Episode 1:
Queer and Creating the Youth Pride Network
Hannah and Charlotte sit down to discuss how the Youth Pride Network came to be.
“Intersectional conversations are so important because they acknowledge the totality of who someone is and allow people to bring the entirety of themselves to a discussion. And not have to leave part of themselves at home.” On today’s episode we sat down for a conversation with Charlotte Glance, one of the Youth Pride Network’s founders to discuss the origins of the organization, their perspective on the state of things for queer people in WA, what intersectionality means, and what their hopes are for the organization and the podcast. Charlotte is a co-founder of the Youth Pride Network and was the organisations first Project and Policy Coordinator of the YPN. Through their hard work they were able to secure the YPN funding through the department of communities and have headed many important projects produced by the Youth Pride Network. Since leaving YPN they've moved on to work in the legal field, continuing to advocate against discrimination and for inclusivity in all spaces. They are a huge policy nerd and are always happy to talk all-things advocacy, policy and politics. An eager law student, they love chatting about all things law. In their spare time, Charlotte practices martial arts. Got a story or an idea for an episode? Hit us up at ypn@yacwa.org.au This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders, sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.
Episode 2:
Queer and First Nations
8 fierce advocates from the community discuss their experience of being queer and First Nations.
“You are blak enough. You are queer enough.” On today’s episode we sat down with eight Queer First Nations people including Eva Grace and Niq Mullaley, Tobiasz Millar, Shania Eddy, Zoe Sullivan, Dani Sib, and Ingrid and Dillian Cumming to have a yarn, hear their stories, their advice, and their hopes for the future. This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders, sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. Eva Grace Mullaley is a Widi woman from the Yamatji Nation, in the Midwest of WA, has been working in the Arts for nearly 20 years and is currently, the Artistic Director of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, the only Aboriginal Theatre Company in WA. Eva was on the Yirra Yaakin board for 5 years, was the executive/development producer for the Blackfulla Performing Arts Alliance (a peak body on the verge of incorporation) and is also an active member of Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Moogahlin Performing Arts and peak Indigenous dance organisation, Blakdance; who are also part of a national cohort representing First Nation s Performing Arts across the nation. Janeiq “Niq” Mullaley is a young, trans identifying, Yamatji brotherboy. He has been dragged to theatre and arts performances and toured the country pretty extensively his whole life because of his mum’s work. Niq loves to draw, sing, perform and just generally be creative. Tobiasz is a proud gay Larrakia/Wadjigan man from the Northern Territory. He's been living in Boorloo for the past 12 years. He is a qualified teacher having worked in both public and private school systems, in a range of roles (Department of Communities tutor, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Teacher Assistant and Classroom Teacher). During his time working in a school, he always took it upon himself to step into the role of Cultural coordinator. Culture being an area he wished to promote and share. Earlier this year, Tobiasz stepped away from teaching to explore the world or consultancy and coordination as the Cultural and Diversity Coordinator at Not-for-profit family service provider, Wanslea. Tobiasz is an active advocate for change and volunteers as one of the founding members of Boorloo Justice a grassroots Social Justice/Advocacy group here in Perth. Shania (they/she) is a proud queer Gomeroi person currently residing on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja. A fierce advocate for quality sexual health education for all people, Shania currently works as an Aboriginal Educator in relationships and sexuality. Shania’s passion for intersectionality in the Blak and LGBTIQA+ communities is echoed throughout all of their personal and professional achievements. Zoe (she/her) is a Murri woman and a queer person. She grew up most of her life on Gubbi Gubbi country (Sunshine Coast), although her mob are originally from Bindal and Nguburinji countries of Far North Queensland. She was raised in a strong blak matriarch and is proud to be an Indigenous woman. She identifies as a lesbian but is queer in both sexuality and gender identity. She is currently completing her Masters in Sexology and works as an LGBTQIA+ peer educator and a sexual health peer educator. Through both her career and outside of work, she endeavours to and has a passion for proudly representing her people and creating safe spaces where LGBTQIA+ and First Nations peoples can exist as their whole selves. Ingrid Cumming is a Whadjuk Balardong Noongar woman from Fremantle, Western Australia and recognised young leader within the First Nations community. Ingrid is the founder and principal consultant of Kart Koort Wiern consultancy, representing First Nations Business globally for over ten years, alumni of Murdoch University and Melbourne Business School. Ingrid was part of the establishment of the Indigenous Women in Business network and has served as a Commissioner for Conservation for the WA state government. Ingrid has worked with a variety of sectors and organisations, creating, facilitating