LOTL Lounge

LOTL Media

LOTL Media is the evolution of 35 years of lesbian publishing into a modern platform for women who shape the world. Our flagship series, The LOTL Lounge, anchors this new chapter - a space for bold, intimate queer storytelling. Queer Conversation is our one‑on‑one interview series, where we sit down with thinkers, creators, community builders, survivors, and system‑changers whose lives and work move culture forward. Our lens is queer, our focus is impact.We highlight women who live authentically, challenge norms, and drive social, political, and cultural change. New conversations regularly.Website: lotl.com • @LOTLMedia

  1. Episode 1

    Series 08 Episode 01 - LOTL Is Back

    Send us Fan Mail LOTL Lounge - Episode 1 Episode Summary In the debut episode of LOTL Lounge, host Silke Bader relaunches LOTL’s audio home for lesbian and queer women’s stories - blending culture, lived experience, comedy, sport, and music into a vibrant hour of community storytelling.  We begin with Nash, a leading voice in the drag king community, who joins Silke to introduce Drag King Corner, their new LOTL.com blog exploring identity, performance, and the growing visibility of drag kings across Australia. Next, we shift into lived experience with Diana, 78, who reflects on decades of lesbian life - from secrecy and survival to liberation, humour, and resilience. Comedy arrives with the Tuck Shop Ladies, followed by Jo’s NRLW update, and two tracks from LOTL’s queer‑artist playlist. LOTL Lounge is back - bold, inclusive, and ready to amplify the voices shaping lesbian and queer culture today. Community Intro  Before we dive in, I want to talk briefly about language - the words we use to describe ourselves, our identities, and our community. Lesbian, queer, gay, bi, dyke, sapphic… these words carry history, emotion, pride, and sometimes tension. They evolve, they shift, and they mean different things to different people. I’d love to hear your thoughts. What language feels right for you? What words feel powerful, complicated, or changing? You can share your opinion here:  https://whatayarn.com/lotl-lounge Your voice helps shape this space. Segment Breakdown & Timestamps 00:00 - Intro Silke welcomes listeners and sets the tone for the show: lesbian and queer culture, community, music, sport, and storytelling. 03:00 - Nash: Drag King Corner (Interview) Nash introduces their new LOTL.com blog, shares insights into drag king culture, and discusses visibility, identity, and community. 06:00 - Music Track 1: “I Got U — Antracto A moment to breathe and dance, featuring queer artists from LOTL’s curated playlist. 08:00 - Lived Experience: Diana Wilde  Diana, 78, shares her life story - decades of lesbian history, humour, survival, and community evolution. 21:00 - Music Track 2: “Finding My Place” A moment to breathe and dance, featuring queer artists from LOTL’s curated playlist. 25 :00 - Comedy Segment: Tuck Shop Ladies  Chaotic, clever, and unapologetically queer. A comedic take on identity and culture. 31:00 - Flying Bats Advert Sydney’s iconic lesbian football club. 33:00 - NRLW Update with Jo Season preview, team movements, new recruits, and what to expect. 36:00 - Music Track 3: “Female Power Feminist Movement” A moment to breathe and dance, featuring queer artists from LOTL’s curated playlist. 40:00 - Closing & Next Week Preview Avi’s cold‑water swimming story + Amber’s conversation on lesbian–bisexual solidarity and tension. Featured Guests Nash Hill - Drag King Corner Drag king, writer, and c  ultural commentator. Diana Wilde - Lived Experience A 78‑year‑old lesbian whose life spans eras of secrecy, liberation, activism, and humour. Tuck Shop Ladies - Comedy A comedic duo exploring queer identity with wit, chaos, and charm. Jo Barrett -  NRLW Analyst LOTL’s women’s sport contributor. Music Featured Female Power Feminist Movement - Crazy TunesFinding my Place -  PremiumBeatI Got U - AntractoNotable Quotes “Drag king culture deserves more visibility - and Drag King Corner is here to make that happen.” “Diana reminds us that lesbian history isn’t just political -  it’s personal, hilarious, and brave.” “Are lesbians cool, or is it cooler to be queer? The Tuck Shop Ladies have thoughts.” Resources & Links New LOTL website www.LOTL.com  Old LOTL website legacy.lotl.com35 Years of LOTL magazine digitized https://legacy.lotl.com/digital-archive/ Drag King Corner   https://www.lotl.com/stories-conversations/the-resurgence-of-drag-kings-in-australia LOTL Queer‑Artist Playlist (Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6jaflmqJZPd04AQgEqu53j?si=21LJs-xRTRiuFkjI9fpEAw   & Soundcloud  Notion (Radio Edit) in Lesbian And Queer  )Flying Bats Women’s Football Club  https://www.theflyingbats.com/ NRLW official site  https://www.nrl.com/draw/?competition=161&round=1&season=2026Tuck Shop Ladies  www.tuckshopladies.comCall to Action Have a lived experience story? Nominate yourself or someone you know via LOTL.com. Share your thoughts on identity language at: https://whatayarn.com/lotl-lounge Subscribe to LOTL Lounge on Spotify, SoundCloud, or your favourite podcast app. Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

