March 5, 2021 • 22 mins
On this episode, sponsored by ACON Health, Matika sits down with Jane Ellen, key organiser for the First Nations Float in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. We chat about the meaning behind this years float and why this years theme hits home!
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Coming Out Black is recorded on unseated Aboriginal land. We
wish to acknowledge and pay our respects to our elders
past present, and extend that respect to mob listening today.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Everyone.
Speaker 3 (00:13):
My name's Matigue a Little.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
And my name's Courtney Hagen, and.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
We're two queer Indigenous women passionate about representation for our community.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
We've created this podcast to share our stories and we
want you to join us on the journey. You're listening
to Coming Out Black.
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Hi, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Coming
Out Black. Before we jump into today's episode, I wanted
to give a brief introduction into what you're about to
hear today. I'm sitting down with Jane Ellen, a proud
queer Indigenous woman who's dedicated herself to ending the disparities
between Aboriginal and Torch Red Islander people's and non Indigenous peoples.
(00:53):
She's passionate about closing education gap, elevating community health, and
advocating for inclusion and representation. Jane is also currently the
coordinator of the Aboriginal Project at ACON and is producing
the First Nation's Float for Mighty Gra twenty twenty one. Today,
I wanted to sit down with her to chat about
the message behind the First Nation's Float for this year.
(01:14):
It's an incredibly powerful and moving message that really showcases
what's important and what's happening in our community today. So
as you listen and watch the parade tomorrow, please make
sure that you're keeping in mind the incredibly powerful message
the First Nation's Float has brought to you. We hope
you enjoy listening to this week's episode and don't forget
to like and share with those around you. Hey, we're here.
(01:45):
Welcome Jane. Thank you so much for coming on the
podcast today. I'm really excited for our conversation. Of course,
people already know a little bit about you, but I
want you to introduce yourselves in your own words.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Jinki willa alone Naninadi, billin garde, Nana janga Naninada to
your buonangarde jargon, jimbulman Ajali. You can bear dun guarding
mer Bin. Hello, how are you? How is your spirit?
I'm the Rainbow Laurcie. I'm Jane. I'm from the Land
of Many Kidners. I'm from mitchimbul mon Ajali. You can
bear dun guarding Nations. Thank you for having me here. Today.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
That's amazing.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
That's really it's always really beautiful to hear people speaking
really proudly in their language. I know that last year,
was it last year or maybe the year before, I
started learning a bit more of my language, like more
than you just sort of grow up with, and that
was like a really wonderful part for me to, like,
if I'm doing acknowledgment at work or something, to be
able to say hello and welcome in my language. So
(02:37):
thank you for sharing that with us as well.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Absolutely, I mean, I feel so honored that I'm able
to learn parts of my language, and it's definitely a
new practice for me and something that I'm trying to
implement in everyday life. So I do the same when
I'm opening a meeting or I'm meeting somebody new, I'll
try to like prioritize speaking.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
In language first.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
So yeah, thank you so much for having me today
and allowing me to share my language with you.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Yay, okay. So the topic of today's podcast is all
surrounding the first Nation's float in the Sydney Gameler's been
martygraph for this year, which is practically your whole world
at the moment because you're a key organizer for it,
of course, tell us a bit about what the process
is like getting a float like this up and going.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Yeah, look, it's an intense process and it goes for
months and months of leading up to parade. We start
planning about the middle of last year. We start planning,
we start doing community consultation to lock down the theme
and the key concepts, and then once the new year
rolls around, it's really like head down into the work.
So we're like six days away from parade at the moment,
(03:40):
so everything is crazy.
Speaker 4 (03:41):
But really really exciting.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
This year is a completely new format, so it's a
lot of new challenges to overcome.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
Yeah. Absolutely, I've been in the parade once before, and
that was also in the first Nation's float, and that
was like a really really powerful moment for me. I
genuinely feel like it was the first time at my
queer community and my cultural community really melded into one,
and I got to be so proud of both of
those aspects of me at once, because you know, like
(04:09):
you live. We talk so much in community about walking
in two worlds, and when we talk about like the
colonized world, the white world, and our cultural world, and
I feel like that kind of exists a little bit
in the queer community because it's so much easier to
engage in aspects of queer community, especially if you've moved
away from country and community like I have, then it
is sometimes to connect in with community. So it's easy
(04:30):
to like go out to a gaber. Did you grow
up in Sydney? Have you been able to like connect
with this area of community your whole life?
Speaker 2 (04:37):
So I grew up in Wollongong, so not too far
from Sydney, but I was born and raised down in
Woollongong and heavily involved in the Aboriginal community down there,
but not heavily involved in the queer community. It's like
you're saying, sometimes you have to pick and choose which
aspect of your identity you want to engage with on
that day. For me, growing up, I guess I was
heavily involved in the community because of my family were
(04:58):
really involved down there. But coming to Sydney, it's been
an amazing eye opener to be involved in both aspects through.
Speaker 4 (05:04):
My role and through my connections here in this community.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Being able to celebrate both my career identity and my
black identity in the same space at a venues like
and say at the First Nation's Minograph float. I think
that's something that we need to celebrate. We definitely need
to see more of those spaces.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
Yeah, and it's really cool to see in the last
sort of few years there are so many more organizations
that are really specifically dedicated to celebrating both of those
aspects of mob So, like you have black You've been
working really closely with on the parade today, we have
First Nations Rainbow. We have Rainbow who talk about mental
health and suicide prevention. But how is it that you
(05:41):
identify and how did you come to your role in
Acon working on the float.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Yeah, so I identify as a queen woman. I'm also
pan sexual.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
For me, I've always known that I've been open to
all genders and gender experiences within my sexuality.
