Queering The Air

This episode of Queering The Air this Sunday, Sasja was joined by the remarkable individuals from The Trans Creator. Sasja's guests include Madison Moffat, who is one of the co-founders, and other members of the team, Herb and Sarah. Together, they engaged in a discussion about the highly anticipated Trans Creator Launch Party. This event marks the introduction of a platform in Australia that aims to facilitate and nurture creative connections within the community of individuals who identify as TGDNB (Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Non-Binary).Trans Creator Launch PartyFriday 2nd Aug 2024, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm AESTAffirmation Station - 360A Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, AustraliaTickets: https://events.humanitix.com/the-trans-creator-launch-partyMusic by Trans Women Colour:Umit Hersizi by Bulent ErsoyPurr 'Kitty" by Angelica RossAlibi by Sevdaliza, Pabllo Vittar & Yseult

This episode on Queering The Air, Sasja hosted photographer Marlo W and two of his subjects, Tiff Tan and Josephine Mills, to discuss the impactful book “Foreground: Portraits of Older Transgender and Gender Diverse People”.Foreground celebrates the often unnoticed older transgender and gender diverse community, aiming to destigmatise and share their stories with the wider audience. By showcasing the voices of marginalised older TGD individuals positively, it challenges stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream media.Marlo’s debut photography book features portraits and interviews with 18 older TGD individuals. Proceeds from pre-orders will fund the second edition and support donations to LGBTQIASB+ organisations, programs and libraries located in homes for the ageing.  Book Pre-Order - Foreground: Portraits of Older Transgender and Gender Diverse PeopleMusic:Noor Al Ain by Amr Diab (NC Remix)BTBT by B.I Soulja Boy feat DeVitaMwaki by Zerb Sofiya

On this episode of Queering The Air, Sasja was joined in the studio by Anthony Lucas an Australian singer and actor renowned for his unique genre-blending style and impressive tenor vocal range, and also Anthony's "manager", Gabby Gabby Brazil. Hailing from the small town of Shepparton in Victoria, Lucas has been honing his craft since childhood. Anthony gained recognition after appearing on Season 7 of X Factor Australia and currently works with top producers in Los Angeles, California. Anthony is celebrated as a prominent figure in the pop music scene, fashion world, and LGBTQI+ community.Naarm/Melbourne pop artist Anthony Lucas, who worked with producers behind Selena Gomez’s success, released his new song “Overdrive” last month. The track has been showcased at top Victoria venues like Poof Doof and Sircuit Bar, and headlined the People’s Choice Awards by Euphoria Social. Lucas shared that “Overdrive” was inspired by a playful moment after a breakup.The VEVO music video, Lucas’s first shot in Melbourne, featured top videographers and Drag Queens Diloncé and Valencia. Following the success of “Ghosts of You,” “Overdrive” has been performed live at events like Melbourne’s LGBTQ+ People’s Choice Awards. Lucas, who gained fame at a young age on X Factor Australia and at the World Championships of Performing Arts, continues to collaborate with producers in Los Angeles. OVERDRIVE MTV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xxkJ030J1cMusic:My Oh My by Kylie Minoque, Bebe Rexha & Tove LoEl Youm El Hew Dah by Ahmed Saad & AFROJACKOverdrive by Anthony LucasEspresso by Sabrina Carpenter

This episode on Queering The Air, Sasja was accompanied by Simone Spittle, a queer singer-songwriter based in Naarm, is set to release her empowering debut single ‘Refuge’ from her upcoming album “Drama Queen” but you get to hear it here first. The poignant genre-bending pop-ballad was written during a period of self-discovery and reflects Simone’s journey towards finding safety and healing from childhood trauma. The dynamic vocals and instrumentation in ‘Refuge’ aim to inspire other survivors to begin their own healing journey. Follow IG - @simonespittle Pre-Save ‘Refuge’ via Spotify - https://gyro.to/254461RefugeLaunch Ticket & Details - https://www.eventfinda.com.au/2024/drama-queen-album-launch-un-named-exhibition/melbourne/carlton

This episode of Queering The Air, Sasja was accompanied by her childhood best-friend, Amber from Boorloo, where they both spent their formative years in Singapore. Collaborating as co-hosts, they will curate a collection of queer music to conclude Pride Month. Together, they curated a playlist of vibrant and uplifting queer music and queer anthems to mark the conclusion of Pride Month, creating a celebratory and inclusive atmosphere for all listeners to enjoy. They also narrated the story of how they became best friends. This special episode promises to be a delightful and empowering tribute to the LGBTQ+ community’s rich musical contributions and the spirit of pride and unity.

