Out of Context with Caitlin Hartlen

A long-awaited topic for Out of Context has finally arrived: drag kings! Richard Rockhard AKA Courtney Stanley is one of the hardest-working drag kings in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Caitlin first got to know him as a fellow performer in the legendary "Get Your Drag On" (GYDO) show at Menz & Mollyz bar in 2016, and he carries on that legacy to this day! In this episode, Caitlin gets the full history of Richard Rockhard the Halifax drag king, but also some insight into how an alter ego has helped Courtney grow and change off-stage. Although drag itself has become more mainstream in recent years, drag kings still often have to create space for themselves and many still don't know what a drag king even is. By the end of this episode, you'll be well acquainted with one of the finest out there! Episode 15 will be available for download and streaming TOMORROW!! #queer #queerpodcast #drag #dragking #gender #genderexpression #genderidentity #nonbinary #trans #BIPOC #Halifax #NovaScotia #MenzandMollyz #queerbar #dragshow #POC

Episode 14 Teaser: Gender Identity

Out of Context returns after a LONG hiatus with a brand new guest, Dene Guillas! Caitlin and Dene met last November during a work engagement. The Indigenous Mentor at Caitlin's day job invited Dene to a day of talks called "Supporting our 2SLGBTQ+ Youth" that featured speakers from various organisations, as well as individuals who shared their lived experiences. After hearing Dene speak, they connected afterwards and both were excited to chat about gender identity for Out of Context! In this episode, Caitlin talks to Dene about what it's like working at Rainbow Resource Centre in Winnipeg (especially during a pandemic) and how his journey of discovering his own gender identity, alongside his cultural identity, has helped him in his work. Episode 14 will be available for download and streaming TOMORROW!! #queer #queerpodcast #queercontent #RainbowResourceCentre #DeneGuillas #trans #transgender #Indigenous #Indigiqueer #gender #genderidentity #nonbinary #Winnipeg #Manitoba

This episode marks an Out of Context first - Corey Hickson is someone host Caitlin Hartlen didn't know before recording! They were introduced online via Twitter by another Out of Context guest. You may remember him from Episode 3: Found & Chosen Family, Darrin Carr! Corey is a software developer by day, and tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) designer by nights and weekends! RPGs are a world Caitlin is admittedly not familiar with beyond general common knowledge of games like Dungeons & Dragons, so this was an enlightening episode to record. Hopefully you'll learn something new too! He also has a Twitch stream where he plays games like Dead by Daylight, The Gardens Between, but also discusses development of tabletop RPGs he's working on. In addition to learning new things, this was also a discovery of a new era of Out of Context. Hopefully this will lead to more guests Caitlin doesn't know who are willing to share their knowledge on a variety of queer topics! Episode 13 will be available for download and streaming TOMORROW!! #queer #queerpodcast #queercontent #queergaming #RPG #tabletop #games #onlinestreaming #Twitch #videogames #computergames #CoreyHickson #fantasy #gamedesign #Saskatchewan #Saskatoon

Content/trigger warning: residential schools, genocide, abuse In this continuation of Episode 12, Caitlin probes a bit further into Alicia's thoughts on the news of children's remains being found in hidden burial sites at former residential schools throughout Canada.  Alicia shares her frustrations with how the news is being handled by average Canadians, and discusses her feelings about celebrating Canada Day.  Education is also a topic of discussion in Part 2, as most Canadians who grew up in the same era as Alicia didn't learn much - if anything - at school about the truths of colonization and the realities of residential schools. This episode also delves more into the impacts still being felt today by Indigenous communities, and poses many questions about the future of a settler population trying to undo its historic wrongs, while many among that population feel there's nothing more to be done.   As Vie Jones pointed out in Episode 6 of Out of Context, "Reconciliation is a settler concept."  In many spaces, the word has become a salve for white people to make themselves feel better about how their ancestors treated the  first inhabitants of this land. #queer #queerpodcast #queercontent #residential schools #genocide #IndianResidentialSchoolSurvivorsSociety #trauma #intergenerationaltrauma #culture #land #Indigenous #Métis #Inuit #FirstNations #TruthandReconciliationCommission #TRC #Canada #TurtleIsland

