Queering The Air Queering the Air collective

On this episode, Sasja was joined with the Soirée Fringe Garden Artists team: Festival Oganiser – Danny Delahunty, Artist - Karen from Finance, Artist - Memphis Mae and Artists - Mel O’Brien and Samantha Andrew to discuss their upcoming event.  MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL - SO SOIRÉE FRINGE FESTIVAL FEVER GRIPS PRAHRAN – GET READY FOR A TWO - WEEK EXTRAVAGANZA Prepare to be amazed at this year's So Soirée Fringe Garden! Prahran's vibrant performing arts playground is making a grand comeback, bigger and better than ever before. Presented by the City of Stonnington and as part of the Melbourne International Fringe Festival, this incredible event will take place from Saturday, October 7, until Sunday, October 22. The jam-packed program consists of 18 sensational shows that showcase the immense talent of performers who are pushing the boundaries of comedy, circus, cabaret, and burlesque.During the two-week duration, there is something for every festival enthusiast. Australia's favorite drag queens and bingo grannies will be returning, alongside exciting new events and award-winning performances.  Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of entertainment!Tickets on sale now. For more information visit www.sosoiree.com.au and see what’s happening at #sosoiree Music:Never Be Like You by FlumeWish I Didn't Miss You by Angie Stone -Dj Hector RemixRestricted by Dj Kronic feat Evan Ross

The Transcreative Network - An Australian online digital platform designed to foster creativity and connections among TGDNB (Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Non-Binary) individuals in Australia. A secure collective gathering space for TGDNB writers and creators in Melbourne and Regional Victoria; a mycelium of trans/gender/queer creative expression and culture making. They de-compose the offcuts and debris of mainstream culture, synthesising new forms. The network is currently held in place by Avery, Madison, and Alex, disabled settler-colonial trans humans. They currently meet every month via Zoom and physical locations at both Bendigo and Melbourne.In this episode on Queering The Air, Sasja were joined by Madison Moffat and Alex Lee to explore the essence of The Transcreative Network. They delved into how the idea for Transcreative emerged and the various offerings it brings to the table.The brains behind The Transcreative Network:Madison Moffat (She/Her) is a trans woman, a Transgender Victoria board member, consumer advisor to Monash Gender Clinic, co-facilitator of the TransCreative Network and Managing Editor of a new TGDNB culture community zine ‘The Trans-creator’. Professionally, she is a risk and operational integrity professional. She will soon resume a prior role reviewing for TheatrePress and will focus on queer theatre.Alex Lee (they/them) is a trans, queer, white, chronically activist, LGBT peer support worker and social work student. They love dreaming up creative and critical interventions with other queer folk. Their projects include: In Flux TGD anthology, TGD book club and African Queer Love is Love refugee-authored and led- book project, and Transcreatives Network.https://transcreatives.net Music:Mad World by Gary JulesWhat I Made For? by Billie EilishI Want To Know What Love Is by Amason  

In this episode of Queering The Air, Sasja, Anastasia, and Ethan will delve into the topic of behavioral changes in transgender individuals. They will share their personal experiences regarding mood changes on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how it can affect their behavior. It is crucial to clarify that they are not seeking to justify or excuse any aggression displayed by transgender people on HRT.Can HRT cause personality changes? Not every trans women experiences significant emotional changes, but those who do often report: an increased or decreased ability to cry, an increase or decrease in irritability, feeling more confident and happy as they become more comfortable in their body. Research indicates that trans men undergoing testosterone treatments may experience psychological changes during their medical transition. Many trans men report feeling more self-assured but also slightly more prone to aggression compared to before starting hormone therapy. However, there is no room for making excuses regarding your misconduct while undergoing HRT. It is essential to recognize that your misogynistic behavior originates from within. Anastasia Rose Le  is a seasoned leader in LGBTIQA+ advocacy, whose work also expands in forcibly displaced, domestic and intimate violence. Anastasia is passionate about challenging systemic barriers to provide platforms for voices are not heard. She is a Joyster, an advisory member for Transfemme; a contributing writer of Nothing to Hide. She is also a returning judge for Victorian Pride Awards. One of her current projects is focusing on building inclusive network to assist and support people of intersectionality obtain and sustain employment. The other is providing safety strategies for diverse people in Victorian Western metro regions. She’s started her HrT journey since September 2015 and has not looked back!Ethan, in search of liberation, a transgender man hailing from Malaysia displayed tremendous bravery by seeking refuge in Melbourne - Narrm, Australia. In Malaysia, where transgender individuals, especially within Muslim communities, do not receive legal recognition, Ethan was able to navigate the challenges and access black market hormones to aid in his transition. However, upon arriving in Melbourne - Narrm, Ethan encountered other transgender men who aided him in obtaining legal hormones from a healthcare professional. In this more accepting and inclusive society, Ethan discovered solace and happiness. Finally, he is able to fully embrace his authentic self, live without pretense, and exercise his right to express who he truly am. Melbourne - Narrm has transformed into a sanctuary where he can thrive without fear of judgment, allowing him to freely explore his identity. 

