The Uncommon Senses Podcast

Rainbow Bird Chirps | Fishing with the Queers: Queerbaiting & Queerbathing | Ep.#3

Hi everyone! The Uncommon Senses Podcast is now collaborating with RainbowBird Chirps, a podcast from the Rainbow Bird Student Society in Hong Kong University of Science and Technology that advocates for diversity and inclusion. In this episode, we will be discussing the topic "on queerbaiting in media", from our favorite fictions and shows, movies, celebrities etc. Episode hosted by Telia from the Uncommon Senses Podcast, Valarie and Vasudev from RainbowBird, and podcast cover art by Wai L. from Rainbowbird. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:28 What is queerbaiting? 02:30 fictional queerbaiting — Frozen, Fingersmith, Handmaiden, Wicked 10:25 celebrities & queerbaiting — Billie Eilish, Kit Connor, Cavetown, Sam Smith, David Bowie, Katy Perry, Harry Styles, Billy Potter 28:15 artistic work and queerbaiting  35:15 Marketing & censorships — Herstory 好東西, Xena: Warrior Princess, 甄嬛傳 50:43 the irony of queerbaiting 59:12 Ending References: Riley, O. J. (2020). Queerbaiting and Fandom: Teasing Fans through Homoerotic Possibilities ed. by Joseph Brennan (review). The Velvet Light Trap, 86(1), 60–62. Dennin, K. (2024). “In this life or the next”: “Cancel Your Gays” and the Warrior Nun “Save Our Show” campaign. Popular Communication, 22(3), 165–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/15405702.2024.2414115 Cover, R., & Milne, C. (2023). The “Bury your Gays” trope in contemporary television: Generational shifts in production responses to audience dissent. Journal of Popular Culture, 56(5–6), 810–823. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpcu.13255 [https://doi.org/10.1111/jpcu.13255] Chairetis, S. (2021). Tracing the Ephemeral: ‘Lesbian’ Characters in Greek Television Comedies. View (Utrecht), 10(19), 89-. https://doi.org/10.18146/view.248 [https://doi.org/10.18146/view.248] Huuki, T., & Kyrölä, K. (2023). “Show yourself”: Indigenous ethics, Sámi cosmologies and decolonial queer pedagogies of Frozen 2. Gender and Education, 35(2), 171–185. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540253.2021.2023112 [https://doi.org/10.1080/09540253.2021.2023112] Llompart, A., & Brugué, L. (2020). The snow queer? Female characterization in walt disney’s frozen. Adaptation : The Journal of Literature on Screen Studies, 13(1), 98–112. https://doi.org/10.1093/adaptation/apz019 [https://doi.org/10.1093/adaptation/apz019] Prosperi, C., & Martin, K., (2024). The walt disney company: Responding to “don’t say gay” legislation in Florida. In Sage Business Cases. SAGE Publications, Ltd., https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071931721 [https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071931721] Sarah Z. (2023, August 31). I Was Wrong About Queerbaiting [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7djba98-YkQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7djba98-YkQ] Zhao, J. J. (2014). Fandom as a Middle Ground. Media Field Journal, 10. Aalto, E. (2016). " She's straight, you delusional cunt!": a study on bullying and homophobia in online fandoms (Bachelor's thesis). Corin, G. (2008). From ‘ambiguously gay duos’ to homosexual superheroes: the implications for media fandom practices (Thesis, Master of Arts (MA)). The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10289/2367 [https://hdl.handle.net/10289/2367] King, J. (2024, March 11). Inside out 2 and what it means to be Queerbaited. TheGamer. https://www.thegamer.com/inside-out-2-queerbaiting-lgbt-trailer-pixar-disney [https://www.thegamer.com/inside-out-2-queerbaiting-lgbt-trailer-pixar-disney] ABC News. (2017, March 19). Katy Perry opens up about her sexuality, 'I was curious'. https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/katy-perry-opens-sexuality-curious/story?id=46238811#:~:text=The%20%22I%20Kissed%20a%20Girl,these%20bite%2Dsized%20pop%20songs

Rainbow Bird Chirps | Young Writers Interview: Stuck in Her Head YA Novel | Ep.#2