Content/trigger warning: residential schools, genocide, abuse Over the last month, several discoveries of unmarked gravesites on the grounds of former residential schools have been made.  Thousands of Indigenous children (and counting) are being found 25 years after the final closure of the last residential school in 1996, confirming what Indigenous people and activists have been saying for many years.  These "schools" were institutions of torture, abuse and the systemic attempted genocide of an entire people.  The intergenerational traumas of many First Nations people are a direct result of these horrid places, and this confirmation of the evil that took place there has caused a fervent national conversation to finally begin.  Those who would otherwise turn a blind eye to the atrocities our nation committed in the name of religion and power can no longer deny this happened (though many are still trying to).   Perhaps the most important piece of this though, is that colonization and the attempts of residential schools are still occurring NOW.  Indigenous people are disproportionately represented throughout the Canadian criminal justice system and foster care, many First Nations don't have access to clean water, and the list, sadly, goes on and on.  Alicia Montague comes from a family of mixed heritage, both Inuit and Métis, as well as white.  Growing up in Labrador, she faced difficulties navigating rural life as an Indigenous queer person, and eventually became disconnected from the culture her older family members had shared with her.  In this episode, she talks with Caitlin about the realities of her past, and how the news of the residential school findings affected her.   This was a long, honest conversation, and be warned - it's a difficult listen at times throughout.  Alicia's story is one of many, and these stories need to be told and heeded, so the future can be met with understanding.  The attempted genocide of the caretakers of this land sh

You didn't have to wait too long this time - Kaddie Vaughan is back for Part 2 of Episode 11! In this episode, Caitlin and Kaddie continue their conversation from Part 1 and get into the nitty gritty of a hot topic in recent years during Pride season: pinkwashing.  Otherwise known as the commercialisation of Pride and overall commodification of queer people, it's an insidious thing that's crept into formerly corporation-free spaces.  Kaddie talks about her experiences with a mostly supportive community in Kenora, and the importance of that support in rural areas.  And as you discovered in Part 1, both host and guest tend to veer a little off topic as well - but it's funny, promise! Keep your eyes and ears on Out of Context, as there will be bonus content for you to enjoy -  a little gift from Caitlin to say HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!! Part 2 of Episode 11 will be available for download and streaming TOMORROW!! #queer #queerpodcast #queercontent #pinkwashing #Pride #commercialisation #pandemic #radio #radiohost #Kenora #Dryden #NorthwesternOntario #Ontario

After a brief hiatus to await the arrival of, test and set up new equipment for Out of Context, Caitlin is back with a brand new guest, who won't be brand new to your ears if you listen to the radio in Kenora - Kaddie Vaughan! Kaddie and Caitlin met while working in radio, and formed a quick bond over many similarities - not the least of which was being in the minority of small market radio broadcasters embodying the double realities of being women AND queer.  They both also have short hair and terrible eyesight!  In addition to that, Kaddie is also the co-host of her own queer podcast in northwestern Ontario, Gaily Forward, along with Mitchell Frenette (AKA Missy in drag).  Balancing a full-time job and a podcast is no easy feat at the best of times, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, new difficulties presented themselves.  This episode delves into those difficulties, as well as the importance of local queer content existing in an ever-evolving world. As you can imagine, two queers with the gift of gab had a LOT to say, so this will be a two-part episode!  Stay tuned for part 2 coming in June as part of a special extra release of episodes for Pride Month! Part 1 of Episode 11 will be available for download and streaming TOMORROW!! #queer #queerpodcast #queercontent #podcasting #pandemic #radio #radiohost #Kenora #Dryden #NorthwesternOntario #Ontario

Transgender Day of Visibility (or TDOV) occurs every year on March 31st since its inception in the US in 2009. Here in Canada, it's a holiday that gets more recognition with each passing year, and since many events won't be able to be held in person this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Caitlin thought it best to devote an episode to the day! Joining her as a guest is the lovable Sam Busch, a trans guy from BC who's made his home in Fort Frances with his partner Logan (who you may remember from Episode 4!). In this episode, you'll learn firsthand from Sam what the lived experience of a transgender man in Canada can be like, and how he's navigated life in a small town as a queer trans person. He and Caitlin discuss their work with Borderland Pride the last few years - including the first 2SLGBTQ+ social group in Fort Frances, their first protest (Emo Ambush), and a project about the life of Dianna Boileau - also being released for TDOV - called "Behold Dianna". Sam also talks about Transgender Day of Visibility and what it means to him as a member of the trans community. Episode 10 will be available for streaming and download TODAY!! #queer #queerpodcast #activism #protest #transgender #trans #TransgenderDayofVisibility #TransDayofVisibility #TDOV #BorderlandPride #EmoAmbush #2SLGBTQ+ #queercommunity #transman #genderidentity #genderexpression #gender

