Damien O'Meara (he/him)
@djomeara.bsky.social
Researching communication, brand and visibility in creative industries; queer representation in mainstream media | Lecturer Public Relations at RMIT | Board Member MQFF
Apparently I’m so expressive that there’s no way to get a screenshot of my recent appearance on BTN without this face. More importantly, it’s the first time I’ve had a TV interview since I added Stella’s portrait to my media shelf! www.abc.net.au/btn/classroo...
November 18, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Apparently I’m so expressive that there’s no way to get a screenshot of my recent appearance on BTN without this face. More importantly, it’s the first time I’ve had a TV interview since I added Stella’s portrait to my media shelf! www.abc.net.au/btn/classroo...
Absolutely stoked to have been part of the team to deliver the 14th Australian Media Traditions conference last week. So many highlights, but here are a few pics of some exciting moments!
September 7, 2025 at 4:07 AM
Absolutely stoked to have been part of the team to deliver the 14th Australian Media Traditions conference last week. So many highlights, but here are a few pics of some exciting moments!
#NewPublication (Media, Culture & Society): ‘Interviewing out lesbian, gay and bisexual creatives and executives about getting queer stories in mainstream Australian scripted television’.
A huge thank you to all the Aus television creatives and executives who took part.
doi.org/10.1177/0163...
A huge thank you to all the Aus television creatives and executives who took part.
doi.org/10.1177/0163...
July 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM
#NewPublication (Media, Culture & Society): ‘Interviewing out lesbian, gay and bisexual creatives and executives about getting queer stories in mainstream Australian scripted television’.
A huge thank you to all the Aus television creatives and executives who took part.
doi.org/10.1177/0163...
A huge thank you to all the Aus television creatives and executives who took part.
doi.org/10.1177/0163...
Proud to speak to ABC about queerness, identity, celebrity branding and bi/pan erasure for this article about the response to Jojo Siwa and Fletcher sharing the complexity of their queer identities during pride month. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07...
July 13, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Proud to speak to ABC about queerness, identity, celebrity branding and bi/pan erasure for this article about the response to Jojo Siwa and Fletcher sharing the complexity of their queer identities during pride month. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07...
Hands down the best graduation gift I received is this portrait of my dog (from my partner). My Staffy (cross) Stella was by my side through my whole thesis. Whenever I was stressed, she would demand a walk to get me out of the house and force a break.
July 4, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Hands down the best graduation gift I received is this portrait of my dog (from my partner). My Staffy (cross) Stella was by my side through my whole thesis. Whenever I was stressed, she would demand a walk to get me out of the house and force a break.
I’ve spent my Sunday reviewing and sending off the proofs for an article - it feels particularly special to hit submit on this one.
June 29, 2025 at 4:48 AM
I’ve spent my Sunday reviewing and sending off the proofs for an article - it feels particularly special to hit submit on this one.
A little detour on my way to work today to collect my PhD degree certificate from Swinburne Uni. As much as I’d have loved to attend the ceremony, the timing wasn’t going to work. But that doesn’t diminish how bloody proud I am, right now.
#Graduation
#Graduation
June 25, 2025 at 1:53 AM
A little detour on my way to work today to collect my PhD degree certificate from Swinburne Uni. As much as I’d have loved to attend the ceremony, the timing wasn’t going to work. But that doesn’t diminish how bloody proud I am, right now.
#Graduation
#Graduation
A content warning: these letters feature homophobia and HIV/AIDS stigma as part of the arguments against the inclusion of gay stories in Australian television.
Please see the letters attached to this post.
#TalesOfTheCity
Please see the letters attached to this post.
#TalesOfTheCity
June 23, 2025 at 1:21 AM
A content warning: these letters feature homophobia and HIV/AIDS stigma as part of the arguments against the inclusion of gay stories in Australian television.
Please see the letters attached to this post.
#TalesOfTheCity
Please see the letters attached to this post.
#TalesOfTheCity
There has been a backsliding of LGBTIQ+ support in corporate and public discourse in recent years, and I think it is quite stark how familiar these old debates feel today.
#TalesOfTheCity
#TalesOfTheCity
June 23, 2025 at 1:21 AM
There has been a backsliding of LGBTIQ+ support in corporate and public discourse in recent years, and I think it is quite stark how familiar these old debates feel today.
#TalesOfTheCity
#TalesOfTheCity
By request, I am sharing the letters I analysed (with author names redacted, as this was ~30 years ago), as I think it is interesting to see what was included in this mediated form of participatory culture during the 1990s.
