A Lesbian Affair

All good things must come to an end. In this final episode, I turn the microphone on myself, inviting you into an intimate exploration of my life and experiences. Journey with me through conversations about my childhood, my experiences growing up in the Bavarian Alps, and the influential role Dusty Springfield played in my language learning, coming out, and overall self-discovery.This episode is rich with personal stories, featuring conversations with my mother, peers, close friends, and confidants. Topics range from explorations into metaphysics, the potential power of 'love at first sight', to the questionable use of 'decoy posters' of men on walls as means of heteronormative camouflage.And if you haven't had enough yet, feel free to also subscribe and follow me on my  YouTube Channel and become part of my future podcast ventures: https://www.youtube.com/@VeraJKongThings mentioned in this episode:West Coast Swing & Em. Rouchefeuille.: https://www.instagram.com/em_roc/Dusty Springfield: https://youtu.be/uUi_VvwqwQ4?feature=shared & https://youtu.be/MYsTzWa8a4k?feature=sharedSupport the show

7/25/24 • 85:23

How do sledges enhance a lesbian wedding? What is it like to navigate adoption procedures in the UK? Also, what does 'losing and finding oneself' entail in the aftermaths of a marriage break-up? Meet Hannah, a professional photographer and friend of mine who lives to tell the tale. Topics discussed in this episode touch on the notions of 'co-dependency', 'destiny', as well as what it means to re-enter the community again after having been in a long term relationship for 20 years. This episode also serves as a shout-out to KENRIC, a wonderful UK-based Lesbian social group: https://kenriclesbians.org.uk/about-kenric/?mo=9&yr=2015Support the show

6/26/23 • 86:24

How do pitch forks, a bunch of woman during apple harvest, and a LP vinyl cover make history? And what's it like to travel the world in the name of music and feminism?Meet Liza Cowan, an artist, former radio host, producer, magazine editor, and lesbian activist from New York City who lives to tell the tale. She happens to be the confidant and former partner of the late singer Alix Dobkin, who is also featured heavily in this episode. Listen in if you'd like to hear more about Liza's life, her roots in the lesbian feminist scene of the 1970s; what it was like to interview Yoko Ono for her radio show, and how it felt to fall in love 'on air'. Things mentioned in this Episode:Liza's Yoko Ono Interview; Alix Dobkin Obituary (Guardian); Gay Head Cliffs;  Labyris Books NYC; Natalie Barney; Liza's WebsiteSend Jess a tip via her virtual TipJar to support the podcast :https://tpjr.us/alesbianaffairpodcastSupport the show

4/7/22 • 78:40

For this year's 'Lezmas Special', we are joined by author, academic, and oral history expert Jane Traies, who tells us about her relationship to Christmas, Christmas routines but also Christmas taboos. She generously opens a window into her journey and work with lesbian refugee communities. There are reflections on the notions of shame and pride, citizenship, legal discrimination, what it takes to do oral history work, and the ethics of being a conduit for voices of the usually 'unheard'. She also talks about what her work has taught her about herself, as well as what it takes to prove to the Home Office that you're an 'Expert' in all things to do with Older Lesbians.Things mentioned in this Episode:'Free To Be Me' ; Lesbian Immigration Support Group; 'Liberty' by Jay Taverner; 'Now You See Me';  Jackie Forster; Charlotte Charke; Ann ListerSend Jess a tip via her virtual TipJar to support the podcast :https://tpjr.us/alesbianaffairpodcastSupport the show

12/25/21 • 86:36

What's it like to spend a night in a jail in the US and still see the humour in it? And what does it take to stay friends with your ex and maybe even work with each other professionally? Meet Alice Frick and Lauren Karl who, in this episode, share insights about their careers in comedy and entertainment, talk about their autobiographic and cultural backgrounds, and deliberate on what it means to navigate differences and language barriers within the industry and community.    Both also share their thoughts on the art of comedy and improv, what it takes to  do magic on stage, and how to safely 'play with fire'.Things mentioned in this episode:Alice's Solo Show 'A Frickin' Crazy Year' (voucher code: ALesbianAffair - 50% off); 'Body Ritual among the Nacirema' by Horace Miner; Lauren's Youtube Channel - 'Just Veganin';  What The Frick?;  Marina Abramović; Alice's Youtube ChannelSend Jess a tip via her virtual TipJar to support the podcast :https://tpjr.us/alesbianaffairpodcastSupport the show