February is African Heritage Month in Canada! It's a small chunk of time each year dedicated to taking the time to reflect on Black contributions both past and present, and celebrate all manner of Black achievement. African Nova Scotians have a rich history that continues to be revealed to this day. My friend Morgan Jessome is a member of the media who incorporates that heritage into some of her work with Eastlink Television, and is a constant inspiration to me. I've been wanting to have her on Out of Context since I first had the idea for it - we used to be radio co-hosts, after all! In this episode, Morgan and I explore the meaningful work she's had the opportunity to do since we both graduated from Radio & Television Arts at NSCC (Nova Scotia Community College) in 2016, like a partnership with J School Noire. We also discuss the realities of being multiracial in Canada, and the impact of growing up in white-dominated culture and society - something Morgan has been scratching the surface of recently, both in her personal life and her work. It was great getting to connect with a beloved friend after over a year of not seeing each other in person, and to learn more about the work she's been doing since we saw each other last. Episode 9 will be available for download and streaming on SUNDAY!! #AfricanHeritageMonth #biracial #multiracial #racialidentity #race #Black #AfricanCanadian #television #journalism #NSCC #radio #Eastlink #NovaScotia #AfricanNovaScotian #JSchoolNoire #Blackmedia #BuzzSprout

The COVID-19 pandemic is a topic everyone is weary of hearing about, and even more tired of living through. One thing that has united us all though, is the need to talk about what we're experiencing, and to share knowledge on how we're navigating a whole new way of living and accessing things that once brought us joy. Caitlin checks in with Percy Mullally, a former dragmate who's made her passion her livelihood in the thrilling and often disappointing world of musical theatre. This episode delves into the difficulties of continuing a very audience-propelled medium while not being able to physically perform for them in person. The discussion probes into some of the challenges and overlooked standards of musical theatre, while giving space to the conversation around mental health in the arts arena. Percy challenges the ideas that have been upheld in the theatre and arts community as a whole for so long, and both guest and host wonder how things might look in the future, post-pandemic. Episode 8 will be available for download and streaming on MONDAY!! #AmandaMullally #queer #queerthemes #musicaltheatre #performingarts #mentalhealth #society #pandemic #COVID-19 #isolating #mentalillness #PEI #eastcoast #Halifax

To say 2020 has been a tough year would be a massive understatement.  We've all faced difficulties big and small, no matter what our situations or privileges are.  So for the final episode of Out of Context for this year, Caitlin wanted to bring a bit of happiness to you, wherever you're listening and whatever you're going through! A call was put out for submissions from listeners, family and friends alike to tell Caitlin their favourite and happiest holiday memories.  Caitlin's now compiled the submissions (which came in right up until December 31st!).  Kick back with your warm/cold/whatever beverage of choice and let the warm fuzzies envelop you as we say GOOD RIDDANCE to 2020! Episode 7 will be available for download and streaming later TODAY!! #queer #queerthemes #holidays #holidaymemories #memories #holidaytraditions #Christmas #festive #stories #happy #happymemories

In recent years, and especially during the pandemic of 2020, racism and colonization are topics that are being discussed a lot - not just in academic circles or among racialised people, but in the mainstream.  Conversations are happening everywhere and it's leading to real change, both in attitude and policy around the world.  Here in North America, Black Lives Matter has gained momentum in the US and has bled into Canada, which has opened the lines of communication up to discuss other injustices and the lasting effects of genocide right here.  So what better time to discuss the impacts of colonization in Canada and what that looks like for the Indigenous people in our country?  In this episode, Caitlin tries a Zoom recording for the first time (with mixed results) and dives into the topic with her guest, Vie Jones, a visual artist and drag performer who currently resides in Halifax (K'jipuktuk) but grew up in a First Nation community in southern Ontario.  Vie is Anishinaabe, non-binary, Two Spirit and a student of fine art who uses various artistic platforms to illustrate their views and educate the audience...and a dear old friend, to boot!  Decolonization is a complex topic and only a portion can be covered in one episode, but Vie may return in the future to share further wisdom, so stay tuned! Episode 6 will be available for download and streaming on MONDAY!! #VieJones #queer #queerpodcast #queerthemes #decolonization #colonization #Indigenous #Anishinaabe #political #drag #dragqueen #dragking #genderf**k #racism #Halifax #Kjipuktuk #GardenRiver #southernOntario #nonbinary #TwoSpirit