Queer as Fact

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras began as a commemoration of the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and has blossomed into the biggest queer festival in Australia. This episode will discuss the origins of the event, and some of the issues which have coloured its history. Tune in to learn about the Australian Dykes on Bikes, what may be the world's most in-demand archive, and host Eli's favourite ever Mardi Gras parade float!

(NOTE: There is a graphic description of police violence in this episode which goes from 14:00 to 17:35, with the worst part from 16:00-16:40.)

Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag

The rainbow flag is the most recognisable symbol of queer pride and community. Listen to the second of our Pride Month episodes to learn about the origins of the flag and the life of its designer, self-described “gay Betsy Ross”, Gilbert Baker.

If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon, checking out our merch, and following us on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook. 

Stonewall

In honour of the 50th anniversary this month, we're covering New York's 1969 Stonewall Riots. Tune in for a story of queer resistance, featuring chorus lines, Molotov cocktails, and the birth of the modern gay rights movement.

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Hear ye, hear ye!

Season 3 of Queer as Fact will be starting on June 1st! Listen to this announcement episode to learn about the special content we'll be bringing out to celebrate Pride Month, new and exciting ways to support the podcast, and the winner of our book giveaway!

Visit our Patreon to learn about the rewards we're offering or visit our Redbubble to check out new Queer as Fact merch!

 

Chavela Vargas

Today's episode is on Mexican singer Chavela Vargas. Listen to learn about her influence over the traditional Mexican music scene, her relationship with the famous artist Frida Kahlo and how it's never too late to start an international music career.

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Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire

Today's episode is on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and its TV adaptation Game of Thrones. Listen in as we discuss how queer representation changed from page to screen, the ways medieval fantasy interprets historical reality, and what the deal is with that shaving scene anyway...

Please note that this episode contains swearing, mentions of sex, sex work, sexual violence and rape, slavery, incest, pedophilia, and suicide. Future episodes will contain recorded content warnings as per usual.

Marsha P Johnson

Today, we're talking about the life of Marsha P Johnson, a trans activist most famous for her involvement in the Stonewall Riots. We touch on topics including STAR, an organisation supporting homeless queer youth which Marsha co-founded, the possibility that Marsha was asexual, and what queer fashion looked like in the 1960s!

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Fanny Park and Stella Boulton

Today we are talking about Fanny Park and Stella Boulton, two transfeminine people who were the subject of a sensational trial in Victorian England. Tune in to hear about drag balls, whether pornography counts as an academic source, and the intersection of trans and gay history.

The Handmaiden & Fingersmith

Today's episode of Queer as Fiction covers the 2002 novel Fingersmith, written by famed queer author Sarah Waters (three time nominee for the Man Booker prize), as well as its 2016 film adaptation The Handmaiden, directed by South Korean mastermind Park Chan-wook. Join us as we discuss the differences and similarities between 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea and Victorian England, depictions of lesbian sex and problematic cephalopods. 

Stormé DeLarverie

Today's episode is on queer activist, drag performer, and gay superhero Stormé DeLarverie. Join us to hear your hosts discuss the history of drag performance, Stormé's short-lived career as a circus performer, and an obituary we can all aspire to.

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