Race Matters

What does it mean that desire, even queer desire, is built on dead bodies? What happens when we realise that our desires, even our most intimate, erotic ones, may be rooted in specific, traceable violence and death? Wiradjuri baddie and alleged tender queer Ethan Lyons on all things TWINK. The desire, the violence, the whiteness of it all. Joined by his dear friend David Soriano, on discerning the colonial parasite, the reproduction of racist harm in gay communities, non western queerness and how we can live truly as queer people, embracing decolonial practices. This episode references the work if Driftpile Cree Nation writer Billy Ray Belcourt and the work of queer thinker Martin F. Manalansan, Global Divas. Produced and edited by Ethan Lyons, with creative advice from Shareeka Helaluddin. Podcast edited and produced by Samantha Haran. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Breath. Something we all have in common, yet most take for granted”  An invitation to listen in, attune to, hold breath and be in solidarity with those in our community living with Long Covid. In collaboration with Dr Poppy de Souza, we bring you stories gathered from her Holding Breath exchange and from the Race Matters community, reflecting on their experiences and responding to: what do we carry with us? what do we leave behind? Together, these voices bring collective wisdom, and offer ways of living with/in embodied discomfort and crip ways of moving through the world.  Continue to learn more about Poppy’s work, and to listen in solidarity and connect with Long Covid in our racial justice struggle:  Holding Breath project Jenna Bitar’s essay in Sick Times “Instead of supporting people with Long Covid, our government funds a genocide”  Still Here podcast from The Sick Times Breathing 4 Justice - exploring the intersections of long Covid and disability justice (U.S.) The Colour of Long COVID series, supported by the Disability Visibility Project This episode was facilitated by, co-produced and edited by Samantha Haran. Scripting, piano composition, invitations and co-production by Poppy de Souza. Supervising production and creative contributions by Shareeka Helaluddin. Graphics for our community call-out by Judy Ko, arranged by Sehej Kaur Sehmbhi. Image is from contributor Jody Haines, from Tommeginne Country, their ancestral lands where they can breathe most deeply.  Holding Breath Episode Transcript With gratitude to all those who contributed to this episode and gave us the trust to uplift your narratives of Long Covid, and our love to those impacted by its grief and loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We are in a decolonial moment, we need the energy to keep going" A conversation between Shareeka Helaluddin and astrologer, spirit worker for the liberation, Ra Life. Hear them on what it is to use their gifts in the toolkit for revolution, guiding people to tap into their capacity and ancestral wisdom as tactic for political organising. Less woo woo, more depth and fury. Produced, hosted and sound designed by Shareeka HelaluddinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"... and in truth it is a story that is not mine nor hers; I am searching for the shape of what is ours." Hear  Sara and Joannie are in conversation with Palestinian writer and academic Micaela Sahhar. Together, they discuss Micaela’s gorgeous new memoir,  'Find Me At The Jaffa Gate,’ which aims to assemble and reclaim the story of her family through fractured memories, objects and places. This conversation explores how both objects and music can hold and preserve memory, the complexity of being heard amidst censorship and the importance of the anti-colonial archive. Produced by Shareeka Helaluddin and Samantha Haran. Podcast edited and sound design by Shareeka Helaluddin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we understand hope as something within ourselves, and not as a far off horizon? A conversation with anti-oppressive therapist and educator Leah Manaema Avene on their expansive practice rooted in abolition, love, repair and the strategies to transform harmful power dynamics in bodies, relationships and systems. A sprawling dialogue spanning themes of rupture, hope, and the will to keep moving towards revolution. Image: Leah Avene by Amos Gebhardt part of an interview series MÅNGATA and photography exhibition. This episode was hosted, produced and edited by Shareeka Helaluddin. Podcast edit by Yvonne Hong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"You have to speak the truth, even if your voice shakes" What does it mean to commemorate Nakba, not as a singular historical act, but as a way to honour the resistance that has continued long before October 7th?  A conversation with Dana Kafina from 3ain Radio and Toobs Anwar. This episode was hosted and produced by Toobs Anwar, with final audio editing by Shareeka Helaluddin. Live broadcast producing by Alicia Zhao. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Without truth, what ground is there to stand on? We started this piece into Creative Australia's appalling decision to rescind Lebanese artist Khaled Sabsabi's position from the Venice Bienele, however over many weeks this piece evolved beyond one act of silencing. We are watching the normalisation of this genocide, enabled by imperial mechanisms of censorship, and as creatives how do we grapple with our responsibilities to this while honoring the fight of Palestinian liberation? This episode brings together four artists, organisers and truth-tellers, who have been sounding out the call of institutional collapse so we can see these structures for what they are, and resist. Each conversation offers us clarity on the humanity that is at stake and strategies to ground in resistance, alterity and refusal. Episode creditsSehej Kaur and Sara El-Youghan speaking with Palestinian artist Feras