#queeraf | By National Student Pride

Roberta Cowell, or Betty might have been born into a strict, religious family - but her history, is one with many lessons.She shows us that Trans+ people are more than just their identity. That Trans+ people deserve to tell their own stories. That, as Sabah Choudrey wrote in this year’s Trans+ History Week workbook lesson about her - “while positive trans representation matters, you don’t need to see yourself represented to know that you can live authentically, and be trans, happy and celebrated.”It’s time for the final episode of Season 6 of the QueerAF podcast, once again with Trans+ History Week.Episode Credits: Hosted and produced by Amber Deveraux and Tin Can Audio. Voiceover from Ashleigh Talbot. With thanks to guests Charlie Martin and Victoria Scott. Executive production by Jamie Wareham. This episode was supported by Publicis Groupe UK.Sign up as a QueerAF member to listen along ad-free and support our not-for-profit work, investing in a new generation of queer audio professionals:https://www.we

Reed Erickson was an eccentric trans multimillionaire who transitioned in the US in the 1950s. Erickson’s access to wealth and relationship to trans healthcare went on to greatly shape how Western gender clinics developed from the 1960s onwards. In this episode, Vic Parsons explores that link, and unpacks what we can learn from the story of a vastly influencial figure in gender affirming care models.Read our history stories about Magnus Hirschfield:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/i-just-learned-the-nazis-first-book-burning-happened-at-worlds-first-trans-clinic/https://www.wearequeeraf.com/its-time-for-the-trans-history-lesson-we-never-had/Check out Vic's first exclusive investigation for the QueerAF newsletter:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/conversion-therapy-groups-spend-2m-on-lobbying-and-promoting-practice-in-soaring-costs-since-promise-to-ban-the-abusive-practice/Episode Credits: Hosted and produced by Vic Parsons, with thanks to guests Morgan M Page host of One From The Vaults and Cal Horton. Executive p

This year, for the first time since tracking of it began - Trans+ rights in Europe retracted, instead of grew. In the UK, hate crimes towards trans people are up nearly 1400% in the last decade. Meanwhile, as hate plays out on the streets - the addiction in some parts of the media to hateful, clickbait headlines that drive attention to news providers, but division in communities all over the world has continued.This week on QueerAF, in an episode supported by Publicis Media Groupe UK - we’re going to ask: What is the media's role in rising transphobia? How can the advertising industry change the media? What can we, as individuals, do about this - can we play a role at work to advocate for better responsibility from businesses?Episode Credits: Hosted and produced by Jamie Wareham. This episode was supported by Publicis Groupe UK. With thanks to Transgender Europe, JP, Julia Franks and Kate Williams.Sign up as a QueerAF member to listen along ad-free and support our not-for-profit work, investing in a new

First produced and published in 2018, in the British Podcast Awards nominated Season Two of QueerAF - Support our workAfter Sean Allsop produced this episode, one of his first paid documentary audio commissions, he’s gone on to have an illustrious career making documentaries for the BBC, The World Service, Virgin Radio, Absolute Radio: And a vast number of them about the LGBTQIA+ community. Sean’s brought the history of Section 28, The Legacy of Terrance Higgins and investigations into Poland’s LGBT free zones onto National radio. All, in part, because we were able to give him one of his first portfolio pieces, as well as the training and mentoring on how to do queer stories justice. That’s what we’re up to here, supporting queer creatives to build media careers so they can change the media - all to change the country.https://www.wearequeeraf.com/membership/Sean suffered from internalised homophobia. He is perfectly OK with his sexuality, but kept asking himself why the LGBTQIA+ community has to be

Back on our feeds, the collaboration you've missed since 2020. We've loved collaborating with Historical Homos again, who have launched a podcast since we last worked with them to mark the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. In this episode, we bring you an introductory package, before handing the reigns over to Sebastian Hendra, for the usual Historical Homos format in this collab episode of the QueerAF podcast!Episode Credits: Hosted by Sebastian Hendra, with intro package produced by Jamie Wareham and interview section edited by Alex Toskas. Thanks to guests Kit Heyam and Marty Davies (Photo: Ciaran Christopher). A QueerAF and Historical Homos Production. Historical Homos is on Instagram, and you can listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Sign up as a QueerAF member to listen along ad-free and support our not-for-profit work, investing in a new generation of queer audio professionals:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/membership/If you like our podcast, you'll love our free weekly new