James Nguyen: Open GlossaryIn the upcoming exhibition called Open Glossary, Sasja had a conversation with James Nguyen and Budi Sudarto, who are the artists involved in the second edition of the Copyright Agency Partnerships Commission. This commission aims to support mid-career and established visual artists in creating a significant new artwork. For Open Glossary, James Nguyen will collaborate with Tamsen Hopkinson, Budi Sudarto, Kate ten Buuren, and Chris Xu on a multi-lingual installation that will be showcased across ACCA's gallery spaces.Born in Vietnam and based in Naarm/Melbourne, James Nguyen’s interdisciplinary practice examines strategies of decolonisation, while also interrogating the politics of family history, language, displacement and diaspora. Open Glossary probes the language and terminologies that permeate contemporary art and society more widely. Nguyen and collaborators present dynamic installations, videos, performances and events that foster multi-lingual conversations on a range of contemporary issues, including Land Rights and Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, gender diversity and sexual identity, and the linguistic links and spiritual connections of Southeast Asia, First Nations Australian and Moana neighbours.Curator: Shelley McSpeddenThis project is presented in partnership with the Copyright Agency as part of the 2023 Copyright Agency Partnerships (CAP) Commission, supporting mid-career and established Australian visual artists to produce a major new commission. The first in the series was TextaQueen’s Bollywouldn’t at the 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art’s Haymarket gallery.Venue: Australian Centre for Contemporary Art - 111 Sturt Street, Southbank VIC 3006, Melbourne, Australia16 Sep–19 Nov 2023Free Entry - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/.../james-nguyen-open...https://acca.melbourne/exhibi.../james-nguyen-open-glossary/Music:Chim Sau by RPT MCKHareudang by Kalia SiskaSokkar by Elyanna

TRANSFABULOUS - BESTIES EDITIONTwo close friends from New Zealand, Latoya Hoeg & Khann Tuapawa set out on a journey to Narrm - Melbourne in the early 80’s with the hope of building a brighter future for themselves. Listen to their captivating story here on this episode of Queering The Air.Latoya Hoeg, a trans woman of color, has been residing in Narrm, Melbourne for more than 30 years. She serves as an elder for the Samoan Fa'afafine Community in the area and is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ Pacifica individuals, particularly trans women. Currently, Latoya works at Star Health as a Community Engagement Worker for the Covid-19 Team and serves as a Community Health Educator at H2H (Hustling to Health), a drop-in center for sex street-based work, also known as RhED. She previously was a secretary and advisor at PacifiqueX, a Pacifica LGBTIQA+ Community in Melbourne Narrm. Latoya was one of the panelists in "An Evening With The Trans Elders" organized by Trans Sisters United during Trans Awareness Week last year. Recently, Latoya was honored alongside Uncle Jack Charles by Samuel Gaskin at his performance during the Victoria Pride Street Festival in 2023. Additionally, Latoya is a familiar voice on the radio show, PX Whanau at 3CR, where she also works as a producer.Khann Tuapawa, a resilient trans woman from New Zealand, has called Melbourne home for several decades. Embracing her identity unapologetically and living life on her own terms, she embodies a fearless attitude. Enduring significant discrimination as a trans woman during the 80s and 90s, Khan's experiences have only made her stronger. She has triumphed over adversity, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Now retired, Khan is relishing in the joys of life, appreciating the freedom and fulfilment that comes with being true to herself. EMPOWERING TRANS WOMEN & TRANS FEMININE OF COLOUR WORKSHOP  Music:Respect by Aretha FranklinHe wasn't man enough for me by Toni BraxtonSet Fire to the rain by Adele remix by DJ Zork

TRANSFABULOUS - Two trans men from Malaysia embarked on a courageous journey seeking freedom and refuge in Melbourne - Narrm, Australia. Identifying as trans masculine, Ethan and Tiff grew up in different cultural environments, with Tiff in a traditional Chinese household and Ethan in a Muslim household. In their homeland, they faced discrimination and marginalization due to their identity. However, upon their arrival in Melbourne - Narrm, they discovered a society that embraced and included them, providing solace and happiness. Finally, they could fully express their true selves and exercise their right to freedom of expression. Melbourne - Narrm became a haven where they could thrive without fear of judgment and freely explore their identities. The vibrant city brought them immense joy and a sense of belonging, enabling them to flourish within a diverse community that values and respects individuality. We are well aware of the dangers faced by transgender individuals in Malaysia. Conversion therapy is still practiced in the country, and trans individuals may be forcibly subjected to such harmful practices without their consent. In contrast, Australia provides a safer environment for Ethan & Tiff. The laws and societal attitudes in Australia are more inclusive and accepting, offering greater protection and support for transgender individuals. We believe that being in Australia offers Ethan & Tiff a significant improvement in terms of personal safety and well-being. Don't miss the opportunity to hear their inspiring story this episode on Queering The Air. 1998 R&B HitsNo, No, No... by Destiny Child Wyclef JeanAll My Life by K-Ci & JoJoHeartbreak Hotel by Whitney Houston, Faith Evans & Kelly PriceHave You Ever by BrandyTouch It by Monifa