and evaluating programs and strategies to address issues and strengths. Ingrid has won and been a finalist in a range of awards like NAIDOC Perth, Telstra Women in Business, Curtin Vice-Chancellor Awards, ‘Champion for Change’ by EPHEA (Equity Practitioners in Higher Education Australasia), WA Heritage Awards and Belmont Small Business Awards. Ingrid has presented at various forums and conferences around the world in relation to engagement, equity and diversity matters including as a delegate at the UN Women Leaders Conference in Israel in 2013, TedXPerth in 2014 been on various TV programs, including the Drum in 2021. Ingrid is a strong ally of LGBTIQ, First Nations, Youth and diverse groups, stakeholders and organisations. Dillian is an exciting new addition to YPN team. A proud Whadjuk Ballardong Noongar person, Dillian is currently completing their studies in animation at TAFE and is passionate about advocating for intersectionality in the LGBTIQA+ community. Dillian is neurodivergent (ASD and ADD) and is always eager to share their lived experience, contributing to our monthly committee meetings with their bright, bubbly, enthusiastic disposition. Despite being one of our youngest members, Dillian has a range of achievements under their belt already including participating in a Noongar Cultural Ceremony on Wardandi land for the World Surfing League event in 2022, performing on stage with their school’s drama club, delivering a Welcome to Country for the WA Days award in 2022 (in the presence of the Premier), and delivering a Welcome to Country at TEDxYouth at Kings Park 2022. Dillian has caught the acting bug and is excited to hit the stage again. When they’re not trotting the boards, Dillian likes fantasy books, Sonic and Pokemon, and spending time with their family cat. Dani Sib is a proud Baad/Bard and Yawuru ambooriny (person) from the Kimberley, WA currently residing on Whadjuck Noongar Boodjar. Their passion for music sees them creating songs about their experiences as a First Nations queer person with hopes to inspire young mob. They've performed many events but their most memorable moment so far was playing 'Marijuanna Annie' in the 2020 Bran Nue Dae musical with the WA Opera.
Episode 3:
Queer and Transitioning
13 trans people from the community discuss their experience of being transgender in WA.
“Each day I have a renewed understanding of my gender and it kind of builds upon itself over time.” On today’s episode Hannah (they/them) and Allie (she/they) from the YPN sat down with twelve different people that identify as trans including Samson Spee (he/him), Andy Lowes (he/him), Lena Van Hale (she/her) and 7 young people that attend the Transfolk of WA's weekly youth space for a yarn to hear their stories, their advice, and their hopes for the future for generations of trans people. For more info on our guests: youthpridenetwork.net/queerandpodcast Got a story or an idea for an episode? Hit us up at ypn@yacwa.org.au This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders, sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. Lena Lena Van Hale (She/They) is a non-binary, transgender woman. Currently a board member of Living Proud in WA, and with a background in peer education and support, Lena is a staunch activist and advocate for transgender healthcare, body autonomy, human rights and workers rights. In all of her work she is committed to the axiom of "nothing about us without us", striving to redefine the inclusion of trans peers beyond the "lived experience" frame, and toward the lens of "living expertise". Samson Samson is a proud Yamatji Wajarri trans man living in Boorloo working FIFO in the Pilbara as a heavy machinery operator. He’s been in the field for 8 years since completing an indigenous traineeship and prides himself of representing people like him in the mining workforce. A fierce advocate for the queer community since his youth, Samson is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and providing First Nations Australians with more opportunities to thrive in all aspects of life. He fights for equal freedom and justice for all. In Samson’s spare time he likes collecting and working on cars and spending time at queer events that feature live performances, art, and building community. Samson radiates positivity and strength and is a staunch role model for the trans community. He also froths a good ghost story. Allie Allie Messenger (She/They) is a fervent advocate for the LGBTQIA+ Community, disability rights and creating open forums for honest and judgement-free discussion. She has done volunteer work for Australian Youth Affairs Commission, Fremantle Youth Network, Youth Pride Network and many more. Winning Australian Youth of the Year 2022 for Fremantle, Allie is hard-working and passionate about what she does. Identifying as transgender and genderfluid, Allie hopes to use her own experiences to help advance the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Transfolk YouthSpace is run by Transfolk of WA and is a weekly drop in space for trans, non-binary, gender diverse, brotherboys, sistergirls, and questioning people aged 14-20. It is a chance to meet other people on a similar journey, ask questions, find support, or just chat and play games. Transfolk of WA is a peer support service for transgender people and their loved ones in Western Australia that aims to inform, empower, and advocate for trans and gender diverse people to survive and thrive. They run workshops, online services, support groups, develop resources, and curate events for the community and their allies in WA. Checkout transfolkofwa.org for more info and resources.