Speaker 4 (05:55):
I think you know, as a young.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Aboriginal person, you face a lot of racism and discrimination.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
So coming to terms with my sexuality.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
Was a bit of a I was always proud of it,
but it was a bit of a Like, do I
started to share this with people because I'm already facing
discrimination as a black face, So do I continue to
share more vulnerable parts of me. So moving to Sydney
has definitely been an opportunity for me to really like
wag my flag proudly and take up space and really
kind of get comfortable with my sexuality. So I've been
(06:25):
really lucky in that sense.
Speaker 4 (06:27):
Through my role at ACON, I've been exposed to so
many beautiful black queer people that it's just.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
You know, it just feels you with pride to be
able to connect with so many people from across the
country who share the same experience as you.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Yeah. Absolutely, And I think meeting more and more queer
indigenous people. The first time I met someone else who
was black and queer was actually my first time marching
in the Flow and there was the person that was
organizing out the time and I was like, what, someone
like me, this is crazy. And it really it closes
that that sometimes what had felt like a strict line
(07:01):
in the past of this is my cultural community and
this is the queer part of me and the cultural
part of me, and it really melts those two parts together,
so you don't feel like you're jumping into different boxes
at certain times. And I think the experience of going
and marching in the Float is that opportunity to celebrate
all that is our community without separating those things.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
Absolutely, it's so important. I mean for me, as a
young girl in high school, I used to get on
the train and get up to Sydney to watch the parade,
you know, from when I was about thirteen fourteen years old,
and I did that for about a decade.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
And it was in twenty nineteen.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
I was standing on Oxford Street with a friend and
we watched the First Nations flow go by and I
turned to her and I was like, next year, we're
going to be on that float.
Speaker 4 (07:39):
I've been watching it for a decade now, like it's
my time to shine. I want to be there. I
want to be there.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
And it turned out the next year, twenty twenty, actually
was organizing the floing. Yes, it was such a like
it was such a moment of manifestation for me that
I was like, oh my god, this is exactly where
I need to be. And you know, since then, I've
just been so so blessed to continue to work with
people like you. Being vited onto this podcast is such
a beautiful space for us to share our stories as well.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Yeah, totally, okay, So speaking more about the float, this year.
Like you said, it is a really different format. Not
only that it's not actually being run down Oxford Street,
that it's going in SCG. Isn't it that that's the
crit I know.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
It's sports.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
And it's going to look different, but not only is
it going to look different to how we've seen the
parade in general, but I also think because I'm also
part of the float with you this year as well,
it feels really different and it feels really strengthened and
powerful as a result of what's happened in the last
sort of year and a half with the pandemic. Tell
us a bit about what the sort of theme of
(08:41):
the float this year is and why you think it
is so much more powerful than previous years.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Yeah, this year is definitely it's a different format. We're
at the SCG. I had to Google map that myself.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
It's why Courtney should be here. She could tell us everything.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Oh it was like, we're doing rehearsals the other day
and I was like, how long is the football field?
Speaker 3 (08:58):
Is this a football field?
Speaker 4 (09:00):
I don't know. I'm not sporty at all, but yeah,
it's going to be the SEG.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
It's a ticket at advance COVID safe for us, the
I guess, the background working, the logistics of it all
is completely different. For so many years we've had a
clear run sheet of how it looks running down Oxford Street,
and this year it's very different, particularly around our messaging.
Our messaging at hy with the First Nations Float has
been always about issues of injustice that our people face.
(09:26):
But this year I think it's particularly important that we
highlight our key messaging, which is around Black excellence, black
lives matter, and destined custody. We know twenty twenty we
face a pandemic of COVID nineteen, but really like we
as black people, we been facing a pandemic of racism
since the last two hundred and fifty years since Captain
Cook arrived here. So for us, it's about continuing to
(09:47):
highlight those injustices that our people face. It's about highlighting
the black lives still matter. You may have deleted that
black tile of your Instagram page, but we still matter.
Speaker 4 (09:56):
We're still here for our lives. So you'll see.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Like a lot of black leather in our ensembles, in
our costumes that is really like a sign of respect
to the Black Panther movement.
Speaker 4 (10:07):
Particularly for us in Australia.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
I think as Abra, John Tosh and a lot of people,
we identify so much with the African American struggle because
we do so many similarities. So we want to pay
our respects to the Black Panther movement that started there
and then came here within Australia.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
We want to pay our respects to the Black Lives
Matter movement.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
We want to continue to highlight to the world because
this is broadcast the pro broadcast around the world, that
we as fersonation people are still dying. You know, we're
still getting murdered at the hands of police on our
own lands. So for us and for me personally, Mincraft,
while it's a moment to celebrate your pride as a
queer person, we can't fully celebrate until our people are
(10:44):
equal in this country, until we stopped being murdered. You know,
they're four hundred and thirty four deaths since the nineteen
ninety one Royal Commission and not one conviction. So those
are the issues that we're trying to highlight through our
float today on Saturday. And I've done a few media
engagements this week, and you know, the media wanting nice
politic Gramma grabs, you know, good stories around Mitograt and
(11:05):
the same one. I'm really sorry, but we don't have
that for you. We have a really hard hitting message
about stop murdering us, stop killing us. And I'm sorry
that doesn't fit your aesthetic, but this is what we
have to face every single day.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Yeah, I think that is so. I literally just got
to share as while you were saying that, because I
was like, yes, this is this is and the First
Nations float, You're right, has always bought that powerful message
of you know, last year the theme was what matters
of the whole Parada, and the First Nation's float was
what matters we matter? Like this is a reminder and
while you know there's glitter and there's sparkles and all
(11:39):
these sorts of things, our float does bring a poignant
message that we want to share. And I think the
point that we are the first float to come out,
it's like, actually, no, this is the first thing you
should be thinking about. Mighty Gras started as a protest,
and First Nations is still acting in that light of
protest and talking about what's important to our community.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Absolutely, and take this moment to pay respects to the
elders and to the people before us who fought for
our position in parade. You know, there are a lot
of key people in community. I'm not going to name
them all because they don't want to leave anybody out. Yeah,
but I just want to pay respects. They know who
they are, community know who they are, and they fought
so hard to get us to our position in the
prairide and our rightful position.
