LOTL Lounge S1E2 – Shining in Our Space: Cold Ocean Rituals, Queer Art & Trailblazers

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Welcome back to the LOTL Lounge! In this episode, we dive deep into the lived experiences, creative voices, and histories that make our lesbian and ...queer community shine. Host Silke is joined by inspiring guests and contributors from across Australia, spanning art, activism, music, sport, and storytelling.



Featured Stories & Guests




🌊 Healing in Cold Waters: Avi’s Story




Silke sits down with Avi, a 54-year-old cold ocean swimmer from Victoria’s surf coast, for a profoundly honest chat about trauma, resilience, midlife identity, and the life-saving power of the sea. Facing waves and past wounds, Avi shares how plunging into icy waters with her queer swim pod brought her back to herself, and offers hope and courage to others in our community.
Catch Avi’s raw and compassionate journey at 00:03:08.
Read the article and listen to the full conversation  (https://www.lotl.com/extended-interview-avi-cold-water-clear-truths)



✨ Hawaiian Healing & Queer Wisdom




What if healing isn’t about perfection, but restoring our connection to self and others? This gentle spoken word segment explores the concept of aloha and the importance of belonging for queer folk, especially those who’ve navigated disconnection or exclusion. Find solace and perspective at 00:16:04.
Read the article and listen to the full reading (https://www.lotl.com/stories-conversations/healing-through-connection-not-perfection)



🎶 Trailblazers – Queer Anthems with Tullara




Meet Cairns-based pop-rock artist Tullara, whose new single “Trailblazers” is a fierce, 80s-inspired tribute to all queer folks who’ve carved a path forward. Hear the making-of, her reflections on pride, and listen to the full anthem, a power-up for anyone who ever felt “too different.”
Jump into Tullara’s segment at 00:18:54.
Read the article and watch the Music Video (https://www.lotl.com/tullara-trailblazers-queer-anthem)


Regular Segment: The Tuck Shop Ladies


No episode of the LOTL Lounge would be complete without a visit from the Tuck Shop Ladies! Their signature of cheeky humour and queer community spirit makes them a staple in our storytelling. Keep an ear out for their latest updates and don’t forget to follow them on socials for more laughs and singalongs.



🎨 Lesbians of Australia: Portraits & Power




Artist Stacey Bennett takes us inside her nationally recognised “Lesbians of Australia” project- 100+ painted portraits and stories documenting the rich, real, everyday lives of lesbian and queer women. Stacey and Silke discuss art as activism, the impact of vulnerability, and the importance of recording our history for generations to come.
Experience the art behind the movement at 00:38:14.
Read the article and listen to the full conversation (https://www.lotl.com/stories-conversations/the-woman-behind-the-artist-a-qampa-with-stacey-bennett)



📖 Living History: Kate Rowe, 78er & Lesbian Activist




From the first Mardi Gras to World Pride, political trailblazer Kate Rowe reflects on protest, loss, visibility, health, and finding new energy at 75. Her stories highlight community courage and how staying engaged keeps us vital—mind, heart, and body.
Walk through decades of activism at 00:52:37.
Read the article and listen to the full conversation (https://www.lotl.com/stories-conversations//kate-rowe-lesbian-activism-aging-out-loud)



🏉 League from the Lounge – NRLW Updates




Jo Barrett, Fox League NRLW expert and commentator, gives a passionate NRLW wrap, celebrating Women in League’s 20th year, the rise of new teams, and the evolution of women’s rugby league.
Tactics, breakthroughs, and queer sporting visibility at 01:04:35.



🌈 Voices from Regional Australia




Mara Lucas shares an intimate blog about growing up queer in regional Queensland—where pride means quiet rebellion and small acts of authenticity can light a path for others.
Read Mara’s (https://www.lotl.com/stories-conversations/pride-in-the-quiet-places-growing-up-queer-in-regional-queensland) moving excerpt at 01:12:07.



🎵 Musical Farewell with Rachel Sage




We close with “Canopy,” a beautiful track by Rachel Sage, celebrating hope, softness, and queer belonging.
Listen to “Canopy” at 01:15:39.  and Stream/download "Canopy" - https://mpress.lnk.to/CanopySingle



Resources & Connect



• If you need support:
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• Discover more:
• Avi’s story (https://www.lotl.com/extended-interview-avi-cold-water-clear-truths) , Stacey Bennett’s art (https://www.lotl.com/stories-conversations/the-woman-behind-the-artist-a-qampa-with-stacey-bennett) , and Mara Lucas (https://www.lotl.com/stories-conversations/pride-in-the-quiet-places-growing-up-queer-in-regional-queensland) ’s blog at lotl.com (http://www.lotl.com/)
• Stacey’s portraits: staceybennett.art (http://staceybennett.art/) | IG: @stace.paints.queers
• Kate Rowe’s (http...Show More