In a special edition of NYU Sydney’s Conversations Podcast from last term, the then semester host and current Gallatin junior Duncan Lemieux sat down with Dr. Adam Gall, NYU Sydney’s instructor of Environmental History. Dr. Gall’s background is in cultural studies, having been awarded a PhD from the University of Sydney department of gender studies. Gall says that almost 10 years of teaching introductory feminist class with the department afforded him the opportunity to speak daily with students in the frontline in these spaces.

Gall speaks to the evolution of Sydney’s own local Mardi Gras festival, starting with the much loved Fair Day, which now has a real focus on Rainbow Families. Gall walks us through the catalysts for the movement in Sydney and the reaction to changes in the United States, the need for a movement in solidarity and the mirroring police brutality.

He reveals the societal changes, highlighted by corporate sponsorship of the event and the regular inclusion of police floats. Duncan then walks with Dr. Gall through the YES vote, and the postal survey, which Gall says was really seen as an imposition whereby citizens were seen as campaigning for legitimacy. Dr. Gall continues to discuss the three main drivers that meant Australia was late to join the international conversation regarding same sex marriage.

The podcast draws to a close with a focus about where the discussion has headed. Gall says that the focus is now really about what’s going on in schools and with young people, particularly in regard to radical gender theory, and the institutional response to bullying.

Conservatives, he says, have latched on to this in a new ideological front. This is, he says, similar to other clashes that occur with everyday sexual education globally.

Have a listen to the podcast here.