This week we’re sharing the conversation we recorded at the Trans+ History Week community event 2025, with the theme: How do we tell our history,so we can all learn from it?It might have taken place back in May but, well lets face it even before this year’s Trans+ History Week, which is held in the first full week in May each year - the UK’s Supreme Court decision on the definition of a woman in the Equality Act has changed the context, urgency and climate for Trans+ and queer rights. The recording followed on directly from the first episode of the season, our live podcast recording with guest host Anthony Lexa from Sex Education and special guest Abigail Thorn, of Philosophy Tube and Game of Thrones fame.To celebrate the second year of creatives we’ve mentored for Trans+ History Week, we brought together one of last years, podcasters Alex Parnham Cope, one of this year’s history writers Nisreen Fox, and the legal researcher who was the only Trans+ journalist commissioned in the UK media to write about t

 “Ballroom is liberation, it's queer history, it's trans history, it's power, it's fashion, it's sex, it's dance, it's music, it's love, it's hate, it's everything that you need in order to survive as a queer person in this world, especially as a queer person of colour.”You may know ballroom from the legendary show “Pose” or “Paris is Burning” but this beautiful home curated for and by queer icons is becoming a worldwide community, with queer communities of colour, finding safety and unity in these spaces.There’s nothing more queer than doing something because no-one else will. That is the story off Ballroom - from it’s New York blossoming, to as Anthony Pius will take us through in this episode of the QueerAF podcast with Trans+ History Week - it’s flourishing international growth from India to Wales.Episode Credits: Produced by Anthony Pius. Executive production and mastering by Jamie Wareham. A QueerAF Production. Made with support from Publicis Groupe UK. Thanks to guests&nbs

CW: This episode contains themes of a sexual nature, including references to kinkWho do you think you are? A universal tension exists in an acute way for trans people, our dependency on other people for recognition, part of how identity works is laid bare in the struggle for trans liberation.Perhaps not better explained by examinig not just any simple piece of cloth, but the very queer and Trans+ history of the handkerchief.There’s the hanky code (or flagging). There are historical examples (some fictional, others not): phallic handkerchiefs, morality judgments intertwined with the hanky, hankies as tokens passed from lover to lover, and handkerchiefs worn around the neck. But they all rely upon the handkerchief to be read – to be perceived in a certain way. They rely upon dependency.In this week's QueerAF podcast with Trans+ History Week, Ted Tinkler explores the ontology of the handkerchief and what it tells us about the power dynamics of dependency and intimacy - and what that tells us about being Tra

How can we use stories as part of the fight back against anti-LGBTQIA+ narratives?At an acute time for our community, stories are a powerful tool to unpack prejudice and set a better narrative for queer communities.But what can the media industry do differently, and how can we do this in the audio and podcast space? Join us for an insider goss look at what it's like to tackle this question as a media professional. By sharing this to our audience, we hope you can better understand the way the media works. The more we understand how it works, the better we can advocate for its change.In this 30-minute panel, with a short Q&A we ask our expert guests what we can do to ensure the stories we tell about LGBTQIA+ lives do justice to the community in engaging, entertaining and high-impact ways.Episode Credits: Hosted and chaired by QueerAF's Jamie Wareham and joined by Ki Griffin (Hollyoaks actor, producer of a QueerAF podcast for Trans+ History Week), Phil Samba (Host of The Other Blue Pill documentary podcast,

There perhaps isn’t a more British way, to say - gender is a construct - than with Shakespeare is there?So put aside your stack of sonnets, go stick on the kettle, brew a cuppa, and let Shevek Imogen Fodor tell you about the gender foolery that took place in Shakespearean England and ignited and already ember burning flame of gender diversity on stage in the UK's most hallowed theatre institutions.If we acknowledge that gender was performed, messed with and expanded on stage then we can find a glimpse of positive non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid ways of existing in the past. That's what we'll explore in another episode with Trans+ History Week of the QueerAF podcast.Episode Credits: Produced by Shevek Imogen Fodor. Opening monologue performed by Aryn Jae (they/them). Executive production and mastering by Jamie Wareham. A QueerAF Production. Made with support from Publicis Groupe UK.From Shevek:"Additional thanks to: Dr Will Tosh (he/him); Emma (they/them); Sarah Li (she/they); Stan Doubt (he/him); Vi

