2020 has been a bloody ride and a half. While heaps of us are excited to see the back of this steaming turd of a year, the end of 2020 means the end of 27 Pedestrians, our six-month docuseries asking the same group of 27 young Aussies the big, small, and straight-up bizarre questions.
These 27 young Aussies – from all different backgrounds, and from all parts of Australia – showed up every step of the way. Whether we were asking about dating dealbreakers, if face masks should be mandatory, or just how big they think the average penis is, they answered every question without hesitation (and usually with a laugh). We quite literally could not have done it without them, and we’re so bloody grateful.
You can catch up on every 27 Pedestrians episode right here, but if you want to catch these guys in whatever exciting project they have next, read on.
Albert Santos, 30, NSW
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
Great! For one, it gave this year a bit more structure, which was a godsend considering *waves at everything*. But also being able to share my opinions and experiences with not only an online audience, but the 26 other Pedestrians was awesome. Even when I disagreed with them, I loved the perspectives that came out and honestly every single person had at least one or two things I agreed with them on.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
I have a newsletter! Sign up for it here! Otherwise, find me on Instagram and Twitter under @albertinho. I get into fights a lot on one, and post memes on the other, you can figure out which one’s which!
Arya Jithoo, 24, Victoria
How have you found being a part of 27 Pedestrians?
Being a part of 27 Pedestrians this year was great! It was nice to have something to look forward to during lockdown and iso in Victoria – the weekly questions were also a nice opportunity to reflect on whatever topical thing was happening in the world at the time.
Where can Pedestrian readers find you next?
You can find me in the lab! I’ll be working on research in neural stem cells and brain damage next year, which will be exciting.
Follow her: @aryajithoo
Ashleigh Kennedy, 19, NSW
How have you found being a part of 27 Pedestrians?
My experience in being part of 27 Pedestrians feels really hard to summarise! Joining this diverse and very opinionated group of people has really challenged how I approach discourse, world issues and conversations in general, and I feel like now I’m a bit more worldly and attentive? Still impatient and obnoxious when I think (cough know cough) I’m right, but I think now I don’t view these things as challenges any longer and more as conversations. And I can’t really talk about 27 Pedestrians effect on my life without mentioning the fact it has literally changed it: I came out because of it as Genderfluid and Asexual, and while I’ve had my ups and downs with this new semi-almost-pretty-much-completely out experience, it’s been overall incredible to have the full support of the most important people in my life, who have accepted me gladly and respect the SHIT out of my pronouns. I’m ending a pretty terrible, impossible year far happier than I thought I would, and for that I consider myself very lucky and grateful to have been a part of 27 Pedestrians.
Where can Pedestrian readers find you next?
I am going to be putting a lot more focus back in the YA novel I’m drafting now that my inspiration has returned from the war. Anyone who is a fan of stories about recovery, self-love, accountability and the woes of being a teenager can find my draft Poster Child on Wattpad or follow my writing process on my much underused blog. I also regularly haunt my Instagram so if people care to see what tattoos I’m getting or the new ways I’ve figured out how to injure myself at volleyball all interspersed with pictures of my cat, my insta is still @kingashdotcom.
Ayeesha Ash, 27, NSW
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
It’s been a great reminder to really take the time to think about the effects of 2020 and it’s prompted me to check in with myself and the people around me a lot more. It’s also highlighted how much has changed and how quickly change happens! Blink, and you’ll miss it!
Where can PTV readers find you next?
I do a bunch of creative things which you can keep tabs on via my IG @eeshas. Plus, I run a company called Black Birds (@bl.ckb.rds) and we’ve got some fab guests lined up for our podcast, No Offence, But, plus a tv show in the works ~ keep your eyes peeled! You can also catch me on FBI Radio 94.5 for Friday afternoon Culture Guide and as host on the Canvas: Unframing Art & Ideas podcast.
Callum Ryan, 24, Queensland
How have you found being a part of 27 Pedestrians?
My greatest sense of pride was having my response to ’Should TikTok Be Banned?’ play a leading role in many conversations I took part in. And the moment I wanted to die the most was explaining my sexual fantasies to Australia, with Mum sitting in the room behind me, and potential employers conducting character and reference research on me.
I auditioned for the 27 Pedestrians panel as a bit of a passion project. It was really beginning to bother me how successful the news had become, at de-humanising real life situations effecting real people. The world was already hurting, yet unverified comments and opinions turned was creating unnecessary hatred, at a time we needed peace the most. Being someone who is passionate about culture and history, stuck inside at a time while so many political conversations are being had, I was going mad. 27 Pedestrians helped me feel like I could offer my 27 cents. I felt proud knowing I could offer a different perspective on hot topics ranging from presidents to penises.
And although my opinion may not make piping-hot change, I took part, entertaining the own thought in my head that perhaps I could help open the dialogue on some pretty serious issues, or hot topics people don’t want to talk about. I explained what a danger-wank was to secure the role, and I poured out six months worth of an emotional journey to end it. It’s been an absolute rollercoaster. Thanks for the opportunity Pedestrian, and thank you for listening Australia.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
And so my journey continues on Instagram, a history geek and hommus enthusiast learning about the world, one adventure after the other. Feel free to tag along, follow me @callum_ryan.
