Mirrors And Doorways

Joanne Lockwood is joined by author Nonir Amicitia, who co-writes as O E Tearmann, to explore the idea of “mirrors and doorways” in storytelling: mirrors that let marginalised readers see themselves as full characters, and doorways that invite others into empathy and conversation.

They discuss how queer and trans characters are too often defined only by their identity or framed through tragedy, and why it matters to write stories where identity is present and meaningful but not the sole plot. Nonir shares how their hopeful queer dystopian series centres adventure, found family, and community, while still reflecting realities such as transition, disrespect, and the pressure of cis-heteronormative environments.

The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of hostile rhetoric and the “reactive terror loop” that can come from constantly amplifying threats online. Both reflect on mental health, dysphoria, anxiety, depression, stigma, and the importance of safe spaces, supportive relationships, and representation that shows people asking for help and still being fully human.

Nonir speaks candidly about their nonbinary identity and the challenge of presentation in a heavily gendered society, including the value of language and visibility for young people. The episode closes with lighter reflections on juggling as a metaphor for managing many projects, a brief aside on AI and productivity, and details on where to find Nonir and their books.