In the lead up to Mardi Gras, rebels and resistance fuel Queer Renegades, a new SBS Audio podcast spotlighting the trailblazers who helped shape Australia’s queer history – stories often overlooked or erased.
Hosted by Iranian-Australian writer and broadcaster Farz Edraki, Queer Renegades challenges the heteronormative lens cast on history, centring the voices of daring trailblazers from the LGBTQ+ community who questioned the status quo and created change.
Timed to launch ahead of Mardi Gras, the series explores stories of queer activism and rebellion, from the legacy of Dykes on Bikes, who act as protectors of the LGBTQ+ community, to newly arrived refugees seeking queer connection, and First Nations artists and curators forging new cultural spaces.
“Let’s be honest – when it comes to history, queer stories are often erased by a default lens we’re rarely challenged to question,” said Edraki.
“The truth is, queer people exist in every culture, and shared queer identity can connect deeply diverse lives – there are incredible stories of camaraderie and bravery. People who have stood up to the status quo and made change possible. We want to highlight these people and their stories.”
David Hua, Director of Audio and Language Content at SBS said, “Australia offers comparatively greater freedom for many LGBTQ+ people, but that didn’t happen by accident. Queer Renegades creates space to hear from those who shaped it, lived it, and continue to challenge it.
“At SBS we’re here to champion the voices and stories we hear least, amplifying lived experiences and perspectives to build belonging, connection, and pride.”
Each episodes marks a key moment of activism – whether an event, moment or individual. Featured trailblazers include:
- Jonny Hawkins AKA Aunty Jonny: Prolific multi-disciplinary artist and true believer of the dancefloor;
- Jacobin ‘Jack’ Bosman: PhD Candidate and Graduate Researcher Academic Associate at the University of Melbourne;
- Renee Dixon: Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Forcibly Displaced People Network;
- 78er Ken Davis and Sister Claire Nolan head of nursing at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital during the HIV/AIDS epidemic;
- Ben Graetz: Co-Festival Creative Director for Sydney World Pride 2023;
- Xander Khoury: Father of House of Silky, a ballroom collective based in Western Sydney;
- Kendal Walton: President of Sydney Dykes on Bikes;
- Glenn McNamara: Co-owner of Sauna X in Sydney;
- Sam Lewis: President of the Flying Bats Football club, the biggest LGBTQIA+ women’s and non-binary football club in the world;
- Carlie Henderson: Executive member of the Parents for Trans Youth Equity.
The eight episodes of Queer Renegades will drop weekly from the 11th of February 2026. Listen on the SBS Audio App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, LiSTNR, SBS On Demand or wherever you stream your podcasts.