Lost Spaces Podcast

04/06/2024

ICYMI: last week we set out to answer the question ‘is the fine art of cruising about to be lost?’

To help me answer that question i enlisted Marcus McCann, author of ‘Park Cruising: What Happens When We Wander Off The Path’.

Along the way we talk about cruising culture (the do’s and don’t’s), the threat of gentrification, and the rise of the apps!

As I’m sure you can imagine I know very little about cruising (!), and so learnt a lot in our chat. I think you will too!

***rpodcast ***rcanada

27/03/2024

Moving from LA to the quaint vibes of Athens, Georgia, it took this week's guest Amethysta Herrick a wee while to adjust.

Enter Boneshakers (The Boneshakers Foundation), the only gay bar in town and the unexpected hero of our story.

A sanctuary of glitter, freedom, and the occasional drag show, it was where Amethysta truly blossomed.

This wasn't just a bar; it was a space where she got to practice being herself, and learnt to love all aspects (with ample opportunity for flirting and debauchery too).

Listen to this week's episode to find out more!

21/02/2024

The more I think about it the more I agree. Why don’t we all start referring to it as ‘inviting in’ instead of ‘coming out’? It feels far more intentional and powerful.

I caught up with author Lamya H to chat about the NY bookstore Bluestockings Cooperative lost Allen St store, but we talked about so much more than that - the magic of community, books, and activism!

To hear this full conversation, and the insights Lamya has about the concept of ‘coming out’ you know what to do - find the podcast wherever you stream ‘em!

And, I’d love to hear your thoughts about ‘coming out’… does that term feel appropriate to your experience, and should we still call it that?

06/02/2024

🏳️‍🌈✨ On this day in 1971, a groundbreaking movement was born: the Campaign Against Moral Persecution (or, you know, CAMP). 🌈✊

Founded in a church hall in Balmain, New South Wales, Australia, CAMP was an LGBTQ+ activism group, fighting for rights and challenging stigma and discrimination with unwavering determination. 💪

One of their notable contributions was the publication of the magazine "Camp Ink," which served as a platform for q***r voices and narratives, sparking conversations and offering some pretty snazzy artwork…🌟

❤️🌈 +

18/01/2024

It's our first episode of 2024, and it's a doozy!

I learnt all sorts of things from AuntieVice, the host of the Fat Girls on Top podcast, who joined me to reminisce about Wicked Grounds in San Francisco. Along the way I got to ask dumb questions about kink (so you don't have to. you're welcome), and growing up q***r in the 80s!

Find it wherever you stream podcasts.

24/12/2023

Can a place you only ever went to once change your life?

Well, yes, it can. On this week's episode of the podcast I spoke to David F M Vaughn, from the Gaytriachs podcast, all about a lost gay country bar from his past that had a significant impact on his life.

19/12/2023

NYC in the 80s - was there ever a more magical place?

After doing this podcast for a few years I'm starting to think maybe not...

On this week's show Miss Guy tells us all about Boy Bar, a gay bar in NYC that was open between 1984 - 1993.

And this chat has it all - what it's like to rub elbows with celebrities, be mesmerised by the drag acts, and celebrate the importance of q***r spaces from our past...

09/12/2023

K-Pop. J-Pop. Gay Pop.

That was the tagline for Genki, a q***r party hosted by Zelda Moon at Melbourne's Hugs & Kisses between 2015 and 2019 (and featured in this week's episode!).

No slap-dash affair, Zelda decorated the venue from head to toe for every night, co-ordinated special drag performances, and encouraged attendees to dress up in their finest costumes.

Let me know in the comments - would you attend Genki?

01/12/2023

Exactly how deluded do you think you need to be in order to be a drag queen? And is there any career choice that requires more delusion?

More hard-hitting questions asked on this week's episode of Lost Spaces, where I was lucky enough to sit down with Melbourne's own Lazy Susan to discuss drag, competitions, and succumbing to your delusion.

26/11/2023

Sometimes you've got to run away to the other side of the world just to find yourself...

