LGBTI Conversations

Critically acclaimed, Nashville-based LGBTQ+ indie-rock artist  Abby Nissenbaum   and premiering her highly anticipated EP  Don't Want to Cry .  Nissenbaum writes from the heart, exploring themes of depression, isolation, and heartbreak, but anchored by messages of hope, empowerment, and community. Complemented by her effortlessly honest and raw vocal delivery, Nissenbaum offers relatable, honest...

Ann Russo was raised in a queer household in the 1980s and 1990s , Russo witnessed firsthand both the warmth of family acceptance and the societal hostility directed at LGBTQ+ people. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to advocacy and healing. She earned a Master's in Theology with a focus on queer perspectives and liberation, which she integrates with her clinical expertise to...

Alethea Crimmins is renowned for her daily motivational mantras, including empowering phrases like "Be Great In Their Face" and "Have A Good Day On Purpose," each punctuated with her signature "Ya' Welcome," Crimmins has established the influential brand and podcast   "Pimpin' Positivity,"   dedicated to uplifting millions across the globe. Recognized and reposted by influential figures such as  ...

Aaron Kelly once lived a double life as an Anglican pastor who was encouraged to "pray the gay away.'' After undergoing harmful conversion therapies and being forced to marry, he gave himself permission to live life authentically.   From his upbringings in a Christian family and schooling to a deep involvement in both the Baptist and Pentecostal churches, he now helps others find acceptance, hope...

Gigi Raven Wilbur was born in 1955 in Houston, Texas. At birth, Gigi's genitalia did not fit the standard definitions for male or female bodies (a condition known as being intersex or a hermaphrodite). Within days, Gigi's anatomy was "normalized" via surgery, and Gigi was defined as male. Today, Gigi identifies as intersex, and uses the title Ladyboy to offset the lack of pronouns for hermaphrodit...

  Michael Waugh is a singer and songwriter, for sure. One of the best, who fellow writers look at with awe: ARIA and Golden Guitar winner Fanny Lumsden says that "his lyrics stop me in my tracks": the great Eric Bogle labels him "a gifted songwriter … a compassionate and insightful human being". He is an out and proud singer/songwriter whose coming out happened well into adulthood, a marriage and...

Jeffrey Masters specialize in long-form interviews, documenting the stories of the LGBTQ community on LGBTQ&A podcast, His interest in his guests' stories, as well as his encouraging manner, allows him to get beyond the surface whether he's interviewing activists or members of the entertainment industry." Jeffrey is the Senior Producer of the New Yorker Radio Hour and the host/creator of the LGBTQ...

  Stan Herman is 95 years young and a remarkable openly gay man who's lived a   fascinating life. Born in Brooklyn, he grew up in New Jersey, he was also in the Army and stationed in Europe during the Korean.  Stan has long been involved as an activist, fashion designer and fashion leader. For his first fully produced first fashion show, he presented a fashion-first collection featuring 'faux fur'...

Gary Lonesborough is a Yuin writer, who grew up on the Far South Coast of NSW as part of a large and proud Aboriginal family. Gary was always writing as a child and continued his creative journey when he moved to Sydney to study at film school. He grew up a massive Kylie Minogue and North Queensland Cowboys fan. Gary has vast experience working in both Aboriginal health, including the disability s...

Sue-Ann Post   is an Australian comedian and writer and Self described as "Australia's favourite six-foot, lesbian, ex- Mormon , diabetic, comedian and writer", Post has performed as a stand-up comedian internationally and throughout Australia since 1991. Her debut stand-up comedy stage show, "A Bit of a Postscript" toured internationally and received awards at the Melbourne Fringe Arts Festival a...

  Our new regular podcast guest Charlee AKA CHARLEES BOOK CLUB A book-obsessed guy from Australia who tells you what queer books to read next! fine out more @ https://linktr.ee/grandpasbookclub?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Alfie Arcuri realized he was gay at age eleven, he came out to his family at age twenty   four and then came out again on national television at twenty six. His fear of coming out was once so great he prepared himself for the reality that his Italian catholic family may not accept him at all. He was working as an architect and felt he couldn't even sing until he came out of the closet.   Three yea...

