In this episode, we introduce our August After Party co-host Ashley Ramos, a painter from Pittsburgh and a long-time friend of the host. The episode centers around a diverse discussion involving a writer, a painter, and a musician, with Emily, the producer. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around an episode featuring Jelena Vermilion, a trans sex worker and advocate from Hamilton, Canada. The hosts and guests express their admiration for Jelena’s extensive work in the sex worker rights movement, including her efforts to archive “Spread” magazine. This project involved meticulous work to preserve and make accessible a historical snapshot of sex work, underscoring Jelena’s dedication and the importance of documenting marginalized histories.
The conversation transitions into the broader context of activism and the impact of historical events on the queer community. Emily and Ashley reflect on the courage required to stand up for marginalized groups and the lasting trauma from the AIDS crisis, which decimated a generation of queer people. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of past activists, as well as the need for continued perseverance in the face of adversity.
In this episode:
00:15: Introducing Ashley Ramos, August Afterparty Co-host
01:42: Introducing Jelena Vermilion’s Episode
02:53: Jelena’s Work & Achievements
04:35: Archiving Spread Magazine
07:15: Deciding to Fight for Change
08:45: Courage in Activism
13:47: Impact of AIDS Crisis on Queer Community
19:35: Importance of Oral History & Archiving
People:
Guest: Jelena Vermilion
Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, Ashley Ramos
Producer: Emily Foster
Music: Benjamin J Benamati
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