Tony Gill

For our last episode of season three, we meet another Friend of Dorothy: fashion lecturer and PR Tony Gill. Tony’s British Asian upbringing gave him a whole different set of gay icons to the ones host Alice grew up with - and the conversation may give you an appetite to work back through decades of Bollywood classics…    Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

For our last episode of season three, we meet another Friend of Dorothy: fashion lecturer and PR Tony Gill. Tony’s British Asian upbringing gave him a whole different set of gay icons to the ones host Alice grew up with - and the conversation may give you an appetite to work back through decades of Bollywood classics…  Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

S3 Ep8: Tony Gill: Fashion lecturer and PR

Paula Akpan

Any history nerd will be excited to hear about Paula Akpan’s research into Black queer women in - and beyond - the British Women’s Lib movement.    Paula is also currently working on her first book, When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve Queens. Billed as “a book that will give voice to the women warriors and regents across the African continent often demoted to a footnote in history”, it will be published in hardback in 2024.    As well as that research, and her work as a journalist, Paula (yep, she's busy!) is the creator of Black Queer Travel Guide, to help Black queer people travel around the world more safely.    It’s amazing how much there is in our very recent past that’s at risk of being lost to the wider world without academics like Paula recording it - have a listen.   Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

Any history nerd will be excited to hear about Paula Akpan’s research into Black queer women in - and beyond - the British Women’s Lib movement.  Paula is also currently working on her first book, When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve Queens. Billed as “a book that will give voice to the women warriors and regents across the African continent often demoted to a footnote in history”, it will be published in hardback in 2024.  As well as that research, and her work as a journalist, Paula (yep, she's busy!) is the creator of Black Queer Travel Guide, to help Black queer people travel around the world more safely.  It’s amazing how much there is in our very recent past that’s at risk of being lost to the wider world without academics like Paula recording it - have a listen. Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

S3 Ep7: Paula Akpan: Historian and journalist

Today’s interviewee, Rita, has proven the power of nightlife for the queer community better than maybe anyone else I’ve met.    In the combination of her own life experiences, her career as a psychologist and in LGBTQ domestic abuse services, and with the groundbreaking queer Asian night Club Kali, Rita has created something very special indeed.   That’s an incredible legacy for one club night to have. But it has a dynamic future as well as an important past - and we started there…   Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

Today’s interviewee, Rita, has proven the power of nightlife for the queer community better than maybe anyone else I’ve met.  In the combination of her own life experiences, her career as a psychologist and in LGBTQ domestic abuse services, and with the groundbreaking queer Asian night Club Kali, Rita has created something very special indeed. That’s an incredible legacy for one club night to have. But it has a dynamic future as well as an important past - and we started there… Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

S3 Ep6: Rita: Club Kali co-founder

This one's a little bit different... In summer 2021 we brought together a panel of debut authors, all female, all writing about queer topics or characters, along with the broadcaster and literary judge Simon Savidge. We talked representation, what's changed, and what's next in queer fiction. Prepare to go away with a long 'to be read' list.   This panel was first published as a LIVE Twitter Spaces conversation, so this is an edited collection of the best bits - with all the boring technical issues edited out!

This one's a little bit different... In summer 2021 we brought together a panel of debut authors, all female, all writing about queer topics or characters, along with the broadcaster and literary judge Simon Savidge. We talked representation, what's changed, and what's next in queer fiction. Prepare to go away with a long 'to be read' list. This panel was first published as a LIVE Twitter Spaces conversation, so this is an edited collection of the best bits - with all the boring technical issues edited out!

S3 Ep5: Queer Women in Fiction

Fern Riddell

Dr Fern Riddell is a historian, podcaster, and the author of - among others - the brilliant book Sex: Lessons from History.   If you haven’t read it yet, its fairly revolutionary perspective is that not only have people always been obsessed with sex, but that British people in the past weren’t necessarily as narrow minded about sex, sexuality, and gender as you might think. Which I found a really hopeful message.

Dr Fern Riddell is a historian, podcaster, and the author of - among others - the brilliant book Sex: Lessons from History. If you haven’t read it yet, its fairly revolutionary perspective is that not only have people always been obsessed with sex, but that British people in the past weren’t necessarily as narrow minded about sex, sexuality, and gender as you might think. Which I found a really hopeful message.

