Word For Word

The Peaceworker – Pádraig Ó Tuama

Pádraig Ó Tuama is a poet and peaceworker from Belfast. He uses poetry to bring people together to have difficult conversations and deliver mutual understanding. Pádraig has trained both as a conflict mediator and a [...]

My Nine Lives – Jane Leigh’s amazing story of survival.

With the The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse now underway, it is fair to say the eyes of the World are upon us. The systematic sexual and emotional abuse of children [...]

Keeping The Faith in 2013

I Will Survive: Personal LGBT stories in Singapore –...

Catherine Deveny is a ‘Curvy Crumpet’

THE EQUALITY FORUM – No.2

Out In Front – AFL Star Brock McLean Smashes Homophobia...

Noel Tovey €“ The Little Black Bastard

As Australia€™s first indigenous ballet dancer and a successful writer, Noel Tovey has many stories to tell €“ that he does with poise, composure and the wisdom afforded his eight decades travelling the globe. From a childhood marked by repeated sexual abuse and trauma, to his incarceration at Pentridge Prison to worldwide artistic success, Noel Tovey continues to make his mark, driven by a knowledge his ancestors are always with him. Watching over him.

Special Edition - Point-Of-Care HIV Rapid Tests

On 17 December, 2012 the Federal Minister for Health, The Hon. Tanya Plibersek announced that a Rapid HIV Test had been approved for use in Australia. What does that mean to Australia€™s men who have sex with men? Why is Australia nearly a decade behind the rest of the World in its introduction of this medical technology? In today€™s spedial edition of Word For Word we speak to the Federal Health Minister and ask why did it take so long? We chat to the Mark Volling, Managing Director the...

STREAT Social Enterprise Cafes

STREAT is a social enterprise providing homeless youth with a supported pathway to long-term careers in the hospitality industry. Founded by Rebecca Scott, STREAT run street cafes in Melbourne where youth get their hospitality training. The food is inspired by street hawker food from around the world. This is an inspiring story as to how one can really make a lasting difference in the lives of many.

Matthew Mitcham - Twists and Turns

In 2008 Mathew Mitcham captured the heart of a nation with his Gold Medal winning performance at the Beijing Olympics. His dive from the 10m Platform gained the highest score ever achieved in diving history. He was Australia€™s first €˜out-n-proud€™ gay athlete to compete at an Olympic Games yet none of that seemed to matter to the Australian public. What followed was a series of accolades, awards, sponsorships and severe, prolonged depression. This was something he had experienced as a...

Special feature: Freedom Of Spirit - A spirituality &...

The G. L. B. T. I. and Queer Communities is a diverse bunch and within each letter of that acronym, a much maligned sector is those who proudly hold dear their Christian faith. The Queer community write them off as €œHoly Rollers€ and as we will hear today, many are bullied and shunned by their Church and its parishioners. It€™s not just the Gays and Lesbians who are given a hard time. Today we will also hear from clergy who have been forced from their parish because they have publicly...

Radio Troubles - Jillian Hocking Reporting

Jillian Hocking is a highly experienced broadcast journalist and international media educator, who worked extensively in war-torn regions, assisting conflict affected communities. She recently completed a 12 month contract working for UNAMA, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as Head of Radio Broadcasting. Today Jillian shares her passionate feelings for Afghanistan, its people and its future. Her insights on the state of radio in Australia are equally enlightening.

Tim Draxl €“ From singing slopes to Stardom!

On screen his movie Star looks leave many breathless and on stage his sublime, seductive voice wraps around you like the arms of a lover. Today€™s guest is Australia€™s modern-say Sinatra and it€™s in New York€™s intimate and infamous Cabaret rooms that at just 16 years of age, his career was launched, managed by a major record label. His latest album is titled €œMy Funny Valentine€ (Fanfare Records) and features 14 tracks from the stage production €œFreeway €“ The Chet Baker Journey€. He is...

The Need For Speed €“ Blake Skjellerup

Blake Skjellerup is one of a handful of Olympians who is out and proud. Having just returned from winning his 3rd National Speed Skating Championships in New Zealand, Blake joins us to discuss the bullying he faced as a child and the challenges that lay ahead on his journey to the next Winter Olympics in Russia 2014. Help support Blake€™s campaign by visiting his web site www.blakeskjellerup.com/

Meet Jason Ball - The Footy Player Who Came Out

Jason Ball is a 24yo Footy Player for Yarra Glen's River Pigs - and he's gay. His public admission is an Australian first. His brave stance sheds light on the homophobia that's embedded in all levels of footy culture. Intelligent, articulate, passionate about football and committed to creating change, Jason has agreed to go public with his story to publicise his on-line petition to the AFL insisting they take real action against homophobia. Jason needs YOUR help. Sign his petition NOW by...