This episode of Queering The Air, Sasja delved into the pivotal topic of Sexual Harassment within Work Spaces, with a specific focus on Queer Work Spaces. Sasja’s recent involvement in a workshop facilitated by the Human Rights Commission allowed leaders of the LGBTQIA+ community to collaborate on strategies for establishing boundaries that distinguish between fostering a sex-positive environment and combatting sexual harassment. Many queer individuals may have a more open approach to sexual positivity without strict boundaries but how can we balance between promoting a healthy attitude towards sex and preventing sexual harassment? The majority of perpetrators are often individuals who identify as men. These men engage in harassment towards women, trans women, gender diverse individuals, and even within their own community of men Sasja was joined by Aisya Zaharin for this important conversation. Aisya, a PhD researcher in political science, history, and decolonization related to LGBTQI+ & Islam, rejects the use of her identity to justify violence in Israel's pinkwashing propaganda. She stands against the idea that queer liberation should stem from bombings on civilians. Aisya is aware of Israel's long-standing persecution of Palestinians and draws parallels to her own experience in a colonized nation under British rule. She highlights the indiscriminate bombings in Gaza that endanger LGBTQIA people and violate international conventions. Resources: Q+ LawRainbow Door  Music:Losing my religion feat Polina Vita by Ian Storm, John Laurant & Carl Clarks Mwaki by ZERB & Sofiya NordBoy, Empty by BOABOA

On this episode of Queering The Air, Sasja was in conversation with Guy Ritani, system designer at PERMAQUEER and also one of the masterminds behind DAYMA - “May This Meal Last.” This innovative initiative combines elements of community engagement, theatrical performance, and a sustainable banquet to offer a delightful and meaningful experience that bridges generational gaps and addresses critical issues surrounding food waste, cultural appreciation, and human connections. By weaving together narratives, culinary traditions, melodies, and eco-conscious practices, DAYMA nurtures a profound bond between youths and their predecessors while underscoring the vital need to minimize food wastage. This project embodies a profound ethos of nurturing ourselves, fostering communal ties, and preserving the environment through the transcendent acts of culinary exchange, cultural celebration, and knowledge sharing. This event also serves as a welcoming gesture to new families from Gaza, Palestine who have recently settled in Naarm/Melbourne.  Everthing you need to know about --> DAYMADate : June 22, 2024Time : 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Australia/Melbourne)Venue : Multicultural hub, 506 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Music:Bitter Sweet Symphony by The VerveI am by Stan WalkerHind's Hall by Macklemore

