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Send us Fan Mail LOTL Lounge S9E1 – Shining a Light on Our Community Welcome to a brand new season of LOTL Lounge, where queer and lesbian stories take centre stage and voices ring out across generations. We’re back, celebrating the joy, resilience, and creativity of LGBTQI+ women and non-binary folks in Australia and beyond. In This Episode Host: Silke Special Guests: Madeleine Gray, Lenie Mare & Ninna Andersson, Robyn McCoy and Dr Kerryn Drysdale Regulars: The Tuckshop Ladies, Nash Hill with the Drag King Corner and Jo Barrett from Leagues on the Lounge 1. Madeleine Gray: On Queer Life & Chosen Families Australia’s own Madeleine Gray joins us to talk about her novels Green Dot and Chosen Family, her journey from LOTL intern to acclaimed author, and why creating queer Australian stories matters. Plus, hear her read an excerpt from Chosen Family - pubic hair, school swimming lessons, and all. → 00:00:28 Find Madeleine at this year’s Sydney Writers Festival discussing queer romance and community.  2. Lesbians Who Built Sydney’s Nightlife: A History From smoky basements to bustling dancefloors, trailblazer Robyn McCoy takes us back to the iconic lesbian clubs she created: CJ’s, Hunters, Mars, and Club 77. Laugh, reminisce, and share in the stories of loyalty, survival, and the real power of community before social media ever existed. → 00:15:15 3. Drag King Culture: The Past, The Present Ever wondered about the rise and fall (and rise again) of the Sydney drag king scene? Dr Kerryn Drysdale sits with Nash Hill for an essential conversation about inclusivity, performance, changing identities, and why lesbian scenes were more welcoming than you might remember. → 00:41:38 Read the Drag King Corner on lotl.com 4. Love & Building Belonging - Lenie & Ninna’s Story Two women, 10,000km apart, one accidental TikTok romance, and a brand-new LGBTQI+ app called Bloom. Lenny (Cape Town) and Nina (Sweden) share their heartwarming, honest, and funny story of distance, dreaming big, and making “chosen family” a global movement. → 01:08:30 Read the article and find all the links to the APP and their fundraiser  5. The Tuckshop Ladies: Lesbians & Legacy in Folk Music The Tuckshop Ladies return for cheeky banter about being out, being mistaken for sisters or “the boyfriend,” and how lesbian musicians and icons paved the way for today’s artists. → 00:57:57 6. League from the Lounge: The Grand Final Jo Barrett wraps up the NRLW season - celebrating breakthroughs, challenges, and trailblazers pushing women’s sport forward. → 01:28:58 7. Featured Music Holly Throsby – Experience the beauty of her latest tracks from the upcoming album Normal Magic. Listen for “Missing You” → 00:37:32 “Thinking” → 01:25:15 Community Spotlight Support homegrown queer artists on our Spotify and SoundCloud LOTL Lounge playlists.Share your feedback via our 2-minute surveyBecome a LOTL Lounge member & help us keep queer community media thriving! Join the Conversation Love what you heard? Subscribe, review, and share the LOTL Lounge with friends and chosen family.Find resources, book recommendations, and info about our guests in the show notes below.Follow us on Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & our blog for more. Key Links Contribute to our Listener SurveyMadeleine Gray’s Books & Festival InfoBloom LGBTQI+ Community AppSpotify LOTL Lounge PlaylistSoundCloud LOTL Lounge PlaylistThank you for being here and shining with us - wherever you are on the rainbow. This is our space. This is our time. This is our community. Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the LOTL Lounge – this is our space, this is our time! This Episode Country music powerhouse Beccy Cole on heartbreak, healing, and her brand new album Through the HazeHow Val Eastwood’s daring 1950s Melbourne coffee lounge changed everything for queer community - with writer Mara LucasThe incredible, overlooked story of Sandra Willson, lesbian activist and the movement that freed her – with historian Tamsin MartinEmmanuel on taking Drag King theatre global, the power of “Trophy Boys,” and why finding your queer creative crew matters In This Show 🎤 Beccy Cole: Through the Haze and Out the Other Side Silke and Beccy dig deep into the raw stories behind her new album: heartbreak (and the broken mind, not just the heart), therapy, and finding the funny in the hard stuff (04:30).The realities and relief of coming out in the country music world (07:10), surviving public breakups—and why she now calls herself “girl sober” and “do not disturbian” (10:04).Touring with her all-female, mostly-queer band, giving up drinking, and the power of female support — plus, why sometimes a puppy is the best company of all (12:02).Special performance: “The Gardener and the Flower” — a song about secure love, learned lessons, and roles we all play in relationships (21:18).Read the article on lotl.com and listen to the BONUS episode - the full uncut version of the interview 🏳️‍🌈 Queer Herstory Sandra Wilson: The Forgotten Chapter Historian Tamsin Martin shares the heartbreaking, inspiring life of Sandra Willson - a lesbian unjustly institutionalised for 18 years, whose case united feminists, gay lib, and abolitionists (24:30).How activism across communities freed Sandra, led to real-world change, and what her legacy means today (31:20).Read the article on lotl.com Val Eastwood: Coffee, Courage, and Queer Futures Writer Mara Lucas introduces Val Eastwood - glamorous, unapologetically butch, and founder of Melbourne’s first major queer café (63:29).The magic of coffee lounges in 1950s queer life, cross-city pioneers, and why Val’s legacy is still felt on Swanston Street and beyond.Read the article on lotl.com 👑 Drag King Corner: The Future Is Now Artist Emmanuel on why drag kings are finally getting their moment—from “Trophy Boys” on the Victorian curriculum to a new wave of gender-bending theatre sweeping the globe (47:02).Making work for (and with) your community, turning comedy into healing, and how a DIY, grassroots approach breaks through gatekeepers.Emmanuel’s advice to emerging queer artists: build your creative family, just do the thing, and yes—slide into those DMs! (57:39)Shout-out to Minus18, empowering queer youth through events like Queer Formal (01:00:06)Read the Drag King Corner on lotl.com Featured Music “The Gardener and the Flower” – Beccy Cole (21:18)“Shovel” – Beccy Cole (01:01:25)Purchase Beccy's new EP and check out her 2026 tour dates here  Why Listen? Join us for moving queer history, belly laughs, tough truths, amazing women & non-binary creatives, and proof that our community just keeps finding new ways to shine. Whether you’re 15 or 80, you’ll hear voices to relate to, stories you won’t hear elsewhere, and reminders you’re never alone. Links & Resources Becky Cole – Through the Haze tour info + musicTamsin Martin’s article: “Free Sandra Wilson”Val Eastwood’s story and Mara’s full blogMinus18 – support queer youth“This is our space, this is our time.” – LOTL Lounge🏳️‍🌈 FOLLOW:  | Instagram |  Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | LOTL Lounge Blog #LOTLounge #QueerHistory #LesbianStories #BeccyCole #DragKingCorner #LGBTQICommunity #ThroughTheHaze Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to episode 5 of LOTL Lounge, your fortnightly home for lesbian and queer stories, culture, music, and the voices shaping our world. Hosted by Silke, this bumper episode celebrates bold storytelling, visibility, and the creative power of our LGBTQIA+ community. Episode Highlights In-Depth Chat: Zoe Terakis – Queer Myths & Greek Heritage We sit down with acclaimed actor and writer Zoe Terakis, known for Max in Wentworth, Talk to Me, and Marvel’s Ironheart. Zoe opens up about their creative journey post-Wentworth, their transmasculine Greek-Australian identity, and why they reimagined Greek myths through a queer and trans lens in their new book, Eros: Queer Myths for Lovers. Topics include:Creative frustration and the power in writing your own stories 04:04What ancient myths really tell us about gender and queer desire 05:02The moving, rarely-told