Interview w/ Professor Sandy O’Sullivan

Host: Ez (he/him) In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Professor Sandy O’Sullivan, a Wiradjuri scholar, community advocate, and transgender, non-binary academic, to explore the deep connections between gender, culture, and Indigenous ways of knowing. Together, we unpack how colonialism has shaped – and often distorted – understandings of gender and identity, and what it means to reclaim space for First Nations sovereignty and transgender histories. This episode moves beyond surface-level conversations to ask: What does community really mean? How can Indigenous thinking guide more collective, caring, and accountable futures? And how do trans and First Nations communities build solidarity while resisting systems that continue to cause harm? Grounded in lived experience, truth-telling, and cultural strength, this interview offers listeners a rare opportunity to reflect on gender, togetherness, community responsibility, and the power of Indigenous-led knowledge in shaping more just and inclusive worlds. Content Warning: This episode discusses colonial violence, systemic discrimination, and lived experiences of marginalisation. 🔗 If you'd like to listen back to the unedited episode - with the music - head to our On Demand website. And don't forget to follow our socials at Facebook and Instagram. Timestamps and Links: 00:00 - Acknowledgement of Country 00:20 - Welcome to Tranzmission 03:36 - Introducing Professor Sandy O’Sullivan 06:36 - Solidarity between First Nations and Trans People: Colonial Containers 13:20 - Colonisation: Truth Telling, Underserved, and Ledgers 19:20 - Historical Context and the Venus of Willendorf 28:00 - Creators, Curators, and Community 30:54 - Disproportionate Exceptions: Stories, Dignity, and Housing - Queer As... 38:13 - Support: Solidarity and Allyship 44:08 - The Memoir: Individual and Selective 46:00 - Trans Joy: Permission to be boring 48:05 - The Future: Death, Abundance, and "Fuck Hope" Chelsea Watego Support Services QLife - 1800 189 527 QC LGBT Mental Health Services Open Doors Youth Services Inc. 📸 ID: Artist Credit Wayde Clarke - Aboriginal Art | Equality LGBTQIA Inclusive Pride Flag 4ZZZ's community lives and creates on Turrbal, Yuggera, and Jagera land. Sovereignty was never ceded. Produced and recorded by Ez at 4zzz in Fortitude Valley, Meanjin/Brisbane Australia on Turrabul and Jaggera Country and audio and cover image edited by Tobi for podcast distribution for Creative Broadcasters Limited.