Queers Past

In the season finale of Queers Past, host Zev Aviv explores how queer spaces, media, and legal battles have shaped Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ history. We visit iconic beats like Haig Park and Yarramundi Reach, uncover stories of public toilet crackdowns, and learn how activist-driven campaigns pushed back against discrimination. We also shine a light on John Newfong, a pioneering gay Aboriginal journalis...

In Episode 6 of Queers Past , host Zev Aviv takes us on a stroll through some of Canberra’s most iconic queer-friendly spaces—from legendary cafés like Tilly’s Divine Café and Gallery to long-gone share houses and LGBTQIA+ businesses that helped shape the city’s community. We revisit stories of feminist activism, live music gigs, underground meetups, and everyday places that became more than just...

In Episode 5 of  Queers Past , Zev takes you into the vibrant world of  PANDA  and  Quirk —two trailblazing queer publications that shaped 1990s Canberra. These scrappy, volunteer-run newspapers brought LGBTQIA+ Canberrans together with cheeky star sign columns, classified ads, fiery political critiques, and heartfelt community stories. Through their pages, Zev explores how the...

Step into Canberra’s queer nightlife of the 1990s. In this episode, Zev takes us straight to Heaven—a queer-owned nightclub that became the heart of LGBTQIA+ nightlife during the decade. From its bold debut announced in  Poofs and Dykes Advocate  to its iconic Ten Commandments promoting respect and care, Heaven was more than a nightclub—it was a sanctuary of joy, resistance, and communit...

In episode three of Queers Past , Zev takes you back to Braddon in the 1980s, a time when car yards and mechanics dominated the streets, and Canberra’s longest-running gay and lesbian venue, the Meridian Club, was at its peak. This episode also delves into the founding of the AIDS Action Council and the profound impact of the AIDS crisis on Canberra’s queer community. Through the stories of these...

In episode two of Queers Past , your host Zev takes you on a journey through Canberra’s inner city to explore what life was like for gay and bisexual men and women from the 1930s to the 1970s—with a dash of the 1980s for extra context. This episode focuses on two iconic locations: the Gorman Arts Centre (formerly Hostel No. 3) and the Mercure (once known as the Hotel Ainslie). Originally built in...

Welcome to Queers Past by She Shapes History, a podcast uncovering the stories of LGBTQIA+ Canberrans. In this first episode, your host Zev (they/them) warmly welcomes you to The gAyCT , the queer capital of Australia. Zev sets the scene for the season ahead, sharing what you can expect, exploring the idea of history as a concept, unpacking the power of language, and reflecting on their own journe...

Welcome to Season 1 of Queers Past , the podcast that unearths the rich, untold LGBTQIA+ history of Canberra. Join Zev Aviv—activist, artist, and your friendly queer guide—as we dive into everything from the city’s 1930s lesbian hostels to the birthplace of Australia’s first LGBTQIA+ activist group. It's going to be an incredible season and we're so excited to have you along for the ride. Visit ou...