And that is exactly what this week's guest, Stephen Griffiths did when he was struggling with coming out.

Landing in Bangkok he had a clean slate and a chance to figure things out at his own pace. And one of the spaces that helped him do that was Telephone Pub (Telephone Pub), which he told me all about on this week's episode of the show.

Find now wherever you stream podcasts.

24/11/2023

Born on this day in 1944, Candy Darling was a pioneering transgender actress known for being Andy Warhol's muse, as well as her roles in avant-garde cinema, notably in films like "Women in Revolt" and "Flesh."

Collaborating with Warhol propelled her into prominence, and her courageous self-expression in an era less tolerant (?) made her a significant influence in the LGBTQ+ community.

Beyond the silver screen, Candy Darling's impact on the arts and her advocacy for visibility and acceptance continue to inspire inclusivity and artistic expression.

16/11/2023

Ever kissed someone with a beard? How did it feel?

On this week's show we find out about filmmaker Corey Sherman's desires for bearded strangers and what it felt like when he had his first ever smooch at lost LA space Faultline.

13/11/2023

“You can’t defeat q***rness…”

No you ruddy well can’t!

This week I’m joined by singer/songwriter Mya Byrne to talk about the shifting q***r scene in San Francisco (and her beloved lost space The Stud!).

05/11/2023

Who else has a soft spot for small-town gay bars?

I love that they are inclusive (even if it is by necessity rather than design) and I love what they represent - a safe haven nestled in to a place that may not feel all that safe otherwise...

This week we're headed to the lost small town gay bar Rumours, which was found in upstate New York. And our guest is singer/songwriter, teacher, facilitator, and Director of Marketing and Communications of the Easton Mountain Retreat Centre, Freddy Freeman.

He shares what it's like growing up in a small town, the cliques that can sometimes form in bear communities, and one of my favourite topics ever - the process of figuring out where you fit in...

29/10/2023

In typical me fashion I completely failed to acknowledge the 4 year anniversary of this little ol’ podcast.

But, yup, Lost Spaces is now officially a whopping 4 years and 201 episodes old… they grow up so fast!

On this show I’ve been lucky enough to have conversations with close to 200 people about q***rness, spaces and the moments that make us human.

I don’t quite know what the plan was when I started out on this trek, but I never anticipated how much it would change me.

Ugh, sorry - that sounds so naff… but, it’s true. I’ve learnt that I’m not so bad at asking questions, that I’m a bit more likeable than i’d previously told myself, and that people care about the stories I have to tell.

So, I don’t know what’s next, but I want to thank you for allowing me in to your ears and making me part of your life…

Ok, enough cheesiness. Scroll on!

26/10/2023

Ever wondered what NYC was like in the 90s?

Then you are going to love this week’s episode, a chat with legendary drag queen Sherry Vine (Sherry Vine Official Page), who recounts the magic and chaos of Manhattan before it was over gentrified and had the personality ironed out of it.

Listen now wherever you find podcasts!

18/10/2023

18/10/2023

This week we're getting all lovey dovey with Full Circle - the Podcast with Charles Tyson, Jr. & Martha Madrigal.

If you love falling in love (and growing-together-in-love) stories then I think you'll get a lot out of this chat, and all the memories the two created at the lost Philadelphia space The Venture Inn!

15/10/2023

Hugging with strangers - yay or nay?

On this week’s show i sat down with
Benjamin Koll and found out that we have very different attitudes to affection with people we don’t know.

What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

13/10/2023

I sat down with Benjamin Koll to ask how he defined the word ‘bear’. This was his response…

11/10/2023

Who is that dapper gentleman in the fancy suit?

Why, it's singer-songwriter Benjamin Koll, who joined me this week to talk about his lost q***r space, Central in Valencia, Spain.

Expect stories of falling in love with your best friend, the growing visibility of the bear community, and what it's like to follow your passion.

08/10/2023

It’s back to my beloved London this week, and a chat with THE Cabaret Geek, Paulus (Paulus - The Cabaret Geek ), who swung by to share memories of the iconic Madame JoJos..