12/1/21 • 96:22

What's it like to identify as a 'dyke' and live and work in Bamako, Mali?  How do women's co-operatives work and how does resource scarcity impact local economies and peace?Meet Osazeme who, in this episode, helps shed some light on these questions. She spends most of her time developing agricultural businesses with local women and is also a jewellery designer on the side.There are discussions about her relationship to labels, religion,  the aftermath of break-ups and toxic relationships, as well as the concept of 'sham marriages' and what it was like to take a 'purity pledge'.Things mentioned in this Episode:Bamako, Mali;  Tracy Chapman;  Audre Lorde 'Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches'Feel free to send Jess a tip to support the podcast:https://tpjr.us/alesbianaffairpodcastSupport the show

9/27/21 • 95:42

Once upon a time, homosexuality was treated as a criminal offence within the UK military. Elaine Chambers unfortunately lives to tell the tale as she faced serious allegations that were hinged on her 'lesbian tendencies' and led to the abrupt ending of her career. In this episode, Jess and her talk about the horrifying and heartbreaking treatment she endured and also discuss what led to her becoming a 'reluctant activist'. Elaine reflects on her early lesbian crushes, how she came to enlist with the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, and what it meant to find purpose and community in the aftermath of having been treated as a 'suspect' by the military police.Things mentioned in this episode:This Queer Angel (Elaine's book);  Myra Fances; The LLGC; Robert Ely; Don't Dream It, Be It (Song from the Rocky Horror Picture Show)Feel free to send Jess a tip to support the podcast:https://tpjr.us/alesbianaffairpodcastSupport the show

7/29/21 • 119:22

What's it like to come out later in life to your family and children? And what does it take to gently challenge the status quo on an island where Lesbians might, conventionally speaking, not feel as visible? In this episode, we meet Caroline who has made the Isle of Wight (UK) her home and thus can offer us some insights. She talks about what it was like to start a Lesbian / LGBT+ community within the smaller geographical confines of her surroundings, how she now relates to her own youth, and she also shares with us her knowledge in relation to fundraising for oral history / art projects. Things mentioned in this episode:Out On an Island Project & Exhibition, Joe Carstairs Send Jess a tip to support the podcast and keep it going (and free of adverts):Go to the 'A Lesbian Affair' Tip JarSupport the show

6/21/21 • 63:28

Something curious happens whenever Elaine is told that she can't do something... In fact, chances are that every 'no' she received in her life has possibly resulted in something special. When it comes to the community here in London - this special thing is called the 'Glass Bar', a small paradise tucked away in a lodge outside a big train station. Elaine built this women's space up herself and in this episode she talks about what it took to get it going. Jess and her explore her value system, the concept of 'butchness', her childhood, and experiences of bullying and discrimination. There is also a surprise guest who used to be a former patron of the bar.Listen to this episode if you have a special interest in stories from the Glass Bar's 'lost and found' section.Things mentioned in this episode: 'A History of the Glass Bar'; 'Gay's The Word Bookshop'; Elaine's other Podcast Ventures Send Jess a tip to support the podcast and keep it going (and free of adverts):Go to the 'A Lesbian Affair' Tip JarSupport the show

5/31/21 • 83:10

Meet Annie - an operations & logistics professional with a background in voice-over work in the Nigerian film industry. In this episode, she shares her story, talks about what 'home' means to her, and also what it was like to find strength in her voice and grow in confidence.  Jess and her also talk about her family, her Nigerian roots, what coming out meant to her, as well as how school and her relationship to her grandmother helped her become who she is today. In addition to this, there is talk about androgyny and explorations into why Nigerian snails are potentially better than French ones.Things mentioned in this episode:Lagos,  A Recipe Sample, She Bar London (Facebook Page)Support the show

4/18/21 • 96:03

What's it like to come out as gay to your twin sister? And what's life like in Arkansas? Meet Pat, a history buff, Park Ranger and 'thespian lesbian' who can  share some insight into these questions.In this episode, she talks to Jess about her upbringing in Texas,  what it was like to start a career as a teacher and to also transition out of it, the notion of rainbow flags at work,  political neutrality when in uniform, as well as what it was like to come out to her mother and herself.There are also conversations about allyship, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and what this might have to do with coming out, as well as thoughts about the era before 'don't ask - don't tell' in the US military.Things mentioned in this episode:Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs; Boston Marriages, Dr. Elizabeth Macmillan (or  just Mac) Support the show

