Queering The Air Queering the Air collective

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, predate

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 

Enough is enough! The prevalence of violence must cease immediately. In the latest installment of Queering The Air, Sasja is accompanied by Rebeckah Loveday & Caroline McGuiness to discuss strategies for eradicating gender-based violence. Shockingly, 26 lives of women in Australia have been tragically lost this year alone, with the year not even halfway through. The urgency of this situation demands immediate action. It is a clarion call to the government to elevate the issue of gender-based violence to a national emergency status, allocating substantial resources to properly support initiatives combating domestic violence, family violence, and sexual violence.Sasja and guests united at The State Library Naarm to march against gender-based violence organised by What Were You Wearing: Sunday, April 28th, State Library, 10am before to headed to the studio for the live conversation.What do women need from the goverment now?accountabilityConsequencesResourcesStructural ChangeTougher LawLiteral violence comes in many forms beyond physical actions. It can manifest through emotional manipulation, verbal abuse, financial abuse, psychological intimidation, and societal oppression. These non-physical forms of violence have a profound impact on an individual's well-being and can often leave lasting scars that are not visible to the naked eye. Addressing and recognising these various forms of violence is crucial in fostering a safer and more compassionate society.Rebeckah Loveday: @rebeckahlovedayRebeckah Loveday (she/her) is a Melbourne/Naarm based actor, model, presenter and transgender advocate. Co-founder of Trans Pride March Melbourne & Trans Sisters United, Board Member of Melbourne Queer Film Festival and Advisory Committee Member of Transfemme.Rebeckah currently works within the family violencec space, advocating for people within the LGBTIQA+ community. Rebeckah is a proud women of transgender experience and strongly believes in using her voice and platform, to raise awareness on the plight against trans and gender diverse people around the world.  Caroline McGuinness: @thewhycampaignblogCaroline McGuinness is a qualified Social Worker, with over 23 years combined career expertise working on the frontline, in community, with people from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan. She is a survivor of sexual assault herself, that informs and drives her to be committed to work in the challenging spaces she does to creating positive collaborative needs-based sustainable social change. She has been the force and Founder behind several visionary social impact initiatives, including Stories of Resilience and the W.H.Y (We Hear You) Campaign, a digital campaign, that was born out of the covid-pandemic lockdowns of 2020. That began here in Narram /Melbourne to raise National to global public awareness about Gendered Based Violence /Family Domestic abuse/ Intimate Partner Violence, and to collaboratively be part of the solution to ultimately see an end to fatalities. Caroline is also a dynamic coach, mentor, advocate, and emerging speaker. She is purpose-driven, with a desire to positively impact and help transform the lives of others. She is passionate about womxn's empowerment, embedding wellbeing /self-care policy and practices in the workplace to prevent and manage burnout of first responders and much needed social workers, upholding basic human rights, and systemic and structural societal change for a safer, equal, and just future for the next generation.  Music:Battles by EmikaStand Up by Cynthia Erivo 

This episode of Queering The Air, Sasja reached out to the Queer Melayu community living in Naarm, Ethan and Yazid, inviting them to delve into their thoughts on the importance of Hari Raya in their lives. Together, they explored the nuances of celebrating this cultural festival in their current environment as opposed to their native land, navigating the intersection of tradition and identity. Sasja, in turn, took a moment to introspect on her journey of reconnecting with her roots by participating in Hari Raya festivities with her local community. Through this shared experience, she found solace and camaraderie among her peers, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and understanding within the Queer Melayu diaspora in Naarm. We also welcomed Tiff as a guest who joined the queer Melayu community in Naarm for his first Raya celebration, sharing about his experience.Music:Dari Jauh Kupohon Maaf by SudirmanLambian Aidilfitri by Jamal Abdillah and SaleemAlamak Raya Lagi by De Fam

On today's show, Jacob unpacks the mind and musings of @adaraya.x : athlete of the arts and holistic healer. Ādaraya [translated from sinhalese to english, meaning Love] is an emerging athlete of the arts, with an open agenda to reshape our entertainment industry.Guided by a belief in the healing power of performance and passion, this queer trans BIPOC baddie has forever chosen storytelling as their mode of provocative truth telling.With a want to 'push envelopes' toward contemporary directions and broadened perspectives, all in the vein of self love development and a newly recognised accountability standard for the liberation of freeform expression, Ādaraya utilises the journey of a song to be interpreted as a personal roadmap into enlightenment and holistic healing.