S3 Ep4: Dr Fern Riddell: Historian of sex

This week’s interviewee made his name as the UK’s answer to Judge Judy, and on Strictly Come Dancing, but there’s much more to him than that.    From his upbringing in North London (in a future celebrity enclave, not far from Rachel Stevens and Amy Winehouse) to his crowd of adoring female fans, the Rinderettes, Rob Rinder had so much to say.    A rare male interviewee, we reflected on the relationship between women and queer men and what we can offer each other.    Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

This week’s interviewee made his name as the UK’s answer to Judge Judy, and on Strictly Come Dancing, but there’s much more to him than that.  From his upbringing in North London (in a future celebrity enclave, not far from Rachel Stevens and Amy Winehouse) to his crowd of adoring female fans, the Rinderettes, Rob Rinder had so much to say.  A rare male interviewee, we reflected on the relationship between women and queer men and what we can offer each other.  Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

S3 Ep3: Judge Rinder: Barrister and TV personality

Meet Lisa-Jayne Lewis. A well-known figure in the queer Christian world, she is on the leadership team of Two:23 and The Gathering Space, both safe spaces for queer people to be themselves within their faith. Lisa-Jayne is also a trustee of OneBodyOneFaith, the oldest LGBT Christian organisation in the UK and formerly known as the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM). We talked about her journey through her sexuality and faith, the present and future status of LGBTQ Christians, and the burden upon this group of people as their lives remain up for debate within their faith.   Content warning: this episode includes discussion of conversion therapy, suicide, and child abuse.   Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

Meet Lisa-Jayne Lewis. A well-known figure in the queer Christian world, she is on the leadership team of Two:23 and The Gathering Space, both safe spaces for queer people to be themselves within their faith. Lisa-Jayne is also a trustee of OneBodyOneFaith, the oldest LGBT Christian organisation in the UK and formerly known as the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM). We talked about her journey through her sexuality and faith, the present and future status of LGBTQ Christians, and the burden upon this group of people as their lives remain up for debate within their faith. Content warning: this episode includes discussion of conversion therapy, suicide, and child abuse. Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

S3 Ep2: Lisa-Jayne Lewis: Sexuality and Christianity

The Dorothy Project is BACK. Every Thursday, we’ll be introducing you to another iconic woman and her impact on queer culture. First up, it’s Bishi - the mononymic and multi-talented musician, artist, performer, composer and curator.   A true Renaissance woman, Bishi found herself on the London queer scene at a very young age, and became part of the legendary club kid Leigh Bowery’s band Minty. She has since created music across a dizzying array of instruments and genres, and written powerfully about her experience of being a British Asian woman in the music industry. I know you’ll love her as much as I did.    You can find Bishi at bishi.co.uk and (pandemic permitting) performing at venues all over. Her single Let My Country Awake is out now.    Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

The Dorothy Project is BACK. Every Thursday, we’ll be introducing you to another iconic woman and her impact on queer culture. First up, it’s Bishi - the mononymic and multi-talented musician, artist, performer, composer and curator. A true Renaissance woman, Bishi found herself on the London queer scene at a very young age, and became part of the legendary club kid Leigh Bowery’s band Minty. She has since created music across a dizzying array of instruments and genres, and written powerfully about her experience of being a British Asian woman in the music industry. I know you’ll love her as much as I did.  You can find Bishi at <a href="http://bishi.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bishi.co.uk</a> and (pandemic permitting) performing at venues all over. Her single Let My Country Awake is out now.  Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

S3 Ep1: Bishi: Musician

Drag Race UK is back, and it’s making herstory thanks to Victoria Scone. Yes - The Dorothy Project is back for a special one-off episode, meeting the first ever cis female drag queen to star on RuPaul’s Drag Race worldwide.    Cardiff queen Victoria is the drag daughter of season two’s Tia Kofi. Inspired by pantomime dames and gay icons, her drag is as British as afternoon tea. But this camp classic also represents the future of the artform, uplifting ‘AFAB’ queens and drag kings as she goes.    You can find Victoria on Twitter @VictoriaScone, on victoriascone.com, and on BBC iPlayer every Thursday night at 7pm.   Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

Drag Race UK is back, and it’s making herstory thanks to Victoria Scone. Yes - The Dorothy Project is back for a special one-off episode, meeting the first ever cis female drag queen to star on RuPaul’s Drag Race worldwide.  Cardiff queen Victoria is the drag daughter of season two’s Tia Kofi. Inspired by pantomime dames and gay icons, her drag is as British as afternoon tea. But this camp classic also represents the future of the artform, uplifting ‘AFAB’ queens and drag kings as she goes.  You can find Victoria on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/victoriascone" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@VictoriaScone</a>, on <a href="https://www.victoriascone.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">victoriascone.com</a>, and on <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p07kt8b4/rupauls-drag-race-uk?seriesId=p09vc1rh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BBC iPlayer</a> every Thursday night at 7pm. Creator &amp; host: Alice Beverton-Palmer Producer &amp; editor: Laura Blake

Victoria Scone: Drag Race UK queen

Olivia Andrews

What does a self-described ‘outspoken black lesbian’ have to say about Prides and the UK's queer nightlife scene? The Dorothy Project meets Olivia Andrews, author of two recent viral articles about racism within the LGBTQ community.    Olivia is also a Stonewall Young Campaigner alum. During her degree at the University of Leeds, she co-organised the award-winning ‘Why is My Curriculum White: Decolonising Geographies’ panel event and worked with peers and faculty to decolonise the curriculum. You can find her on Twitter @livkiera, and on her blog queerblackbabe.

