Queering The Air

SILENCE IS VIOLENCE - Recognising the presence of violence within lgbtqia+ community! During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, that led to International Human Rights Day, it's important to acknowledge that violence is not confined to external perpetrators but also exists within our own communities. While attention is often focused on violence from outside sources, it's crucial to realise that perpetrators can also be found within our own circles. This year, Trans Sisters United, a not for profit organisation has courageously exposed several such perpetrators, yet organisations continue to collaborate with them. This raises a crucial question: how can marginalised individuals access crucial services when the perpetrator is present in what is supposed to be a "safe space"?  This pervasive issue emphasises the urgent need to address violence within our own community. It's vital to thoroughly examine our own environment before casting blame on others, as this form of violence has persisted within our community for far too long, yet has been largely overlooked. Our presenter Sasja Sÿdek, will be joined by co-host Jacob Gamble and guests, Anastasia Rose Le and Abdulrahman Katamish aka Boudi to explore these issues and raise awareness about the unaddressed challenges within the LGBTQIA+ community, a topic often disregarded by many organisations, rarely openly discussed, or simply ignored to maintain their reputations. #16daysofactivismagainstgenderbasedviolence #womensrights #transrights #humanrights #transrightsarehumanrights #humanrightsday Music:I Am by Stan WalkerSubstitute for Love by MadonnaDary Demoaak by Hamid el Shaeri

My Disability Does Not Define Me! While it may present certain challenges and obstacles in our life, it does not dictate who we are as a person. We are defined by our passions, our achievements, and our resilience in the face of adversity. Our disability is just one part of the complex and multifaceted individual that we are. We refuse to be limited by preconceived notions or stereotypes, and we are committed to living our life to the fullest, embracing our uniqueness, and proving that our disability does not determine our worth or potential. We are capable, determined, and limitless in our aspirations, and we will not allow any obstacles to diminish our spirit or define our identity.In this special episode commemorating the International Day of People with Disability, Sasja and Geri, proud trans women, courageously open up about their personal experiences living with disability. For Sasja, this marks her first time openly discussing her disability, a significant milestone that has been long overdue. The societal attitudes, cultural norms, and the era in which she was raised have all contributed to a reluctance to acknowledge her disability. Geri will provide an in-depth account of her life with autism, offering firsthand insights that are sure to be enlightening. The episode promises a compelling narrative, delving into the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability in a world that often overlooks the diverse experiences of individuals like Sasja and Geri. #internationaldayofpeoplewithdisability #idpwd #idpwd2023 Music by Musician with Disabilities:Tak Mampu Lupa by Putri ArianiTurandot: Nessun Dorma by Andrea BocelliIsn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder

Sasja Sÿdek, our co-host, is widely recognised for her sex-positive stance. She openly communicates her sexual desires, and promotes safe sex practices and consensual sex practices. In this episode of Queering The Air, we featured music to enhance intimacy and reveal the song that carries sentimental value for her as the one she lost her virginity to. Exploring different genres of music that can set the mood for intimacy can be an exciting and personal journey. From smooth jazz and soulful R&B to sensual bossa nova and ambient electronic music, each genre offers its own unique blend of rhythms, melodies, and lyrics that can enhance the atmosphere and create an intimate setting. Each genre has the potential to deepen emotional connections and elevate the intimate experience, so exploring different musical styles can be a fun and enriching way to set the stage for intimacy.Sasja offered insights into her “wild and not so wild” experiences during her time in the adult industry, her personal intimate encounters and discussing the challenges and opportunities in the adult industry. To support the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, Sasja will also shed light on the violence that has occurred and continues to occur within the sex work industry.Be sure to tune in if you’re looking to connect intimately Links:Melbourne Sexual Health ClinicAlfred HospitalFitzroy Free Legal ServiceSt Kilda Free Legal ServiceSlutWalk Narrm/MelbourneMusic:Sexual Healing by Marvin GayeSex on Fire by Kings of LeonLife in Mono by The Great Expectation Erotica by MadonnaMaki Asakawa by Fushiawase To Lu Na NekoBodycode by Lulu Rouge

