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Hear Queer Stories

Hear Queer Stories

By ASEAN SOGIE Caucus

Listen to LGBTIQ narratives from Southeast Asia. We talk to artists, activists, academics, and everyday heroes who continue to learn, advocate, and work for the inclusion of the Queer Community.

Produced by The ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC), a network of human rights activists from SEA that works for the inclusion of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) in the mandate of human rights duty bearers in the ASEAN region.
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Episode 22 - Our Coming Out Stories and Struggles AQueer and WaOe Ren

Hear Queer StoriesJun 03, 2022

00:00
18:32
Episode 31 - Timor-Leste Pride, What’s Next on the Ride?
Nov 23, 202311:26
Episode 30 - Breaking Barriers: The Evolution of Thailand's LGBT Political Movement
Nov 09, 202322:40
Episode 29 - Lengger Dance: A Symphony of Reconciled Genders

Episode 29 - Lengger Dance: A Symphony of Reconciled Genders

ASEAN SOGIEC Caucus proudly present a new podcast series of "Intersecting Rainbows: Progress, challenges, and solidarity within the queer movements"

🌈🌿 Join us on an exciting journey of intersectionality! 🎙️ In this episode of 'Intersecting Rainbows - Lengger Dance: A Symphony of Reconciled Genders’, Rianto, an enthusiastic Lengger dancer hailing from Indonesia, unfolds his captivating journey as a trailblazer in the realm of traditional Indonesian dance. Join us as we explore the potent harmony that emerges from the convergence of these dance traditions, offering a profound impact to the world! 🌏💃💪 Tune in on YouTube https://youtu.be/vkvORul62CY Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our Spotify and YouTube channels so you don’t miss any episodes. ✊🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈✊

Oct 27, 202326:24
Episode 28 - Navigating Malaysia’s Queer Environmental and Queer Landscape

Episode 28 - Navigating Malaysia’s Queer Environmental and Queer Landscape

ASEAN SOGIEC Caucus proudly present a new podcast series of "Intersecting Rainbows: Progress, challenges, and solidarity within the queer movements"

🌈🌿 Join us on an exciting journey of intersectionality! 🎙️


In this episode of 'Intersecting Rainbows: Navigating Malaysia’s Queer Environmental and Queer Landscape' Aidil, a passionate Climate Justice advocate from Malaysia, shares his inspiring experiences on navigating Malaysia's Queer Environmental Landscape. Discover how blending these movements can create a powerful impact for all! 🌏💪


✊🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈✊


Oct 04, 202323:33
Episode 27 - The Struggles of Queer Youth Activism in Southeast Asia with Elijah and Wyn

Episode 27 - The Struggles of Queer Youth Activism in Southeast Asia with Elijah and Wyn

In Southeast Asia, we have witnessed drastic mass movements of youth activism and social movements in specific issues. 

On our last episode of Southeast Asia Queer Solidarity series, we have non-binary activist, Elijah Tay and a transgender woman teacher, Wyn C. Gallo on sharing why it's important for them to advocate for queer rights.

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

Catch us on Hear Queer Stories and listen to our Youtube: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus or click on https://youtu.be/y0LhxdKmQHE 🎙️✊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️

#Pridemonth #Pride2022 #Pride #QueerPodcast #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA

Jul 08, 202229:38
Episode 26 - Queer and Wellbeing: The Importance of Our Mental Health with Ash and Ken
Jul 01, 202227:58
Episode 25 - How Faith Empowers and Supports Queer Communities? with Nazurah and Amar

Episode 25 - How Faith Empowers and Supports Queer Communities? with Nazurah and Amar

In this episode of 'How faith empowers and supports queer communities', both of our guest speakers are from Muslim majority countries of Brunei and Indonesia, Amar and Nazurah see faith in a different and beautiful light to push through, and cherish their rainbow identities.

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday and listen this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RS88WXKDzG0🎙️✊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️

#Pridemonth #Pride2022 #Pride #QueerRepresentation #QueerPodcast  #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA

Jun 24, 202230:10
Episode 24 - Queer and Freedom of Expression with Patricia

Episode 24 - Queer and Freedom of Expression with Patricia

In this episode of 'Queer and Freedom of Expression, How Does It Matter?' We have Patricia, the founder of Thailand's a women loving women organization, GirlxGirl, talks about her profound experiences and the contrasting differences in freedom of living in the United States and Thailand - from asking about one's pronouns to the overall attitude about freedom of expressing oneself and welfare.

