In this week’s show, we discuss how Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is planning to become ‘carbon neutral’ with the reduction of rubbish after the parade, and elimination of glitter (gasp) and balloons.  We are pleased to know that the 41st parade will still proceed at dusk, probably with plenty of political guests – in this year of state and federal elections.

From international sources, we learn what happened when a lesbian waitress in US was denied a tip for being gay and how she calmly obtained justice; and in Disney TV a gay character turns around a homophobic situation with wise words.  The President of the US (POTUS) professes ignorance of his administration’s proposal to launch a global campaign to decriminalise homosexuality.   And a researcher at the University of Montreal, Canada has concluded that gay dads make great fathers.

In our anniversaries, we feature items about UK soul singer Dusty Springfield (died 2/03/1999) who suffered with her sexuality; Lou Reed (Walk on the Wild Side), US rock musician (who was born 2/03/1942 and died 27/10/2013) – who endured reparative ECT treatment for his depression and latent homosexuality. We also talk about US film screen legend Elizabeth Taylor (born 27/02/1932) who befriended many gay film stars and was a great support to fellow film star Rock Hudson in his final years, living with HIV AIDS. This lead to her philanthropy for AIDS Research. Also having a birthday at this time is gay Matthew Mitcham Australian Olympic diver (born 2/03/1988).

Listen to these stories, opinions and more – presented with some merriment (where appropriate) by Chris, Gordon & Phil.

Show #845 – First broadcast on 26 February 2019   

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