Lynn Conway pioneered the technology that makes it possible to use the device you're about to listen to this podcast on now.She even coined a term for why her story has been forgotten, ignored and erased. With a contribution to computer science in almost parallel importance to Alan Turing, producer Chuck Copenspire explains the Connway Effect of why her story is only just beginning to be celebrated as well as the legacy that should be.In this episode of the QueerAF podcast, producer Chuck Copenspire digs through precious archive material of Lynn, telling her story in her own words, mixed with interviews with her contemporaries and historians to ask: what is her legacy, and why has it so rare for people to know her work? Like Alan Turing, her work in computer science was pivotal to how the world works today.Dig deeper into Lynn's work on the Successful Trans Men's Archive in the Trans+ History Week 2025 workbook:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/trans-computing-pioneer-lynn-conway-knew-that-were-stronger-together/E

Abigail Thorn is currently filming a new role as a trans femme action star, she revealed at the Trans+ History Week community event on a live recording of the QueerAF podcast. The actor, who is known for her roles in the Game Of Thrones (House Of The Dragon, Sharako Lohar) and Star Wars (The Acolyte, Ensign Eurus) universes, said: “I can't say what it is, but I am about to start filming a big action thing this summer. I'm having boxing lessons and sword fighting lessons like three times a week and like learning to dive across things.” Although there has been a transgender superhero before, notably Dreamer, played by Nicole Maines in the CW series Supergirl - Thorn says this is the first time a trans femme person has been cast as an action star in a production of this kind. “I said to the producers when I got it, was like, thank you for giving me this. Because they didn't write it with a trans woman in mind, they just wrote it. And I said to the producers, thank you for giving me this becau

Do you know who Lynn Conway is? Without her work on the microchip - you wouldn’t be listening to this podcast. Did you know that there are genderqueer ballroom voguing scenes in both India and Wales? How much do you know about the eccentric Reed Erikson, who funded research into dolphin telepathy and pioneering gender-affirming surgeries when no one else would? This season on the award-winning QueerAF podcast, we’re back for more of the history lesson we never had - with Trans+ History Week.Six Trans+ budding audio producers are here with stories from Trans+ history to help us understand the queer world we live in now  - plus how we can march for our future.Knowledge of our past, is fundamental for our liberation. So we’re back with our trademark stamp, investing in Queer and Trans+ creative talent, buying them equipment to keep forever, supporting them to change the media, and yes - telling you beautiful stories. Season 6 of QueerAF, is for the millennia-old history of Trans+ communities all o

To celebrate 20 years of National Student Pride - in 2025, we were back on stage as a media sponsor, for a special live recording for a panel about disability and healthcare in the queer community. It was particularly special because the last time we covered the topic in this way, it was also at Student Pride - check back for the Access All Rainbows episode in season four for that. National Student Pride is an incredible event, and as well as giving QueerAF an incredible launchpad - it's been helping students get graduate jobs, and driving critical conversations in our community, and to mark 20 years of it this year is quite something. The panel is hosted by @char_bailey_, with guests:

Figures like Wendy Carlos not only defined the genre but were also instrumental in developing the modern synthesizer. Meanwhile, SOPHIE redefined the boundaries of pop and experimental music. And then there are the musicians and sound artists working today. All Trans+. Learning about how they came to their craft, exploring where they have blurred the lines between music and other mediums as well as asking why transgender musicians and artists are drawn to these genres in particular, this episode (the final of season five) explores Trans+ History Week's theme: We are more than Trans+, with guests:Cai Gwilym Pritchard (they/them) – Sound Designer, Noise Artist and WriterChi B Williams (she/her) – Sound Artist, WriterZoe Blade (she/her) – Musician, Writer and ProgrammerRoshanak Kheshti (she/her) – Writer and Academic – University of Berkeley Read more stories from Trans+ History Week:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/transhistoryweek/Here is the article we recommended:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/raves-reflect-m