Cloudy Lilai, 24, Victoria
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
Definitely wouldn’t do this again for free.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
My Instagram @itscloudywithachance.
Cody Gray, 22, South Australia
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
Being a part of 27 Pedestrians has been such a great experience. It’s been interesting and eye opening to see the range of different opinions from the participants, funny to make and contribute to, and fantastic to get to know the crew and view the behind the scenes work that goes into the production. I am very grateful to be one of the 27 chosen to have the privilege and platform to share and express my views on a (very) large range of topics.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
You can find me at home working and studying during the week, out and about in Adelaide on the weekends, and at @_codygray on Instagram!
Desmond Mase, Victoria
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
It was a great experience, gave me plenty of food for thought, and there were enough diverse opinions in the 27 that let me have a little bit more insight into how the young people of Australia view certain topics. I loved the harder, more socially conscious questions as it made me evaluate certain issues in real time, as well as learn about the views held by people that aren’t generally in my social circles. I ended up following a few of the 27 that gave different insights to my own, as I found plenty of joy in gaining new perspectives.
Where can Pedestrian readers find you next?
IG – @DesmondMase is the best place to get at me. Unsurprisingly the Melbourne lockdown put a huge pause on all the music projects that were planned for 2020, but early 2021 promises a hectic restart moving forward, from solo projects, to production for other artists, to a few other sonic goodies that are in the works (there’ll probably also be more Hamilton covers…)
If creativity or connection are your jam, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Emma Ayliffe, 28, NSW
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
So fun, and a little frustrating at times listening to other people with polar opposite opinions, I think this is what is so great around the project it is bringing this bit of a culture clash together!
Where can PTV readers find you next?
Twitter you can see all about my app. @Yacker40783616 What is happening in Ag @summitagconsult or me personally @em_ayliffe, Instagram @summit_ag_consulting, linked in @YackerApp or Emma Ayliffe on Facebook @CottonUpdate.
Emma Skalicky, 25, Tasmania
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
27 Pedestrians was great fun! First of all, I just massively, massively appreciated having SOMETHING consistent I could look forward to throughout 2020 – thank god! It was a great tool for reflecting as the year passed, and I’m always up for parsing over a (good) challenging question & getting to participate in a collective of young Aussie voices.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
I’m always floating around the Tassie arts industry. My first full length play, Medusa Waking, is being staged by Bad Company Theatre at the Peacock Theatre in May 2021. You can chuck Bad Company a follow on Instagram and Facebook for more updates as the production goes along.
I’m also training with Terrapin Puppet Theatre Company and working on season 2 of my very upstart podcast, Les Femmes Dangereuses. I share all my projects via my Instagram @emska_licky, so come say hello!
Fletcher Rowe, 27, NSW
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
Loved it!! You guys have been so wonderful and it has been so good to watch everyone’s responses each week. A really nice part of my year and a pleasure to contribute.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
On Instagram, and you can also find me for your finance needs here.
Giancarlo de Vera, 32, NSW
How have you found being a part of 27 Pedestrians?
So good! I’ve found friendships with some of the 27 Pedestrians. Some I’ve met up with, and others we have loose plans to meet up in the future! I feel like someone from the 7-Up series – it’s awesome! Low-key though, I feel like a bit of a creep though because I feel like I know so much about the others in the series, but I haven’t ever met them before! Participating really gave me something to look forward too every week and every month, in what otherwise has been a really tough year – a total godsend really!
Where can PTV readers find you next?
- Joined the Board of the Australian Centre for Disability Law
- Became President of the Australian GLBTI Multicultural Council – the peak body representing queer multicultural and multi-faith communities across Australia.
- Launching Victory Fund, a non-partisan charity passionate about developing the pipeline of future LGBTIQA+ public leaders in corporate Australia, the community and in all levels of government. After chatting to queer leaders like Alex Greenwich and Penny Sharpe among others, my mate and I are super keen to get this off the ground!
Harry Peppitt, NSW
Editor’s note: Harry joined 27 Pedestrians halfway through the series.
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
I was a ring in after someone dropped out, so I found it funny coming in out of context and just thrown into the thick of it. It was fun! But revealed to me how out of touch with things (pop culture) that I know about, but don’t actually have intimate knowledge about and subjects I can’t really talk to. Is this because of COVID and a general isolation that everyone has been going through? Or am I just out of touch?
Where can PTV readers find you next?
I’m not really going anywhere, like everyone else I guess. I have a data analytics consulting company which I’ve been working on through COVID (www.raradata.com), so pretty busy with that. I post mostly dogs and memes in my stories on instagram – @thevikingdance. I can be found wandering around Tamarama eating croissants and floating in Mackenzie Bay.
Ian Lizardo, 27, NSW
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
I loved being one of the 27 Pedestrians. Getting to express an opinion on current and random topics is always fun.
Also, it’s pretty nice to have someone other than your immediate circle listen to your thoughts and hear your point of view.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
Other than resharing previous 27 Pedestrian videos with everyone I know, I’ll just be hustling through 2021. Find me over on the gram @being_ian … is #followforfollow still a thing?