Speaker 4 (12:19):
So I do want to pay more respect to them
and acknowledge them as well.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Yeah, absolutely, I know that. Definitely. We had talked previously
as well about what this episode would be and talked
with Black because they're working with you on the on
the float as well. And I really want to do
that sort of historical piece about how First Nations became
a part of this. I mean, you know, you had
black people who were part of the seventy eight ers,
like just full stop, Like we've been there from the
get go. There are so many people who have continued
(12:44):
to fight for our place not only in the wider community,
but also like strengthen community as well. I know that
for some people, particularly in like regional communities, we've been
impacted by like Christianity and colonization and how that shifted
the way we view queer people with an communities and
there are so many people who've been absolute trailblazers and
living their authentic lives. So in the future, definitely, once
(13:08):
we have the resources, because we're sitting here in a
room that they let us use with one microphone, I
want to do that historical piece about what this looks like. Hey,
a quick moment just to give a shout out to
our sponsor for today's episode. Of course, you know Jane
(13:29):
is from Acon and Acorn is here for community health
inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders.
They create opportunities for people in communities to live their
healthiest lives. Their head office is located in Sydney and
they also have offices in regional centers across New South Wales.
They provide services and programs locally, statewide, and nationally. To
(13:51):
learn more about what Acon is doing, go to www
dot acon dot org dot AU. Back to the podcast. You've,
I guess not recently, but in the last year or
so joined akon working on the Aboriginal Project in particular,
(14:13):
and last year was the first flow that you were
actually you know, you're here taking care of organizing the
float and also being a part of it, and that's
also the first flow that you had got to go
in as well.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
Correct, Yeah, that's correct, So I was really lucky.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
I started working at Akon in January of twenty twenty,
which was an interesting start to a new role because
it was like at the height of.
Speaker 4 (14:32):
Minograd season prep.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
So I started a new role and it was all
kind of uphill Manogram Minigra Fair Parade, which was a
really great way to start a role because I thrived
being busy. So producing the first nations flowed last year
was an incredible experience. It was my first time being
involved behind the scenes. Was also my first time being
under balkdown Oxford Street. Yeah, which was an incredible experience
(14:55):
for me because I've been wanting to do it for
over a decade.
Speaker 4 (14:59):
And you know what, my Aunties has been.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Involved in Mitograph for since before I was born and
has marched many times. And it was such a beautiful
moment because I was able. She was on the sidelines
in the VIP section watching and I had one of
my cousins marching with me down the Oxford Street and
it was such a beautiful moment that we got to
march past her and then she was tears.
Speaker 5 (15:19):
In her eyes and I was crying, and it was
just like I think for her, particularly because she, you know,
has been openly out within our family and one of
like a few people within my immediate family who was queer.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
Growing up. She was always just a lesbian auntie to me, and.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
I also, that's what I want my life to be.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
She was a lesbian auntie who lived in Newtown and
Petersham who I got to go and.
Speaker 4 (15:42):
Stay with on weekends and she'd take me to the.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Ice cream shop in Newtown and like down King Street
and would go flower picking at nighttime and it was
like the most amazing experience and I was like, oh
my god, goals, like.
Speaker 3 (15:53):
That's what I want to be. My sister just had
a baby, so now I'm an auntie. And that's the
first gift I ever gave the space was a gaybc's book,
So like you go through as for ally b is
for bisexual and I write from your favorite gay aunties.
Speaker 4 (16:08):
That's so beautiful.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
I have to get one of those for one of
my niece, one of my I'm having a niece too,
and I'm pretty sure what we're not sure of the
gender yet. We're hopefully it's a girl because we need
more girls in my family.
Speaker 4 (16:21):
But yeah, it was such a beautiful experience.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
She was on the VIP section and we got to
walk past, and I got to run over and give
her a hug, and like, really, I think for her
that would have just been such a touching moment to
be involved in this, you know, this movement, this first
nation's monograph movement for so long, and then being able
to sit up there in the VIP section and watch
the next generation come for Yeah, yeah, it's just beautiful moment.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
For our whole family.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
Yeah, that's incredible. You're right. We really do stand on
the shoulders of those who have come before us. And
for other floats it might just be like, oh my god,
let's dress up and like let's put some feathers on
and let's go celebrate, which is incredible, and that's like
such an important thing to do as a queer person,
to celebrate who you are, because in so many spaces
you can't do that. But particularly for the first aations,
(17:05):
we really are here because of the work that's been
done of from so many people before, but to talking
about obviously coming from those who have fought for our
position in the First Nations Float, the reminder this year
that our lives matter and we're still being killed and
someone needs to do something about this and change needs
to happen. We're too next for I guess not Mighty Grabber,
(17:28):
for the First Aations Float, and for the Aboriginal Project
at acon as well.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Yeah, that's a great question. I really haven't thought too
far ahead, but way too next. I mean, we've got
a lot of great initiatives planned for this year for
the Aboriginal Project at Acorn. After Mitograh, I will give
you a sneak people with launching just a really grassroots
initiative called Mob Picnic Series, and it's going to be
about just reconnecting community.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
We know twenty twenty was rough.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
We know people feeling super isolated, and you know, our
culture is founded on yearning, it's founded on a connection,
it's founded on us being in the same vicinity as
each other.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
So zoom.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
While it's great, it doesn't really hit you know, what
we need for our culture and for our social and
emotional wellbeing.
