Queerstories

Poet Candy Royalle on the road to belonging.Candy was an award winning writer, performance artist, poet, storyteller, activist, educator and vulnerability advocate. Candy's album “Birthing the Sky Birthing theSea,” a collaboration with the band The Freed Radicals, explored a fusion of rock and roll, funk, experimental soundscapes, hip hop, poetry with song. She published two solocollections, “Love Spectacular” and “Heartbeats,” and toured extensively in Australia, the UK, Canada and the USA, with performances at The Sydney Writers Festival, The Stella Awards, The Austin International Poetry Festival, The Latitudes Festival in Toronto and Woodford Folk Festival, to name a few. Her poetry and opinion pieces were published by Fairfax, SBS, Overland Literary Magazine, Mascara Literary Review, Peril Magazine, Australian Love Poems, RN's Poetica, AIPF's Diversity anthology, “Butch is Not a Dirty Word” magazine and many more. A new collection of Candy's poems, 'A Tiny Trillion Awakenings' will be published by UWAP in November 2018.Sadly, Candy passed away in June 2018 from ovarian cancer. She was remembered by her family and the LGBTQIA+ community for her strength, conviction and passion, and she will be deeply missed.An extended version of this story is featured in the Queerstories book which can be ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison Gallagher explores the re-negotiation of their relationship to masculinity after coming out as trans.Allison is a writer and poet from Sydney. Their chapbook 'Parenthetical Bodies' was released in 2017 by Subbed In. Their poems have appeared in places like Overland, Potluck, Scum Mag and Moonsick, while other writing has appeared on i-D, The Sydney Morning Herald and Junkee. They also sing and play bass in the indie-punk band Sports Bra. Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nell gives us a Blessing For One Who Is Exhausted, Hard On For Love, Artist's Prayer, Yellow Glove and banter.Nell's practice traverses performance, sculpture, music, and painting. Small, intimate objects are just as probable as immersive installations. In creating her dramatic, idiosyncratic works Nell draws on an eclectic selection of material, ranging from the sacred to the popular. Her great love of Rock ‘n' Roll and small joys manifest in artworks that are everyday meditations on what is means to stay familiar with the certainty of your own mortality.Nell studied at Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney, The University of California, Los Angeles and École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Paris. She has exhibited widely in Australia and been awarded residences in Beijing and Rome. Nell is represented by Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney and STATION, Melbourne and is a 2017 Carriageworks Studio Artist.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Tillianakis tells us a true story from 1999.George is a Sydney based video performance artist, composer, and musician. George has been active in the arts for over 15 years, exhibiting and performing in galleries internationally, most notably in New York City. George has written, produced, and released music, under the name Melodiqa, a solo electronic project that saw two albums released in 2016, Donuts, and Cry, Fuck, or Fight, and with indie band Chainsaw Melody. All music under these names are available for digital download on iTunes.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AJ Brown and Lisa Freshwater talk about healing the past through renovating a house and affirming gender.AJ is a landscape designer as well as an admin for a number of online groups including Trans Sydney Pride and Transgender International. Lisa is a co-founder of The Theatre Division. Currently her production of Miracle City is playing at the Sydney Opera House. Together, Lisa and AJ have a fifteen year old son and a boarder collie called Fergus.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tilly Lawless talks about her experiences at a massage parlour she worked at and the fling she had with another working girl there.Tilly is a queer, Sydney-based sex worker who is passionate about horses, sex worker rights and feminism. She utilises her online platform to speak about her personal experiences within the sex industry, in an attempt to shine a light on the every day stigma that sex workers come up against. Growing up in rural NSW, her writing is often a bucolic love letter to the countryside that she comes from, and also a deeply intimate insight into queer romance and relationships. You can read her writing in various publications, but it's best going straight to the source and reading it directly from her Instagram.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan Raskopoulos tells the sordid tale of her battle with the Logies.Jordan is a writer, comedian and singer. She's been on tele, she's toured the world with her band The Axis of Awesome, had a few viral hits and then had a supporting role in a telemovie about Julian Assange. Since coming out and transitioning she's also taken on a lot of speaking and advocacy work, hosting the ABC podcast This is About and creating content around issues such as Australia Day and Marriage Equality. Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theatre critics Cassie Tongue and Ben Neutze tell a story of musical theatre legends, glitter emerald eye-shadow, and pants-wetting in the presence of a Minogue.Cassie and Ben are two of Sydney's leading theatre critics and are among the most influential performing arts commentators in the country. Cassie writes regularly for Time Out Sydney and Guardian Australia, and Ben is Deputy Editor of Daily Review. Ben and Cassie bring intelligence, politics, feminism and a queer eye to the fine art of theatre criticism, and they are 100% my favourite bromance in the Australian media.