Episode 4:
Queer and a Person of Colour
7 fierce advocates from the community discuss cultural identity and queerness.
“I wear my queerness as proudly as I wear my cultural identity. They’re both very important parts of who I am.” On today’s episode we hear from seven fierce advocates from the community that are queer people of color. Dulasi, Chey, Meghana, and Dylan (aka drag performer “Maven”) from the YPN have a yarn with Ngatokotoru Tomokino (AKA the drag queen “Moesha”), Kim Thatcher, and Emily Branson (AKA performer/DJ “Jamilla”) in a powerful and enlightening discussion about cultural identity and queerness. Got a story or an idea for an episode? Hit us up at ypn@yacwa.org.au This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders, sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. ----- Kim is a non-binary Maori lesbian whose ancestors from the many tribes who call the East Coast of North Island of Aotearoa (New Zealand) home. They are currently obsessed with Pokemon Go and will always want to see pictures of your cat. They are studying education and social science and hope to continue to show up, advocate for, and be a role model to young people of all diversities. Emily is a West Australian Music Award winning electronic producer, DJ and artist who performs under the name Jamilla. Her lyrics are honest and politically charged, often writing songs about her experiences as a POC woman or her queer identitfy. She has toured around Australia and internationally with live music and DJs around Perth as her full time job. Emily was born in England with Trinidadian heritage and has lived in Australia since she was a child. She identifies and pansexual and uses she/her pronouns. Dulasi joined YPN in 2021 and is part of the Policy Team, in keeping with their interest in research and actionable change. They are a medical student and therefore will be studying forever, but is driven by their involvement in queer health advocacy and pushing for better queer education in medical schools/universities across WA. They are also passionate about youth mental health, climate justice and advocating for refugee health. As a Sri-Lankan queer person living on Whadjuk Noongar Land, they are committed to actively decolonizing themselves and the work they do. In their spare time, Dulasi volunteers at LGBTIQA+ youth drop-in spaces in Boorloo (Perth). Their hobbies include cooking, napping and being part of crustacean appreciation groups on social media. Dylan is an enthusiastic member of the YPN committee. A queer person of colour, a fashion design student, a passionate LGBTIQA+ youth advocate, and a fierce upcoming drag performer, they’ve hit the ground running at YPN, working hard to make WA a better place for LGBTIQA+ POC. A finalist at the 2021 WA Youth Awards for Creative Contribution, Dylan is passionate about using art and drag as a vessel for advocating for LGBTIQA+ people and people of colour. Whether it be while whirling spots as their drag alter ego, or while wearing their hoodies crooked to fashion school, Dylan is always advocating for queer youth to reach their full potential. Walking the entire 2021 Pride Parade with the YPN float in a pair of heels (without complaint), Dylan has become an integral member of the YPN team. Chey is the Project Officer for the YPN, a queer person of colour, and an absolute style icon. Her dedication to queer advocacy is extensive and ongoing and manifests through volunteer work, research projects, and youth consultancy. International relations and political science honours graduate with a thesis in inter-Korean relations and human rights from an ontological perspective, Chey is a dedicated researcher and collaborator. The brains behind YPN’s “Me and My Doctor” resource and the Youth Services resource, she has worked for a number of think-tanks, research centres, and non-for-profits. Intersectionality, inclusion, and ensuring the safety and success of all BIPOC (black & indigenous people of colour) are at the forefront of all Chey’s work both at YPN and beyond. An integral part of the YPN team, Chey’s leadership is steering the committee towards exciting and important projects, all while she consistently serves fierce fashion looks. YPN Committee member Meghana is an active and dedicated queer advocate both in their work at YPN and outside of it. A queer person of colour, Meghana is currently studying a double degree Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology at UWA. Psychology and mental health are areas that they’re passionate about and they channel this through their queer advocacy work as the Pride Officer at UWA. They help to bring about change for queer students and staff and bring awareness to queer issues in the broader community. In their spare time they enjoy connecting with their community and playing Table Top Role Playing Games.
