As we again come to December, we reflect upon two major interlocked events in the gay history of Melbourne – the unwanted arrival of AIDS in Australia in 1982 and the horror which it wrought, and the raising of a gay community radio station on 1 Dec 1993 to provide a voice for our community and to be a safe space in which to confirm our sexuality, in the face of the agony of the AIDS scourge.

We remember the fallen friends on World AIDS Day 1 December, and  we examine the progress of management of the disease and the miracles of modern medicines which now offer safety and a normal life for many. From the press, we can tell of the reductions of rates of infection by AIDS locally in Western Australia and also in UK, with the advent of PrEP medication, and even Prince Harry is promoting regular testing.

We recall the early days of JOY – rather than the biological family where homophobia, ignorance and discrimination was common, we had JOY– our logical family; our own gay radio station. JOY provides the opportunity and tools to reach with a world-wide voice, to champion our rights and hopes. And thanks to our gay pioneers, volunteers, supporters, allies and staff, JOY has blossomed and matured over the past 25 years.

Our recent local State elections cause us to gasp, as the results roll in. In many ways, the peasants are revolting – in a democratic way.

From the Anniversaries Book, we celebrate the birthdays of Bette Midler and Britney Spears, and note the passing of Mathew Shepard – victim of hate crime – now safe in the National Cathedral, Washington. USA.

From the international press we report of a decision by San Marino for passing civil union legislation, as the first step to full equality, and we commiserate with our gay cousins in Taiwan, who failed to be acknowledged in a recent plebiscite for their gay rights.

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

Show #832 – First broadcast on 27 November 2018

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