
Duckie (@duckievauxhall)
Butch, Please (@butchpleaselondon)
Pink Glove (@pinkglovedisco)
Oval Office Bar (@ovalofficebar)
Kafe Kweer (@kafekweer)
Skala Eressos on Lesvos (@eressos_womens_festival)
Great Langdale Valley
Lake District
Benjamin Britten
Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles
Virginia Woolf’s Orlando
Jackie Kay
Carol Ann Duffy’s Frost Fair

Want to start the New Year right? Follow me on Instagram (@queerlitpodcast) or on Twitter (@Lena_Mattheis) or find Queer Lit Podcast on Facebook. It’s what Rudolph would do.

Questions you might want to reflect on:

1. Can there be a positive relationship between advertising and activism?
2. Which criteria does 'representation' have to fulfil for you?
3. Do you have a queer elder in your life? Can you learn something new from them in 2022?
4. If you are not feeling good or supported this holiday season, there are resources you can reach out too. You are important and you deserve help. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need help finding groups like Switchboard, an LGBTQIA+ helpline in the UK.