Speaker 4 (18:13):
So after Minogra, I'll.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Be launching a picnic series which we're happening every month
down at Redfern Park and it's just been an open
invitation for all Abergel Toshlunder queer mob or aberage on
toshrounder HIV positive.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
Mob to come down have a feed young.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
We'll do some cultural activities, like we might do some weaving,
might do some storytelling and language, different things like that,
just to reconnect everyone and help everyone just feel like
they're not so alone anymore, because twenty twenty was very
isolating for a lot of people.
Speaker 4 (18:40):
So that's one of the little things that we'll be
working on.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
Yeah, that's exciting. I think that's going to be really lovely.
And also red Perone being such a significant place for
community and for coming together is a nice place for
those to be happening as well.
Speaker 4 (18:53):
Absolutely, I mean that's why I picked red Fern.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
It's central, but it's also such a significant place for
mob and I know, I mean I live here in
Redfern and I moved up from Wollongong and I was
like red Ferns the only stop back and live in
and people like.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
Why, like why would you live Autrrickville And I was like, yeah,
America's towards you know. That's what I really did.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
And then I was like, no, Like I.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
Love Merrickville and like Newtown and all of that, but
I was like, I've gotta be in red Fern because
I've got to be able to see black faces.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
True.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
And I'm like and also like my gym's here like
low key, but yeah no, So I know Redfern is
such a safe place for mob So that's why I
picked Redferne and I thought red Fern Park's beautiful. People
can bring their dogs and house skates. We love our dogs,
or you can be a kidding me.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
I haven't been your kit and everyone by the way.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Yeah, so it's just look, it's a really informal kind
of get together for everyone just to reconnect.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
So I'm really excited about that. Keep an eye on
our Instagram and Facebook and you'll see some comms around that.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Yeah great. So where can people find all of the resources?
So what is the Facebook? Instagram? Give us a plug?
Tell us where we need to go.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
So our Instagram is is Aboriginal Underscore Project. Please go
and give us a follow. We just launched our Instagram
late last year, so please go give us a follow,
and our Facebook is Aboriginal Project Acon, so give us
a like slide into my DMS anytime a little reply.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Is there anything that I guess for maybe someone who
maybe is growing up in wool Along now or some
of our regional communities who listen here, or even someone
here based in Sydney, is there something that you feel
is important and poignant that you personally would like to
share or of course on behalf of that Aboriginal Project
as well.
Speaker 4 (20:32):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
I think for me, the message that I always like
to share, particularly for young people or people who are
just coming to terms with their identity, whether it's a
gender identity or the sexuality, that you are one hundred
percent loved and valid and you're one hundredcent welcome in
these spaces. I know that in particular around our First
Nations mattergram we see a lot of people coming back
(20:54):
time and time again, which is great, but I also
want to not like let people know that there is
space for our newbies. There is space for new faces
and new people to come through. You're absolutely welcome to
come and you're absolutely loved as well. So come down
to one of our picnic series and have a yarn
and meet like, connect with your community, come and meet
us like, we love to see you. Yeah, get online
(21:15):
or get on to the TV or online wherever you're
watching a little bit early there'll be a beautiful welcome
to Country ceremony which will be conducted and then obviously
wear first cap off the ranks, So make sure that you're.
Speaker 4 (21:26):
Watching from about a quarter to six.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
Just make sure you get us, take photos, upload them
to your Instagram hashtag coming out Black and hashtag Aboriginal Project.
We'd love to see your viewing party from home, whether
you've got your dogs and your cats with you, you come,
make cocktails, whatever you're doing.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
We'd love to.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
See that engagement on social media from you and includes
you in our parade as well.
Speaker 3 (21:47):
Yeah, and even if you're not going out for Mighty
Ride this year, I know a lot of people are
staying home and watching it from home because of COVID. Obviously,
dress up. I want to be seeing people wearing red,
black and yellow or all black like our float is
and take photos and share them as well. So it's
connecting people who even if they can't be there. I
know you had to buy tickets to actually watch this year.
If you want to be there face to face, so
(22:08):
still dress up, still have a party, and make sure
to tag us and use the hashtags on Instagram. But Jane,
thank you so much for coming on the podcast today
and sharing with us a little bit about the message
behind the float this year. I know it's going to
be extremely powerful. I'm so excited to be marching with
you and the rest of the incredible Deadly Mob that
are doing it with us, and until next time, because
(22:30):
I'm sure that we'll have you on another time. Thank
you so much for joining us.
Speaker 4 (22:33):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
You know, I just want to give a shout out
to you for creating such a beautiful podcast and such
a beautiful space for us to share our stories.
Speaker 4 (22:42):
So thank you so much for having me, and I
look forward to coming on next time.
Speaker 3 (22:45):
Yay bye everyone,
Coming Out Black is recorded on unseated Aboriginal land. We
wish to acknowledge and pay our respects to our elders
past present, and extend that respect to mob listening today.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Everyone.
