In Part Three of The Road to Tokyo, 1994, host Lentil Pulse concludes the story of East Asia’s first Pride event and reflects on its place within queer history.

This episode brings the series to a close by exploring the lasting importance of this moment and why the road to Tokyo in 1994 remains a significant chapter in LGBTQ+ history.

Disclaimer

This episode may include short excerpts of copyrighted audio or archival material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and historical context. All rights remain with their respective owners and such material is used in accordance with fair dealing guidelines.

In Part Two of The Road to Tokyo, 1994, host Lentil Pulse continues exploring the story behind East Asia’s first Pride event, held in Tokyo in 1994.

This episode continues the journey, looking at the significance of this moment in LGBTQ+ history and why the road to that first Pride still matters today.

Disclaimer

This episode may include short excerpts of copyrighted audio or archival material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and historical context. All rights remain with their respective owners and such material is used in accordance with fair dealing guidelines.

In this episode of Our Queer History, host Lentil Pulse begins exploring the story behind Tokyo’s first Pride celebration in 1994, a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in East Asia.

Part One looks at the social and political landscape leading up to the event, examining how activists, community groups, and organisers worked to create space for LGBTQ+ people in a society where open discussion of queer identity was often limited.

From grassroots organising to the challenges faced by early activists, this episode traces the path that led to a historic moment in Tokyo; one that would help shape the future of Pride events across the region.

Disclaimer

This episode may include short excerpts of copyrighted audio or archival material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and historical context. All rights remain with their respective owners and such material is used in accordance with fair dealing guidelines.

Tracey Africa Norman was one of the first Black trans models to achieve international success in the fashion industry.

In the 1970s and 80s, she worked with major brands, appeared in magazines across the world, and built a career that, for a time, seemed unstoppable. But when the truth about her identity was revealed, everything changed.

In this episode of Our Queer History, we explore Tracey’s rise, the industry that turned on her, and the legacy she carved out in spite of it.

This is a story of visibility, erasure, and the power of being seen on your own terms.

In this episode of Our Queer History, host Lentil Pulse explores the story of Sphen and Magic, the famous same-sex penguin pair whose relationship captured hearts around the world.

Living at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, the two male gentoo penguins formed a strong bond and were later given an egg to raise together, becoming devoted parents. Their story became an international symbol of love, partnership, and the diversity that exists within the natural world.

This episode also looks beyond Sphen and Magic to explore the broader topic of same-sex behaviour in animals, challenging the idea that queerness is “unnatural” and highlighting the many examples of diverse relationships found throughout nature.

This episode is sponsored by Shell-Tur: Turtle & Reptile Rescue.

An organisation dedicated to rescuing and caring for turtles and reptiles that are often overlooked or abandoned.

If you’d like to support their work, please consider donating and find them on social media under Shell-Tur: Turtle & Reptile Rescue.

Disclaimer

This episode may include short excerpts of copyrighted audio or archival material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and historical context. All rights remain with their respective owners and such material is used in accordance with fair dealing guidelines.

In Part Two of The Pink Triangle - LGBTQIA+ People in the Holocaust, host Lentil Pulse continues exploring the persecution of LGBTQ+ people under Nazi rule and the lasting impact of this history.

This episode looks at the experiences of queer prisoners within the concentration camp system, the treatment they faced, and how their stories were documented and remembered after the war. It also explores how the pink triangle, once used to mark and persecute gay men, was later reclaimed as a symbol of LGBTQ+ resistance, remembrance, and pride.

This episode is supported by PrideXtra, part of Reading Pride. Thank you to them for supporting this two-part story and for the work they do in championing queer voices and community. Find PrideXtra on social media, or visit their stage at Reading Pride.

Content Warning

This episode discusses the Holocaust and contains references to violence, persecution, and other potentially distressing historical events.

Disclaimer

This episode may include short excerpts of copyrighted audio or archival material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and historical context. All rights remain with their respective owners and such material is used in accordance with fair dealing guidelines.

In this episode of Our Queer History, host Lentil Pulse begins a two-part exploration of one of the darkest chapters in LGBTQ+ history: the persecution of queer people under Nazi rule.

This episode is supported by PrideXtra, a community stage at Reading Pride dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and stories. Through live events, performances, and local talent, PrideXtra creates space for queer expression, visibility, and connection within the community.During the Holocaust, thousands of men accused of homosexuality were arrested, imprisoned, and forced into concentration camps, where they were marked with a pink triangle on their uniforms. Many were subjected to brutal treatment, medical experimentation, and death. For decades after the war, their suffering remained largely unrecognised.

Part One explores the origins of the pink triangle, the Nazi regime’s targeting of LGBTQ+ people, and how these policies escalated into systematic persecution during the Third Reich.

Content Warning

This episode discusses the Holocaust and contains references to violence, persecution, and other potentially distressing historical events.

Disclaimer

This episode may include short excerpts of copyrighted audio or archival material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and historical context. All rights remain with their respective owners and such material is used in accordance with fair dealing guidelines.

In this episode of Our Queer History, host Lentil Pulse explores the story of Orlando Cruz, the Puerto Rican boxer who made history in 2012 when he publicly came out as gay while still actively competing.

In a sport long associated with rigid ideas of masculinity, Cruz’s decision to live openly marked a groundbreaking moment in professional boxing. His announcement challenged stereotypes within the sport and made him the first openly gay active professional boxer in history.

This episode looks at Cruz’s career in the ring, the risks he took by coming out, and the impact his visibility has had on LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports.

Disclaimer

This episode may include short excerpts of copyrighted audio or archival material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and historical context. All rights remain with their respective owners and such material is used in accordance with fair dealing guidelines.