The Open Table

10 Apr 2025

Episode 9- Season 2 with Aiv Puglielli MP

Government & Organisations, Local, Personal Journals, Regional, Sexuality

This week, we’re joined by Aiv Puglielli — artist, composer, advocate, and Greens MP.

Aiv didn’t set out to be a politician — but when the personal became political, it led him straight into Parliament. In this episode, he shares his coming out story, what it’s like to be gay in politics, and how identity, advocacy, and community continue to shape his path.

Before politics, Aiv was immersed in the independent arts scene as a performer, composer and producer. With classical roots in trumpet and composition, he trained at NIDA and WAAPA, bridging the creative and political worlds with a rare authenticity.

We discuss how to show up in queer identity, creative expression, and activism — and how holding onto it can be both a source of strength and a form of resistance. Oh, and yes — he also explains how he came to be known as “the twink in pink.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:52 — 56.1MB)

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13 Mar 2026

Episode 6 – Season 4 – Azzad Azman (Film Maker, Film and Oscar Buff)

Arts, Sexuality, TV & Film

In this episode, Craig chats to Azzad Azman (Director of the upcoming queer short film, 'Before It Goes Down', about ...

16 Feb 2026

Episode 2 – Season 4 – AFLW Star Tilly Lucas-Rodd

Personal Journals, Sexuality

This episode of The Open Table features a special guest from the world of elite sport: GWS Giants AFLW player ...

15 Feb 2026

Episode 1 – Season 4 – Joe Ball, Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities

Education, Government & Organisations, Health, Mental Health, Personal Journals, Politics, Sexuality

This episode of The Open Table features a special guest Joe Ball, Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities. Joe Ball is leading ...