My Queer Museum

Writer, researcher, storyteller and oral historian Jane Traies has been recording the life histories of the oldest generations of lesbians in the UK. Some of these stories feature in her books The Lives of Older Lesbians: Sexuality, Identity and the Life Course (2016) and Now You See Me (2018).In November 2021 we had the opportunity and privilege of listening to Jane's story.  The story of a journey from secrecy to finding community.  Via a very precious copy of Maureen Duffy's "The microcosm". Recorded remotely on November 18, 2021Interview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Siren, Brighton based all women indie rock band and theatre company, has been rocking since 1980. Formed at the height of Thatcher's Britain, they aimed their artistic expression at the twin enemies of the day: the conservatism and sexism that were built deep into the social infrastructure. We met with Siren members Tash Fairbanks, Debra Trethewey and Jude Winter, to talk music, politics, fashion, and activism.  Personal journeys, meaningful places, and what it means to be an all women band - forty years ago and today. Recorded remotely on November 10, 2021Interview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Using three symbolic and evocative objects, Fox Fisher shares personal and political stories of their queer life in Brighton over the last two decades.Artist, film maker, author and trans campaigner, Fox Fisher is a local and national mover and shaker, their advocacy work has and continues to inspire and empower trans and queer people around the world.In this interview Fox talks about being a young student at Brighton university, about the origins of Trans Pride, and about their political commitment and activism from public to private life. Recorded remotely on August 27, 2021Interview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Maria Jastrzębska shares the powerful stories behind the three objects she is donating to our Queer Museum.Polish-British poet, feminist, editor, translator and playwright, Maria has published three full-length volumes of poetry and two pamphlets. She is the co-founded Queer Writing South and South Pole.In this interview Maria talks about being a girl scout, feminist activism and intersectionality, and the inherent queerness of poetry...Recorded remotely on April 29, 2021Interview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Le Gateau Chocolat shares the inredible stories behind his three submissions to the imaginary queer museum. Bewitching baritone Le Gateau Chocolat is a one-man, larger-than-life musical phenomenon. The six-and-half foot tall, six-inch heeled, wig-clad wonder swings wildly from one end of the musical spectrum to another, from disco, opera, musicals and pop.In this interview Le Gateau talks about his first time on stage, his operaTIC foremothers, and about his extravagant collection of plants...Recorded remotely on May 10, 2021Interview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Boogaloo Stu shares the incredible stories behind his three submissions to the imaginary Queer Museum.Boogaloo Stu is a DJ, producer, maker, designer, artiste, and performer. He is the creator and the life of many of Brighton's best parties and events....In this interview Stu talks about Marilyn, the power of a DIY outfit, and a lifelong fascination with giant phalluses. Recorded remotely on March 16, 2021Interview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Tarik tells Roni and David which are the objects that would best tell his personal queer story. Tarik Elmoutawakil is an artist, producer, and co-founder of Marlborough Productions in Brighton. Tarik is also the creator of Brownton Abbey, the afro futuristic space-church themed performance party.In his interview Tarik talks about his secret diary, teenage feelings, his creative journey, and  the collective power of community. Recorded on October 26, 2020, at The Spire, BrightonInterview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Juno tells Roni and David which are the objects that would best tell her personal queer story. Juno Dawson is a best selling novelist, screenwriter, and journalist.  She is also a part of the queer cabaret collective known as CLUB SILENCIO. Juno grew up in West Yorkshire, writing imaginary episodes of Doctor Who, today she lives in Brighton. In this interview Juno talks about teenage crushes, growing up as a queer person, being a writer, gender and fashion. Recorded on November 3, 2020, at The Spire, BrightonInterview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Kathy tells Roni and David which are the objects that would best tell her personal queer story. Quite literally the queer voice of Brighton, Kathy Caton is broadcaster at BBC and Radio Reverb, as well as a woman pioneering in the world of gin making!In her interview  Kathy talks about the buildings that hold our community together, how we need spaces and places to come together and to thrive. Recorded on October 19, 2020, at The Spire, BrightonInterview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Janet tells Roni and David which are the objects that would best tell her personal queer story. Janet Jones grew up in West Yorkshire and lives in Brighton. She is a writer, queer and disability-rights activist, film makers, and all round source of many stories and anecdotes.In this interview Janet talks about her youth, self-discovery, writing and performing during the AIDS crisis, activism, death, life, and joy! Recorded on October 20, 2020, on Janet's balcony in BrightonInterview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen

Aneesa tells Roni and David which are the objects that would best tell her personal queer story. Aneesa grew up in a creative Asian household. She now sings at Jazz and world music festivals around the world as one of the finest singers on the scene. And runs a number of choirs and projects in Brighton & Hove. In her interview Aneesa talks about being an Asian queer woman, finding comradery and friendship on the scene, and defining her unique self. Recorded on October 14, 2020, at The Spire, BrightonInterview by: Roni Guetta and David SheppeardEditing and original music by Olive Mondegreen