Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the past, present and future of LGBTIQ+ broadcasting through the lens of renowned community radio station 4ZZZ. Led by broadcaster/producer Aleisha McLaren, this conversation will explore its rich history, impact on diversity and representation, and its role in empowering marginalized voices through innovative broadcasting. Featuring perspectives from eight dynamic broadcasters and programmers, this event offers a valuable look into the transformative power of community media.
Aleisha Mclaren (Host)
Aleisha McLaren is a broadcaster and artist manager based in Magandjin / Brisbane. Hanging out at 4ZZZ since 2018, she takes Pash Planet to air Fridays 1-3pm and spends the rest of her week producing the QLD Afternoons program at ABC Radio Brisbane. This year, McLaren was named in The Push’s 25 Under 25. She loves solving crosswords, knitting and watching movies with a boysenberry choc.
Ezarco Dos Santos
Ezarco is a proud 2Spirit Charrua South American who advocates for trans justice and community empowerment. He is the founder and creator of Tranzmission on 4ZZZ, the country's first radio broadcast dedicated to amplifying trans and gender-diverse musicians and stories. Beyond the airwaves, Ezarco serves as a youth worker with Open Doors Youth Service and Visible Ink Youth Hub, supporting young queer people to find their place in the world. Ezarco also contributes to QMusic's Safety and Diversity Advisory Group.
John Frame
John Frame was actively involved with Brisbane community radio 4ZZZ’s LGBTIQ support program Queer Radio from December 1993 until his last show (as stand-in presenter) in February 2009. He ensured that Queer Radio engaged actively with the LGBTIQ community in all walks of life, especially through support of artists, and across all ages - locally and globally. In 2006, personal caring duties necessitated a break from the program but he has continued political activism in his successful campaign for Age Of Consent equality. John also maintains a public resource website of his interviews and activism.
Ruth Gardner
Ruth Gardner is a Brisbane-based broadcaster, guitarist, musician, and cabaret artist who loves bringing people together through music, laughter, and community. She hosts Dykes on Mykes on 4ZZZ, where she shares stories, celebrates queer culture, and champions independent music. On stage, She also co-owns and manages The Cave Inn, one of Brisbane’s most eclectic and community-minded venues, known for its live music, creative events, and inclusive atmosphere.
Brody Hayes
Brody is a neurodivergent queer non-binary gender gremlin, a co-host on Queer Radio & Tranzmission on 4ZZZ and the host of Static Mindzzz on Zed Digital. Brody is a staunch advocate within the Mental Health and Disability space and is the chair of a LGBTQIA+ special interest group within the Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Body QLD. Brody has also founded their own LGBTQIA+ training and consultancy business: Outspoken Training and is involved in organising International Non-Binary People’s Day Meganjin/Brisbane.
Gai Lemon
In the late '80s and through the 1990s, Gai masqueraded as a professional lesbian, diving headfirst into anything bearing the name. Alongside a Lick of other Lesbians (the official collective noun, of course), she transformed 4ZZZ’s The Lesbian Show—a modest little program—into a vibrant mix of on-air magazine, social hub, and safe space for women loving women. Equal parts activist, media-maker, and mischief-maker, Gai helped shape queer community culture with wit, warmth, and unapologetic flair.
Blair Martin
Blair Martin (he/him/-they/them) is a tall human with a sonorous voice – and a beard. Since 2012, Blair has coordinated Queer Radio on 4ZZZ. Along with 4ZZZ’s Dykes On Mykes, it is the world’s longest continuously running gender and sexuality radio program, clocking up 33 years in 2025. Blair has been recognised with Pride Festival Queens’ Ball awards Entertainer of the Year (2010) & Lifetime Achievement Award (2014) and the C.A.N. Awards 2013 Media Award for excellence in journalism/social media which promotes social inclusion and equality for all.
Hazel Newman
Hazel (She/Her) is a trans woman, musician and radio presenter for Tranzmission on 4ZZZ, and otherwise noise-maker. Hailing from Ipswich/Tulmer, her work involves electronic music composition, live drum performances, radio presenting, festival organising, and occasional dips into community theatre. Always excited for new opportunities and jumping into whatever the scene throws her way, Hazel is a keen member of the Meanjin music scene and 4ZZZ radio community, and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bridie Shield
Bridie Shield is a 22-year-old queer, non-binary creative passionate about the Australian music scene and building a community of likeminded individuals. A graduate of JMC Academy with a Bachelor of Music Performance, Bridie has carved out a space in Brisbane’s arts scene through radio and content creation. They host on 4ZZZ, including The Hotspot and Dykes on Mykes, where they spotlight emerging Australian artists and amplify queer voices. Bridie also shares Aussie music, queer artists, and community content on social media, bringing energy, authenticity, and creativity to everything they do—on air, online, and in the community.
