Content and trigger warning: Please be aware this episode contains descriptions and discussions about mental health, queerphobia, violence, racism, and discrimination against refugees and asylum seekers, that may be distressing to some listeners. If this type of content is a trigger for you, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Switchboard Victoria (1800 184 527), or contact your state-based service. 

Michele speaks with Azlan, a queer Asian-Muslim man, refugee, and an advocate for anti-racism and human rights, and Tracy Lamaro, a queer woman and colour, radio presenter, and asylum seeker; about their experiences as refugees and/or asylum seekers and the hurdles facing people seeking asylum from their country of origin, notions of othering in queer communities, and about Invisible Voices - a grassroots event that brings together queer refugees and asylum seekers to tell their stories in a safe space. The event is happening Sunday, 29 June at 673 Bourke St and is co-hosted by Democracy in Colour and the Refugee Council of Australia.

Michele speaks with Tina Dixson, a queer feminist academic, policy professional, and refugee, who has worked in the areas of LGBTIQ, refugee and women’s rights both in Australia and overseas. Tina is a PhD candidate writing a thesis on the lived experiences of queer refugee women, she is a co-founder of the peer support and advocacy group Queer Sisterhood Project, and this year she is convening the inaugural Queer Displacements conference that will exclusively focus on the issues of sexuality, gender identity, and forced displacement. We discuss her PhD research into the lived experience of queer refugee women, the importance of her research and its findings, and what changes can be made so that queer communities are more inclusive of queer refugees and asylum seekers.