Shaheen, and poet Omar SakrAlicia Zhao with illustrator and organiser Matt ChunToobs Anwar in conversation with poet, educator, and arts worker Hasib HouraniScripting and narration by Janey LiSupervising Producer Allison ChanCreative direction, final mixing and additional Sound design by Executive Producer Shareeka Helaluddin Above all we honor the martyrs, the fighters and the families of Palestine. We remain committed to the sacredness of all Palestinian life and liberation. We hear the Palestinian call - “We will not be silenced" Image: Samar Abu Elouf via The Sunday PaperSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re not just data, we are storytellers. Sometimes, the most radical thing we can do is speak, loudly and deliberately, into futures we get to shape ourselves. Ethan and Janey are joined by Nyungar technologist and futurist Kathryn Gledhill-Tucker to traverse the world of machine tech and human autonomy, learning how their work reimagines the embodied and expansive possibilities of a First Nations practice in tech. Across her poetry, speculative-fiction and tech justice advocacy reminds us that even in systems built to monitor, there’s power in reclaiming how we’re heard. This episode was co-produced and co-hosted by Ethan Lyons and Janey Li. Supervising Production and sound design by Shareeka Helaluddin. Podcast edited by Yvonne Hong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“We only have wood and stone to fight with to preserve our life” The words of young activists from Kanaky (so-called New Caledonia) who are engaged in fights to reclaim their land from French occupation, fighting for life and independence. Ethan and Shareeka speak to Roscoe, a special rapporteur for Radio RATA, a decolonial media, culture and mutual aid network, operating across the Pacific. Roscoe has been pivotal in establishing networks and connections with the Indigenous people of Kanaky. Through his work we learn that colonial systems are not the only thing that can duplicate and expand borders -- so can Indigenous knowledge and solidarity. This episode was co-produced and co-hosted by Ethan Lyons and Shareeka Helaluddin. Audio editing by Ethan Lyons, sound design by Shareeka Helaluddin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"We're holding hope for other people and each other, and that's what the peer model is." Content Note: this episode contains mentions of suicidality.  Queer Muslim baddie takeover ~ in dedication to Imam Muhsin Hendricks - Allah Yerahmo. The intersections of queerness, religion, and ethnic identity are so heavily intertwined and (sometimes) difficult to reconcile. Join Host Sara El Youghun, Mohammad and Aiysha of the Multicultural Peers Project to speak on queerness and Islam, the struggle with mental health and synergising these values to emerge into adulthood in queer, Muslim pride. Multicultural Peers Project is a Western Sydney initiative aimed at helping queer and trans youth from Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian and Muslim backgrounds in NSW. You can connect with them on Instagram at @multiculturalpeersproject - a bastion of ethnic, empathetic therapy.  This episode was hosted by Sara El Youghun, supervised by Shareeka Helaluddin, produced by Yvonne Hong, and Janey Li assisted on social media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can writing be a political practice? How do you write in a way that serves liberation, the making of better worlds?  Today Samantha and Bipasha are in conversation with Fabliha Yeaqub, a queer Bangladeshi writer, artist and community organiser based in so-called New York. We are talking about her journey with writing as catharsis and as rebellion, how it relates to her political work, and what it means to forge community connections amidst the individualist culture of the West. This episode is grounded in June Jordan's timeless words: I must become a menace to my enemies. Connect with Fabliha’s work Fabliha’s piece 'muslim girlhood is a knife. you kill us, and yet we will live forever’: https://fablihayeaqub.substack.com/p/muslim-girlhood-is-a-knife-you-kill Website: https://www.fablihayeaqub.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fablihayeaqub/  Marigold Seeds Collective: https://www.instagram.com/marigoldseedscollective/  Amader Dawat: https://www.instagram.com/amaderdawat/  June Jordan’s I Must Become a Menace to my Enemies: https://poets.org/poem/i-must-become-menace-my-enemies  This episode was co-produced and co-hosted by Samantha Haran and Bipasha Roy, Audio editing by Bipasha Roy, Supervising Producer was Tanya Ali, Executive producer and final mixing by Shareeka HelaluddinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It takes a femme queen.  Movement as liberation, and the spirituality of performance. Join Ethan Lyons and Tim Worton in deep kiki with the Ruby of Western Sydney, vogue diva from the House of Silky, Jubahlee talking the love and kinship within the ballroom scene. This episode was produced and hosted by Ethan Lyons and Tim Worton, with Supervising Production and podcast edit by Shareeka Helaluddin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I’m a child of the revolution”  Theatre as protest, storytelling as weapon. Fifty two years since the inception of Black Theatre - the subversive art form that spoke back to the colony and incited the beginning of community controlled services; resonates to this day. We’re so honoured to be speaking with Angeline Penrith, the creative director and curator of Redfern Renaissance. Angeline is a Wiradjuri & Yuin actor and story teller, a proud Redfern local and from a trailblazing family of activists and storytellers. Show up, everyday for First Nations resistance Black Caucus - mutual aid and local actions Action for Public Housing - resisting gentrification of Redfern, fighting for housing rights Black Peoples Union - revolutionary