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonny Seymour shares his reflections on a lifetime of creating chosen family, logical rather than biological.DJ and composer Jonny is one half of Stereogamous, the Sydney-based duo he formed with Paul Mac. Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bhenji Ra and Christina Radburn tell their story of being two sisters growing up and growing together.Christina is an award-winning independent film producer based in Melbourne. Bhenji is an interdisciplinary artist. She belongs to the collective Club Ate and she is the overall mother of the house of Slé, a western Sydney based community performance group. They grew up in Moruya, a small coastal town in NSW. They are sisters, carrying the long bloodlines of their Filipino matriarchs who have gone before them.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Coopes muses on sacraments, sacrificial siblings, and the mindblowing power of the Catholic confessional.Amy is a writer, journalist, and editor at Croakey News.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ginger Turner reflects on their realisation that they identify as asexual.  Ginger is a writer, a podcaster and a pop-culture commentator, pastimes that feel as natural to them as breathing. And, like breathing, they'll keep doing it even when no one's listening. You can buck the trend, and listen to their podcast, Common Sense with Burt Franklap.   Ginger is featured in the Queerstories book which can be ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jones Jones and Teddy Cook tell us the story of a pair of twins, some snow and slamming it down fast, the perfect analogy for Teddy and Jones' beautiful queer life. Jones Jones launched The Vegan Teahouse in 2012, the Vegan Collective night market in 2014, and established MAKER, a queer feminist run shared commercial kitchen, education space and coffee bar in Petersham. Their identical twin, Ted works at ACON, is an affiliate member of the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) and the International AIDS Society (IAS), and is a founding member and Co-Chair of the Peer Advocacy network for the Sexual Health of Trans Masculinities (PASH.tm). Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vicki Melson tells us a short tale of heroes, cock and cancer.   Vicki is a Sydney based aromatherapist with a background in graphic design. She has recently completed an Arts degree majoring in English and Film which she hopes will encourage her to write more. She escaped from the UK in 1987 and has since been trapped in Australia due to her love of its flora and fauna.  Vicki Melson is featured in the Queerstories book which can be ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nic Holas opens up for the first time about something very personal that happened to him, his sisters, and his Dad.    Nic Holas is an activist, writer, and co-founder of The Institute of Many (TIM), Australia's largest grassroots movement for People Living with HIV. Nic's writing on HIV/AIDS, LGBTIQA issues, human rights, and pop culture has appeared in Archer, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, SBS, Hello Mr., The Lifted Brow, and Junkee, as well as in international and local queer media.Nic has been a frequent guest on current affairs TV and radio, including appearances on Q&A, Lateline, Radio National, and triple j. For the last 15 years Nic has also worked nationally and internationally as a director, performance maker, performer, and producer.Nic Holas is featured in the Queerstories book which can be ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be purchased from your favourite independent bookseller or on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff and insomnia rants follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francis Voon and James Adcock know the lead up to marriage equality may not be easy, but they are saying YES to love, even if that means wearing matching merchandise. Francis and James have been together for 5 years. James is an architect and Francis works on the marriage equality campaign. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kirsty Webeck tells us how a trip to Peru changed the way she sees the world.Kirsty is a Melbourne-based stand up comedian. She has notably performed in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival, hosted The GLORIAs at NSW Parliament House and performed at Mardi Gras. Kirsty is currently touring her 2018 festival show, 'I Get It Now!,'Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julie Low talks about the wide variety of names she's collected throughout her life, along with what they mean to her and why she loves them all.Julie is an artist, writer, photographer, and podcast host. She is a graduate of the National Art School with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and is currently in the first year of her Masters of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of New South Wales. Her recent work includes co-hosting Trans-Mission Radio, an amateur anecdotal advice show by trans women, for everyone, and covering the Lesbian, Bisexual & Queer Women's Health Conference 2017.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leona Beasley tells us the story of Onnie Armstrong who kisses her first girl inside a shabby doghouse in the backyard, but the sheer joy of lips locking doesn't last when her hotheaded Southern father discovers his daughter isn't like the other girls.Writer Leona Beasley was born and raised in in Atlanta, Georgia. Her debut novel Something Better than Home is a 2018 Lambda Literary Award finalist in Lesbian Fiction. She studied Interior Design at the University of Georgia, Education at Mills College, and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School University in New York City.