What does a self-described ‘outspoken black lesbian’ have to say about Prides and the UK's queer nightlife scene? The Dorothy Project meets Olivia Andrews, author of two recent viral articles about racism within the LGBTQ community.  Olivia is also a Stonewall Young Campaigner alum. During her degree at the University of Leeds, she co-organised the award-winning ‘Why is My Curriculum White: Decolonising Geographies’ panel event and worked with peers and faculty to decolonise the curriculum. You can find her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/livkiera" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@livkiera</a>, and on her blog <a href="https://queerblackbabe.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">queerblackbabe</a>.

S2 Ep10: Olivia Andrews: 'Dear White Gays' blogger

What’s the connection between certain women - from Lady Gaga to the Queen Mum - and queer society?This interview series, hosted by DJ and LGBT activist Alice Beverton-Palmer, explores the Dorothy in ‘friends of Dorothy’.Expect fresh, frank and funny interviews with famous names and unsung heroes, a new angle on the queer zeitgeist, and history you won’t have learned at school.Get involved on Twitter - we want your stories, and your guest suggestions. Tweet a name @Dorothy_Podcast and we'll try to make it happen. We're especially keen to talk to more women of colour.

Sharmaine Lovegrove

Can books change the world? Sharmaine Lovegrove is the founder of the publishing imprint Dialogue Books, which she set up to promote stories by, for, and about queer, disabled, working class, black and minority communities.  As a queer Black woman herself, Sharmaine believes that storytelling creates the dialogue we need to build a more inclusive world. I quite agree.   Her own life story is quite something, from homeless teenager to Berlin bookshop owner and now, one of the leading lights of British publishing.   Sharmaine is also the first Black interviewee on The Dorothy Project. That’s not a track record I’m proud of, and I’m determined to improve that ratio from now on.

Can books change the world? Sharmaine Lovegrove is the founder of the publishing imprint Dialogue Books, which she set up to promote stories by, for, and about queer, disabled, working class, black and minority communities.  As a queer Black woman herself, Sharmaine believes that storytelling creates the dialogue we need to build a more inclusive world. I quite agree. Her own life story is quite something, from homeless teenager to Berlin bookshop owner and now, one of the leading lights of British publishing. Sharmaine is also the first Black interviewee on The Dorothy Project. That’s not a track record I’m proud of, and I’m determined to improve that ratio from now on.

S2 Ep9: Sharmaine Lovegrove: Publisher

Victoria Noe

There are different ways to be an activist. Some people chain themselves to railings and get arrested, others raise money, or deliver services. “Everyone can do something” is the message I was left with after talking to veteran fundraiser and activist Victoria Noe.   After years of fundraising for AIDS causes in the 1980s and 1990s, she was ‘burnt out’, but has since returned and is now a member of ACT-UP New York.    Asked to reflect on her experiences by a Chicago LGBTQ newspaper, she was inspired to find other women who’d contributed during the AIDS crisis, and her book ‘Fag Hags, Divas, and Moms’ is the result. (And yes, we talk about that title!)

There are different ways to be an activist. Some people chain themselves to railings and get arrested, others raise money, or deliver services. “Everyone can do something” is the message I was left with after talking to veteran fundraiser and activist Victoria Noe. After years of fundraising for AIDS causes in the 1980s and 1990s, she was ‘burnt out’, but has since returned and is now a member of ACT-UP New York.  Asked to reflect on her experiences by a Chicago LGBTQ newspaper, she was inspired to find other women who’d contributed during the AIDS crisis, and her book ‘<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fag-Hags-Divas-Moms-Community/dp/0990308197/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=victoria+noe&amp;qid=1583242941&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fag Hags, Divas, and Moms</a>’ is the result. (And yes, we talk about that title!)

S2 Ep8: Victoria Noe: AIDS fundraiser and ACT-UP NY member

Rose Lewenstein

She is currently developing several original dramas and adaptations for TV. On stage, Rose (@RoseLewenstein) performs with queer comedy cabaret troupe Sex Shells - who’ve enjoyed multiple runs at top venues including the Edinburgh Fringe, Soho Theatre and The Glory - as That Woman Rosie.   We got stuck in to being the ‘token woman’, the difference between gay (‘as in…’) and queer, and performing queer work for wider audiences.   Don’t miss Sex Shells at The Glory next Friday, March 6th 2020. After that, you can see their full show at the Spiegeltent on the Southbank, as part of the Underbelly Festival on April 23rd.

