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

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  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

  4. Episode 4

    LOTL Lounge S8E4 - When Queer Sex Talk Feels Too Much

    Send us Fan Mail S1E4: Show Notes Episode Summary Episode 4 of The LOTL Lounge is packed with brilliant voices and big stories. This week features comedy from the Tuckshop Ladies, an interview with award-winning non-binary author Kris Kneen, an NRLW wrap with Jo Barrett, a deep dive into the history of lesbian and bisexual women's dynamics with Amber Loomis, music from Theia and Fvneral!, a powerful conversation with formerly incarcerated queer Aboriginal writer Tabitha Lean, a Drag King Corner update from Nash Hill, and a cabaret love letter to the '90s with Cherry Charleston. Segments & Timestamps Tuckshop Ladies — Talking About Sex (~1:36) Rosie Burgess and Sam Lowes (the Tuckshop Ladies) return with a hilarious segment about the discomfort of talking about sex.  Topics include: The expectation that queer people should be open about sexThe L Word and lesbian representation on televisionAuthor Kris Kneen - Rite of Spring (~13:59) Award-winning non-binary author Kris Kneen (formerly Krissy Kneen) joins the show to discuss: Their transition to a non-binary identity and name changeTheir new book Rite of Spring, a story about a marine biologist on a remote Tasmanian island, exploring themes of gender transition, menopause, and life changeThe queer community's response to their writing, including readers who realised they were trans through Kris's first book AffectionTheir fascination with writing about sexuality in fat bodiesExclusive excerpt from Rite of Spring read by the author (~23:20)BONUS EPISODE: Read the article and listen to the full episode here Music Track by Theia - BALDH3AD! (~27:37) A track that has become a full-blown protest anthem, nominated for Single of the Year at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards and landing at #178 on Rolling Stone Australia's top 250 Australian/New Zealand songs of the 21st century. A new live version has just been released. Follow LOTL Lounge's queer artist playlists on Spotify and SoundCloud. League from the Lounge with Jo Barrett (~28:27) Jo Barrett's NRLW Wrap covering rounds 6 and 7: Indigenous Round - celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, jersey design, boot painting, and recognition of historic Indigenous women players (Katrina Fanning, Yvonne O'Neill, Carol Jarrett, Tracey Thompson, Theresa Anderson, Kylie Pennell, Katasha Gale)Three things noticed lately:Impact of injury on team performance (Cronulla Sharks hit hard, losing Shontae Kiri-Ratu)Every team has now had at least one win; Titans move to second; Roosters stamp authority with big win over BroncosThe tribute to Yasmin Meeks' mother — both the Knights and Warriors came together in an emotional opening ceremonyPlayer focus: Jocelyn Kelliher (Roosters) - first player to reach 300 individual points in the NRLWLooking ahead: Broncos vs Titans clash with finals implicationsAmber Loomis - Lesbians & Bisexual Women: A History (~35:43) Amber Loomis, a trans genderqueer bi+ advocate and community researcher, explores the longstanding friction between lesbians and bisexual women: Founding the Sydney Bi+ NetworkJill Johnston and the 1971 Dialogue on Women's Liberation in New York — a flashpoint for lesbian separatismJohnston's 1973 book Lesbian Nation and its call for a complete break with menHow lesbian separatism shaped the exclusion of bisexual women from queer spacesTensions in the 1990s — archival evidence from Lesbians on the Loose and feminist newspapersDating app exclusion and modern-day impacts on bi+ mental healthBONUS EPISODE: Read the article and listen to the full episode here Music Spotlight: Fvneral! - Hate U (~53:19) Queer supergroup Fvneral! features their new EP Chosen Family, led by trans non-binary songwriter Tay Blunt.  Interview topics include: The concept of chosen family in queer cultureThe track "Hate U" - about recognising coercive control and reclaiming powerBONUS EPISODE: Read the article and listen to the full episode here Tabitha Lean - Queer Women Leaving Prison (~59:34) Tabitha Lean, a queer Aboriginal woman, formerly incarcerated, writer and advocate with Sisters Inside, shares her powerful story: The contrast between coming out as queer (celebrated) vs. coming home from prison (stigmatised)The work of Sisters Inside and CEO Debbie KilroyA recent Adelaide court case where a prison officer was found guilty of sexual violence against women prisoners - and the resounding silence from feminist organisationsThe impact of shows like Wentworth and Orange Is the New BlackAboriginal women as the fastest-growing prison cohort in AustraliaBONUS EPISODE: Read the article and listen to the full episode here Drag King Corner with Nash Hill (~1:15:06) A quick call with Nash Hill, who writes the biweekly Drag King Corner column on lotl.com: Upcoming interview with iconic drag king Sexy GalaxySexy Galaxy's journey from shyness to the stageRead the column at lotl.com Cherry Charleston — Love Letter to the '90s (~1:18:52) Cabaret performer Cherry Charleston discusses her show Love Letter to the '90s: Origin story: started as a 10-minute act at an alternative queer performer competitionExpanded into a full cabaret show with a group of seven backup singersComing out in the '90s - legal discrimination, no couples rights, no IVF accessk.d. lang's 1993 coming out and the iconic Vanity Fair photoshoot with Cindy CrawfordThe '90s lesbian "uniform" - short hair, jeans, vest, red lipstickShow details: August 22, MelbourneFollowed by Cherry's recorded Love Letter to the '90s — a personal, moving account of queer life in 1990s Melbourne Next Episode Preview (S1E5) Zoe Terakes - author and actor, known as Max from WentworthMandahala Rose - known as E from the film All About E, joining from New YorkThe Tuckshop Ladies return, and more queer music and stories Links & Resources Seg 1: Tuckshop Ladies Seg 2: Kris Kneen and Byron Bay Writers Festival Seg 3: Music Track by Theia - BALDH3AD! Seg 6: Music Spotlight: Fvneral! - Hate U Seg 7:Tabitha Lean - Queer Women Leaving Prison and Sisters Inside Seg 9: Cherry Charleston — Love Letter to the '90s 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

See All Season 8 (4)

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

Information

  • Creator
    LOTL Media
  • Episodes
    81
  • Seasons
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 LOTL Media
  • Show Website
    LOTL Lounge

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