Lunar New Year with Gay Asian Proud

How can we strengthen community ties with a queer Lunar New Year celebration? James Tapa from Gay Asian Proud (GAP) joins us to discuss the unique challenges faced by multicultural LGBTQ+ people navigating health services, voting, and social belonging in Australia. He explores with Joel and Jack personal anecdotes about family reunions, lion‑dance performances, and the symbolism behind the zodiac animal of the year. GAP’s sister group Yellow Kitties is co-hosting the event and we dive into how gender‑specific spaces complement each other. Whether you’re new to Melbourne’s queer scene or a longtime activist, tune in for insight, inspiration, and a clear invitation to join the celebration. On JOY 94.9, we play a bunch of new music from Asian-Australian LGBTIQA+ artists, including: Aisa – Theta Waves Kaiwyn – Good Boy Robert Baxter – ICY (Take it Off) Zhuli – Mitsubishi Sheets JXCKY – BORDERLINE Nat Vazer – For What? Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at [email protected] Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au. Produced by: Joel Parker, Jack Crnjanin