Meet the amazing Benjamin Law

Today€™s guest is a regular on our TV screens. He is a prolific writer and author of a best seller. Preciously precocious yet adorably affable. Totally gay yet with more than a touch of blokey. He very Asian and an absolutely an Aussie. He€™s smart enough to be a lawyer €“ but why would you with a name like Benjamin Law.

Be The Difference

What is the Difference? Well its a magazine with a difference. It€™s an annual report card on the indicators of poverty and exclusion in Australia. It introduces the reader to Australians who live within those indicators and it invites you to engage with your community. Have you ever wanted to donate money to something but wanted to find out how best to do so first? The Difference can help you with that too! Today on Word For Word we are joined by the magazine€™s co-founder and editor, Nic...

Seeking Justice For Those Abused By Catholic Clergy

COIN stand for €œCommission of Inquiry Now€ and its focused on representing individuals and organisations seeking justice for victims of Catholic Clergy sexual assault in Victoria. Currently an established Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations is seeking submissions but COIN has concerns. Ultimately a State and Federal Royal Commission seems to be the only answer if justice is to be done.

Understanding Gender Dysphoria

Gender is not black and white. For those born of one gender and who feel the need to live another gender, life is a daily struggle made more difficult by society€™s lack of understanding and acceptance. Psychiatrist Dr Fintan Harte is the Director of Monash University€™s Gender Dysphoria Clinic. His compassion is inspiring, driven by a desire to deliver happiness to those struggling with their gender.

Twins By Surrogacy

For Gay couples, having children is now a viable option. But surrogacy is highly controversial, even amongst the GLBTI Community. Today we explore the journey of Adrian and Matt and how they went about having twins, born in India just 12 months ago. Special guest Paul Martin joins us half way through the conversation, to discuss the latest developments on surrogacy in Queensland.

Australian Television Royalty

WARNING: Mild Course Language... Terry Gill is a super star of Australian TV appearing in Division 4, Bellbird, Prisoner, Flying Doctors, A Country Practice and Neighbours to name just a few. He has entertained millions. Until recently, Terry and his wife Carole Ann have owned Theatre Restaurants for over 40 years. So what’s next for this couple in their 70's who will never retire?

Brent Harris - National Gallery Of Victoria

Brent Harris is undoubtedly one of Australia's finest contemporary artists. The National Gallery of Victoria is currently exhibiting a retrospective of his paintings, drawings and prints. Today on Word For Word, Brent Harris gives Dean Beck a guided tour of the exhibition, reveals his influences and inspirations and details the troubled childhood that continues to play a part in his artistic expression.

Melbourne Chargers Rugby Club head to Manchester UK.

Melbourne’s only Gay Rugby team, The Melbourne Chargers, have been embraced by Victoria’s GLBTI community – no easy task in a State that knows only AFL. Ben Lancken founded the organisation in 2009 and together with the club President, Sam Minter and player Stuart Frost, they discuss the success of the club. Many gay men have no concept of what it is like to be a part of a ‘team’, the brotherhood and mateship that only a ‘team’ can experience. The Melbourne Chargers Rugby Union Club and...

The Pinnacle Foundation

The Pinnacle Foundation has been established to provide scholarships to lesbian, gay, transexual, queer, intersex and bisexual youth who are marginalised or disadvantaged. It was set up by a group of friends who saw a big need in the LGBTIQ community that was not being met. Today we are joined by the Foundation’s University Liaison, Dave Rorke and two scholars, Laura and Lee.

Why Teenagers Should Read More Smut

In a rare and somewhat frank interview, Michelle Griffin, deputy Chief Of Staff at a major melbourne newspaper reveals her motivations and frustrations behind her head-line grabbing article “Why Teens Should Read Raunchy Novels and Straight-Up Smut” published in February 2012.

The All-New Homo Loving Hetero Man – How Teenage Boys...

Bullying of GLBTI youth remains a very real issue. 30 years of data indicates Boys have used homophobia to prove their masculinity and distance themselves from homosexuality. However, Dr Mark McCormack's new book, ‘The Declining Significance of Homophobia’ tells a different story. It seems the modern heterosexual male student is inclusive of their gay peers and proud of their pro-gay attitudes. Today, being gay does not negatively affect a boy's popularity, but being homophobic does....