3/17/21 • 65:23

Surprise - we've reached the Season One Festive Special of 'A Lesbian Affair'!So let's have a look at what makes Christmas good and how we can also talk about its associated challenges. What's love got to do with it and what about family traditions that are unique to each and every one of us? Jess explores these and other personal questions in a celebratory round-up of conversations with Diana Souhami, Mia, Fen & Kerry, Miriam, Sarah and Fae. Trigger warning - this episode features some serious 'grinching' but also more reflective and joyful moments. Thank you for listening and see you all in the next year for Season 2.Things mentioned in this Episode:St Lucy's Day, Stollen, The Happiest Season,  The Priory of the Orange Tree (Book), The Marshmallow TestSend Jess a tip to support the podcast and keep it going (and free of adverts):Go to the 'A Lesbian Affair' Tip JarSpoiler Alert: Don't Listen to this Episode in front of minors Support the show

12/25/20 • 103:42

What's it like to find love, and dance into a relationship that comes with its own challenges... such as navigating a 20 year age-difference? Meet Anna and Teresa, who have learned to deal with just that.In this episode, they generously let us in on their lives; their coming out stories; how they got to know and love each other, and also what the prospect of marriage and commitment means to them individually.  We hear about Teresa's activist work during the Aids Crisis and what it was like to be a nurse for the National Health Service during less accepting times. In turn, Anna tells us about her relationship to her parents, her experiences in college, food in relation to health and culture, personal agency, and what it means to embrace Teresa's Chinese heritage. This episode features the couple's personal experiences with Covid-19.Things mentioned in this episode:Amanda Burton, The 'Ice Berg' Advert, London Lighthouse, Teresa's Youtube Channel (The London Organic Grower)Support the show

12/15/20 • 88:11

What's it like to join the circus and identify as 'not straight'? In today's episode, Jess is joined by Fae who discusses her journey into the performing arts sector and her relationship with the queer community. There is common ground as both explore historic German geopolitical issues and the impacts of those on family life, personal values and outlooks. There is talk about what it means to have been raised by parents who experienced pressures from a socialist regime and also what integrating, belonging and persevering looks like to this day. Fae talks about coming out, the legacy of her choices in life, as well as what it might have been like to be gay in the GDR.Things mentioned in this episode that might be of interest:Cyr Wheel (circus apparatus); Charlotte von Mahlsdorf; LGBT Rights in the GDR; The Lives of Others; The StasiSupport the show

11/10/20 • 79:47

This week's episode features Sandra - a singer, writer, and bibliophile from London. In many ways, this podcast recording is about her story, talent and extraordinary level of resilience as she reflects on adverse childhood experiences, the stigma of abuse, as well as her relationship to the world and people in general. She deliberates on what it means to reach a level of confidence and authenticity, the act of triumph that can be achieved through coming out but also how difficult the journey to finding oneself can be. There are thoughts on the concept of freedom, what it means to be safe, the importance of music and the power of remembering...This week's episode comes with a trigger warning as it contains graphic descriptions of child sexual abuse (skip 6:45-8:33 if affected).Things mentioned in this episode:Randy Crawford 'Don't Wanna be Normal'; Whitney Houston 'I Have Nothing'; Nina Simone 'I Wish I Knew (How it Would Feel To Be Free)'Support the show

10/7/20 • 61:52

Does Tinder work in Kyrgyzstan?... Meet Krisha who might be able to tell you just that as she navigates life and dating within Kyrgyz society. In this episode, we discuss experiences around breakups, what it means to be at home in different cultures and to inhabit the linguistic mentalities that may come with them. Additionally, there are also explorations around the topics of nature vs. nurture (why are we gay?); the taste of horse milk, and what it means to experience a safe space within a setting that is not legislatively accepting of LGBT people.Things of interest:Kyrgyzstan; Sky Burial (book); Isabelle EberhardtSupport the show

9/18/20 • 91:26

What does it take to be a radical bookseller? Well... meet Fen & Kerry, two women who have earned a reputation as just that. Both work for 'Letterbox Library' in London and also happen to be a lesbian couple. In this episode, we explore historical shifts within the community, and also how the terms 'queer' and 'lesbian' have changed in what they signify depending on generations. Fen and Kerry reflect on their relationship, how it all started, coming out, and why certain friendships can at times be testing.There are also reflections and stories about lesbian experiences at the doctor's office; dental dams and the debunking of sore throat myths...Things mentioned in this episode:Letterbox Library; Spacegirl Pukes; Plenty of Hugs; Patrice LawrenceSupport the show

8/23/20 • 72:19

In this episode, Jess introduces Robin who joins her for a discussion about coming out and explores why staying in the closet on a selective basis can be a matter of self-protection. She talks about how being a daughter to Chinese parents in an American setting shaped her. There are talks about love, heartbreak, endings, death, but also her first romantic experiences. Additionally this episode contains autobiographic reflections on the power of communication and what it means to avoid certain topics that might present certain cultural taboos.Things that are mentioned that might be of interest: The Farewell (movie).Support the show