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heather Grace Jones tell us three short pieces. They are a small reminder that 'love is love' has many meanings, and while this moment in history feels unbearable in many ways, together we continue to celebrate our communities, our unconditional affections and our lives.Heather is a journalist, community worker and writer. For the past decade Heather Grace has worked in Australia, Afghanistan and Pakistan on social justice issues with a focus on media development, technology and women's rights.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maxine Kauter tells us the story of her amazing adventure right into the heart of Evangelical Christianity and advice that you should be careful how well you make your bed because you may be asleep in it for longer than you think. Maxine is a singer, songwriter and storyteller. She is best known for her role as the titular character in the long-running soap opera, 'The Maxine Kauter Band'. In that role she has self-released three records of critically acclaimed music for sad sacks. She is also the founder of Museophilliac, producing bespoke content and performances for cultural institutions. In that capacity she has written content and produced shows for The City of Sydney, The Australian Museum, the Royal Ontario Museum and various art and design galleries including the independent curatorial space The Cross Art Projects.Maxine will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tina Dixson tells us a story about queer search for safety. When home and exile become one, how does one belong? Tina is a queer woman and an advocate for human rights both here and overseas, specialising on the issues faced by LGBTIQ communities, people from refugee backgrounds and women who've experienced violence. In Australia she has worked for the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS), Australia's preeminent legal service of people seeking asylum. She is currently collaborating with her partner Renee Dixson in her creative practice which has given rise to the social art project, "Stories about Hope". She currently holds the position of Policy Officer at the Australian Women Against Violence Alliance. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kaya shares a tale of transitioning after a near fatal accident and discovering the joys of google incognito. Kaya is a scientist researching the tsunami threat to NSW, working closely with the SES to develop emergency management policies. In their career as an ocean mapping scientist they spent several years at sea working for the government and private industry. Kaya also writes and publishes creative non fiction for the queerest publications they can find.  Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A heartfelt account of how artist Guy James Whitworth's troubled childhood in the North East of England fuels and fires him on to negotiating the straight art scene in Sydney.Guy is one of those intense and creative types. Originally hailing from Northumberland in the North East of England he has for the past decade called Australia home and resides in Surry Hills wandering the streets shouting about form, colour and the importance of studying anatomy to anyone who will listen.Whist juggling his day jobs in costume design, working for companies such as Opera Australia, he has exhibited his art work in galleries in both Europe and Australia, with sponsors including Mardi Gras, Art Month and City of Sydney.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Copland's polyamorous relationships seem to concern many gay people. But accepting diversity means accepting all of it, even when it comes to sex. Simon is a PhD candidate in Sociology at the Australian National University. He is a freelance writer who has been published in the Guardian, SBS Online Australia, BBC Online, and co-produces and presents the podcast Queers.Simon is the co-editor of the online publishing site Green Agenda. In his free time he likes to powerlift, he loves rugby union, and he's a David Bowie fanatic.Simon Copland will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mama Alto is a cabaret artiste, jazz singer and trans non-binary femme who tells two interwoven stories about gender and generations.Mama Alto is a gender transcendent diva, cabaret artiste, jazz singer and community activist based in Melbourne. She is a non-binary trans femme person of colour who works with the radical potential of storytelling, strength in softness and power in vulnerability. Mama Alto was the delighted recipient of the 2014 Weekly Award for Best Cabaret at Adelaide Fringe, the 2016 Arts Access Victoria Outstanding Access & Inclusion Award at Melbourne Fringe, and the 2017 Artist of the Year Award at the GLOBE LGBTI Awards.  Mama Alto will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eloise Brook tells us the safest space growing up Trans in the 80s in Australia was music - a place to listen, a place to imagine and a place to dream.Eloise is a researcher at the Sexualities and Gender Research network, Western Sydney University as well as the secretary of the board of Directors at the Gender Centre.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen Razer impales herself on the white picket fence of diminished queer ambition.Helen is an opinion and arts writer perhaps best known for her years spent hosting breakfast on triple j, quite possibly the first female breakfast announcer on Australian FM radio and certainly the crankiest. Helen has published a bunch of books and writes a bunch o' publications about politics, the arts and pop culture.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rhys Nicholson tells tales from his youth in Newcastle.Rhys has performed all over the world, garnering audience and critical praise for being both funny and a snappy dresser. In 2016, he was nominated for best show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Zoe Coombs Marr won and in the meantime Zoe and Rhys wed at the Festival Club with their very gay partners acting as Best Man and Maid of Honour.