10 Things I Know About You!

Simon Taylor studied Psychology at Melbourne University making him perfectly qualified to be a full-time magician and comedian. As the Melbourne International Comedy Festival kicks off for 2012, Simon joins Dean and co-host Avi Miller to discuss his latest appearance “10 Things I Know About You”. He also reveals some insights into ‘how one makes a living’ in the cut-throat entertainment game and ‘how to make a good coffee’ if all else fails. http://mrsimontaylor.com/

Alexi Freeman - Fashion & Costume Designer

Born in Hobart on Christmas Eve 1978, today’s guest has battled the bullying brought upon him as a creative soul educated in a private all-boys school, to become a successful Fashion Designer. Most recently he was commissioned to design the costumes for Gideon Obarzanek’s world premiere of There’s Definitely a Prince Involved – one Act of The Australian Ballet’s triple-bill Infinity – thus launching their 2012 season and 50th Anniversary. From his Studio in Collingwood to Fashion Festival...

Yvonne Gardener - Our Living Treasure

Our guest today has been an active member of Melbourne’s GLBTI Community for more than four decades. Only a handful of our founding pioneers maintain a public profile these days. Of the few that do, our guest would have to be the only heterosexual female amongst them. I am hesitant to say it, but she may very well be the original Fag Hag (meant with the utmost love and respect of course.) Her personality is as bright and eccentric as her fashion sense. And her unmistakable voice purrs like a...

Against Marriage Equality

All members of the GLBTI Community want Marriage Equality right? WRONG! 28yo Ryan Conrad is the founder of AgainstEquality.org and in this exclusive Australian interview, he reveals the inequality of marriage equality. His voice is rarely heard and his views have resulted in death threats from both the gay community and evangelical right-wing religious fanatics. Listen carefully, you may find it difficult to disagree with his point of view.

My Intersex Life - Cr Tony Briffa

1 child in 4500, born at Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital, is 'Intersex'. What does ‘Intersex’ really mean? Today on Word For Word we are joined by a true pioneer within the GLBTI community. Cr Tony Briffa is the Mayor of the City of Hobson’s Bay located in the Western suburbs of Melbourne. He talks frankly about his life growing up as Antoinette, why at 29yo he became Tony and how he happily identifies as both male and female.

Cabaret Super Star - Wes Snelling

For more than a decade Wes Snelling has being engaging cabaret audiences around the world with his dark humour, quirky repertoire and extraordinary voice. In character or as himself, Wes is truly one of this country’s greatest talents. Today on Word For Word, Wes reveals a more sensitive side as we explore his amazing career.

2011 - The Year In Review

Today’s special edition of Word For Word looks at 2011 the year in review. We are joined by some key figures within Australia’s GLBTI Community for their perspective of 2011 as they reveal their highlights, lowlights and predictions for 2012.

HIV TODAY - Ken's Story

Since HIV was discovered 30 years ago, it has engulfed humanity killing millions of people and devastated nations. The introduction of anti-retro-viral treatments has transitioned HIV/AIDS from being a death sentence to a manageable chronic illness. It’s that very transition that has given rise to the complacency amongst Australia’s gay men. HIV infection rates in Australia have steadily increased from 718 cases in 1999 to approximately 1000 new diagnoses each year for the past 3 years. Two...

The Cleanest Comedienne - Pam Ayres

Today’s guest is an International Best Selling Author, Writer, Comedienne, Broadcaster and Entertainer who, for the last 35 years, has been engaging audiences like no other. She is the quintessential word-smith. The personification of poetry and prose. A virtuoso of verse. She is the one and only, Pam Ayers.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra - Season 2012

At just 32 years of age, today’s guest joined the acclaimed Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as Director of Artistic Planning. That was in 2006. Five years on, British–born Huw Humphreys is with us to profile the recently launched MSO program for 2012.

JOY as Beyond Blue Finds Rainbow Gold.

KENNETT INTERVIEW IN FULL: Over the years, the relationship between Victoria’s former Premier, Jeff Kennett and the GLBTI Community has been somewhat chequered. More recently Mr Kennett’s comments on parenthood have been perceived by many in the gay and lesbian community as being both discriminatory and counter to the objectives of Beyond Blue, the national anti-depression agency he founded and heads as Chairman. Today, the President of Australia’s largest GLBTI community organisation seeks...

Melbourne Festival 2011

It’s Spring in Melbourne...and that means the cultural buds of the World’s Most Liveable City, burst into full bloom... Melbourne comes alive. Melbourne becomes the city of Festivals. And the glorious centrepiece is none other than....Melbourne Festival. Here to give us the full spray is the Artistic Director of the Melb Festival....Mr Festival himself, Brett Sheehy

Don't Peak At High School - Stories from those who were...