story of Iphis & Ianthe and why reclaiming queer myths matters 06:11Navigating masculinity, inside and out; building pride in unique bodies and experiences 09:29Bonus: Zoe reads a steamier extract from their debut book, exploring intimacy, pleasure, and the beauty of queer embodiment 12:56Read the article and listen to the BONUS EPISODE (full unedited version of our interview) on lotl.com Flicks on the Lounge: Mandahla Rose in LA In our new partnership with Lesflicks, we hear from actor Mandahla Rose about her decade-long career across Australia and LA. Mandala shares: Her breakout Australian roles and transition to the LA queer film scene 22:19The reality of working behind the camera, surviving industry slow-down, and making art that heals 26:11Dream roles, homesickness, queer joy, and where to find her art (including on Instagram and soon Etsy!) Hope and how small acts - music, butterflies, and the Aussie bottlebrush- keep her going 29:37Read the article and listen to the BONUS EPISODE (full unedited version of our interview) on lotl.com Music Spotlight Danni Nicholls | The Pendulum – Anthemic new album, Making Moves, about growth and resilience 17:13Asha Jeffries | "Cool Guy" – Catchy, honest single from her incoming album Desire Is an Angel 47:30Find both artists on the LOTL Lounge playlist via Spotify & SoundCloud -support queer musicians with every play. Drag King Corner with Nash Nash dives into the evolving artistry of drag kings, masculinity on stage, and queer performance culture. Learn how drag kings are expanding gender expression, and why the Drag King book is a must-read 18:05. Read Nash’s reflections in her regular blog "The Drag King Corner" Lesbian Leap from the Archives: Exhibition Preview Curator Sarah Yeomans discusses the upcoming landmark exhibit, Lesbian Leap from the Archives: 1970–2000 47:54. Why those decades were the "peak" of lesbian life in AustraliaArtefacts, wild badges, and T-shirts- plus spotlight sections on women’s lands, activism, and stories that shaped our communityThe bittersweet power of looking back, and hopes for today’s queer and lesbian generations The show launches International Lesbian Day at Soul Gallery, Fitzroy Read the article and listen to the BONUS EPISODE (full unedited version of our interview) on lotl.com Community Connections The Tuckshop Ladies deliver their signature hilarity, including cheeky tips for "new lesbians" - think Subaru drivers, Birkenstocks, and Crocs! 30:49League on the Lounge: Jo Barrett dives into the latest NRLW action, spotlighting the Tigers’ stunning rise from back-to-back wooden spoons to top 6 contenders, thanks to key recruits and resilient leadership. 42:10Flicks on the Lounge explores lesbian onscreen representation, and the joys and heartbreaks of the queer creative grind.Lesbian Antiques Roadshow, poetry slams, and community news round out a jam-packed episode. Out and Proud in Sport: Nikki Ayers, OAM, PLY Paralympian gold medalist, nurse, midwife, and proud gay woman Nikki Ayers shares with Karen Bryan: Her journey from rugby player, through life-changing injury, to rowing champion 01:11:13The sanctuary of queer sport and the courage to claim public pride 01:18:13Standing up for visibility at the world stage, and the healing found in owning your scars 01:21:13Why she believes being herself is her greatest victory and is ready for new challenges aheadRead the article and listen to the BONUS EPISODE (full unedited version of our interview) on lotl.com Support Queer Stories LOTL Lounge is - and always will be - free. In October, we’re launching an optional membership that includes a legacy tier for longtime supporters. Help amplify queer voices and keep community media alive - details coming soon. Stay Connected Listen, comment, and share to keep us visible.Follow our playlists on Spotify and SoundCloud.Visit lotl.com for blogs, news, and music recs.LOTL Lounge: This is our space. Our stories. Our time. Thanks for making the lounge shine Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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