Episode 5:
Queer and Disabled
5 fierce advocates from the community discuss disabled culture and queerness.
“I think being disabled let me be queer in an easier way. I wasn't scared of being different, I wasn't scared of not fitting in because I didn't fit in. I'm so thankful to my disability for that experience. I love what being disabled has given my queerness.” On today’s episode, we hear from five fierce advocates from the queer and disabled community. Hannah, Jack, and Georgia from the YPN sit down with Anneka Bodt, Crystal Nguyen, and Grace King in a powerful and enlightening discussion about disabled culture and queerness. For more info on our guests: youthpridenetwork.net/queerandpodcast Got a story or an idea for an episode? Hit us up at ypn@yacwa.org.au This podcast was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar and we wish to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as traditional custodians of this land, its waters, and its communities. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past, present, and future as sovereign leaders. Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. --------- Crystal Nguyen kick-started her performance career at 15 placing 6th in the inaugural season of Vietnam's Got Talent. Crystal (who lives with Brittle Bones Disease) is an actor, singer, and theatre-maker who has collaborated with organisations such as UNICEF to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding disability and self-expression. Crystal's stage and screen credits include BESIDE (Perth Festival 2021), The Complete Show of Waterskiing (Laura Liu 2022), Teenage Dick (Dan Graham 2022) and Erotic Stories (Madeleine Gottleib 2023). Crystal represented WA in the Midsumma Pathways Program 2022-2023 for outstanding queer and disabled artists. When not acting, Crystal enjoys swimming, most of the time in real life, and other times on her Animal Crossing island. ---------- Grace King is a singer, actor, and voice over artist living in Perth, Western Australia. She brings passion, dedication, and her lived experience as a totally blind person to all that she does. Her previous roles include Iolanta with WA Opera, Kate Hainey in Fremantle's Dark Corners and co-lead in playtime with Grace and Fergus Fringe 2019. She has also performed in festivals, educational videos and community and private events. ------------ Social justice, human rights, and equal opportunity are just some of the mammoth things that new committee member Georgia is passionately advocating for. A proud, queer, greyhound-owning, disabled person, Georgia works with politicians and decision-makers to ensure that all young people have access to trauma-responsive, person-centred, holistic care that empowers and enables them to build their vision of a meaningful life. This important work recently had Georgia as the sole consumer representative in a highly successful 10-person Ministerial Taskforce into Public Mental Health Services for Infants, Children, and Adolescents. The task force investigated the current pressures and demands on the state’s public mental health system and came out with a comprehensive report with 32 recommendations. All of which have been endorsed and committed to by Health and Mental Health Minister Amber Jade Sanderson. The short and long-term recommendations are currently being implemented! Georgia never stops advocating for equal opportunity but does enjoy taking their greyhound to the park, absolutely SERVING in a jumpsuit, and buying more books to add to the pile of books they are yet to read. ----------- Jack has been a member of YPN for just over two years and, as well as being an LGBTIQA+ and Disability Advocate, performs in Auslan for the Queer Deaf band Alter Boy. Jack learned Auslan from TAFE, completing his diploma in 2020. Currently working as the project officer for the “Make Queer Spaces Accessible” project, Jack is passionate about the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and Disabled identities. Jack started his disability advocacy 9 years ago and has relished every minute since combining it with his queer advocacy in 2019. Jack enjoys reading, embroidery and knitting, he can often be found travelling by bus to feed his pet snake, John, who lives in a nicer house than Jack does.