When you were growing up, were you picked on for being too fat, too thin, too smart or too dumb? Kids might say the darndest things, but they can be bloody crewel too!! Fiona Scott Norman’s new book titled Don’t Peak At high School takes a look at some of the stories of A-List Australian’s who have endured bullying throughout their years at school. More importantly, it offers hope to those currently being bullied.

Secret Histories of Queer Melbourne

The French historian and philosopher, Voltaire once said, “History consists of a series of accumulated imaginative inventions.” But , as an advocate of civil liberties and social reform, I think even he would be impressed by the work The Australian Gay & Lesbian Archives does to make sense of our rather underground Queer past. A new book by the Archives, titled Secret Histories of Queer Melbourne, shines a light on our some-what shady past. If nothing else....the book highlights the fact...

MELBOURNE - Austalia's Cultural Capital

“A year in the life of…” It’s hardly an original plot line, but Sophie Cunningham’s new book titled – MELBOURNE – is so much more than a series of overworked diary entries. I’ve heard her describe the book as a photograph of the city …done with words. But I think it is much more than that too! Indeed it is a snapshot of Melbourne in 2009 – it intimately details the happenings in and around the city as experienced by the author. It delivers historical references and she quotes other authors...

State Of Emergency

The Victorian State Emergency Service is one of those agencies that one really hopes to only ever see on TV.... There are over five and a half thousand committed and highly dedicated men and women in the Victorian SES. These amazing people volunteer their time to respond to crisis in an instant – 24 hours a day – 7 days a week – 365 days a year. The SES is responsible for coordinating responses to floods, storms and earthquakes and they operate the largest network of road rescue in...

Refugees In Oz

Australia was once a country that embraced those who needed a home. In 1951, The United Nations formed a Commission for Refugees and Australia proudly signed the agreement to assist some 1.5 million people worldwide who needed to find a new land to live. Today nearly 50 million people are displaced..... and about half of those, some 25 million people....no longer have a home to live in due to natural disasters. For decades Australians have been willing to assist those in desperate need of...

Becoming A Man

The Gays and Lesbians have come along way in the last 30 years and whilst we still have some way to go regarding equality under the law, generally we are accepted or at the very least, we are understood! ...guys with guys...chicks with chicks....its not hetro, its homo and everybody gets it....its static. However for some people, life is not that simple. Growing up is often hell for those who question their gender. Biological identity is only a physical presentation of sex...male or...

The Laramie Project - 10 Years Later

Mothers Day is a day we celebrate the love we have for our own mothers and the importance of mothers the world over…..because Mothers can and do change the world. Today we are going to explore influence that one Mother has had on the lives of millions, probably billions of people around the world. On the 1st of December 1976, in Casper Wyoming, Judy Shepard gave birth to beautiful baby boy…Matthew. Matthew and his Mother Judy have changed the world….and if the name Matthew Shepard rings a...

DONATING LIFE….ORGAN DONATION

In July 2008, the Australian Government announced the formation of The Organ and Tissue Authority, a new national agency costing $151 million, aimed at establishing a World’s Best Practice Approach to Organ and Tissue Donation for Transplantation. Right now there are approximately 1700 Australians waiting for a life-saving or life-improving organ transplant. In 2009, 247 people donated organs to 799 Australians. In 2010, the first full year of the Government's new Authority, a record 309...

Male Castration - The Modern Eunuch

Some of the information discussed today is sexual …or more precisely, genital in nature so please adjust your ears or dial accordingly. The baby-boomer generation will be shocked to discover that the emasculation of the modern man began way before Germaine Greer’s father had even begun to produce sperm. Whilst we freely use terms like …Desexed – Spade – Neutered … when referring to the animals we love….can you imagine using the same language with your Mother, the next time Dad went off the...

The Sex Life Of The Disabled

WARNING: This program contains frank discussions regarding sex. John Blades has been presenting and producing programs about experimental music on community radio 2MBS-FM for 28 years. He has been living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the same period of time. Last year John received a Walkley Award for his ABC Radio National Documentary titled “The too hard basket”. John tells his own story of his loss of independence, depression and decades of celibacy – and then how his life changed...

Coming Out Differently…with Andy

If coming out wasn’t difficult enough imagine doing it with ... a wife, ... a child, ... a country life ... and an Asperger’s diagnosis. This is Andy’s story, Word For Word, about his journey of self discovery and the hurdles and bumps he has faced in the process of living his life as an openly gay man.

The Oldest Gay Man In The World.