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday and listen this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/mZvpL_-z-kw🎙️✊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️

#Pridemonth #Pride2022 #Pride #QueerRepresentation #QueerPodcast #FreedomofExpression #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA

Jun 17, 202217:22
Episode 23 - Gender Diversity: ASEAN Identities and Values? with Joel and Yen

Episode 23 - Gender Diversity: ASEAN Identities and Values? with Joel and Yen

In this episode, The diversity of gender in Southeast Asian cultures, is it considered as ASEAN values and ASEAN identities?' 

Featuring Joel, a Filipino living in Thailand and works as a programme director at SHAPE SEA and Yen, a Malaysian Tamil and model, currently based in Singapore - they both share different perspectives, Southeast Asian values and gender, based on their personal experiences, and respective cultures. 

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday and listen this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/fBpj82dvwmk🎙️✊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️

#Pridemonth #QueerRepresentation #QueerPodcast #ComingOut #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA

Jun 10, 202227:07
Episode 22 - Our Coming Out Stories and Struggles AQueer and WaOe Ren

Episode 22 - Our Coming Out Stories and Struggles AQueer and WaOe Ren

Even with fast-paced developments within society, people in the LGBT Community are still facing challenges. The discriminatory environment is just fueling the mental distress and harmful behaviours that come along with it. In this episode, AQueer, the drag queen performer as well as the LGBT Rights Advocate, and WaOe Ren, the LGBT Right Advocate, will be sharing with us their “Coming Out Stories & Struggles”. 

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

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On English and Burmese translation, please go to our YouTube: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus or click https://youtu.be/cpdsklK_z_0 🎙️✊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️


Jun 03, 202218:32
Episode 21 - I Am Non-Binary in A Binary World with Ayu

Episode 21 - I Am Non-Binary in A Binary World with Ayu

In this episode of “I Am Non-Binary in A Binary World (Saya Seorang Non-binary di Dunia yang Biner)”, Ayu shares their story of finding their true self, how they manage conflicts that emerge from inside and outside, how they find peace with themselves hoping this experience able to help people out there who still struggle to find their true identity.

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

On English and Bahasa Indonesia translation, please go to our YouTube: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus or click https://youtu.be/y_0HPBjmpVU

May 27, 202232:35
Episode 20 - Stronger Together as A Queer Community with Versus

Episode 20 - Stronger Together as A Queer Community with Versus

In this podcast episode, “Stronger together as a queer community. As the struggle continues, how do you shine as a queer person in the times of COVID-19?" We have Versus who's a very talented transgender Filippina artist. 

She's been grinding on her own in the music industry in a strict catholic country of the Philippines  -  she shares her experiences and life story how she turned to music, in order to overcome her challenges. Through out the pandemic and how it's been a challenge for her as a transgender woman to find work, yet she still uses the wonders of social media and the internet to connect with her friends to help her produce her profound work.

Our session was recorded during Instagram Live and there may be some technical disruption in some parts. To enjoy her amazing music, just go to her Spotify and YouTube and become her next fan.

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday and listen this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/_OrhPgv9LbA🎙️✊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️

May 20, 202217:41
Episode 19: Queer Representation In Our Media Today with Phway Nu Moe

Episode 19: Queer Representation In Our Media Today with Phway Nu Moe

In this episode, you will be hearing from Phway Nu Moe, a singer-songwriter as well as the mental health practitioner, will share her experiences about what it is like being the “Queer Representation in Our Media Today”. With the boom of social media, liberating and evolving social viewpoints, representation within media we consume has become more and more important, queer representation for a fitting example here.

One’s queerness has never been a choice, yet, there’s still very much ongoing hate, ridicules and attacks against them. Hence, queer voices and stories being uplifted and represented in the media is really necessary in fighting against the hate and potential threats within society.

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

On English and Burmese translation, please go to our YouTube: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus or click https://youtu.be/KjWpGq6OXq0

May 13, 202214:49
Episode 18 - Being Queer and Religious with Masthuriyah Sa'dan and Agnia Sambara

Episode 18 - Being Queer and Religious with Masthuriyah Sa'dan and Agnia Sambara

Listen as we talk about how to be queer and religious on, "Being Queer and Religious (Menjadi Queer dan Religius)". This discussion seeks to build bridges between everyone's beliefs, in this case the belief in Islam, which has many narratives for people with queer identities. Let's listen to the conversation with Masthuriyah Sa'dan and Agnia Sambara!