As Trans Awareness Week comes to an end, we prepare to observe the solemn Trans Day of Remembrance. At Queering The Air, we are committed to providing comprehensive coverage of stories and reflections pertaining to Trans Awareness Week. Our aim is to keep you informed and engaged, offering insights into the diverse experiences and challenges faced by the transgender community. Moreover, as we approach the Trans Day of Remembrance, this coverage will extend to updating you on the various events and initiatives taking place across Australia, ensuring that we honor and remember those who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence. Sasja hosted a discussion with Amao Leota Lu and Madison Moffat to recognise the importance of highlighting these issues and commemorating the lives of individuals who have faced discrimination and violence, as we strive to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for the transgender community. The conversation will explore important topics surrounding gender diversity and advocacy.Amao Leota Lu, born in 1971 in Auckland, New Zealand, emigrated to Sydney with her Samoan diaspora family in the 1980s. She later returned to Australia and embraced her gender identity as a woman and a fa'afafine in her early twenties. Using her performances, she advocates for fa'afafine identity and challenges western LGBT categorizations. Leota Lu's work explores the intersection of gender identity, Pacific culture, and activism. Notably, she curated the first queer Pacific event at Midsumma Festival in 2020 and performed at the Immigration Museum with an event titled Pacific Essence: Tales of a Migrant Plantation. She also participated in Gender Euphoria as part of Melbourne International Arts Festival in 2019. Leota Lu is vocal about the discrimination faced by gender diverse members of Pacific Islander communities and has previously worked as a community support worker.Madison Moffat (She/Her) is a trans woman, Board Secretary for Transgender Victoria, consumer advisor to Monash Gender Clinic, co-facilitator of the TransCreative Network and Managing Editor of the zine on TGDNB culture community, ‘The Trans-creator’. Professionally, she is a risk and operational integrity professional. Having previously reviewed shows for TheatrePress, her critical attentions will soon focus on queer theatre via a new Tran-creator page on substack.TDOR.ORG.AUTrans Day of Remembrance Vigil Narrm - 20th NovTickets Giveaway to LGBTQIAP+ Holiday Picnic by Euphoria Social LGBTIQA+ Multicultural Fair Day Supported by Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council - Saturday, November 25, 2023Music:T4T by Bobby SanchezRespect by Aretha Franklin

Join us on this special episode as our host Sasja sat down with guest Shurthi to celebrate the joyous festival of Deepavali / Diwali. Together, they explored the significance of this festival of lights, its traditions, and rituals. Shurthi shared her personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the festive spirit and the warmth it brings to the hearts of millions around the world. Don’t miss this exciting conversation filled with cultural exchange and festive cheer as they delved into the rich heritage of Deepavali / Diwali. Tune in and be part of this enchanting celebration!

On this episode of Queering The Air, we’re excited to introduce you a long time volunteer from SlutWalkMelbourne, Mev. Mev discussed the significance of the event and provided us with a comprehensive overview of its history. Sasja and Mev delved into why this rally is so important.Mev (she/they) is a neurodivergent queer creative and activist living and working here on stolen Wurundjeri land. They’ve been volunteering with the SlutWalk Naarm/Melbourne collective for years, motivated and informed by a history of trauma.They believe in the importance of continuously learning and improving, valuing human rights, consent education, intersectional feminism, anti-racism, decolonisation, LGBTQIA+ rights, decriminalisation of sex work, accessibility, mental health, environmental sustainability and animal rights.Join SlutWalk Naarm/Melbourne on 25 November 2023 to march against slut-shaming, victim-blaming, and rape culture in the CBD. This global movement started in Canada in 2011 after offensive comments by a police officer. SlutWalks have since taken place worldwide, including annually in Naarm/Melbourne for 12 years. The demands are simple: end slut-shaming, victim-blaming, and rape culture. We fight against all forms of bigotry and hierarchy. Let’s prioritise survivors and our lives over profit. We’ve seen the prevalence of rape culture in recent news stories, and it’s time to stop using rape and assault as weapons of control. Meet outside the State Library Victoria at 12pm, with speakers from diverse backgrounds and Auslan interpreters.https://www.facebook.com/slutwalkmelbourneSLUTWALK NARRM/MELBOURNE25 NOVEMBER 2023 - 12:00PMSTATE LIBRARY VICTORIAMusic:Papi (Bhabi) by Eden ShalevEderlezi feat Dikanda by Dj Dark & MD DJUrfa'nin Etrafi Dumanti Daglar (Anatolian Sessions Remix) by DJ Kaikhan