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allan Clarke tells us a coming of age story with a twist. An eye opening tale of what it's really like to grow up gay and Koori in the outback.Allan is the presenter of The Point on NITV. He is also their investigative reporter and was formerly the Indigenous Affairs reporter for BuzzFeed News and ABC News' Western Sydney reporter and a senior reporter for SBS television's Living Black.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jen Cloher tells us about Adelaide in the 1980's. This was not a place where you discovered gender as "a journey rather than a destination". It was a place you survived.Jen is an ARIA nominated artist and spent almost a decade as one of the country's best folk leaning singer-songwriters. In 2013, the release of In Blood Memory marked a new era; backed by an all time trio of Courtney Barnett, Bones Sloane and Jen Sholakis, post 2013 Cloher is grittier, groovier and more devastatingly honest than ever before.Jen is an outspoken advocate for artist rights, a label boss and band-leader. In 2011 Jen launched a series of workshops called I Manage My Music, specifically tailored to assist the self-managed musician. She now manages Milk! Records the label started by Courtney Barnett in 2012, which won Best Label at the 2015 AIR Awards.Jen will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stand up Comedian Geraldine Hickey shares a tale from one of her less welcoming gigs. Geraldine has been described as a ‘deceptively cheery dame who'll quietly take out your innards.' I can't decide if that is terrifying or hot. Geraldine is a regular on the club and pub circuit around the country and she can be heard each morning on Melbourne Community radio station RRR.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan Maclean reflects on earlier career choices in where he "camped it up" for a pink dollar or two, and the repercussions of an ego based on a false identity.Brendan is a singer/song writer and actor whose credits include Velvet, Tracks & The Great Gatsby. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bish Marzook shares stories about her father, his love of language, and what happens when she has to come up with her own definitions.Bish is a writer, comedian, and scientist for good measure. She writes for SBS Comedy, regularly appears on Triple J and FBi radio, and co-runs Wolf Comedy, a Sydney comedy room committed to promoting diversity in comedy. You should definitely check it out. She also recently completed a PhD in cell biology because of course she did what an over-achiever. She has performed at writers', music, science, and comedy festivals around Australia, and hopes to book her first food festival soon.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annaliese Constable invites you into the dysfunctional hotbed of mental illness that is her relationship with her partner Emily.Annaliese is a writer, performer and queer rights activist working across standup, queer performance and theatre. Renowned for self deprecating and tragic comedic works Annaliese has been a regular contributor to Erotic Fan Fiction, Confession Booth, Story Club and FBi's Versus with Eddie Sharp. Annaliese is funny for a girl, pretty for a lesbian and when she can afford it very well medicated. Despite not being raised by wolves Annaliese manages to get herself into numerous pickles that usually delight and terrify her friends and require compulsory notifications to relevant authorities. Annaliese has a penchant for growing one exceedingly long nipple hair and is the funniest blogger without a blog. However, if you want to find her on twitter search for Fisty Scent.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bastian Fox Phelan explores being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, the medicalisation of female facial hair, and how a disorder can be turned into a distinction. This story was published in The Lifted Brow (TLB #34) in June 2017.Bastian is a writer, musician and zinemaker living in Newcastle, Australia. Bastian is an MA (Research) candidate at The University of Sydney and is currently writing a memoir about female facial hair. They are part of dream pop duo Moonsign.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessie Lloyd speaks about her Mission Songs Project, and her research into her history as an Indigenous musician.Originally from the tropics of North Queensland, Jessie Lloyd is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musician who performs a broad collection of Australian Indigenous songs. As an independent solo artist, Jessie released her debut EP ‘Other Side of the Room' in 2014. Dedicated to the continuation of cultural practice through the production of both traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, Jessie has a broad experience in Indigenous music business and sector development. Jessie was previously CEO of Songlines Aboriginal Music in Melbourne and South West Aboriginal Entertainment in Perth. Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Alice E Williamson looks back at the months she spent back in her home town in the North West of England just before moving to Sydney. Alice is a Lecturer in Chemical Education and Outreach at The University of Sydney. Originally from the North West of England, Alice completed her PhD at The University of Cambridge, where she worked with colleagues to develop two new chemical reactions. In addition to her research, Alice specialises in science communication and outreach. In February 2015, she was named as one of ABC RN and UNSW's ‘Top 5 Under 40' in recognition of her passion for sharing science stories. Alice presents a weekly science slot on FBi Radio's breakfast show and is the co-host of the ABC Science Podcast Dear Science.