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

On English and Bahasa Indonesia translation, please go to our YouTube: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus or click https://youtu.be/N9KzoyyoPrs

May 06, 202239:05
Episode 17 - Queer Preserving The Tradition with I Gusti Made Agus Wira Aditama and Ketut Sudana

Episode 17 - Queer Preserving The Tradition with I Gusti Made Agus Wira Aditama and Ketut Sudana

In this episode, "Queer Preserving The Tradition (Sehati Menjaga Budaya)", you will be hearing from Koko Aditama, Manager of Ardhariswari dance studio, and Pak Tut, traditional Balinese dancer, about their activism in preserving and advancing Balinese cross gender dances. 

Also hear from them how they celebrate their authenticity to the fullest; disregarding negative opinions about their cross gender performances.

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilience in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!


On English and Bahasa Indonesia translation, please go to our YouTube: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus or click https://youtu.be/rBJpf-i5peo 

Apr 28, 202229:00
Episode 16 - Oppressions & Subtle Aggressions Against Queers with Nichole and Evelyn

Episode 16 - Oppressions & Subtle Aggressions Against Queers with Nichole and Evelyn

In this episode, the junior counselor, Nichole and Evelyn, the lovey-dovey couple, will be talking about “Oppressions & Subtle Aggressions Against Queers” based on their real life experiences.

Oppression can come in many different forms, some more apparent, some subtle. Can you guarantee that you have never done something, consciously or unconsciously, to hurt someone based on their identity?

Nick and Eve will be sharing challenges they have faced as a queer couple in this day and age to highlight the issues and what we as a society got to improve on.

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilence in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

On English and Burmese translation, please go to our YouTube: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus or click https://youtu.be/Wqh5RxRJOOE 

Apr 22, 202215:12
Episode 15 - Despite The Homophobia, The Courage To Come Out with Paing Soe San

Episode 15 - Despite The Homophobia, The Courage To Come Out with Paing Soe San

In this episode, you will be hearing from Paing Soe San about “Despite The Homophobia, The Courage To Come Out”. 

Paing Soe San, a “proud & out” trans man, has done documentaries related to LGBTQ+ issues and has been participating in many talk shows and programs.

Coming out process is not a smooth journey for most queers; it’s oftentimes a road filled with so much risks and uncertainty of one’s safety. Yet, most who have gone through this journey say that they have more fulfillment and confidence in themselves afterwards!

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilence in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

On English and Burmese translation, please go to our YouTube: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus or click https://youtu.be/2glsN2sN0Is

Apr 15, 202209:50
Episode 14 - When A Home Does Not Feel Like A Shelter with Shila Phyoe

Episode 14 - When A Home Does Not Feel Like A Shelter with Shila Phyoe

In this episode, you will be hearing about what it is like “when a home does not feel like a shelter” from Shila Phyoe, the Co-Founder of “The Glorious Myanmar”.

Home is not just a four-walled place, it’s where you are supported and protected. How can one manage to feel okay again when home is no longer a safe shelter for them?

We are going to discuss ways that can assist you to be able to find your safe space again, no matter what your identity is. We hope this podcast would give you new perspectives to think about, and that you would be able to create a safe space for queers within your community as they are all equal to you and us. 

In this series, Southeast Asian Queer Solidarity: Stronger Together Amidst Adversities! It is aim to highlight the queer voice in local context specifically in Myanmar and Indonesia, and to provide a safe space for Southeast Asia queerblings in sharing their struggles, resilience and their power of resilence in solidarity in adversities and difficult events they face in Southeast Asia. Catch us on Hear Queer Stories every Friday!

On English and Burmese translation, please go to our YouTube: ASEAN SOGIE Caucus or click https://youtu.be/BVnDY86asHE


Apr 08, 202216:05
Eps 13 - Queer Literature and Queer Activism: Insights from Singapore with Ng Yi-Sheng
Dec 05, 202107:54
Eps 12 - Transgender Pageant as Queer Activism in the Philippines with Brenda Alegre

Eps 12 - Transgender Pageant as Queer Activism in the Philippines with Brenda Alegre

Brenda Alegre talks about Transgender Pageantry as a form of activism.

She is the Southeast Asian representative to the Executive Board of ILGA Asia. And she is also a lecturer at the University of Hong Kong where she teaches Sexuality and Gender.

Nov 18, 202107:01
Eps 11 - How Queer Films Memorialize Queer Lives

Eps 11 - How Queer Films Memorialize Queer Lives

In this session, the speaker, Dr. Mikee Inton-Campblel, talks about how Philippine Queer Cinema memorializes queer Lives.