  2. Episode 2

    LOTL Lounge S8E2 – Shining in Our Space: Cold Ocean Rituals, Queer Art & Trailblazers

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the LOTL Lounge! In this episode, we dive deep into the lived experiences, creative voices, and histories that make our lesbian and queer community shine. Host Silke is joined by inspiring guests and contributors from across Australia, spanning art, activism, music, sport, and storytelling. Featured Stories & Guests 🌊 Healing in Cold Waters: Avi’s Story Silke sits down with Avi, a 54-year-old cold ocean swimmer from Victoria’s surf coast, for a profoundly honest chat about trauma, resilience, midlife identity, and the life-saving power of the sea. Facing waves and past wounds, Avi shares how plunging into icy waters with her queer swim pod brought her back to herself, and offers hope and courage to others in our community. Catch Avi’s raw and compassionate journey at 00:03:08. Read the article and listen to the full conversation  ✨ Hawaiian Healing & Queer Wisdom What if healing isn’t about perfection, but restoring our connection to self and others? This gentle spoken word segment explores the concept of aloha and the importance of belonging for queer folk, especially those who’ve navigated disconnection or exclusion. Find solace and perspective at 00:16:04. Read the article and listen to the full reading 🎶 Trailblazers – Queer Anthems with Tullara Meet Cairns-based pop-rock artist Tullara, whose new single “Trailblazers” is a fierce, 80s-inspired tribute to all queer folks who’ve carved a path forward. Hear the making-of, her reflections on pride, and listen to the full anthem, a power-up for anyone who ever felt “too different.” Jump into Tullara’s segment at 00:18:54. Read the article and watch the Music Video Regular Segment: The Tuck Shop Ladies No episode of the LOTL Lounge would be complete without a visit from the Tuck Shop Ladies! Their signature of cheeky humour and queer community spirit makes them a staple in our storytelling. Keep an ear out for their latest updates and don’t forget to follow them on socials for more laughs and singalongs. 🎨 Lesbians of Australia: Portraits & Power Artist Stacey Bennett takes us inside her nationally recognised “Lesbians of Australia” project- 100+ painted portraits and stories documenting the rich, real, everyday lives of lesbian and queer women. Stacey and Silke discuss art as activism, the impact of vulnerability, and the importance of recording our history for generations to come. Experience the art behind the movement at 00:38:14. Read the article and listen to the full conversation 📖 Living History: Kate Rowe, 78er & Lesbian Activist From the first Mardi Gras to World Pride, political trailblazer Kate Rowe reflects on protest, loss, visibility, health, and finding new energy at 75. Her stories highlight community courage and how staying engaged keeps us vital—mind, heart, and body. Walk through decades of activism at 00:52:37. Read the article and listen to the full conversation 🏉 League from the Lounge – NRLW Updates Jo Barrett, Fox League NRLW expert and commentator, gives a passionate NRLW wrap, celebrating Women in League’s 20th year, the rise of new teams, and the evolution of women’s rugby league. Tactics, breakthroughs, and queer sporting visibility at 01:04:35. 🌈 Voices from Regional Australia Mara Lucas shares an intimate blog about growing up queer in regional Queensland—where pride means quiet rebellion and small acts of authenticity can light a path for others. Read Mara’s moving excerpt at 01:12:07. 🎵 Musical Farewell with Rachel Sage We close with “Canopy,” a beautiful track by Rachel Sage, celebrating hope, softness, and queer belonging. Listen to “Canopy” at 01:15:39.  and Stream/download "Canopy" - https://mpress.lnk.to/CanopySingle Resources & Connect If you need support:Lifeline: 13 11 141800RESPECT: 1800 737 732Discover more:Avi’s story, Stacey Bennett’s art, and Mara Lucas’s blog at lotl.comStacey’s portraits: staceybennett.art | IG: @stace.paints.queersKate Rowe’s memoir: “How the f**k would I know?” katerowe.net or Katerowe51@outlook.com  to order her book Music: Follow our LOTL Lounge playlist on Soundcloud and Spotify for all tracks featured on the showTuck Shop Ladies  www.tuckshopladies.comFeedback & Participation:Email feedback: podcast@lotl.comSend a voice message: click hereAre you a lesbian or queer musician? Submit your track for the playlist and show! Next Episode Teaser Don’t miss Episode 3 with iconic guests Joan Nestlé (Lesbian Herstory Archives), intergenerational dialogues, Amber Loomis on lesbian-bisexual storytelling, and more trailblazing queer voices from across Australia. Thanks for sharing this space. Stay loud, stay proud, and see you next episode! Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

  3. Episode 3

    LOTL Lounge S8E3 - From Radical Roots to Rainbow Futures: Uncovering Australia’s Lesbian Herstory and Building Queer Community