Speaker 3 (00:13):
My name's Matigue a Little.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
And my name's Courtney Hagen, and.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
We're two queer Indigenous women passionate about representation for our community.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
We've created this podcast to share our stories and we
want you to join us on the journey. You're listening
to Coming Out Black.
Speaker 3 (00:32):
Hi, everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Coming
Out Black. Before we jump into today's episode, I wanted
to give a brief introduction into what you're about to
hear today. I'm sitting down with Jane Ellen, a proud
queer Indigenous woman who's dedicated herself to ending the disparities
between Aboriginal and Torch Red Islander people's and non Indigenous peoples.
(00:53):
She's passionate about closing education gap, elevating community health, and
advocating for inclusion and representation. Jane is also currently the
coordinator of the Aboriginal Project at ACON and is producing
the First Nation's Float for Mighty Gra twenty twenty one. Today,
I wanted to sit down with her to chat about
the message behind the First Nation's Float for this year.
(01:14):
It's an incredibly powerful and moving message that really showcases
what's important and what's happening in our community today. So
as you listen and watch the parade tomorrow, please make
sure that you're keeping in mind the incredibly powerful message
the First Nation's Float has brought to you. We hope
you enjoy listening to this week's episode and don't forget
to like and share with those around you. Hey, we're here.
(01:45):
Welcome Jane. Thank you so much for coming on the
podcast today. I'm really excited for our conversation. Of course,
people already know a little bit about you, but I
want you to introduce yourselves in your own words.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Jinki willa alone Naninadi, billin garde, Nana janga Naninada to
your buonangarde jargon, jimbulman Ajali. You can bear dun guarding
mer Bin. Hello, how are you? How is your spirit?
I'm the Rainbow Laurcie. I'm Jane. I'm from the Land
of Many Kidners. I'm from mitchimbul mon Ajali. You can
bear dun guarding Nations. Thank you for having me here. Today.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
That's amazing.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
That's really it's always really beautiful to hear people speaking
really proudly in their language. I know that last year,
was it last year or maybe the year before, I
started learning a bit more of my language, like more
than you just sort of grow up with, and that
was like a really wonderful part for me to, like,
if I'm doing acknowledgment at work or something, to be
able to say hello and welcome in my language. So
(02:37):
thank you for sharing that with us as well.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Absolutely, I mean, I feel so honored that I'm able
to learn parts of my language, and it's definitely a
new practice for me and something that I'm trying to
implement in everyday life. So I do the same when
I'm opening a meeting or I'm meeting somebody new, I'll
try to like prioritize speaking.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
In language first.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
So yeah, thank you so much for having me today
and allowing me to share my language with you.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Yay, okay. So the topic of today's podcast is all
surrounding the first Nation's float in the Sydney Gameler's been
martygraph for this year, which is practically your whole world
at the moment because you're a key organizer for it,
of course, tell us a bit about what the process
is like getting a float like this up and going.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Yeah, look, it's an intense process and it goes for
months and months of leading up to parade. We start
planning about the middle of last year. We start planning,
we start doing community consultation to lock down the theme
and the key concepts, and then once the new year
rolls around, it's really like head down into the work.
So we're like six days away from parade at the moment,
(03:40):
so everything is crazy.
Speaker 4 (03:41):
But really really exciting.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
This year is a completely new format, so it's a
lot of new challenges to overcome.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
Yeah. Absolutely, I've been in the parade once before, and
that was also in the first Nation's float, and that
was like a really really powerful moment for me. I
genuinely feel like it was the first time at my
queer community and my cultural community really melded into one,
and I got to be so proud of both of
those aspects of me at once, because you know, like
(04:09):
you live. We talk so much in community about walking
in two worlds, and when we talk about like the
colonized world, the white world, and our cultural world, and
I feel like that kind of exists a little bit
in the queer community because it's so much easier to
engage in aspects of queer community, especially if you've moved
away from country and community like I have, then it
is sometimes to connect in with community. So it's easy
(04:30):
to like go out to a gaber. Did you grow
up in Sydney? Have you been able to like connect
with this area of community your whole life?
Speaker 2 (04:37):
So I grew up in Wollongong, so not too far
from Sydney, but I was born and raised down in
Woollongong and heavily involved in the Aboriginal community down there,
but not heavily involved in the queer community. It's like
you're saying, sometimes you have to pick and choose which
aspect of your identity you want to engage with on
that day. For me, growing up, I guess I was
heavily involved in the community because of my family were
(04:58):
really involved down there. But coming to Sydney, it's been
an amazing eye opener to be involved in both aspects through.
Speaker 4 (05:04):
My role and through my connections here in this community.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Being able to celebrate both my career identity and my
black identity in the same space at a venues like
and say at the First Nation's Minograph float. I think
that's something that we need to celebrate. We definitely need
to see more of those spaces.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
Yeah, and it's really cool to see in the last
sort of few years there are so many more organizations
that are really specifically dedicated to celebrating both of those
aspects of mob So, like you have black You've been
working really closely with on the parade today, we have
First Nations Rainbow. We have Rainbow who talk about mental
health and suicide prevention. But how is it that you
(05:41):
identify and how did you come to your role in
Acon working on the float.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
Yeah, so I identify as a queen woman. I'm also
pan sexual.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
For me, I've always known that I've been open to
all genders and gender experiences within my sexuality.
Speaker 4 (05:55):
I think you know, as a young.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Aboriginal person, you face a lot of racism and discrimination.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
So coming to terms with my sexuality.
Speaker 2 (06:03):
Was a bit of a I was always proud of it,
but it was a bit of a Like, do I
started to share this with people because I'm already facing
discrimination as a black face, So do I continue to
share more vulnerable parts of me. So moving to Sydney
has definitely been an opportunity for me to really like
wag my flag proudly and take up space and really
kind of get comfortable with my sexuality. So I've been
(06:25):
really lucky in that sense.