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 [email protected]  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: [email protected] 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

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

Send us Fan Mail Pauline Menczer’s journey is an Aussie underdog story like no other — think Rocky meets Puberty Blues. From battling sexism, homophobia, and rheumatoid arthritis to becoming World Surfing Champion, her life is a testament to grit, resilience, and refusing to be defined by adversity. In this Queer Conversation, we explore Pauline’s rise from the fringes of competitive surfing to global recognition, and the impact her story continues to have on athletes and queer communities around the world. If you enjoy queer content, subscribe to our channel and follow us on social media. Socials: @LOTLMedia Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

Send us Fan Mail Dr Kerryn Phelps AM reflects on her landmark memoir Power of Balance, tracing the experiences that have shaped her work across medicine, media, and public life.  In this conversation, she discusses key moments from her career, including her early years in clinical practice, her visibility in the Australian media, and her involvement in national discussions on health and community issues. She also speaks about the personal challenges she has navigated, the public attention surrounding her private life, and the advocacy work that has influenced her approach to leadership and service. Socials: @LOTLMedia Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

Send us Fan Mail Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir returns with one of its biggest performances yet: Back to the 80s, a high‑energy jukebox concert celebrating the iconic hits of the decade.  Taking place at the Seymour Centre on Saturday, 8 June, this special long‑weekend event brings together nostalgia, queer joy, and the powerful harmonies the choir is known for. In this Queer Conversation, LOTL speaks with Jodey Schneider, President of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, about the creative vision behind Back to the 80s, the community spirit that drives the choir, and why this show is set to be one of their most memorable performances.  Jodey reflects on the choir’s legacy, the joy of queer music‑making, and the importance of celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices on major stages. Socials @LOTLMedia Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

Send us Fan Mail Poet and artist Jazz Money, of Wiradjuri and Irish heritage and based on Gadigal Country, brings her luminous multidisciplinary practice to the 2024 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art. Centred on poetics, Jazz’s work spans visual art, film, performance, audio and print — each medium offering a different way of holding story, memory and Country. In this Queer Conversation, Jazz speaks with LOTL about her upcoming installation “This is How We Love”, a work that explores intimacy, kinship, and the expansive ways queer communities nurture one another.  Her practice continues to push the boundaries of contemporary storytelling, weaving together language, image and sound to create spaces of reflection and connection Socials @LOTLMedia Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

Send us Fan Mail Irish‑born, Berlin‑based artist Wallis Bird returns to Australia in January 2024 for her fourth national tour, bringing her explosive energy, raw musicianship, and unmistakable voice back to local audiences. In this LOTL Conversation, Wallis Bird opens up about the creative journey behind the tour, the challenges of life on the road, and her cheeky plans for a possible “naked tour” in the future. We also revisit her previous album Hands and explore the evolution of her sound, identity, and artistic freedom. Socials @LOTLMedia @WallisBird @wallisbirdofficial Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

Send us Fan Mail Australian actor Kate Box steps into one of her most intriguing roles yet in Erotic Stories, SBS’s deliciously provocative new drama exploring sex, intimacy, and the hidden lives of everyday people. Featuring a star‑studded cast in ways audiences have never seen before, the series blends humour, vulnerability, and bold storytelling to examine desire from fresh, character‑driven perspectives. In this Queer Conversation, Kate discusses her role in the anthology, what drew her to the project, and how Erotic Stories pushes boundaries while staying grounded in emotional truth. She reflects on the show’s exploration of power, pleasure, and the complexities of human connection — and why stories like these matter for queer audiences. If you enjoy queer content, subscribe to our channel and follow us on social media. Socials: @LOTLMedia Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

Send us Fan Mail There’s a fizz in the air with the SBS Original series While The Men Are Away — a playful, warm‑hearted revisionist history that blends truth, humour, and a cast of characters you can’t help but fall in love with. Set during World War II, the series reimagines the home‑front experience with a queer, clever twist that feels both fresh and deeply entertaining. LOTL speaks with co‑producer and writer Kim Wilson about crafting the show’s unique tone, the joy of building a world where queer characters take centre stage, and the creative process behind bringing this vibrant story to life. Socials @LOTLMedia Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com

Send us Fan Mail The Lesbian Action Group (LAG) has applied to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) for a temporary exemption from anti‑discrimination laws — a move that has sparked significant discussion about rights, inclusion, and the future of lesbian‑centred organising in Australia. In this Queer Conversation, LOTL speaks with Nicole Mowbray about the exemption request, why it has generated debate within the LGBTQ+ community, and how different groups are interpreting the balance between identity‑based spaces and broader inclusion. Nicole discusses the legal context, the concerns raised, and the questions this moment poses for community cohesion, advocacy, and lesbian visibility. Queer Conversation features playlists for MUSIC, BOOKS, THEATRE, CONVERSATIONS and more. Socials @LOTLMedia Support the show Check out more content on www.lotl.com