Queers Past presenter Zev Aviv says the podcast production process has been transformative.
05 December 2024
In brief:
- A new podcast about Canberra’s queer history is now available.
- The podcast was supported by funding through the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs’ Capital of Equality grants program.
- The latest round of grants funding is open now.
From Gorman Arts Centre to the Braddon car yards, a new podcast, Queers Past, explores iconic and overlooked LGBTQIA+ sites around the ACT.
Sita Sargeant received an ACT Government Capital of Equality grant in 2023 to produce the podcast.
Her company, She Shapes History runs popular walking tours around Canberra.
One of these, a tour revealing the city’s queer secrets, fuelled her next project.
About Queers Past
Zev Aviv, also from She Shapes History, presents the podcast and brings a trans perspective to the conversation.
Once they started researching and writing the podcast, Zev realised they couldn’t simply reproduce the tour.
“Unlike a tour, where you can gauge your audience’s knowledge and adjust in real-time, a podcast doesn’t allow that interaction. You don’t know what your audience already knows or what gaps need to be filled in, which fundamentally changes the storytelling process,” Zev said.
“So, turning the tour into a podcast wasn’t as straightforward as we’d imagined – it meant adapting and transforming it into something entirely new.”
A goal of connection
The latest round of Capital of Equality grants is now open through the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs.
Sita and Zev’s hopes for Queers Past echoes the program’s aim of supporting and strengthening Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ communities.
“I really hope it helps LGBTIQA+ Canberrans feel more grounded in this city – more connected to its history and the knowledge that people like them have always been here,” Zev said.
“LGBTIQA+ people have always been part of this community, contributing, pulling their weight, and often going above and beyond to support one another.”
How the grants work
The Capital of Equality grants program offers funding across three streams:
The goal is to create a sense of community and belonging for LGBTIQA+ people, through:
- improved understanding of LGBTIQA+ experiences
- improved wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people
- increased participation of LGBTIQA+ communities
- increased capacity and leadership.
Zev says the podcast would not have existed without the Capital of Equality grant.
“It has allowed us to pay for all the recording equipment. As a small business I’m not sure we could have justified the spend otherwise,” Sita said.
The application process
Sita found the grant application process simple, with plenty of support available.
“This grant was the second I’d applied for – I was unsuccessful the first time, and I took away some key learnings from that. I’d really encourage people to apply for a grant, but not to be discouraged if they don’t get it the first time,” Sita said.
While the production process had its ups and downs, both Zev and Sita are extremely proud of the result.
“I love Canberra and the ACT so much. We often get a bad rap, but this place is so special. I want those who feel connected to it to feel even prouder and more rooted in its past, while also inspired by the possibilities for its future. My hope is that the podcast helps people feel more at home here – more connected, more proud, and more at ease in their place in this story,” Zev said.
Applications for the Connection Fund and Partnerships and Capacity Building are open until Monday 27 January 2025. Applications for the LGBTIQA+ Leadership Grant are open until 5 January 2025.
Find out more or apply for a grant on the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs website.
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