The title of “living legend” is one that is all too often inappropriately bestowed. Today’s guest however, truly is a living legend. What he has managed to achieve in his life, would take the talents, discipline, dedication and drive of ten men. His careers have seen him in motion pictures, in rodeos, and in the military just to name a few – and all throughout, he has been awarded, recognised and acknowledged. At 94, my guest today may not be the oldest homosexual in the world, but he is...

Bank Robbery For Beginners

One thing we Australians universally love is the Aussie larrikin - and we all know one. ... Remember that kid in primary school, the one with the cheeky grin and a sparkle in his eye? You know the one...it didn’t matter what the little bugger got up to, or how naughty he was...when he smiled at the teacher, she would melt and he seemed to get away with murder every single time. Maybe it’s that uncle who is always playing practical jokes, or it’s that brother in law that tells those yarns,...

VIC State Election - Labor & Liberal - Head To Head

In less than three weeks, Victorians will head to the polls and decide who it is that will govern the State for the next four years. The current Labor Premier, John Brumby, is keen to win this election as it will be the first time he would hold the States top job in his own right. If Labor do win a record fourth term in office, it would mark the longest consecutive reign for a Labor Government in Victoria’s history. Few could argue that Victoria has managed to ride the global economic...

The Power Of Mothers - Releasing Our Children.

Our guest today is a woman who has spent much of her life embedded with society’s outcasts. She was the first woman to work in a male prison in New Zealand and become the Manager of the Christchurch Women’s Prison in 1996. Her ancestry clearly led her to study a degree in Maori Anthropology and since leaving the correctional services in 1999 she has written 3 books – all based on her research, life experiences and her advocacy for Social Justice. A mother and grandmother, her social...

FROM SUPER MUM TO NATIONAL TREASURE – Shelley Argent...

Our guest today is a woman on a mission…she has tackled government officials, fought endless red tape, written books, counseled hundreds of parents, transformed lives and she has even gone head to head with a Prime Minister. Her mission is a simple one…she just wants her gay son to be treated equally…to have the same rights in the eyes of the law, that her straight son does…..and god help anyone who gets in the way! Recently the ABC’s Australian Story profiled her work as the national...

AUSTRALIA'S MISTER FESTIVAL - Brett Sheehy

Over the years, festival arts administrators have come under a lot of fire, often the criticism revolves around the perceived wastage of government funds, the poor quality shows, or the seemingly elitist appeal of the programming. Some times its the ego of the Artistic Director that gets in the way. Sometimes its a performance that works beautifully in Europe but does not translate to Australian audiences. When its all said and done, there is no greater indicator of a festivals success, than...

The Other Side Of The Stolen Generation

Define the word Mother. What does Mother mean to you? Does Mother define who carried you in the womb? A nurturer? A provider? Perhaps Mother, to you means the person who rejected you, chastised you, abandoned you? This one singular word, means so many things to different people. Yet, Mother or Mum is undoubtedly one of the most significant things in our lives – no matter how the relationship is embodied. For children who are adopted, the singular word Mother shifts. It slides through the...

Rev Joy Etwell - Cult versus Religion

It pretty much universally accepted that the one thing we humans need – want – desire - more than anything else, is LOVE.... Being loved – being accepted – being a part of something bigger than you as an individual gives us purpose and a sense of belonging. Its where we define relationships, togetherness, marriage and even Community. Its also universally accepted that since we humans walked on this planet, we have been searching for a reason as to why we are here – how did we get here – and...

Amao Leota - Transgender Differences

Gender and Sexuality are broad terms. Within Australia, it’s commonly accepted to pigeon hole individuals within the GLBTIQ categories. But how does this vary in other cultures around the world? In Samoa there is a third gender. Fa'afafine is a third gender specific to Samoan culture. Fa'afafine are biological men who in childhood choose by their nature to be raised to assume female gender roles, something which is not discouraged in the traditional fa'asamoa (Samoan society). In Western...

Jeff Makin

Our guest this morning is arguably one on Australia’s most prolific painters and when it comes to Landscapes, it would be difficult to find anyone who has dedicated more to canvas. Born in Wagga Wagga, he has for most of his life, been based here in Melbourne and having exhibited more than 70 solo shows from New York to London his artwork is more sort after and commanding higher prices than ever before. With a career spanning more than 50 years, his academic achievements are almost as grand...

Daniel Kowalski – Coming Out in the Spotlight

When four-time Olympic medalist, Daniel Kowalski, went public regarding his homosexuality in April 2010, he made the headlines saying he was “tired of living a lie”. In his first full-length interview on JOY 94.9 Daniel candidly reveals, Word For Word, what it is like to ‘come out’ when you are already well know publicly.