Being Young and Gay in 1979 | Gay Activism in the 1980s | Public Housing Residents Rid Tower of Pests |

Monday, 6 July 2026 - 7:00am to 8:30am

On today's show: 

Headlines 

  1. Albanese government rejects majority of recommendations made by UN Human Rights Commission
  2. Donald Trump made $2.2BN in first year of second Presidency term
  3. The Age reports former Liberal Party donors are now sending their cash to One Nation in Victoria

We were first joined by Mark Meager, early presenter of the Gay Liberation program from '78 to '85 as well as member of the 3cr of the management committee and vice chairperson of community radio federation. We spoke about his involvement at 3CR and the state of the gay political scene in the 80s.

Following that is a an excerpt from the Gay Liberation Show in September 1979 in which Mark spoke with Dave, Grant, and Alison Thorne -- of Thorne Habour Health -- all of which were a part of a group known as the Young Gays. The quad spoke about coming out to one's parents, interactions with older gay people, and building solidarity in the community. 

The show ends with a conversation with Tom Cooper, Chair of the Residents Committee at the Inkerman Street Public Housing Flats in St. Kilda. Last week residents took it upon themselves to don PPE to remove wretched insects from the flat as the Victorian Government ignores calls to maintain the building. We spoke about organising within that space, the state of the building, and getting rid of bed bugs. 44 Flats United are a coalition of residents and allies from across the 44 Public Housing towers organising against their demolition. You can find more info about 44 Flats United here.