Get ready to be spooked on this episode as Queering The Air presents a Halloween Special! Sasja, the host, will be captivating listeners by reading ghost stories exclusively written by BIPOC queer authors. It’s an opportunity to explore the world of queer literature and embrace the eerie atmosphere of Halloween. Brace yourself for an exhilarating experience filled with diverse narratives and chilling tales. Prepare to have your spine tingled with haunting delight!The Fabulous Beast by Priya Sharma Music by Lulu RougeYou Say I'm Crazy feat. Alice CarreriSign Me Out feat. Fenney OskWelcome To My Dream feat. Tuco

On this episode of Queering The Air, Sasja was accompanied by Anas and Tom, who are the individuals responsible for organising the Pride In The North Summit - Beyond The Rainbow Lanyard. The Summit aims to highlight speakers who have personal experience and a goal to enhance services and practices for LGBTIQA+ communities. Additionally, it strives to bring together businesses, community organizations, leaders, healthcare professionals, governments, teachers, and other influential stakeholders who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the health and well-being of LGBTIQA+ individuals.Pride in the North Summit: Beyond the Rainbow LanyardThe Summit will showcase lived experience speakers with a vision to improve services and practices for LGBTIQA+ communities.Friday, 3 November9:00 AM - 4:30 PM AEDTPlenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre35 Ferres Boulevard South Morang, VIC 3752Ticket - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pride-in-the-north-summit-beyond-the-rainbow-lanyard-tickets-715112098537?aff=oddtdtcreatorMore Infos - https://www.pracc.com.au/tickets/pride-in-the-north-summit-beyond-the-rainbow-lanyard/ Music by Palestinian Artists - QTA in support of Palestine.1. Palestini by Toni Qattan2. Sokkar by Elyanna3. El Wood Khayali by Fadee Andrawos4. Klefi by Hatari feat Bashar Murad

In this episode of Queering The Air, Sasja Sÿdek shared her personal journey of finding her voice and shed light on the immense power our voices hold. Joining 3CR community radio has been instrumental in empowering Sasja. Despite discovering her voice, Sasja still confronts attempts to silence her. Through her active participation in 3CR, Sasja has become a passionate advocate for trans women of color, providing them with a platform to amplify their voices. Regrettably, trans women of color continue to be tokenised and overlooked by white individuals, perpetuating their invisibility within society.“Nobody trashes your name more than someone who’s afraid you’ll tell people the truth.” Music:You Say by Lauren DaigleGreedy by Tate McraeBulent Ersoy by Umit Hirsizi Helpline:Emergency Sevices - 000Lifeline - 13111413Yarn - 139276QLife - 1800184527Rainbow Door - 1800729367

MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2023 Holly and Sasja came together to discuss Holly’s event at the Melbourne Fringe Festival: MY QUEER SPIRITUAL ENTROP HOLLY ROWAN - MY QUEER SPIRITUAL ENTROPY TICKETDates 05 - 13 OctTime 7:30pm, 6:30pm (60 minutes)Venue TIC: SwanstonA spiritual antidote to dogma; for people who just want to be themselves.Sick of people telling you there’s one way to live your life? Yeah, Holly too. Come and heal your soul and reclaim your right to be whoever you want to be with My Queer Spiritual Entropy. Full of originality, chaos and colour, this fresh-out-the-womb solo show from British non-binary performer Holly Rowan is a vibrant and daring mash-up of clown, Butoh, spoken word, physical theatre, dance and song... available as an in-person performance.About the artist: Instagram- @hollyrowanarts Holly is an emerging non-binary, multidisciplinary artist and performer whose work sits on the bridge of comedy and personal tragedy. Through a quirky combination of movement and voice, they share vulnerable and personal stories as a means to create conversation about difficult topics and connect people with the core of their humanity. This is their first Melbourne Fringe and debut performance in Australia. They have previously co-directed and performed in London Butoh Dance Company’s ‘IRREVERSE’ for Wandsworth Arts Fringe in 2022 and was Stage manager and Choreographer for Lancaster Offshoots productions at Edinburgh Fringe ‘Peter Rabbit & Other Tales’ 2015 & ‘Hunchback’ 2016. Holly is also a facilitator for Queer Space Youth at Drummond Street Services.  ------------------------------- Sasja joined by Sophie Strykowski & Haz Lugsdin, another artists from the Melbourne Fringe Festival, who shared a discussion of their live performance titled "TWIN FLAME/ DEAD SPIT".  TWIN FLAME/ DEAD SPIT TICKETDates 05 - 13 OctTime 7:00pm (60 minutes)Venue Mycelium StudiosTWIN FLAME/ DEAD SPIT is a live performance work investigating the ways in which we look at another to look at ourselves. With ten years of deep friendship and chosen kinship, performance makers Haz Lugsdin and Sophie Strykowski embark on an intergalactic voyage to understand their interlocking selves.We all have a gravitational pull. The sun, a chair, and you. I felt that tug. Who put me here? And why are you here too?Haz Lugsdin (They/He) is a trans performer who relishes in gusto, ego and innuendo. Sophie Strykowski (She/They) is an actor and performance maker whose work sparkles fearlessly with a joyous curiosity. Together, they pastiche comedy, performance art, and unbridled joy to glimpse the life practice of world-building together.  About the Artists: Haz Lugsdin / Sophie Strykowski    Instagram - @sp0repunk_ Haz Lugsdin (they/he) is a trans performer making on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. Haz’s experience is in devised and collaborative work, rooted in comedy, pastiched with drag, performance art, movement, wordplay and absolute buggery. Haz is invested in developing non-binary ways of making that refuse rigid performance structures; as explored in their three latest 45 minute works; Rising Damp: A Sporepunk unearthing of a queer utopia at La Mama HQ (2022), The (Sour Glitch) Two-Step Refusal at The Flying Nun by Brand X (2021) and 101101001: Dude Where’s My Gender at The Giant Dwarf (2020). As a writer, Haz has received mentorship with ATYP as part of National Studio (2020) and Fresh Ink (2021). Haz’s work relishes in the illegible and incoherent; centering play and pleasure. He uses performance to make sense of himself and non-sense of the rest. They have a distinct modus operandi of gusto, ego, and innuendo.  Sophie Strykowski (she/they) is a performance maker and actor from Gadigal, currently living on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people. Their devised work reflects their positionality as a queer person, with the intention to dismantle and reimagine perceived truths with earnestness and delight. Sophie has worked across a range of independent and professional stages in Gadigal, including Griffin Theatre and ATYP in Intersection: Arrival (2019), Q Theatre in Originate (2020), Kings Cross Theatre [KXT] in Natives (2022) and Rogue Projects in Taz v. The Pleb (2023). Her work plays with form, combining elements of movement, comedy and experimental theater to ask big questions about the self, love, sexuality and connection. Sophie brings these questions to an audience with sparkling fearlessness and joyful curiosity. ------------------------------- Charaf Tartoussi joined Queering The Air as our third and final guest artist for the Melbourne Fringe Festival. A discussion between Sasja and Charaf about their captivating live performance titled “Aza” Aza: Stories of Grief in Diaspora  TICKET Dates 18 - 22 OctTime 6:00pm, 5:00pm (50 minutes)Venue Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Old Council ChambersA vulnerable exploration of migrant and diasporic grief through storytelling.Aza (Arabic colloq: wake) is a powerful, nuanced portrait of migrant loss. Spoken word theater meets mourning ritual, it takes us on the grieving journeys of four artists as they grapple with what it means to lose a loved one back home.Meet Charaf, Parminder, Thabani and Farah. They all live in Naarm, all write poetry and all have had to grieve a family member from a homeland someplace else. Together, they embark on an honest voyage through a grief as ancestral as it is foreign. From longing and guilt, to curiosity and pride, they will venture into the breadth of emotion in their migrant and diasporic mourning.Aza is where they come together to be witnessed in the diversity in their grief. It is where they come together to heal, and to be healed.In 50 minutes of vulnerable and sincere storytelling, they will move through the motions of their loss and attempt to answer the question: how does grief change when it is experienced in the immigrant diaspora, and how does it stay the same?  Music:Rehab by RihannaMusic by MadonnaYAMA LAYALI by David Vendetta feat Haifa Wehbe National Coming Out Day Event by Queerspace - Drummond Street Services(All LGBTQIA+ People Are Welcome)100 Drummond Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053Wednesday 11 October4pm - 7pm