Interview w/ Professor Sandy O’Sullivan

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.

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

📸 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.