M. Gessen

Em, you're a non-binary person, you're Jewish, and you're a migrant to the United States, and you've been an activist for LGBT rights in the past.

Do you ever think there might have to come a time where you have to leave?

Anthony Albanese signing asylum visas today for Iranian soccer sports people.

Maybe one for you as well.

Has Albo offered you a visa?

I wonder at this stage.

Not yet?

Oh, that's embarrassing, isn't it?

Does that mean you're on an Interpol list as a result?

But, yeah, you know, if there's a sign-up sheet... LAUGHTER Just finally, do you think the United States might have to reinvent itself when it comes out of this situation?

It's been amazing speaking with you, M. Gesson.

Thank you, Richard.

Please give a gigantic thank you to M. Gesson.

And Gesson's most recent book is called Surviving Autocracy.

Huge thanks to everyone at the Brisbane Powerhouse and the Brisbane Writers' Festival and to Steve Fieldhouse for the recording.

Producer was Alice Moldovan.

Executive producer is Nicola Harrison.

I'm Richard Feidler.

Thanks for listening.