8/6/20 • 54:09

Meet Kate Charlesworth, an award-winning illustrator, artist and graphic novelist who has recently brought out 'Sensible Footwear: A Girls Guide'. In this episode, she explores how her autobiography lent itself as a framework for the graphic novel and why re-telling lesbian and queer history is of more importance than ever. She reflects on her personal and professional life, non-monogamy, the institution of marriage, coming out, activism, and working in a male-dominated environment within the creative industry. There is also discussions about what is easier to draw: Kids, dogs or cats... Things that are mentioned in this episode that might be of interest: Kate's latest graphic novel - 'Sensible Footwear'; Jackie Forster; Sappho (magazine)Support the show

7/28/20 • 60:43

Meet Sarah - a retired recruitment professional and hypnotherapist. In this episode, she explores what it means to come out late in life, how coming out changes us but also whether it impacts the ways in which we conduct our relationships. There is also talk about health taboos, Sarah's own experiences in relation to the 'butch-femme' dynamic and the implicit pitfalls of socialisation. Jess and her also discuss what the practice of hypnotherapy entails, and reflect on the importance of friendship.Things mentioned in this episode:Gay's the Word Bookshop JustGiving Campaign; Hypnotherapy within the UKSupport the show

7/14/20 • 64:53

In this week's episode Jess talks to Samara, a creative professional from London. Discussions revolve around early experiences of difference, societal pressures in relation to gender expression and 'femininity', as well as how cultural representation within the community can be experienced. In addition to this, the discussion also involves reflections on what it means to live a double life, and why representation matters. There is also talk about the importance of having older women as role models and reflections on our relationships to hierarchies and freedom.Things of interest that relate to this episode: Pride of Arabia; Appropriate Behaviour (film); Reconstructing Womanhood (book); the concept of 'positive' and 'negative' freedom.Support the show

7/2/20 • 53:55

Meet Angie who for decades has been dedicated to the formation and nurture of lesbian community. She is an advocate for animal welfare, women, lesbians, and pacifism. In this episode, we explore stories and themes of Angie's life which include reflections on her personal relationship to her parents, her coming out, tales of squatting in Chelsea, her experiences during the AIDS epidemic, as well as what it means to find love. Watch out for anecdotes on anti-bourgeois balcony sleepovers...Things that are mentioned in this episode and might be of interest: The 'Battle of Brightlingsea'; Guardian article on the closing of 'First Out'; Activism at Greenham CommonSupport the show

6/21/20 • 71:30

Sandi is a student from London gearing up to become an Osteopath. In this episode, she talks to Jess about her personal experiences in relation to coming out and touches on the individual values and principles that helped her in this respect. There are also conversations about Sri Lanka, spirituality, the idea of radical acceptance, unity and difference,  the impact of colonisation, and the importance of cultural heritage. Further discussion points include reflections on how the process of coming out might improve our lives and health.Things mentioned in this episode that might be of interest:Dalai Lama Interview; The Effects of Stress on the Body; Stress & Fight or Flight; Sri Lanka's Penal Code in relation to ColonisationSupport the show

6/1/20 • 82:43

This episode features Erica and Alex. Discussions revolve around how they met, their sexual identities, coming out, experiences of discrimination in the UK and abroad, as well as thoughts on whether being gay or queer in the US is any different. Erica also reflects on her journey into academia, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ youth literature, and her work as a bookseller at Gay's The Word. Additional talking points include deliberations on why the fictional character Orlando (as penned by Virginia Woolf) would have been a good lover and why Brandi Carlile is a great queer gateway drug.Books that are mentioned in this episode that could be of interest: The Miseducation of Cameron Post; Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe; Carol (also available as a film adaptation)Support the show

5/25/20 • 57:44

Jess is joined by the award-winning author Diana Souhami who has just published a new book titled 'No Modernism Without Lesbians'. Discussions in this episode centre around personal anecdotes and experiences, Diana's unique take on history and lesbian characters, as well as musings on what a post-pandemic future might look like. There are also reflections on the notion of identity and how labels such as, for example, the idea of 'Jewishness', 'Germanness' or 'Queerness' play into this. Things mentioned in this episode:Diana's book 'No Modernism Without Lesbians; Sylvia Beach, Natalie Barney; Gertrude Stein; Shakespeare and Company; Support the show

5/14/20 • 65:56