    Send us Fan Mail Podcast Show Notes  Episode: LOTL Lounge S1E3 Highlights   Queer History Spotlight:   Silke interviews Tamsin Martin, a researcher and historian, on early lesbian involvement in Australia's gay and rights movement. Discover the radical roots, under-the-radar groups, and the persistent role lesbians played in shaping the national conversation on equality and identity [00:01:53].   Read the article on https://www.lotl.com/stories-conversations/lesbian-involvement-in-australias-early-gay-activism  Modern Lesbian Identity:  Hilarious and insightful musings on the endless variations-beyond “butch” and “lipstick”- of what it means to be a lesbian today. The Tug Shop Ladies dream up new categories: camo cargo lesbian, active lesbian, nerd lesbian, and invites listeners to invent their own [00:17:12].   Music Spotlight:   Enjoy "Belong to You" and "Nexus Acoustic" from Rachael Sage’s new EP. Rachael shares her passion for resilience, community, and queer solidarity. Learn what drives her creative process and the emotional heart behind her music [00:25:53], [01:00:00].   Read the article and listen to the full interview here NRLW Update:   Jo Barrett, Fox League NRLW expert and commentator offers a spirited roundup of Women’s Rugby League: big wins, emerging legends, and why visibility for women’s sport in Australia matters more than ever [00:27:04].  Intergenerational Conversation:  Powerful exchange between Joan Nestlé (Lesbian Herstory Archives) and Bridget Harilaou on mentorship, activism, and queer friendship across time. From 1950s New York bars to today's inclusive movements, hear what true community-building and solidarity look like [00:34:26].   Read the article on https://www.lotl.com/stories-conversations/a-living-archive-joan-nestle-daaft-and-the-queer-histories-that-shape-us        Timestamps & Segments   Opening & What’s Ahead – [00:00:28] - Queer History with Tamsin Martin – [00:01:53]     - Unsung activists, identity, and terminology shifts       - Radical Lesbians and separatism [00:04:31]     - The “butch” and “femme” debates [00:07:15] - Comedy Break: The Tuckshop Ladies – [00:08:58]     - Lesbian categories, stereotypes, and sporty confessions       - New takes on culture and style in the queer community - Music: “Belong to You” by Rachael Sage – [00:24:53]     - Rachael’s creative process, activism, and new music [00:25:53] - NRLW Update with Jo Barrett – [00:27:04] - Intergenerational Conversation: Joan Nestlé & Bridget Harilaou – [00:34:26]     - DAFT (Dykes and Accomplices Against Fascism and Transphobia)     - Why queer solidarity across ages is resistance     - Building safe, creative, welcoming homes for all - Closing & Music: “Nexus Acoustic” by Rachael Sage – [01:00:00]     - Reflections on grief, resilience, and the upcoming album “Under My Canopy” --- Key Quotes  “Lesbians were involved in the very first public demonstration in support of gay rights in Australia...there are lesbians here for the rest of the decade of activism.”   — Tamsin Martin [00:05:01] “It’s a mutual wonderment. It’s a mutual generosity of memory...I am so grateful to have you all in my life with your strengths of commitment.”   — Joan Nestlé [00:39:03] Take Action   ·       Subscribe, Share & Review:  Help independent, community-driven podcasts reach more listeners! ·       Join the Conversation: Got a story, project, or new category of lesbian to add? Reach out via the LOTL website. Leave a voice message here to be played on the show:  ·       Curated Playlists:  Follow our LOTL Lounge playlist on Soundcloud and Spotify for all tracks featured on the show ·       Check out more from Rachael Sage at rachaelsage.com  "Belong to You" and "Nexus Acoustic" from Rachael Sage’s new EP Rachael Sage Music & Merchandise – mpressrecords  ·       Explore Joan Nestlé’s work with the Lesbian Herstory Archives. And DAAFT Instagram @daaft.naarm -  Suggest, Create, Invent:   What new categories or stories are missing from our community? Message us for a chance to be featured. Regular Contributors: Tuck Shop Ladies  www.tuckshopladies.com  Feedback & Participation: Email feedback: podcast@lotl.com Send a voice message: click here Are you a lesbian or queer musician? Submit your track for the playlist and show! --- Where to Find Us   - Website: lotl.com - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube: @LOTLMagazine - Spotify/SoundCloud: The LOTL Lounge Playlist --- Thanks for listening to the LOTL Lounge - where your story shines. Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

About

LOTL Media is the evolution of 35 years of lesbian publishing into a modern platform for women who shape the world. Our flagship series, The LOTL Lounge, anchors this new chapter - a space for bold, intimate queer storytelling. Queer Conversation is our one‑on‑one interview series, where we sit down with thinkers, creators, community builders, survivors, and system‑changers whose lives and work move culture forward. Our lens is queer, our focus is impact.We highlight women who live authentically, challenge norms, and drive social, political, and cultural change. New conversations regularly.Website: lotl.com • @LOTLMedia

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