Berlin Hip-Hop Duo Hoe__mies Creates Space for Marginalized Voices with New Podcast Realitter*innen'

Photo credit Marlen Stahlhuth

Gizem Adiyaman and L cia Luciano party for more than just a good time. In 2017, the German artists formed Hoe__mies, a hip-hop group known for hosting rousing get-togethers where female and queer artists could make a name for themselves in a space that had traditionally excluded them.

We started our parties as a form of protest against a male-dominated hip-hop scene that placed women and queer people at the margins, the pair told For the Record. Before we started [DJing] in 2017, the line-ups very seldomly included female DJs, and if they did, it was mostly in the context of a lady's night special.

Now, this outspoken duo is amplifying marginalized voices in a different way-with their new Spotify original podcast, Realit ter*innen. Over the course of 12 initial episodes, Gizem and L cia will discuss the intricacies of socially relevant topics ranging from sexuality to principles of feminist thought. Plus, each episode will feature enlightening conversations with special guests from marginalized backgrounds.

The first two episodes of the German-language series, released on February 13, explore dating in 2020 and masculinity, respectively. The first, on dating, includes perspectives on polyamorous relationships. The second examines masculinity, mental health, and how racism affects the constructs of masculinity for black men and queer men of color. Later in the season, listeners can expect episodes dedicated to sex work as well as body positivity.

The pair took some learnings from their party hosting. Today, Gizem and L cia's parties are inclusive environments where women, queer people, and people of color are represented at every level of the experience. They even enlisted an Awareness Team to ensure that guests feel safe and respected. But getting to this place wasn't easy, they said. It takes a lot of effort to identify and address everyone's needs, but if you put in the work, people will actually show up and appreciate the space you've created for them.

As for working with a new medium, Hoe__mies will always have an affinity for hip-hop, but the duo is excited for the possibilities that podcasting has to offer. Music is a great vehicle to reach people, criticize oppressive structures, and spread your message, they explained, But with podcasting we can actually pass the mic and listen to other people's perspectives. We hope that this podcast can foster an understanding and openness for different concepts of love, sex, and identity.

Tune in every other week for a new episode of Gizem and L cia's debut podcast Realit ter*innen.

LINK:	https://newsroom.spotify.com/2020-02-13/berlin-hip-hop-duo-hoe__mies-c...
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