The Uncommon Senses Podcast is now collaborating with RainbowBird Chirps, a podcast from the Rainbow Bird Student Society in Hong Kong University of Science and Technology that advocates for diversity and inclusion. Hong Kong young writers, Liana and Kylie were only 14 when they started writing “Stuck in Her Head”. Their Modern YA Novel includes nuanced themes that is highly relevant to many teenagers in Hong Kong, such as mental health, queer relationships, family relationships, parental expectations, struggles between dreams and a stable future etc. Rainbow Bird has the pleasure of interviewing these two young talented writers, and discussed about their writing process and inclusion of queer themes in HK publishing. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction — a long overdue interview 02:42 Liana & Kylie — Hong Kong teen authors “Stuck in Her Head” 05:12 Book writing process  09:42 Writing styles 11:58 Publishing as High School Students 18:25 favourite parts & challenges faced 22:37 favourite character to write 27:57 queer research process 32:59 queer representation — aromantic and bisexual 37:59 publishing queer themes 42:12 message to parents 46:40 message to teens & aspiring young writers

Rainbow Bird Chirps | Why are Disney Villains so Queer-Coded? | Ep.#1

Hi everyone! Happy Halloween! The Uncommon Senses Podcast is now collaborating with RainbowBird Chirps, a podcast from the Rainbow Bird Student Society in Hong Kong University of Science and Technology that advocates for diversity and inclusion. Welcome to our first episode! Hosted by Telia from the Uncommon Senses Podcast, and Joey and Snow from RainbowBird! (And podcast cover art by Wai L. from Rainbowbird!) In this episode, we will be discussing the topic "Why are Disney Villains so Queer-Coded?", unpacking the multifaceted layers of Disney villains and LGBTQ+ representation in the enchanting world of animated storytelling. In the realm of modern entertainment, Disney movies have undeniably wielded significant influence, shaping the landscape of children's media worldwide. These tales not only entertain but also serve as mirrors reflecting societal values, norms, and evolving perspectives. This influence extends to the portrayal of characters, notably the iconic Disney villains, who often embody traits or characteristics aligning with aspects traditionally associated with the LGBTQ+ community. This subtle subtext raises intriguing questions about representation, identity, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy in Disney's narrative tapestry. And as we journey through the frames of Disney history, undeniably there has been an increase in the diversity of characters, including the exploration of various cultures and sexualities.  However, a critical question arises: Are these representations accurate reflections of the LGBTQ+ community? Do they tread the fine line between appropriate depiction and potentially disrespectful stereotypes? Furthermore, could these character nuances serve as a strategic tool wielded by Disney within the realm of capitalism, catering to a diverse audience while navigating commercial imperatives? Time stamps: 00:00 Welcome to Rainbow Bird Chirps! 01:45 Introduction: Disney Villains & Queer Coding 03:30 Our favourite Disney Villains 09:33 The history of Queer Coding — Hay’s Code 16:37 Classic disney villains, queer stereotypes & the male gaze 24:27 Modern queer disney characters — Frozen & Elsa 35:00 Political correctness of Disney for diversity & inclusion 48:28 Theme song of the episode: it’s a business afterall! Additional resources: Queer coding in disney:  https://www.intomore.com/culture/heres-why-we-need-to-reclaim-queercoding-in-the-lion-king-remake/ [https://www.intomore.com/culture/heres-why-we-need-to-reclaim-queercoding-in-the-lion-king-remake/] https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/b-side/reclaiming-queer-coded-disney-villains/ [https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/b-side/reclaiming-queer-coded-disney-villains/] https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-number-of-gay-animated-villains-will-surprise-you-456/ [https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-number-of-gay-animated-villains-will-surprise-you-456/] https://screenrant.com/disney-villains-maleficent-queer-coded-lgbtq-gay/ [https://screenrant.com/disney-villains-maleficent-queer-coded-lgbtq-gay/]  Hays code and queer coding: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hays-Office [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hays-Office]  https://rainbowandco.uk/blogs/what-were-saying/the-hays-code-and-queer-coding-villains-in-hollywood-films [https://rainbowandco.uk/blogs/what-were-saying/the-hays-code-and-queer-coding-villains-in-hollywood-films]  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_coding#:~:text=4%20References-,History,%2C%20and%20gender%2Dfluid%20ways [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_coding#:~:text=4%20References-,History,%2C%20and%20gender%2Dfluid%20ways]. Disney trademarks: https://laist.com/shows/take-two/disney-pulls-out-of-bid-to-trademark-dia-de-los-muertos [https://laist.com/shows/take-two/disney-pulls-out-of-bid-to-trademark-dia-de-los-muertos]  https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/opinion-analysis/ideas-debate/how-us-firm-trademarked-the-hakuna-matata-phrase-2257496 [https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/opinion-analysis/ideas-debate/how-us-firm-trademarked-the-hakuna-matata-phrase-2257496] OVERALL DISNEY VILLAINS 1. Disney villains in general: what makes disney villains so gay: https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2021/06/22/58413455/the-gay-power-of-disney-villains [https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2021/06/22/58413455/the-gay-power-of-disney-villains] URSULA: 1. Once upon a time, ursula was a drag queen: https://time.com/6282514/little-mermaid-ursula-drag-queen-divine/ [https://time.com/6282514/little-mermaid-ursula-drag-queen-divine/]  2. Ursula: https://collider.com/the-little-mermaid-ursula-drag-culture/ [https://collider.com/the-little-mermaid-ursula-drag-culture/]  3. Drag culture around the world: https://ezratemko.com/drag/drag-around-the-world/  [https://ezratemko.com/drag/drag-around-the-world/] HADES:  Disney’s Hercules and the false vilification of Hades: https://www.thebristorian.co.uk/the-forum/https/wwwthebristoriancouk/herculesdisneyhades [https://www.thebristorian.co.uk/the-forum/https/wwwthebristoriancouk/herculesdisneyhades]  5 reasons Hades is the Best Sassy Disney Villain (&5 it’s Yzma): https://screenrant.com/best-sassy-disney-villain-hades-yzma-comparison/ [https://screenrant.com/best-sassy-disney-villain-hades-yzma-comparison/]