Chris Lani McAllister is the Co-host and producer and comedian of regular Sydney event Queers of Joy ,which provides a platform for trans and gender-diverse performers. Chris who identifies as non-binary and believes gender to be an expression, not just something assigned at birth. Chris is dedicated in showing the world a positive side to the transgender community through fun laughter and enjoyme...

DAVID KENNERLEY is a journalist specializing in LGBTQ culture. For nearly two decades, he has been an Arts & Entertainment reporter for Gay City News , A New York City based LGBTQ newspaper and website. David's work has been widely published in other outlets including Metro New York, Genre magazine , and Bravo TV. Originally from the farmlands of Pennsylvania, David moved to NYC and became addicte...

Reece Carter is an Australian fantasy author who's debut book, A Girl Called Corpse was first published in Australia and then internationally in the UK, Italy, Spain & Norway. It has gone on to become a beloved and bestselling children's novel. Since then Reece allowed his imagination to run wild yet again to release his spooky follow up book, The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright.   Reece was ra...

Danielle Laidley is the most prominent transgender person in Australia   AKA Dean Laidley who played 151 games for West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne football clubs, winning an AFL premiership with the Kangaroos in 1996. She became one of the youngest senior coaches ever at 36, coaching North Melbourne for 149 games across seven seasons. Her amazing career and personal life were never what they...

Eric Marcus is the founder and host of the award-winning Making Gay History podcast, which mines his decades-old audio archive of rare interviews — conducted for his oral history book of the same name about the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.   Eric is also an author of a dozen books including  Is It A Choice? ,  Why Suicide? , and  Breaking the Surface , A #1  New York Times  bestselling autobiogra...

As a child questioning his sexuality, his parents taught him the word gay, means happy and this lesson has come full circle since Jonathan has come out as a proud gay man, found his decade long partner and gave life to his glamorous drag persona, Miss Betty Confetti.   Jonathan went into his local costume store to try on a super hero outfit for an upcoming fancy dress party and instead of the obvi...

Will Kostakis is an award-winning author for young adults. He's been at it fifteen years, but his mum insists it's just a phase and any day now, he'll pursue a real career. As a high school student, Will won  Sydney Morning Herald  Young Writer of the Year for a collection of short stories. He also signed his first book deal and published his first novel, Loathing Lola at only nineteen years old....

Bill Rossi is a successful entrepreneur and business leader and a proud advocate, a partner of twenty - two years and a father of twin daughters. Named Crain's Notable LGBTQ+ Exec for three consecutive years Bill was consistently seeking ways to stand out and make a difference in the community.   He stands for diversity in the workplace and actively fights for equality and inclusion.   Bill's pers...

Councillor Declan Clausen was first elected to the City of Newcastle in February 2015 and has served as the City's Deputy Lord Mayor since September 2017.   As one of the youngest candidates ever elected to Newcastle City Council, Declan is passionate about sustainability, urban development, equality and his elected city of Newcastle where he lives with his fiancé Steven and cavoodle Toby.    Decl...

James Breko is a local Sydney celebrity hustling his brand of Trivia & Music Bingo.  During Sydney's lockdowns as MC work vanished, Breko quickly pivoted into hosting  online Zoom Trivia for work teams across the Country. his zany brand of Trivia and Music Bingo has since been featured on The Today Show and on Nine's hit TV show, Travel Guides. In Sydney Breko hosting events 5 nights a week as wel...

Barry Charles is a respected member of the 78er's but his fight for equality started at CAMP Inc meetings in 1971 and participating in several gay demonstrations and activities including the 1973 march from Sydney Town Hall and a 1978 protest march in San Francisco led by gay rights activist, Harvey Milk. On returning to Sydney his longtime friends told him of plans for the Mardi Gras event on Oxf...

Paul Hughes AKA Lee'roy was born in Glasgow, Scotland and completed his undergraduate degree in Film Studies at University of Glasgow. He spent 20 years working in fashion in London, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai before moving to Sydney in 2019. Paul is largely influenced by fashion, street art and club culture. His style of painting is probably best explained as a palimpsest. They are...