She is currently developing several original dramas and adaptations for TV. On stage, Rose (<a href="https://twitter.com/roselewenstein?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@RoseLewenstein</a>) performs with queer comedy cabaret troupe Sex Shells - who’ve enjoyed multiple runs at top venues including the Edinburgh Fringe, Soho Theatre and The Glory - as That Woman Rosie. We got stuck in to being the ‘token woman’, the difference between gay (‘as in…’) and queer, and performing queer work for wider audiences. Don’t miss Sex Shells at The Glory next Friday, March 6th 2020. After that, you can see their full show at the Spiegeltent on the Southbank, as part of the Underbelly Festival on April 23rd.

S2 Ep7: Rose Lewenstein: TV writer and cabaret performer

Flick Thorley

This week, I meet a woman who has been professionally and personally involved in the HIV epidemic since 1985. After nursing some of the first people to live and die with HIV in New Zealand, Flick came to the UK and was a Charge Nurse at London Lighthouse from 1994-1998.    London Lighthouse - most famously visited by Princess Di - offered comprehensive, compassionate care to people dying of AIDS and their loved ones.    Following the closure of the Lighthouse residential unit, Flick became the HIV psychiatric liaison nurse at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. She identified the initial crystal meth problem in London and was instrumental in setting up what has become the highly successful chemsex and club drug clinic.    Six months into their relationship, Flick and her partner Professor Chloe Orkin were seconded to Botswana to set up the country’s Antiretroviral Programme. Due to Botswana’s laws, Flick and Chloe weren’t able to be out as lesbians or a couple throughout their six months there. (Chloe features in Season One of The Dorothy Project!)   Flick took medical retirement in 2011, and now volunteers with her three (ADORABLE) dogs as a pet therapist in hospices and hospitals in London.  If you’re an LGBTQ person worried about your drug or alcohol use, or that of a friend or family member, then there’s plenty of support on offer: In London: Antidote  In Manchester: The LGBT Foundation  In Birmingham: Birmingham LGBT  If you’re straight or don’t live in one of these cities, there are drug and alcohol services provided by every local authority - you’ll be able to find out where yours is from your local authority’s website.

This week, I meet a woman who has been professionally and personally involved in the HIV epidemic since 1985. After nursing some of the first people to live and die with HIV in New Zealand, Flick came to the UK and was a Charge Nurse at London Lighthouse from 1994-1998.  London Lighthouse - most famously visited by Princess Di - offered comprehensive, compassionate care to people dying of AIDS and their loved ones.  Following the closure of the Lighthouse residential unit, Flick became the HIV psychiatric liaison nurse at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. She identified the initial crystal meth problem in London and was instrumental in setting up what has become the highly successful chemsex and club drug clinic.  Six months into their relationship, Flick and her partner Professor Chloe Orkin were seconded to Botswana to set up the country’s Antiretroviral Programme. Due to Botswana’s laws, Flick and Chloe weren’t able to be out as lesbians or a couple throughout their six months there. (<a href="https://audioboom.com/posts/7312662-professor-chloe-orkin-chair-of-the-british-hiv-association" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chloe features in Season One of The Dorothy Project!</a>) Flick took medical retirement in 2011, and now volunteers with her three (ADORABLE) dogs as a pet therapist in hospices and hospitals in London. If you’re an LGBTQ person worried about your drug or alcohol use, or that of a friend or family member, then there’s plenty of support on offer: In London: <a href="http://londonfriend.org.uk/antidote" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antidote</a> In Manchester: <a href="http://lgbt.foundation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The LGBT Foundation</a> In Birmingham: <a href="https://blgbt.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birmingham LGBT</a> If you’re straight or don’t live in one of these cities, there are drug and alcohol services provided by every local authority - you’ll be able to find out where yours is from your local authority’s website.

S2 Ep6: Flick Thorley: HIV and chemsex nurse

Sophie Anderson

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT, ADULT THEMES, AND STRONG LANGUAGE. You've been warned.  This week we meet a legend among Dorothies - Sophie, the Cock Destroyer. The porn star and social media sensation, immortalised in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Frock Destroyers, tells Alice about her fifteen minutes of fame - which have lasted 18 months and counting.   We talked about what makes a Cock Destroyer, Sophie reveals her fave of the pair’s viral videos, and pays tribute to the sisterhood and aesthetic they share with drag queens including Trixie Mattel.   A member of the LGBTQ community herself, Sophie also opens up about her experience of growing up pansexual, how things have changed, and the importance of celebrating queer life around her teenage son.

