The ABC documentary series You Can’t Ask That is inviting Australians to take part in its eighth season, putting a renewed focus on communities who are often talked about rather than listened to. The programme’s premise is simple: the public proposes questions, some awkward, some driven by curiosity, and people from particular backgrounds respond on camera, unfiltered. Creator Kirk Docker frames the show as a bridge in times of increasing social division, arguing that asking difficult questions and hearing candid answers helps audiences step into perspectives they might otherwise miss.
The series relies on a mix of audience input and on-screen honesty to challenge assumptions. Viewers are encouraged to suggest topics and practical queries that reflect real-world curiosity or prejudice; the production then pairs those prompts with groups chosen to respond. The programme treats marginalised groups as spokespeople rather than case studies, and gives space for multifaceted discussion. For season eight the casting and question call covers a diverse set of subjects, from the fallout of scams to intimate social issues that prompt both confusion and judgement.
New subjects and the series approach
This season assembles a range of communities to answer the public’s questions, including Scammed, Kids of Celebrities, Heroin, Modern Slaves, AI Relationships, Voluntary Assisted Dying, Kinks, Teen Mums, Accidental Heroes, Survivors of War, Indian Australians and Really Tall. Each topic is treated as an opportunity to replace headlines and stereotypes with personal testimony. Docker has observed that new social dynamics and technologies create fresh questions; the show seeks to surface those queries and let people respond on their own terms. The production values honesty, and often the most blunt queries yield the most revealing answers.
Queer stories and underground culture
LGBTQIA+ representation has been a prominent part of the series, with past episodes featuring figures who challenge everyday labels. For example, writer Holden Shepherd, known for Invisible Boys, discussed what being a ‘bogan’ means for him and pushed back on simplistic readings of patriotism. He reflected that pride in country does not automatically equate to prejudice, but that some people cloak racism in nationalist rhetoric. Other standout episodes included appearances by Sydney’s underground gay icon Troughman and performers from the drag scene; those conversations revealed how creative subcultures historically provided safety and identity.
Drag, safety and cultural creation
Perth drag performer Strykermeyer described why drag mattered beyond spectacle: it was a form of community safety and cultural production, where people created their own stars, events and social safety nets. The episode featuring Troughman and Australian adult performer Woody Fox explored how underground scenes become visible and then misread by wider audiences. The show lets performers explain their practices and histories, turning what others see as frivolous into an account of resilience and social organisation. Across episodes the format shows how culture reshapes safety and belonging.
Revealing personal histories behind public issues
One of the series’ strengths is its willingness to sit with difficult health and trauma stories. An episode about HIV followed people who have lived with the virus, including a man named David who took part in numerous medical trials after diagnosis. He described the severe side effects and the long-term consequences he now faces, including partial deafness and a rare brain illness, and framed his experiences as contributions to the research that now keeps others alive. Another participant, Andy, spoke about contracting HIV while working on cruise ships and expressed profound gratitude to earlier trial volunteers whose sacrifices enabled effective treatments.
The production team stresses that public questions create the programme’s heartbeat. Docker often points out that the most abrasive or naive questions are not invented by researchers but sent in by viewers, and participants frequently say they have heard them in real life. If you want to appear in the upcoming season or to submit a question for any of the listed topics — or for a subject you think is missing — visit www.abc.net.au/youcantaskthat or email [email protected]. For wider LGBTIQA+ news and community stories, see qnews.com.au and follow the title on social channels for updates.