Rehangs at art museums are rare. The last one at Tate Britain was in 2012. Whilst galleries will make small changes to their on-display collections, these are small, only happen every few months and usually happen for specific reasons (such as an item going on loan to another gallery).But each rehang gives an art gallery to make a statement on what its mission as an institution is. A statement that visitors will likely see for ten or more years. So it's a big deal that Tate Britain and the National Gallery both increased the amount of LGBTQIA+ representation in their recent rehangs. This week's producer, Mills Dyer explores some key Trans+ history they reveal, with guests:Abi Penton – A Tate tour guide and expert on GluckCas Bradbeer - A queer historian and V&A Tour guideProf Matt Cook – Professor of Queer History at Oxford UniversityView the art discussed in today's show:Flora’s Cloak c.1923, GluckChevalier d'Eon by Thomas Stewart, after Jean-Laurent MosnierPrints of Chevalier d’Eon at the National Portr

A live panel recording on "How do we win our rights?" with three Trans+ change and history makers, Roz Kaveney, Jude Guaitamacchi, Sabah Choudrey interviewed by Nancy Kelley.This episode was recorded in front of an audience of 200 people in London's Canary Wharf at our first-ever Trans+ History Week community event.Read more stories from Trans+ History Week:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/transhistoryweek/Watch the Transcending Words poetry night:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmbn900ekPM Plus, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to understand the LGBTQIA+ news every Saturday:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a busy Pride month at QueerAF HQ - a rewind episode, while we prepare the final few episodes of an already stunning set of stories from emerging and marginalised LGBTQIA+ audio producers. This Week Rosa Eaton ponders: Do they need to get a queer haircut to feel part of the community? In their university town of Bristol they meet the towns local queer hairdresser who has been helping trans, non-binary and LGBT+ people feel more at home with the identity they want to show to the world. And despite Rosa’s love for long, femme hair, they wonder after seeing so many people get empowered by having the chop – whether to have a 'queer haircut' too. Something, by the end of this episode Rosa resolves – for better or worse. Looking for more QueerAF content? Read more stories from Trans+ History Week:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/transhistoryweek/Watch the Transcending Words poetry night on our YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmbn900ekPM Plus, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to und

It's a story many of us know, but in a new telling of the classic tale, Harry Woodgate has reimaging Oscar Wilde's Happy Prince.This week, Jamie Wareham meets the author and explores, along with groups who donate books to schools, why diverse and LGBTQIA+ inclusive books are so valuable for children.Harry Woodgate shares how and why they reimagined the classic tale, The Happy Prince, first written by historical queer icon Oscar Wilde. We also explore the many themes in the book that remain strikingly relevant today and reflects on the groups who are getting their books into schools.With guests:Harry Woodgate - author of The Happy Prince, Grandad's Pride and many more children's booksSammy James-Dodds - co-founder of Bude Pride and Bude Pride EducationAlison Wareham - Teaching assistant in a local Cornish schoolGet a copy of Woodgate's reimagining of The Happy Prince in all good bookstores, and pick up all their books now:The Happy PrinceGrandad's PrideGrandad's CamperPlus, be sure to sign up for our newslette

We all know the trope: the supportive bestie who helps the main character finally achieve their dreams, gives the advice that helps them land the heartthrob or drops hard truths that lead to epiphanies. We all know that’s producers and casting directors' favourite place to tick their diversity boxes. I should know, I’m the actor playing them.But what this week's producer Ki Griffin wants to know, especially as an actor and a black trans-masculine person who uses he/they pronouns is: "When do I get to be the main character?"Looking at black trans-masc representation in TV, film, and theatre - while connecting the dots with wider social conversations about black masculinity - join Ki as they explore where the black trans-masc representation is in TV and film?With guests:Rico Jacob Chace - a speaker on Intersectionality and Non-Binary EqualityTatenda Shamiso - a multidisciplinary artist, writer and directorLane Webber - actor and composerRead more stories from Trans+ History Week:https://www.wearequeeraf.com/tra