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT, ADULT THEMES, AND STRONG LANGUAGE. You've been warned. This week we meet a legend among Dorothies - Sophie, the Cock Destroyer. The porn star and social media sensation, immortalised in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Frock Destroyers, tells Alice about her fifteen minutes of fame - which have lasted 18 months and counting. We talked about what makes a Cock Destroyer, Sophie reveals her fave of the pair’s viral videos, and pays tribute to the sisterhood and aesthetic they share with drag queens including Trixie Mattel. A member of the LGBTQ community herself, Sophie also opens up about her experience of growing up pansexual, how things have changed, and the importance of celebrating queer life around her teenage son.

S2 Ep5: Sophie Anderson: Cock Destroyer

Simon Jones

Presenter Alice Beverton-Palmer flips the script, and for the first time on The Dorothy Project, interviews a queer man about the women in his life.    And what a way to start! Simon Jones’s life has taken him from being a teenage Madonna stan in a tiny Norfolk village, to winning a teen magazine talent search, and now shaping the careers of gay icons such as Geri Halliwell and Jade Thirlwall. In his eponymous PR company, he’s worked with multiple Spice Girls, All Saints, Louise Redknapp, Dannii Minogue, Pussycat Dolls and Tulisa to name a few.   We talked about how pop icons speak to their queer fanbases, and how being gay has helped Simon guide his clients, as well as his favourite career memories so far (...this is the man who stuck the promotional message on Geri Halliwell’s horse as she rode down Old Compton Street.)

Presenter Alice Beverton-Palmer flips the script, and for the first time on The Dorothy Project, interviews a queer man about the women in his life.  And what a way to start! Simon Jones’s life has taken him from being a teenage Madonna stan in a tiny Norfolk village, to winning a teen magazine talent search, and now shaping the careers of gay icons such as Geri Halliwell and Jade Thirlwall. In his eponymous PR company, he’s worked with multiple Spice Girls, All Saints, Louise Redknapp, Dannii Minogue, Pussycat Dolls and Tulisa to name a few. We talked about how pop icons speak to their queer fanbases, and how being gay has helped Simon guide his clients, as well as his favourite career memories so far (...this is the man who stuck the promotional message on Geri Halliwell’s horse as she rode down Old Compton Street.)

S2 Ep4: Simon Jones: Entertainment publicist

She wandered into Bloc bar one night with a camera, and hasn’t left the queer scene since. Alice Beverton-Palmer talks to music and drag photographer Corinne Cumming (@capturedbycorinne) about how drag became her creative muse, finding your queer family, and what it’s like to be a female photographer in the straight club scene (spoiler: it’s shit)   Corinne regularly shoots the world’s most famous drag queens, from Alyssa Edwards to Bianca Del Rio, but she’s equally at home capturing London’s alternative drag scene. Her work foregrounds and celebrates drag kings and non-binary performers, and she’s also part of the pan-Asian drag collective The Bitten Peach. She also shoots Alice’s club night Push The Button!

She wandered into Bloc bar one night with a camera, and hasn’t left the queer scene since. Alice Beverton-Palmer talks to music and drag photographer Corinne Cumming (<a href="http://www.instagram.com/capturedbycorinne" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@capturedbycorinne</a>) about how drag became her creative muse, finding your queer family, and what it’s like to be a female photographer in the straight club scene (spoiler: it’s shit) Corinne regularly shoots the world’s most famous drag queens, from Alyssa Edwards to Bianca Del Rio, but she’s equally at home capturing London’s alternative drag scene. Her work foregrounds and celebrates drag kings and non-binary performers, and she’s also part of the pan-Asian drag collective The Bitten Peach. She also shoots Alice’s club night Push The Button!

S2 Ep3: Corinne Cumming: Drag photographer

Shelly Chopra Dhar

Born into a family of major Bollywood producers, Shelly never got the chance to join them - she was “married and packed off”, and only began her own film career once her children were in school. One of those children turned out to be gay - and Shelly’s experience raising a gay child inspired her to make Ek Ladki.    We talked about her Trojan horse tactics to bring an LGBT story with a message of acceptance to the biggest possible audience, complete with huge stars including Sonam and Anil Kapoor.   You can find Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga on Netflix, in the UK and around the world.

Born into a family of major Bollywood producers, Shelly never got the chance to join them - she was “married and packed off”, and only began her own film career once her children were in school. One of those children turned out to be gay - and Shelly’s experience raising a gay child inspired her to make Ek Ladki.  We talked about her Trojan horse tactics to bring an LGBT story with a message of acceptance to the biggest possible audience, complete with huge stars including Sonam and Anil Kapoor. You can find Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga on Netflix, in the UK and around the world.