Sustainable Living Pod (Part 5): Take a Power Nap: Interview with the Nap Pod Project | Ep. #29

Hi everyone! Welcome to “the uncommon senses” Podcast. In this series, “Sustainable Living Pod”, we collaborate with Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab in HKUST and explore technologies and projects by faculties and students that create a change to sustainability on campus and beyond. I'm your host, Telia.  An average human spends about ⅓ of their time asleep, yet due to demanding work schedules, high academic pressure and rigorous study schedules, many Hong Kongers and students suffer from sleep deprivation. Recently, there’s the rise of the concept of “ "power naps" to recharge and boost productivity.  Joining us today is Susu, a research assistant and lab manager, from the SSC project team – Nap Pods. Let’s dive in and see how these nap pods, located in the library and student center,  promote sleep hygiene and improve mental health among students. 00:00 introduction & the nap pod SSC project 03:08 Project phase 1: research on napping & learning 06:37 Sleeping pod survey results 13:14 Nap pod & counselling and wellness center 19:29 Uncommon-sense discoveries

Sustainable Living Pod (Part 4): Redefining Construction: Interview with Eco-Brix Founders from TerraGreen | Ep. #28

Hi everyone! Welcome to “the uncommon senses” Podcast. In this series, “Sustainable Living Pod”, we collaborate with Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab in HKUST and explore technologies and projects by faculties and students that create a change to sustainability on campus and beyond. I'm your host, Telia.  Construction, an essential sector driving economic growth and infrastructure development, unfortunately, comes with a heavy environmental cost. The construction industry is notorious for its significant contribution to pollution, resource depletion, and waste generation. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), it contributes to nearly 39% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. In Hong Kong, the construction sector is estimated to generate over 20 million tons of construction waste annually, making it one of the major waste streams in the city. Joining us today are Samuel and Zac from the department of civil engineering in HKUST, the co-founders from TerraGreen, which is a startup supported by SSC. Their product, Eco-Brix, is a sustainable construction material produced using wastes. Let’s dive in and see how Eco-bricks was developed, and how it promotes circularity in construction. 00:00 Introduction of eco-bricks   7:25 Technology behind eco-bricks 12:38 Making of Terra Green Start-up 15:40 Zac and Samuel’s PhD journey  21:27 Eco-bricks awards: 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 26:41 Delving into the business world as engineers 28:51 Eco-bricks & other sustainable construction materials  34:43 The Uncommon Senses! 36:38 Ending!! Samuel and Zac reflecting their 10-year Journey in HKUST