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.

In this episode of Our Queer History, host Lentil Pulse explores the story of Orlando Cruz, the Puerto Rican boxer who made history in 2012 when he publicly came out as gay while still actively competing.

In a sport long associated with rigid ideas of masculinity, Cruz’s decision to live openly marked a groundbreaking moment in professional boxing. His announcement challenged stereotypes within the sport and made him the first openly gay active professional boxer in history.

This episode looks at Cruz’s career in the ring, the risks he took by coming out, and the impact his visibility has had on LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports.

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 explores the tragic story of Dandara dos Santos, a Brazilian transgender woman whose murder in 2017 shocked the world.

The brutal attack, filmed and shared online, sparked international outrage and forced a global conversation about the violence faced by transgender people in Brazil and beyond. Dandara’s death became a painful symbol of the dangers many trans people continue to face, while also galvanising activists and communities fighting for justice and protection.

This episode examines who Dandara was, the circumstances surrounding her murder, and the wider context of anti-trans violence that made her story resonate far beyond Brazil.

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.

This episode features the song “Dandara dos Santos” by Omega Tribe, which plays at the end of the episode. We encourage listeners to check out the track and explore Omega Tribe’s work.

In this episode of Our Queer History, host Lentil Pulse explores the remarkable life of Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, widely known as the world’s first openly gay prince.

Born into India’s royal family in Gujarat, Manvendra Singh Gohil’s coming out in 2006 sparked international headlines, backlash from his community, and ultimately a powerful journey toward advocacy. Today, he is a global voice for LGBTQ+ rights and the founder of the Lakshya Trust, supporting HIV awareness and queer communities across India.

This episode looks at the challenges he faced, the cultural context surrounding his story, and how one prince turned personal truth into activism.

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.

Our Queer History is a new podcast series from ChapterCast Originals, hosted by Lentil Pulse.

Launching 26 March, Season 1 explores a range of stories from across queer history from well-known figures to moments that deserve more space in the conversation.

New episodes released weekly.

Available on all major platforms.