Isla Rose, 26, WA
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
Being a part of 27 Pedestrians was an eye-opening experience, being asked a question, giving your answer and then being able to reflect on twenty six other peoples response to the same question really gave me the opportunity to see a singular topic from vast, differing perspectives.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
Instagram @ISLVROSE and YouTube, just search Isla Rose and find the controversial titles!
James Emmanuel, 21, NSW
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
Apart from getting the biggest scolding of my life, from my family, for the “pissing and fisting comments”, 27 Pedestrians has been incredible! 27 Pedestrians has played a massive role in fostering my voice and confidence, which in part helped me with my petition (speaking on broadcast TV and radio). The highlight of every episode was hearing the other 26 answers and seeing how they all differ.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
Pedestrian readers can find me on Instagram, and watch my banger of a music video Tomorrow which fuses my school-based, anti-discrimination petition with my fantasy of being a proud LGBTQIA+ student. Plus they keep an eye out early next year, as I continue the petition.
James O’Brien, 30, NSW
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
Being part of 27 Pedestrians has been fun and a good experience. Lots of interesting questions thrown my way some I have had absolutely no idea about. Also good to see what other people think about certain things.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
People can find me either on a tennis court, somewhere around Bondi or on a construction site. I’m on Instagram at @jmsobrien.
Lacey-Jade Christie, 31, Victoria
How have you found being a part of 27 Pedestrians?
27 Pedestrians was the 2020 video diary I never knew I needed. This year I spent seven months in lock down, I was a nurse and COVID Coordinator at a major trauma centre in Melbourne, I’m a lesbian who lives alone and refuses to attempt to keep a sourdough starter alive and even now I don’t know how I survived mentally. 27 Pedestrians was there for it all.
If I watch the videos back it’s so easy to track the mental health rollercoaster that plagued my mind this year. I can see the days where I felt amazing, productive and sexy. Just as easily as I can see that one interview in the darkest week of lockdown where I peeled myself off the floor minutes before my interview and put a big pair of glasses on to hide the fact that I’d been crying on my bathroom floor for almost a week. It’s been a wild ride.
A ride made easier and more entertaining by the producer Anna as well as watching the responses from the other 27 Pedestrians. I live in a very like-minded, queer bubble in Melbourne and listening to the responses of the other 27 Pedestrians was a brilliant (and often frustrating) reminder that not everyone shares my view of the world or hot topics.
I can’t count how many times I yelled at my phone or rolled my eyes because I disagreed with someone’s opinion. But that’s the beautiful thing about being human isn’t it? It’s that we all show up to life with different lived experiences and opinions which shape the way we see the world. While we may often disagree, I think that if 2020 has taught us anything it is to show respect and compassion for our fellow humans and to be grateful for the little things in life, like CBD and an active internet connection.
Where can Pedestrian readers find you next?
2021 is going to be my year! I’m currently completing my Master of Journalism and looking for internships and potential job opportunities so who knows where you’ll find me. In the meantime you can find me on IG @laceyjadechristie and Twitter @femmeoutofwater.
Matika Little, 25, NSW
How have you found being part fo 27 Pedestrians?
I’ve really enjoyed being a part of so many fun and interesting conversations and allowing for representation of diverse voices.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
On Instagram at @matika_little. I also founded and co-host a podcast/online community called Coming Out Blak that highlights Queer Indigenous voices. You can find that @comingoutblak on insta and anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Oliver Hunter, 25, NSW
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
I have loved being a part of it. It’s been a highlight of the year for me.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
I don’t really have much planned other than trying to get more stand up gigs. Hopefully the comedy festivals get going again. My IG: @oliverhunter_95.
Sarah May Rickersey, 33, ACT
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
Being part of 27 pedestrians has been fun! It’s been amazing to see all the different opinions and to have to think about things you may not generally (like how to draw a vagina). But I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been funny and enlightening and I’ve made some cute new friends which I love.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
Sue Kang, 26, NSW
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
It was interesting to see a range of opinions but wonder if it’s worth promoting certain viewpoints as the Murdoch news empire is already doing such a great job of spreading intolerant rhetoric.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
My Instagram is @suekang_ and I’ll be continuing on with modelling and content creation in order to support my Masters research in intersectionality.
Yaffa Bart, 23, Victoria
How have you found being part of 27 Pedestrians?
I really appreciated the opportunity to participate in 27 Pedestrians. It’s something totally out of my comfort zone but I loved the chance to consider and unpack my opinion on topics ranging from the Kardashian to politics! My goal in joining the group was to provide a voice for the kids I work with in the media, and it was really personally rewarding to see the conversations that being part of 27 Pedestrians facilitated with the teenagers I mentor.
Where can PTV readers find you next?
I’m not really sure where I’m headed, I see a few life paths in front of me, and I’m not sure which path I’d like to follow just yet. However for next year I’m still working in mentoring and education support, and then hoping to pursue psychology after that.
Follow her: @yaffabart
Jake Fitzhenry, Emily Best, Zoë Macphail did not respond to questions in time for this piece.