S2 Ep2: Shelly Chopra Dhar: Bollywood director

Ana Matronic

In the first episode of Season Two, Scissor Sisters frontwoman Ana helps host Alice Beverton-Palmer choose a drag name - and has advice for single Dorothies looking for a guy.   With a gay father and godfathers, Ana is a born Dorothy. She fulfilled her destiny in lavish style - moving to San Francisco as a teenager and then later New York City, where she performed at and hosted burlesque and drag nights.    She met Jake Shears while he was dressed as his character "Jason the Amazing Back-Alley Late Term Abortion" and the rest was history. Scissor Sisters came together shortly afterwards and became a global sensation, filling arenas and Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. Their album ‘Scissor Sisters’ remains one of the 20 biggest-selling albums of the 21st century.   After realising they couldn’t possibly get gayer than Let’s Have A Kiki, the band went on hiatus in 2012. These days, you can find Ana hosting BBC Radio 2 show Dance Devotion every weekend, as well as BBC Eurovision coverage.

In the first episode of Season Two, Scissor Sisters frontwoman Ana helps host Alice Beverton-Palmer choose a drag name - and has advice for single Dorothies looking for a guy. With a gay father and godfathers, Ana is a born Dorothy. She fulfilled her destiny in lavish style - moving to San Francisco as a teenager and then later New York City, where she performed at and hosted burlesque and drag nights.  She met Jake Shears while he was dressed as his character "Jason the Amazing Back-Alley Late Term Abortion" and the rest was history. Scissor Sisters came together shortly afterwards and became a global sensation, filling arenas and Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. Their album ‘Scissor Sisters’ remains one of the 20 biggest-selling albums of the 21st century. After realising they couldn’t possibly get gayer than Let’s Have A Kiki, the band went on hiatus in 2012. These days, you can find Ana hosting BBC Radio 2 show Dance Devotion every weekend, as well as BBC Eurovision coverage.

S2 Ep1: Ana Matronic: Scissor Sisters frontwoman

In this trailer, host Alice Beverton-Palmer is BACK with a sneak peek of who you'll meet in Season Two of The Dorothy Project.   The first episode, with Scissor Sisters frontwoman Ana Matronic, lands this Thursday January 9th. Subscribe now so you don't miss a second!

In this trailer, host Alice Beverton-Palmer is BACK with a sneak peek of who you'll meet in Season Two of The Dorothy Project.  The first episode, with Scissor Sisters frontwoman Ana Matronic, lands this Thursday January 9th. Subscribe now so you don't miss a second!

S2: The Dorothy Project Season Two: Trailer

What’s the connection between certain women - from Lady Gaga to the Queen Mum - and queer society? This interview series, hosted by DJ and LGBT activist Alice Beverton-Palmer, explores the Dorothy in ‘friends of Dorothy’. Expect fresh, frank and funny interviews with famous names and unsung heroes, a new angle on the queer zeitgeist, and history you won’t have learned at school. Get involved on Twitter - we want your stories, and your guest suggestions. Tweet a name @Dorothy_Podcast and we'll try to make it happen. We're especially keen to talk to more women of colour.

The Dorothy Project

Lucy Moss

In the last episode of Season One, Alice talks musical theatre and diva worship with Lucy Moss. Along with her creative partner Toby Marlow, Lucy is responsible for the musical Six - a runaway hit at Edinburgh, in the West End, and soon, Broadway. Six brings Henry VIII’s wives to the stage as a kickass girlband and lets them set the historical record straight. (It’s amazing.)     The pair’s other project, Hot Gay Time Machine, which they wrote with friend and collaborator Zak Ghazi-Torbati, tells the story of a gay man’s life through song and multiple costume changes. Like Six, Hot Gay Time Machine triumphed at the Edinburgh Fringe. It has won the Eddies Award, the Brighton Fringe Award for Excellence, and the Brighton Fringe’s LGBTQ+ Award.      We talked about what Lucy and Toby each bring to creating their hit shows, what makes their relationship so fruitful, and the relationship between gay men and the queens they worship.     I tried to get Lucy to tell me what they’re working on next but she was tight-lipped...  *** Who do you want to hear in Season Two? Tweet us @Dorothy_Podcast or leave a review here on Apple Podcasts! ***

In the last episode of Season One, Alice talks musical theatre and diva worship with Lucy Moss. Along with her creative partner Toby Marlow, Lucy is responsible for the musical Six - a runaway hit at Edinburgh, in the West End, and soon, Broadway. Six brings Henry VIII’s wives to the stage as a kickass girlband and lets them set the historical record straight. (It’s amazing.) The pair’s other project, Hot Gay Time Machine, which they wrote with friend and collaborator Zak Ghazi-Torbati, tells the story of a gay man’s life through song and multiple costume changes. Like Six, Hot Gay Time Machine triumphed at the Edinburgh Fringe. It has won the Eddies Award, the Brighton Fringe Award for Excellence, and the Brighton Fringe’s LGBTQ+ Award.  We talked about what Lucy and Toby each bring to creating their hit shows, what makes their relationship so fruitful, and the relationship between gay men and the queens they worship. I tried to get Lucy to tell me what they’re working on next but she was tight-lipped... *** Who do you want to hear in Season Two? Tweet us @Dorothy_Podcast or leave a review here on Apple Podcasts! ***