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Van Reyk was told to ‘Go forth and multiply' ...but he did it his way.Paul was born in Sri Lanka in 1952, migrating to Australia with his family in 1962. He came out publicly in 1978, and has spent the subsequent four decades as an activist. He has been a regular media commentator over that time, writing on gay and HIV/AIDS history, racism in the gay community and LGBTQI families, and he has performed monologues on his life as an activist and gay donor dad.A social worker by profession, Paul also manages his own consultancy company, and blogs regularly about food, family, activism and his dogs.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Rebecca Shaw expresses her pity for the straight women of the world, and devises a plan to help them live better lives.Rebecca (aka @brocklesnitch) is a writer and creator of popular parody Twitter account @notofeminism, which was developed into an illustrated book with Affirm Press.She is on the writing team at Tonightly with Tom Ballard, and has written for Junkee, The Guardian, Daily Life, Kill Your Darlings, SBS Comedy and more. She is in constant competition with Ruby Rose to become Australia's favourite lesbian.Rebecca Shaw will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Abboud shares an intimate family story he has never told before, exploring what it means to come out in Arab Culture.The son of Palestinian / Lebanese parents, Patrick is an award-winning storyteller, documentary filmmaker and broadcaster. Currently the senior investigative reporter/ presenter on SBS VICELAND's nightly program The Feed, Pat is passionate about uncovering stories you never knew existed.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Demi Lardner shares stories about the fine art of parenting yourself.Beginning stand-up at just 15, Demi has exploded around the country and abroad. Last year she was the breakout star of the 2017 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala that saw her sell out her tour, win the Director's Choice Award and Underbelly Edinburgh Fringe Award and record her show as part of ABC TV's Comedy Next Gen stand-up series. This year sheis touring her brand new show I Love Skeleton around Australia.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerry Bashford reflects on his life as a Daddy Bear.Kerry Bashford was a frequent contributor to the Sydney Star Observer in the '80s and '90s, went on to edit Campaign Magazine, Pink Ink: an anthology of lesbian and gay writers and Kink, a collection of queer fetish writers. Prominent in the bear and leather communities, Kerry has frequently chronicled their activities and now does LGBTQI+ oral histories for Newcastle Museum and Newcastle University.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Gadsby discovers a story she wrote when she was young. This story was recorded in March 2017, just as Hannah started touring her critically acclaimed show, Nanette. Winner, Best Comedy Show, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2017, Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer, 2017 and Best Comedy Show, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2017, Nanette is now a Netflix special that has taken the world by storm.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.The new Queerstories book is published by Hachette Australia, and can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Duck-Chong recounts memories of her life and her story is a real story, but it isn't the whole story. Not yet.Liz Duck-Chong is a writer, sexual health nerd, photographer and musician who almost exclusively wears odd socks. She has had her work featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, Crikey, Meanjin, Kill Your Darlings, ABC Online, SBS Online, Archer Magazine, Junkee, and Overland. A proud trans and non binary woman, Liz is a true renaissance figure in the sense that most of them were really gay. She can be found on @lizduckchong or co-hosting @letsdoitpodcast, a podcast about queer sexual health.An extended version of this story will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer, disability educator and activist Jax Jacki Brown speaks to blowjobs, butchness and disability. Some of this story appeared in the second issue of Butch is not a Dirty Word and an extended version will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.Jax Jacki Brown a co-producer of Quippings: Disability Unleashed a disability performance troupe in Melbourne. She has written for Junkee, Daily Life, The Feminist Observer, Writers Victoria, ABC's Ramp Up and in print for Hot Chicks with Big Brains, Archer Magazine: The Australian Journal for Sexual Diversity, Queer Disability Anthology and Doing It: Women Tell the Truth About Great Sex. She can be found on @jaxjackibrownQueerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer Benjamin Law comes out to his grandmother – half a lifetime after he originally came out.Benjamin Law writes books, TV screenplays, columns, essays and feature journalism. He's the author of The Family Law (2010), Gaysia: Adventures in the Queer East (2012) and the Quarterly Essay on Safe Schools, Moral Panic 101 (2017). The Family Law is now also an award-winning TV series for SBS, which Benjamin created and co-writes. He also co-hosts ABC RN's weekly pop culture show Stop Everything.Benjamin Law will be featured in the new Queerstories book which can be pre-ordered on Booktopia.Queerstories is an LGBTQIA+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on Facebook.To support Queerstories, become a patron at www.patreon.com/ladysingsitbetterAnd for gay stuff, insomnia rant and photos of my dog Frank follow me - Maeve Marsden - on Twitter and Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.