#TalesOfTheCity
#TalesOfTheCity
June 23, 2025 at 1:21 AM
By request, I am sharing the letters I analysed (with author names redacted, as this was ~30 years ago), as I think it is interesting to see what was included in this mediated form of participatory culture during the 1990s.
#TalesOfTheCity
#TalesOfTheCity
In good news, I am officially Dr Damo. Very happy. Very thankful to all those who helped me get here.
May 6, 2025 at 8:56 PM
In good news, I am officially Dr Damo. Very happy. Very thankful to all those who helped me get here.
Australian book authors, how do you publicise your work? Tell us in this 15-minute survey from RMIT-Swinburne researchers: rmit.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
April 4, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Australian book authors, how do you publicise your work? Tell us in this 15-minute survey from RMIT-Swinburne researchers: rmit.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
An absolute honour to contribute to the diversity section of the SIGN Research 10 Years of Streaming in Australia report! You can read the full report here: drive.google.com/file/d/1P-90...
March 23, 2025 at 11:27 PM
An absolute honour to contribute to the diversity section of the SIGN Research 10 Years of Streaming in Australia report! You can read the full report here: drive.google.com/file/d/1P-90...
Also learning that Johnson and Friends was people in suits with giant furniture blew my adult mind.
March 8, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Also learning that Johnson and Friends was people in suits with giant furniture blew my adult mind.
Aussie kids’ TV will always win the freak convention! We have the most insane puppets!
March 8, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Aussie kids’ TV will always win the freak convention! We have the most insane puppets!
The archives are particularly fun for 1974. TV’s first streaker!!!
March 5, 2025 at 2:49 AM
The archives are particularly fun for 1974. TV’s first streaker!!!
Nothing like the archives of letters to the editor in 1974 really hitting hard today.
March 5, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Nothing like the archives of letters to the editor in 1974 really hitting hard today.
What are you doing tonight?
Hint: you should be watching Invisible Boys on Stan so I can talk to people about it!
theconversation.com/stans-invisi...
Hint: you should be watching Invisible Boys on Stan so I can talk to people about it!
theconversation.com/stans-invisi...
February 13, 2025 at 6:53 AM
What are you doing tonight?
Hint: you should be watching Invisible Boys on Stan so I can talk to people about it!
theconversation.com/stans-invisi...
Hint: you should be watching Invisible Boys on Stan so I can talk to people about it!
theconversation.com/stans-invisi...
Well, that’s exciting…
January 5, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Well, that’s exciting…
Ooooh, finally going to tick over the 1K. 😅
I really should use this thing more regularly.
I really should use this thing more regularly.
January 3, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Ooooh, finally going to tick over the 1K. 😅
I really should use this thing more regularly.
I really should use this thing more regularly.
Merry Christmas from Stella to you and your loved ones. 🎄
December 24, 2024 at 9:07 PM
Merry Christmas from Stella to you and your loved ones. 🎄
She took herself off to her bed in a strop and is doing a lot of big sighs while we eat lunch.
December 23, 2024 at 1:42 AM
She took herself off to her bed in a strop and is doing a lot of big sighs while we eat lunch.
Spotted in the wild
December 8, 2024 at 11:17 PM
Spotted in the wild
Presenting at #SSAAANZ yesterday was just the most wonderful feeling. Such a welcoming and generous community who had great feedback on my research. Can’t wait for today’s presenters! Don’t (or do) look too closely at the quote on my slide 🫢 #AcademicSky
December 4, 2024 at 9:50 PM
Presenting at #SSAAANZ yesterday was just the most wonderful feeling. Such a welcoming and generous community who had great feedback on my research. Can’t wait for today’s presenters! Don’t (or do) look too closely at the quote on my slide 🫢 #AcademicSky
Finally ready for my presentation for the Screen Studies Association of Australia, Aotearoa and New Zealand (SSAAANZ) 2024 Conference. My presentation looks at some of the data from my PhD interviews with Aus TV creatives and executives about how queer stories end up onscreen. #AcademicSky
December 1, 2024 at 11:22 PM
Finally ready for my presentation for the Screen Studies Association of Australia, Aotearoa and New Zealand (SSAAANZ) 2024 Conference. My presentation looks at some of the data from my PhD interviews with Aus TV creatives and executives about how queer stories end up onscreen. #AcademicSky