S1 Ep12: Lucy Moss: Co-creator of Six The Musical

Mary McIntosh

A Dorothy Project first, as Alice speaks to our first male interviewee - Andrew Lumsden, who was a key part of the UK Gay Liberation Front in the 1970s. They discuss the life and work of his Gay Liberation Front comrade Mary McIntosh. TLDR: she sounds like an absolute baller.   Mary was an academic as well as an activist, and her contribution to the rights held by British gay men today is massive. In 1968, she published an academic paper arguing that homosexuality is not a psychiatric or medical condition, based on a survey she conducted of gay men in Leicester and London. In her time on the Criminal Law Revision Committee, she advocated for the lowering of the age of consent for gay men. She also studied the letters of gay prisoners from the 16th century onwards, observing the 18th century gay subculture of ‘mollies’.  Mary and her partner Elizabeth Wilson contributed to founding and shaping the direction of the London Gay Liberation Front. Throughout her life McIntosh continued to forge links between the gay liberation movement, the women's movement and lesbian movements.

A Dorothy Project first, as Alice speaks to our first male interviewee - Andrew Lumsden, who was a key part of the UK Gay Liberation Front in the 1970s. They discuss the life and work of his Gay Liberation Front comrade Mary McIntosh. TLDR: she sounds like an absolute baller. Mary was an academic as well as an activist, and her contribution to the rights held by British gay men today is massive. In 1968, she published an academic paper arguing that homosexuality is not a psychiatric or medical condition, based on a survey she conducted of gay men in Leicester and London. In her time on the Criminal Law Revision Committee, she advocated for the lowering of the age of consent for gay men. She also studied the letters of gay prisoners from the 16th century onwards, observing the 18th century gay subculture of ‘mollies’. Mary and her partner Elizabeth Wilson contributed to founding and shaping the direction of the London Gay Liberation Front. Throughout her life McIntosh continued to forge links between the gay liberation movement, the women's movement and lesbian movements.

S1 Ep9: Mary McIntosh: Activist and academic

Nicola Coughlan

Actor Nicola Coughlan is a Galway native (she just does a very good Derry accent) who plays Clare Devlin in the global smash hit sitcom Derry Girls.   She also starred in 18th Century brothel drama Harlots, and has just started work on the huge new Shondaland production Bridgerton, alongside Dame Julie Andrews. On stage, Nicola was lauded for her work in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie at the Donmar Warehouse.   Off stage, she’s a MASSIVE Dorothy. Nicola campaigned for marriage equality in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. She’s also a huge fan of drag, who’s been found tipping crisps over her head in tribute to Sasha Velour and glueing down her brows to complete an Alaska costume.    We talked about her LGBTQ advocacy, living in San Francisco as a teenager, and her friendship with Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness.

Actor Nicola Coughlan is a Galway native (she just does a very good Derry accent) who plays Clare Devlin in the global smash hit sitcom Derry Girls. She also starred in 18th Century brothel drama Harlots, and has just started work on the huge new Shondaland production Bridgerton, alongside Dame Julie Andrews. On stage, Nicola was lauded for her work in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie at the Donmar Warehouse. Off stage, she’s a MASSIVE Dorothy. Nicola campaigned for marriage equality in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. She’s also a huge fan of drag, who’s been found tipping crisps over her head in tribute to Sasha Velour and glueing down her brows to complete an Alaska costume.  We talked about her LGBTQ advocacy, living in San Francisco as a teenager, and her friendship with Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness.

S1 Ep7: Nicola Coughlan: Derry Girls Actor

Nicki French is a singer and actor. She represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2000, finishing 16th with ‘Don’t Play That Song Again’. Nicki has since become a stalwart of the Eurovision fan scene, including the annual London Eurovision Party, to which she brings up to 23 costume changes. Her new EP of Eurovision covers, ‘Let’s Play That Song Again’, is out now.   Nicki’s cover of fellow Eurovision entrant Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ was a top five hit in the UK and US in 1995, selling over five million copies worldwide. She has performed in gay clubs from the very start of her career and is currently signed to the HI-NRG label Energise Records, along with other Pride season favourites Hazell Dean, Sinitta, and Sonia.   Since 2007, she has also been working as an actor in pantomime and musicals, including The Wizard of Oz and Annie.   We talked about Nicki’s Eurovision experiences, making music for gay clubs, and playing musical theatre legend Ethel Merman.