Episode 6:
Queer and an Elder
An intergenerational discussion about queerness with five queer elders.
“My queerness is safe now." For the final episode of season 1, we hear from five powerful queer elders. Hannah, Chey, and Shania from the YPN interview Jim Morrison and his partner Keith, David Gibson, Carl Freedman, and Gillie Anderson for a powerful, intergenerational discussion about queerness. --- David (he/him) is a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, and served as an Army officer back when it was illegal to be a homosexual in the military. Professionally he has been a CEO of a disability organisation, General Manager of a newspaper, the Executive Director of a Country Music Festival, and was elected as a State Member of Parliament. Additionally, he has held various board positions and currently serves on the Board of GRAI (GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc). David is many things, a Coda (child of deaf adults), a pansexual, a father to 5 adult children, a grandfather and is married to his husband – they did that twice once in Rome and in Perth. David is a highly accomplished public speaker and is frequently invited to address audiences on a range of topics, including Deafness, civic participation, mental health, and LGBTI issues. He has been a speaker at prestigious events such as the World Federation of the Deaf conference and the Australasian Study of Parliament Group conference. Furthermore, David has authored and published papers on the Freedom of Speech from an LGBTI perspective and the engagement of people with disabilities in the democratic process, with articles published in the Australasian Parliamentary Review. Carl Freedman (he/him) is a gay man living in Perth with his partner of 43 years. A retired hairdresser, he and his partner ran three successful businesses in Perth throughout his career. Carl fondly remembers attending the opening of Connections Nightclub in Perth and is a proud member of the queer community, actively involved in supporting and uplifting others through mentoring and support. Jim Morrison is a senior Nyungar man, a Traditional Custodian from WA’s southern coast. His mother, father, and their 21 siblings were all stolen and separated as children. Jim is a long-term supporter of Bringing Them Home WA, and served as Aboriginal Co-Chair 2007-2017. He resigned that role to take up the appointment as our inaugural Executive Director. Jim has been an uncompromising activist, advocate and leader in pivotal Aboriginal advancement roles for over four decades, working passionately to address the tragic mental health and suicide issues that are a legacy of Stolen Generations policy; equity in access to culturally safe services in State and Commonwealth Governments; overdue prison reforms; Aboriginal employment; education and training; equity in universities; the protection of young street people and the formation and management of non-government agencies providing services to Aboriginal families and their broader communities. In 2017, Jim was awarded the John Curtin Medal in recognition of his vision and leadership, and the significant contribution he has made to the community. Gillie (she/her) has many identities, including mother, sister, partner, aunt/great aunt, step-nanna and friend. Gillie spent her earliest years in country WA, before moving to Boorloo/Perth when she was nine. Gillie came out as lesbian at the age of 22, shortly before moving to Tasmania with her then partner and her partner’s young son. Tasmania was very conservative in the early 1990s and it felt unsafe to be out at work or to hold hands with her partner in public. Prior to the birth of her daughter in 1995, Gillie became a member of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality. She also helped publish Lilac magazine – a monthly lesbian newsletter connecting the Tasmanian community. It was nearly 25 years before Gillie moved back to WA to be closer to family. There have been many different chapters to Gillie’s life, and her work life includes various careers including being a non- executive board member, a commercial lawyer, and being the owner and ‘faerie guardian’ of The Faerie Shop in Salamanca Place, Hobart – all at the same time! Since returning to Perth, Gillie has worked in a range of roles primarily across housing and health, and in board governance roles. Gillie is now transitioning into a new chapter, where she and her sisters are the oldest members of their families. Gillie has lived with disability for many years, and after a lifetime of feeling different, she was diagnosed with ADHD in 2022. In April 2023, Gillie found out that she is autistic, and this has made a profound and positive difference to her life. Gillie was able to share that news with her mum, just before she passed. While Gillie is not usually one for being in the limelight, she took part in this podcast in the hope that by sharing her story, it might make the someone else’s journey a little bit easier.