Dr. Campbell completed her PhD in Cultural Studies at Lingnan University, Hong Kong. Her research involves representations and discourses of the Bakla in Philippine Cinema.

Nov 14, 202105:24
Eps 10 - Queer History and Democracy of the Present with Dede Oetomo
Oct 31, 202109:08
Eps 9 - Memory and Activism: How memory becomes the vehicle for human rights with Prof. Lorna Israel

Eps 9 - Memory and Activism: How memory becomes the vehicle for human rights with Prof. Lorna Israel

In this episode, Professor Lorna Israel talks about mnemonic devices — how they help us remember and keep memories alive.

Prof. Israel is a Senior Lecturer at the Dept of International Studies in Miriam College.

She has an MA in Philippines Studies from the Asian Center, University of the Philippines, where she is also finishing her PhD on Philippine Studies & Foreign Relations.


Professor Israel is also a member and former president of Kasibulan Women’s Art Group.

Oct 24, 202106:41
Eps 8 - Drag is Liberating: Drag Artist BabeL on Queer Movement in Vietnam

Eps 8 - Drag is Liberating: Drag Artist BabeL on Queer Movement in Vietnam

We talk to BabeL, an artist from Vietnam who is breaking boundaries through the art of drag. She talks about how this drag culture can help liberate people from misinformation and discrimination about the LGBTQIA+ community. BabeL longs unity within the queer community and for a real connection to their country as a whole.

Oct 17, 202109:29
Eps 7 - Queer Folks, Start Taking Up Spaces: Michelle Yesudas' Story

Eps 7 - Queer Folks, Start Taking Up Spaces: Michelle Yesudas' Story

In this episode, we talk to Michelle Yesudas, a biracial, bisexual, and bilingual lawyer and human rights defender in South East Asia.

She is a Senior Legal Adviser at the International Commission of Jurists.
Aside from working on strategic litigation on SOGIE, and giving legal aid to the LGBTQ Community, Michelle also contributes research, legal analysis, and even reports on the systemic discrimination of LGBTQ people.

Oct 03, 202114:32
Eps 6 - The Fight for Liberation Continues: Bella Galhos's Story

Eps 6 - The Fight for Liberation Continues: Bella Galhos's Story

Bella Galhos is a freedom fighter who fought for the independence of Timor Leste.

She is a human rights activist, and is now helping to create a better future for the young LGBT people in her country.

Sep 20, 202109:43
Eps 5 - SEAQCF As Queer Cultural Activism in ASEAN

Eps 5 - SEAQCF As Queer Cultural Activism in ASEAN

In this episode, we talk to Ivanka Custodio, an LGBTiQ rights activist from the Philippines.
They’ll share their work as Festival Coordinator of the Southeast Asian Queer Cultural Festival or SEAQCF 2021.
Sep 05, 202106:55
Eps 4 - To Listen, To Understand: Queer Migrant Reality in Singapore
Aug 22, 202113:26
Eps 3 - Treat Us Like We're Family: Dr. Inluesa's Story

Eps 3 - Treat Us Like We're Family: Dr. Inluesa's Story

We talk to Dr. Inleusa Basengkham, an independent interpreter, an education consultant, and transgender advocate from Laos.

She discusses the importance of transgender awareness and the status of the LGBTQIA+ community in her country.

Aug 08, 202109:31
Eps 2 - Films for Social Change with Cha Roque

Eps 2 - Films for Social Change with Cha Roque

We talk to Cha Roque, a literary writer, filmmaker, and LGBTIQ advocate from the Philippines.

With the belief that art can create social change, Cha continues to disrupt the filmmaking landscape by telling queer stories, experiences, challenges.

This episode is part of Be/Longings, a special audio series for the Southeast Queer Cultural Festival 2021.

Learn more about the LGBTIQ community in Southeast Asia by liking ASEAN SOGIE Caucus' page here: https://www.facebook.com/aseansogie

Jun 08, 202110:41
Eps 1 - Battling Hate With Love: Mami Lolita's Fight Against Discrimination in Papua

Eps 1 - Battling Hate With Love: Mami Lolita's Fight Against Discrimination in Papua

Mami Lolita is a transgender woman, activist, businesswoman, and teacher from Jayapura, Papua.

She talks to us about the discrimination and harassment experienced by the LGBTIQ in her country.

Despite all these hardships, Mami Lolita, with her organization ROJALI, continues to contribute to the Papuan society and the LGBTIQ community through education, action, and love.

This is the first episode of Be/Longings, a special audio series for the Southeast Queer Cultural Festival 2021.

Jun 08, 202112:13