Nicki French is a singer and actor. She represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2000, finishing 16th with ‘Don’t Play That Song Again’. Nicki has since become a stalwart of the Eurovision fan scene, including the annual London Eurovision Party, to which she brings up to 23 costume changes. Her new EP of Eurovision covers, ‘Let’s Play That Song Again’, is out now. Nicki’s cover of fellow Eurovision entrant Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ was a top five hit in the UK and US in 1995, selling over five million copies worldwide. She has performed in gay clubs from the very start of her career and is currently signed to the HI-NRG label Energise Records, along with other Pride season favourites Hazell Dean, Sinitta, and Sonia. Since 2007, she has also been working as an actor in pantomime and musicals, including The Wizard of Oz and Annie. We talked about Nicki’s Eurovision experiences, making music for gay clubs, and playing musical theatre legend Ethel Merman.

S1 Ep6: Nicki French: UK Eurovision legend

Holly Shortall

Holly Shortall co-hosts the hit pop culture podcast Popsessed with her friend, the broadcaster, journalist and DJ Conor Behan. She is also an HIV activist with ACT UP Dublin. My first interviewee from outside of the UK, Holly is a favourite of UK and Irish Gay Twitter, which is how I came to know her.   She lives in Dublin, and works in marketing and communications (yep, everything I’ve just mentioned is side hustle.)   We talked about finding your tribe online, her work with ACT UP (actupdublin.com), and how she sees the role of an ally.

Holly Shortall co-hosts the hit pop culture podcast Popsessed with her friend, the broadcaster, journalist and DJ Conor Behan. She is also an HIV activist with ACT UP Dublin. My first interviewee from outside of the UK, Holly is a favourite of UK and Irish Gay Twitter, which is how I came to know her. She lives in Dublin, and works in marketing and communications (yep, everything I’ve just mentioned is side hustle.) We talked about finding your tribe online, her work with ACT UP (<a href="http://actupdublin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">actupdublin.com</a>), and how she sees the role of an ally.

S1 Ep5: Holly Shortall: Podcaster and activist

Chloe Orkin

Professor Chloe Orkin is the Chair of the British HIV Association. She is a Clinical Professor of HIV Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, on secondment to the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London. She is a Consultant Physician at the Royal London Hospital where her clinical duties include running a busy HIV and HIV/ HCV research unit.    Professor Orkin led the ‘Going Viral’ blood-borne virus testing week campaign, and under her leadership BHIVA has been acknowledged as an early champion of the U=U campaign. Professor Orkin sees herself as a medical activist, working to improve the lives of people living with HIV in the UK by providing medical evidence that challenges stigma.   She trained as a doctor in her native South Africa at the height of the AIDS crisis before moving to London, where she met her partner - who also works in HIV medicine.

Professor Chloe Orkin is the Chair of the British HIV Association. She is a Clinical Professor of HIV Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, on secondment to the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London. She is a Consultant Physician at the Royal London Hospital where her clinical duties include running a busy HIV and HIV/ HCV research unit.  Professor Orkin led the ‘Going Viral’ blood-borne virus testing week campaign, and under her leadership BHIVA has been acknowledged as an early champion of the U=U campaign. Professor Orkin sees herself as a medical activist, working to improve the lives of people living with HIV in the UK by providing medical evidence that challenges stigma. She trained as a doctor in her native South Africa at the height of the AIDS crisis before moving to London, where she met her partner - who also works in HIV medicine.

S1 Ep4: Professor Chloe Orkin: Chair of the British HIV Association

Fanny Minka

Fanny Minka is quite possibly the world's only travel-blogging drag queen. Originally from Australia, she was influenced by the release of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at the tender age of 13 and has been a radical diva in transit ever since. A Londoner for the past 15 years, Fanny has been part of Sink The Pink's drag family for nearly six of those. She spends any spare time (and money) travelling and writing about it on her blog, Minka Guides.    Fanny is unusual among drag queens for a few reasons - as well as the blogging, she’s a cisgender woman, and she started doing drag with her husband. So she has some really interesting perspectives on the performance of gender, on how the queer scene has changed and continues to change - and whether the concept of a ‘Dorothy’ could even become obsolete.

Fanny Minka is quite possibly the world's only travel-blogging drag queen. Originally from Australia, she was influenced by the release of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at the tender age of 13 and has been a radical diva in transit ever since. A Londoner for the past 15 years, Fanny has been part of Sink The Pink's drag family for nearly six of those. She spends any spare time (and money) travelling and writing about it on her blog, Minka Guides.  Fanny is unusual among drag queens for a few reasons - as well as the blogging, she’s a cisgender woman, and she started doing drag with her husband. So she has some really interesting perspectives on the performance of gender, on how the queer scene has changed and continues to change - and whether the concept of a ‘Dorothy’ could even become obsolete.

S1 Ep3: Fanny Minka: Drag queen

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