Speaker 4 (06:27):
Through my role at ACON, I've been exposed to so
many beautiful black queer people that it's just.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
You know, it just feels you with pride to be
able to connect with so many people from across the
country who share the same experience as you.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Yeah. Absolutely, And I think meeting more and more queer
indigenous people. The first time I met someone else who
was black and queer was actually my first time marching
in the Flow and there was the person that was
organizing out the time and I was like, what, someone
like me, this is crazy. And it really it closes
that that sometimes what had felt like a strict line
(07:01):
in the past of this is my cultural community and
this is the queer part of me and the cultural
part of me, and it really melts those two parts together,
so you don't feel like you're jumping into different boxes
at certain times. And I think the experience of going
and marching in the Float is that opportunity to celebrate
all that is our community without separating those things.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
Absolutely, it's so important. I mean for me, as a
young girl in high school, I used to get on
the train and get up to Sydney to watch the parade,
you know, from when I was about thirteen fourteen years old,
and I did that for about a decade.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
And it was in twenty nineteen.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
I was standing on Oxford Street with a friend and
we watched the First Nations flow go by and I
turned to her and I was like, next year, we're
going to be on that float.
Speaker 4 (07:39):
I've been watching it for a decade now, like it's
my time to shine. I want to be there. I
want to be there.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
And it turned out the next year, twenty twenty, actually
was organizing the floing. Yes, it was such a like
it was such a moment of manifestation for me that
I was like, oh my god, this is exactly where
I need to be. And you know, since then, I've
just been so so blessed to continue to work with
people like you. Being vited onto this podcast is such
a beautiful space for us to share our stories as well.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
Yeah, totally, okay, So speaking more about the float, this year.
Like you said, it is a really different format. Not
only that it's not actually being run down Oxford Street,
that it's going in SCG. Isn't it that that's the
crit I know.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
It's sports.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
And it's going to look different, but not only is
it going to look different to how we've seen the
parade in general, but I also think because I'm also
part of the float with you this year as well,
it feels really different and it feels really strengthened and
powerful as a result of what's happened in the last
sort of year and a half with the pandemic. Tell
us a bit about what the sort of theme of
(08:41):
the float this year is and why you think it
is so much more powerful than previous years.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Yeah, this year is definitely it's a different format. We're
at the SCG. I had to Google map that myself.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
It's why Courtney should be here. She could tell us everything.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Oh it was like, we're doing rehearsals the other day
and I was like, how long is the football field?
Speaker 3 (08:58):
Is this a football field?
Speaker 4 (09:00):
I don't know. I'm not sporty at all, but yeah,
it's going to be the SEG.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
It's a ticket at advance COVID safe for us, the
I guess, the background working, the logistics of it all
is completely different. For so many years we've had a
clear run sheet of how it looks running down Oxford Street,
and this year it's very different, particularly around our messaging.
Our messaging at hy with the First Nations Float has
been always about issues of injustice that our people face.
(09:26):
But this year I think it's particularly important that we
highlight our key messaging, which is around Black excellence, black
lives matter, and destined custody. We know twenty twenty we
face a pandemic of COVID nineteen, but really like we
as black people, we been facing a pandemic of racism
since the last two hundred and fifty years since Captain
Cook arrived here. So for us, it's about continuing to
(09:47):
highlight those injustices that our people face. It's about highlighting
the black lives still matter. You may have deleted that
black tile of your Instagram page, but we still matter.
Speaker 4 (09:56):
We're still here for our lives. So you'll see.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Like a lot of black leather in our ensembles, in
our costumes that is really like a sign of respect
to the Black Panther movement.
Speaker 4 (10:07):
Particularly for us in Australia.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
I think as Abra, John Tosh and a lot of people,
we identify so much with the African American struggle because
we do so many similarities. So we want to pay
our respects to the Black Panther movement that started there
and then came here within Australia.
Speaker 4 (10:21):
We want to pay our respects to the Black Lives
Matter movement.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
We want to continue to highlight to the world because
this is broadcast the pro broadcast around the world, that
we as fersonation people are still dying. You know, we're
still getting murdered at the hands of police on our
own lands. So for us and for me personally, Mincraft,
while it's a moment to celebrate your pride as a
queer person, we can't fully celebrate until our people are
(10:44):
equal in this country, until we stopped being murdered. You know,
they're four hundred and thirty four deaths since the nineteen
ninety one Royal Commission and not one conviction. So those
are the issues that we're trying to highlight through our
float today on Saturday. And I've done a few media
engagements this week, and you know, the media wanting nice
politic Gramma grabs, you know, good stories around Mitograt and
(11:05):
the same one. I'm really sorry, but we don't have
that for you. We have a really hard hitting message
about stop murdering us, stop killing us. And I'm sorry
that doesn't fit your aesthetic, but this is what we
have to face every single day.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Yeah, I think that is so. I literally just got
to share as while you were saying that, because I
was like, yes, this is this is and the First
Nations float, You're right, has always bought that powerful message
of you know, last year the theme was what matters
of the whole Parada, and the First Nation's float was
what matters we matter? Like this is a reminder and
while you know there's glitter and there's sparkles and all
(11:39):
these sorts of things, our float does bring a poignant
message that we want to share. And I think the
point that we are the first float to come out,
it's like, actually, no, this is the first thing you
should be thinking about. Mighty Gras started as a protest,
and First Nations is still acting in that light of
protest and talking about what's important to our community.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
Absolutely, and take this moment to pay respects to the
elders and to the people before us who fought for
our position in parade. You know, there are a lot
of key people in community. I'm not going to name
them all because they don't want to leave anybody out. Yeah,
but I just want to pay respects. They know who
they are, community know who they are, and they fought
so hard to get us to our position in the
prairide and our rightful position.