organisation that pursuing full self-determination and Sovereignty Survival Guide on Radio Skid Row - archive of conversations hosted by Joel Spring and Lorna Munro on the history of Black resistance and the destruction from gentrification, in Redfern. Pay the rent Black Caucus - mutual aid funds Deadly Connections Decolonise Sex Work - mutual aid funds Grandmothers Against Removal NSW Stop Black Deaths in Custody content note for names and images of deceased peoples This episode was collaboratively produced, hosted and edited by Alicia Zhao and Shareeka Helaluddin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A collision of sounds and a system built through found materials transforming every space it enters. Guest hosts (and fbi family) Madi Martin-Bygrave and Virginia Barahona chat to DJ, community-builder and artist Lulu Quintanilla. Her hand built sound systems are a conduit for questioning culture in a particular moment. An emblem of her candour and DIY ethos where transmuting possibility is found in the club, a youtube archive or a community gathering. This episode was produced and hosted by Madi Martin-Bygrave and Virginia Barahona, with supervising production and audio editing by Shareeka Helaluddin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not only is this Dunya temporary, it is also worth saving. Until we are all free. Open your ears and hearts with Sara El Youghun and Attu Ngor as they have a vulnerable chat with artist, poet, and kin Mustafa. Together they explore his new album Dunya, dedicated to those still living in this world, fighting, praying, grieving and holding on to hope. Mustafa tells us about the importance of faith, culture and community as a lifeline. Sharing his Nubian roots in relation to Islam, Mustafa invites us to his world with dance and mercy, reminding us of the importance of growing together rather than apart. This episode was made possible by Shareeka Helaluddin and greatly contributed to by Tim Worton, Mateo Baskaran and Toobs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Repping the Black Caucus and some of the staunch advocates he organises alongside, Wiradjuri organiser and creative Ethan Lyons joins us as guest host. Stories that ode his matrilineal teachers, movements across black resistance, solidarities across borders and how young people can find their space in liberatory movements. Plus, a track list of queer, Black and First Nations excellence selected by Ethan. Continue to follow, learn, get organised and show material solidarity In conversation: Uncle Robbie Thorpe, Kieran Stewart-Asherton and Uncle Coco on 3CR Radical Radio Follow Ethan's work Aunty Lizzie Jarret Justice for David Dungay Junior Campaign @blakcaucus @firstnationsresponse @sydtentembassy @paulsilva69  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Objects tell their stories if you let them. Bringing together inane objects, tapestries, Musiviri paintings and self portraits; Nusra Latif Qureshi work recognises the cracks within imperial institutions and reveals a complex beauty. Sehej Kaur and Toobs bring us an in depth interview with the Pakistani visual artist, who has spent many years reclaiming the Musiviri art form, alchemising it into a political statement and tool for autonomy. Birds in Far Pavilions is on at the Art Gallery of NSW until 15 June 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fourteen years too long, permanent visas and protection now. Content note: this episode traces the cruelty of state violence and asylum seeking experiences, with mention of suicide. There is no graphic detail, however we ask that you take care when listening in. Joannie Lee and Sara El Youghan take us to the Refugee Encampment in Punchbowl, at the 24-hour Protest. Passing its 111th day, many have been waiting outside Minister Tony Burke's office seeking stability and an end to the temporary visa system that leaves them in precarious, unjust work and life conditions. Solidarity to all those fighting the violence of borders, and those who had the courage to share their stories with us. Listen in, take action through Tamil Refguee Council / @trcaustralia This episode was produced by Joannie Lee and co-hosted by Sara El Youghan. Special thanks to Janey Li and and Samantha Haran who joined the encampment and assisted in recording. Shareeka Helaluddin was the supervising producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does accessibility to sexual liberation really mean? Content warning: this interview contains mention of sexual violence. Alicia Zhao shares an intimate dialogue with friend, artist and advocate Dakota Quin. Facing the question of the body no longer being a productive vessel for capitalism, Dakota’s artistic and activist work seeks to find the pleasure and possibilities of embodied liberation. We learn about their story and how it culminated in the upcoming film, Unspeakable, a body of work in collaboration with Esther Bridget Joy. Read more about and support the Unspeakable documentary: Rediscovering Sexual Liberation After Sexual Violence, and follow their instagram for updates. Produced and hosted by Alicia ZhaoPodcast and CRN edit by Mateo BaskaranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tale of two Dilwale's: Mateo and Bipasha move through the phenomena of Bollywood cinema and its grasp on broader subcontinental culture. Specifically, a classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and it's less-regarded not-so-classic Dilwale (2015), both starring the inimitable SRK and Kajol. They trace their relationships with growing up with Bollywood cinema, recount watching these films five hours back to back; and reflect on the depths and contradictions of these cultural outputs. Produced by Shareeka HelaluddinHosted by Bipasha Roy and Mateo BaskaranPodcast and CRN edit by Mateo BaskaranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.