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.