Speaker 4 (12:19):
So I do want to pay more respect to them
and acknowledge them as well.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Yeah, absolutely, I know that. Definitely. We had talked previously
as well about what this episode would be and talked
with Black because they're working with you on the on
the float as well. And I really want to do
that sort of historical piece about how First Nations became
a part of this. I mean, you know, you had
black people who were part of the seventy eight ers,
like just full stop, Like we've been there from the
get go. There are so many people who have continued
(12:44):
to fight for our place not only in the wider community,
but also like strengthen community as well. I know that
for some people, particularly in like regional communities, we've been
impacted by like Christianity and colonization and how that shifted
the way we view queer people with an communities and
there are so many people who've been absolute trailblazers and
living their authentic lives. So in the future, definitely, once
(13:08):
we have the resources, because we're sitting here in a
room that they let us use with one microphone, I
want to do that historical piece about what this looks like. Hey,
a quick moment just to give a shout out to
our sponsor for today's episode. Of course, you know Jane
(13:29):
is from Acon and Acorn is here for community health
inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders.
They create opportunities for people in communities to live their
healthiest lives. Their head office is located in Sydney and
they also have offices in regional centers across New South Wales.
They provide services and programs locally, statewide, and nationally. To
(13:51):
learn more about what Acon is doing, go to www
dot acon dot org dot AU. Back to the podcast. You've,
I guess not recently, but in the last year or
so joined akon working on the Aboriginal Project in particular,
(14:13):
and last year was the first flow that you were
actually you know, you're here taking care of organizing the
float and also being a part of it, and that's
also the first flow that you had got to go
in as well.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
Correct, Yeah, that's correct, So I was really lucky.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
I started working at Akon in January of twenty twenty,
which was an interesting start to a new role because
it was like at the height of.
Speaker 4 (14:32):
Minograd season prep.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
So I started a new role and it was all
kind of uphill Manogram Minigra Fair Parade, which was a
really great way to start a role because I thrived
being busy. So producing the first nations flowed last year
was an incredible experience. It was my first time being
involved behind the scenes. Was also my first time being
under balkdown Oxford Street. Yeah, which was an incredible experience
(14:55):
for me because I've been wanting to do it for
over a decade.
Speaker 4 (14:59):
And you know what, my Aunties has been.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
Involved in Mitograph for since before I was born and
has marched many times. And it was such a beautiful
moment because I was able. She was on the sidelines
in the VIP section watching and I had one of
my cousins marching with me down the Oxford Street and
it was such a beautiful moment that we got to
march past her and then she was tears.
Speaker 5 (15:19):
In her eyes and I was crying, and it was
just like I think for her, particularly because she, you know,
has been openly out within our family and one of
like a few people within my immediate family who was queer.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
Growing up. She was always just a lesbian auntie to me, and.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
I also, that's what I want my life to be.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
She was a lesbian auntie who lived in Newtown and
Petersham who I got to go and.
Speaker 4 (15:42):
Stay with on weekends and she'd take me to the.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Ice cream shop in Newtown and like down King Street
and would go flower picking at nighttime and it was
like the most amazing experience and I was like, oh
my god, goals, like.
Speaker 3 (15:53):
That's what I want to be. My sister just had
a baby, so now I'm an auntie. And that's the
first gift I ever gave the space was a gaybc's book,
So like you go through as for ally b is
for bisexual and I write from your favorite gay aunties.
Speaker 4 (16:08):
That's so beautiful.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
I have to get one of those for one of
my niece, one of my I'm having a niece too,
and I'm pretty sure what we're not sure of the
gender yet. We're hopefully it's a girl because we need
more girls in my family.
Speaker 4 (16:21):
But yeah, it was such a beautiful experience.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
She was on the VIP section and we got to
walk past, and I got to run over and give
her a hug, and like, really, I think for her
that would have just been such a touching moment to
be involved in this, you know, this movement, this first
nation's monograph movement for so long, and then being able
to sit up there in the VIP section and watch
the next generation come for Yeah, yeah, it's just beautiful moment.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
For our whole family.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
Yeah, that's incredible. You're right. We really do stand on
the shoulders of those who have come before us. And
for other floats it might just be like, oh my god,
let's dress up and like let's put some feathers on
and let's go celebrate, which is incredible, and that's like
such an important thing to do as a queer person,
to celebrate who you are, because in so many spaces
you can't do that. But particularly for the first aations,
(17:05):
we really are here because of the work that's been
done of from so many people before, but to talking
about obviously coming from those who have fought for our
position in the First Nations Float, the reminder this year
that our lives matter and we're still being killed and
someone needs to do something about this and change needs
to happen. We're too next for I guess not Mighty Grabber,
(17:28):
for the First Aations Float, and for the Aboriginal Project
at acon as well.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Yeah, that's a great question. I really haven't thought too
far ahead, but way too next. I mean, we've got
a lot of great initiatives planned for this year for
the Aboriginal Project at Acorn. After Mitograh, I will give
you a sneak people with launching just a really grassroots
initiative called Mob Picnic Series, and it's going to be
about just reconnecting community.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
We know twenty twenty was rough.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
We know people feeling super isolated, and you know, our
culture is founded on yearning, it's founded on a connection,
it's founded on us being in the same vicinity as
each other.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
So zoom.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
While it's great, it doesn't really hit you know, what
we need for our culture and for our social and
emotional wellbeing.
