Exploring Canberra’s Queer History Through the Lens of a New Podcast
Delve into the vibrant and often overlooked LGBTQIA+ sites scattered around the Australian Capital Territory with the launch of the groundbreaking podcast, Queers Past. This innovative audio series, spearheaded by Sita Sargeant of She Shapes History, offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of queer history in Canberra, shedding light on iconic locations like the Gorman Arts Centre and the Braddon car yards.
In brief:
- Discover a new podcast uncovering Canberra’s queer history.
- The podcast received support from the Capital of Equality grants program by the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs.
- The latest round of funding grants is now open for applications.
She Shapes History, known for its popular walking tours in Canberra, secured a grant from the ACT Government’s Capital of Equality program in 2023 to embark on this enlightening podcast journey. What started as a successful queer history walking tour in the city inspired Sita to delve deeper into these stories through the immersive medium of podcasting.
About Queers Past
Leading the charge in presenting Queers Past is Zev Aviv, a prominent figure at She Shapes History, who injects a unique trans perspective into the narrative. As Zev delved into the research and scripting process, the team quickly realized that adapting a live tour into a podcast required a significant transformation in storytelling.
Zev reflected on this shift, stating, “Unlike a tour where you can gauge your audience’s reactions in real-time, a podcast demands a different approach. The lack of direct interaction with the audience challenges us to craft a narrative that engages and educates without immediate feedback, making the storytelling process more intricate and nuanced.”
A goal of connection
The most recent round of Capital of Equality grants, now open for applications through the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs, aligns seamlessly with the vision behind Queers Past. Sita and Zev aspire to foster a deeper sense of community and belonging among LGBTQIA+ individuals in Canberra through their podcast, echoing the program’s core objective of strengthening these vibrant communities.
Zev expressed their hopes for Queers Past
The Capital of Equality grants program offers funding across three key areas:How the grants work
Zev emphasized the pivotal role of the Capital of Equality grant in bringing Queers Past to life, stating, “Securing this grant enabled us to invest in essential recording equipment that would have been unfeasible for our small business otherwise.”
The application process
Sita found the grant application process straightforward, with ample support available for aspiring applicants. Reflecting on her experience, she encouraged others to pursue grant opportunities, highlighting the value of persistence and learning from initial setbacks.
Despite the challenges encountered during production, both Zev and Sita take immense pride in the final product. Zev shared, “Canberra holds a special place in my heart. This podcast is a testament to our city’s unique identity and history, aiming to instill a sense of belonging and pride among listeners. Our goal is to foster a deeper connection to Canberra, empowering individuals to embrace their place in this evolving narrative.”
Applications for the Connection Fund and Partnerships and Capacity Building grants are open until Monday, January 27, 2025, while the deadline for the LGBTIQA+ Leadership Grant falls on January 5, 2025. To learn more about the grants or submit an application, visit the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs website.
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