Queer Ukraine podcast episode out now!

Our fourth podcast episode, Queer Ukraine, is out now! In this special podcast episode we take you on a journey to Kyiv and Bucharest, exploring what commitment to beauty means when your country is at war. The young journalists Mariia Krychevska and Ina Constantin from Ukraine and Romania invite us into hair salons that also act as bomb shelters and queer home salons in exile where mohawks and colourful nails are a way of fighting for freedom while carving out identity and belonging. 

These are places where freedom and (self) expression are both creating normality in an abnormal situation and pushing gender boundaries. Places that say, "To hell with you, we're alive and we look good!"

This was our first episode produced in an active war zone, presenting many challenges that were overcome to bring this story to life. The episode would not have been possible without our many insightful and talented collaborators: thanks to Valentin for the hospitality and chats, Mara Mărăcinescu for the great audio editing, N-ost for the support, Tania for additional Kyiv footage, Vasilisia Fermanova for the music, Anna Shyshkevych for the illustration, and Bard College for our ongoing cooperation. 

Listen to the episode now on Soundcloud and Spotify, and keep an eye out to see where our podcast will take us next.