Speaker 4 (18:13):
So after Minogra, I'll.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Be launching a picnic series which we're happening every month
down at Redfern Park and it's just been an open
invitation for all Abergel Toshlunder queer mob or aberage on
toshrounder HIV positive.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
Mob to come down have a feed young.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
We'll do some cultural activities, like we might do some weaving,
might do some storytelling and language, different things like that,
just to reconnect everyone and help everyone just feel like
they're not so alone anymore, because twenty twenty was very
isolating for a lot of people.
Speaker 4 (18:40):
So that's one of the little things that we'll be
working on.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
Yeah, that's exciting. I think that's going to be really lovely.
And also red Perone being such a significant place for
community and for coming together is a nice place for
those to be happening as well.
Speaker 4 (18:53):
Absolutely, I mean that's why I picked red Fern.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
It's central, but it's also such a significant place for
mob and I know, I mean I live here in
Redfern and I moved up from Wollongong and I was
like red Ferns the only stop back and live in
and people like.
Speaker 4 (19:05):
Why, like why would you live Autrrickville And I was like, yeah,
America's towards you know. That's what I really did.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
And then I was like, no, Like I.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
Love Merrickville and like Newtown and all of that, but
I was like, I've gotta be in red Fern because
I've got to be able to see black faces.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
True.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
And I'm like and also like my gym's here like
low key, but yeah no, So I know Redfern is
such a safe place for mob So that's why I
picked Redferne and I thought red Fern Park's beautiful. People
can bring their dogs and house skates. We love our dogs,
or you can be a kidding me.
Speaker 3 (19:35):
I haven't been your kit and everyone by the way.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Yeah, so it's just look, it's a really informal kind
of get together for everyone just to reconnect.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
So I'm really excited about that. Keep an eye on
our Instagram and Facebook and you'll see some comms around that.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Yeah great. So where can people find all of the resources?
So what is the Facebook? Instagram? Give us a plug?
Tell us where we need to go.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
So our Instagram is is Aboriginal Underscore Project. Please go
and give us a follow. We just launched our Instagram
late last year, so please go give us a follow,
and our Facebook is Aboriginal Project Acon, so give us
a like slide into my DMS anytime a little reply.
Speaker 3 (20:17):
Is there anything that I guess for maybe someone who
maybe is growing up in wool Along now or some
of our regional communities who listen here, or even someone
here based in Sydney, is there something that you feel
is important and poignant that you personally would like to
share or of course on behalf of that Aboriginal Project
as well.
Speaker 4 (20:32):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (20:32):
I think for me, the message that I always like
to share, particularly for young people or people who are
just coming to terms with their identity, whether it's a
gender identity or the sexuality, that you are one hundred
percent loved and valid and you're one hundredcent welcome in
these spaces. I know that in particular around our First
Nations mattergram we see a lot of people coming back
(20:54):
time and time again, which is great, but I also
want to not like let people know that there is
space for our newbies. There is space for new faces
and new people to come through. You're absolutely welcome to
come and you're absolutely loved as well. So come down
to one of our picnic series and have a yarn
and meet like, connect with your community, come and meet
us like, we love to see you. Yeah, get online
(21:15):
or get on to the TV or online wherever you're
watching a little bit early there'll be a beautiful welcome
to Country ceremony which will be conducted and then obviously
wear first cap off the ranks, So make sure that you're.
Speaker 4 (21:26):
Watching from about a quarter to six.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
Just make sure you get us, take photos, upload them
to your Instagram hashtag coming out Black and hashtag Aboriginal Project.
We'd love to see your viewing party from home, whether
you've got your dogs and your cats with you, you come,
make cocktails, whatever you're doing.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
We'd love to.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
See that engagement on social media from you and includes
you in our parade as well.
Speaker 3 (21:47):
Yeah, and even if you're not going out for Mighty
Ride this year, I know a lot of people are
staying home and watching it from home because of COVID. Obviously,
dress up. I want to be seeing people wearing red,
black and yellow or all black like our float is
and take photos and share them as well. So it's
connecting people who even if they can't be there. I
know you had to buy tickets to actually watch this year.
If you want to be there face to face, so
(22:08):
still dress up, still have a party, and make sure
to tag us and use the hashtags on Instagram. But Jane,
thank you so much for coming on the podcast today
and sharing with us a little bit about the message
behind the float this year. I know it's going to
be extremely powerful. I'm so excited to be marching with
you and the rest of the incredible Deadly Mob that
are doing it with us, and until next time, because
(22:30):
I'm sure that we'll have you on another time. Thank
you so much for joining us.
Speaker 4 (22:33):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
You know, I just want to give a shout out
to you for creating such a beautiful podcast and such
a beautiful space for us to share our stories.
Speaker 4 (22:42):
So thank you so much for having me, and I
look forward to coming on next time.
Speaker 3 (22:45):
Yay bye everyone,
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Boysober
Have you ever wondered what life might be like if you stopped worrying about being wanted, and focused on understanding what you actually want? That was the question Hope Woodard asked herself after a string of situationships inspired her to take a break from sex and dating. She went "boysober," a personal concept that sparked a global movement among women looking to prioritize themselves over men. Now, Hope is looking to expand the ways we explore our relationship to relationships. Taking a bold, unfiltered look into modern love, romance, and self-discovery, Boysober will dive into messy stories about dating, sex, love, friendship, and breaking generational patterns—all with humor, vulnerability, and a fresh perspective.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com