In this over an hour episode of the thought-provoking podcast series "Queering the Air," host Sasja facilitated a pivotal and in-depth conversation with her esteemed guests, Maria and Aisya. Together, they immersed themselves in a profound exploration of the theme "No Pride In Genocide - Queers Talk Colonialism, Freeing Palestine, and Anti-Semitism," as part of their extensive preparation for the highly anticipated Better Together Conference in 2024, slated for June 14th and 15th.Throughout their discourse, the trio underscored the critical importance of representation and language, illuminating the nuanced ways in which these components shape and inform societal narratives. They carefully examined the damaging effects of performative allyship within the white community, drawing from Sasja's firsthand experiences to underscore the gravity of the issue. Their candid reflections delved deep into the complexities of allyship and the need for genuine solidarity in advancing social justice causes.Furthermore, the conversation delved into the evolving landscape of activism, particularly focusing on the resolute efforts of university students who have taken to the streets in protest. Their unwavering dedication to advocating for justice and equity was a central theme, with a particular emphasis on their impassioned calls for land restitution in Palestine. The guests highlighted the persistent and unwavering commitment of these student activists, who refuse to relent until their demands are not just heard but acted upon.In encapsulating the convergence of critical social issues and the urgent calls for justice and accountability, Sasja, Maria, and Aisya brought to light the multifaceted dimensions of contemporary activism and advocacy. As they navigated through complex topics with empathy and insight, their dialogue served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality, representation, and liberation that continue to shape our world today. Dr Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli AM, Honorary Fellow, School of Communication and Creative Arts, Deakin University, and founding member of the Australian LGBTIQ+ Multicultural Council (AGMC) in 2004, is an academic, author, activist and ally in the intersections of cultural diversity, gender and sexual diversity, relationship and family diversity. Maria is also a founding member of Ascolta Italian Women in 2020, a group of writers, artists and community leaders critiquing, decolonising and celebrating Italian heritage and culture.Maria won the Victorian Globe Straight Ally Award in 2018, was honoured with a Writers' Fellowship in her name by the WA Centre for Stories in 2021, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022.Her current project is "Mobs and Wogs: First Peoples and Southern European migrants in Australia", exploring the contestations and connections between colonialism, racism and multiculturalism. Her publications include over 15 books, several having achieved awards. These include Australia’s first AIDS biography, Someone You Know (1991), being developed by Stephen Nicolazzo for theatre; and her autoethnography of 5 generations in her family, Tapestry (1999). Maria was chief editor on the AGMC anthology, Living and Loving in Diversity: an Anthology of Australian Multicultural Queer Adventures (2018) funded by VMC/MASC. It was the first Australian book to have a Welcome to Book written by a Wurundjeri elder to respect. Aisya Zaharin is a PhD researcher and works across the fields of political science, history and decolonisation to LGBTQI+ & Islam. As a trans-Muslim woman, Aysha refuses to allow her identity to be used as a pretext for the continued carnage in Israel's pathetic pinkwashing propaganda. For her, It's absurd to think that queer and trans liberation should come from a campaign of bombings on defenceless civilians.She is well aware that the persecution of Palestinians by Israel, an apartheid ethno-religious state, predates October 7th and has continued for almost 75 years.Having been raised in a colonised nation herself, she saw the British employing the same dehumanising terminology to characterise any opposition group as savages and pengganas (terrorists) to maintain their colonial authority. It takes the same words to defend the invasion and the acts of brutality against the Palestinian people. She wants you to know that not a single gay Palestinian living in Gaza has been freed by Israel's indiscriminate bombing onslaught. LGBTQIA people in Gaza are currently in danger of dying from Israeli bombings, if they haven't already; as a result of collective punishment that violates Article 33 of the Geneva Convention.

On Jacob's final show for Queering the Air, they are joined by dear friend, dance floor deity, and professional wiggler Yonnie @primordial.pansy. The pair share their musings on life, love, and happiness while revisiting some of the special interviews throughout Jacob's more than two years of hosting QTA.Interview 1: Dr David Gould about his upcoming book 'Survivors and Thrivers: Male homosexual lives in post war Australia', sharing stories of the institutional challenges and underground fun of gay men in the 40s, 50s, and 60s in Australia.Interview 2: PhD student Hao Zheng about her latest paper detailing the experiences of queer international students during COVID-19 lockdowns & finding community in Naarm.Music:'Give it to me Baby' by Rick James'Quitter Paname' by Berzingue'Summertime' by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

In a captivating conversation, Sasja delved into the rich tapestry of Euphoria Social's history with its founder, T, exploring the deep-seated passion fueling the organization's mission to foster an environment of "inclusively difference" for the queer community. T's fervor emanated as they articulated the driving force behind their commitment to curating events that transcend mere social gatherings, aiming to provide platforms for mental health support and meaningful networking opportunities where queer individuals can authentically thrive and find solace. As T elaborated on the ethos guiding Euphoria Social's initiatives, anticipation swelled for the upcoming pinnacle event, the People's Choice Awards slated for June 1st 2024. With infectious enthusiasm, T tantalized with teasers about the event's spectacle, offering tantalizing glimpses into the roster of performers poised to grace the stage, heightening excitement and anticipation among attendees. The discussion not only shed light on the profound impact of Euphoria Social within the queer community but also illuminated the transformative power of inclusive spaces in fostering acceptance, belonging, and celebration. Follow Euphoria Social Instagram for future events!The GALA People's Choice Awards 2024 by Euphoria Social  Music:Mother Ate by Jane BellFire for You by CannonsIbiza Summer 2018 (Continuous DJ Mix) by Daniel Corbalan