Expect stories about the thanklessness of drag, building a chosen family, and kind middle aged-women who push you out of the nest!

26/09/2023

I bloody loved this conversation so much!

It's got it all - rollerskating, depression, and the power of nightlife!

And, my guest, Sheria Mattis, shares her story with grace, humour and humility...

Get the latest episode of Lost Spaces in to your ears today (available on all good podcast platforms, obvi).

14/09/2023

Ok, serious question time - what do you do if someone tries to interact with you whilst you're busy boogying on a dancefloor?

Do you politely interact with them, or tell there where they can get off?

And how do you get back on your groove?

So many questions, so little time...

On this week's episode of Lost Spaces we are celebrating the magic of the dancefloor when we visit the lost space Mars Bar in Richmond, Virginia (who threw a mean 80s night, or so I'm told!).

And our host? Why it's Digo and Caleb from the Ants Humans Stars Podcast with Caleb & Digo!

11/09/2023

Which of these vintage le***an badges will you be pinning on your denim jacket?

***ans ***r ***rhistory ***rbadges

10/09/2023

Jaimie from The Q***r Family Podcast (The Q***r Family Podcast) joined me on the latest episode to talk growing up in San Francisco, u-haul le***ans, and the moment when she admitted to herself that she was gay.…

05/09/2023

Celebrating 36 Years of The Homomonument in Amsterdam

Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate the Homomonument in Amsterdam as it marks its 36th anniversary!

Let's dive into some key facts about why this monument exists and what makes it so important.

1. A Distinct Tribute: The Homomonument is globally recognised as the first permanent memorial honouring LGBTQ+ individuals who endured persecution due to their sexual orientation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by this community.

2. Three Triangles: Comprising three pink granite triangles, the monument symbolises past, present, and future generations within the LGBTQ+ community. It stands as a representation of resilience, progress, and optimism.

3. Strategic Placement: Situated at a significant crossroads in Amsterdam, the Homomonument serves not only as a physical monument but also as a gathering place for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. It has witnessed celebrations, protests, and moments of reflection.

4. Historical importance: On May 4th, which is Dutch Remembrance Day, the Homomonument becomes a focal point for paying tribute to LGBTQ+ victims of persecution, ensuring that their stories endure through generations. And the very next day, on May 5's Liberation Day, the monument becomes the site of a street party.

5. A Beacon for Equality: The Homomonument conveys a clear message that transcends borders - love is love. It stands as a symbol of inclusivity, acceptance, and the ongoing global struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

So why do I think it's so important? The Homomonument is more than just an arrangement of stones; it encapsulates the LGBTQ+ community's journey - the hardships faced and the progress achieved.

It serves as a constant reminder that while we've made strides, there is still work to be done.

As we observe its 36th anniversary, let's not only acknowledge the progress made but also recognise the ongoing quest for equality.

If you ever find yourself in Amsterdam, consider visiting this historic site (and send me photos!).

It's more than just a monument; it's a symbol of unity, strength, and solidarity.

03/09/2023

Is there a cooler way of coming out to your parents than after a concert by the legendary Tina Turner? I think not!

Tune in to this week's episode of the podcast to find out about Markus Hamence's coming out journey, his quest for kindness, and his favourite lost space, Beans Bar in Adelaide (RIP).

29/08/2023

🪩 WOMEN ONLY DISCO 🪩

This week broadcaster Emma Goswell tells us all about the gloriously shambolic le***an bar that she started going to when she first moved to Manchester in the 90s!

Expect stories about coming out, secret love affairs, and the power of musical theatre to turn you gay!

21/08/2023

What did 90s TV sensation The Jerry Springer Show have to do with comedian Rush Kazi realising they were q***r?

Well, if you want to find out, you're going to have to tune in to this week's episode of Lost Spaces, where Rush tells me all about polyamorous relationships, the bestest ways to prevent UTI, and their q***r awakening.