Been There Done That

28 Sep 2018

Breaking down fences … or building them

Anniversary, Community, Diversity, Gay, Health, History, HIV, Indigenous, Politics

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This week, we comment on the recently released figures on reported HIV cases in Australia, and interpret them in part to reflect upon the way the informed gay community has accessed new medications, but we fear that the figures may also reflect the situations in the poorly informed straight community, when some stray into ‘our’ area for casual sex but miss out on the health messaging; and sadly we fear that the rural and indigenous communities, who are poorly supported in many ways, drop through safety net until much later in the cycle of the development of HIV.

While Israel secured Eurovision 2019 with Netta’s winning act in May 2018, it has taken until now for Tel Aviv to be announced as the city to host the next contest. We reflect upon the influence of orthodox religion in Israel and the inability for the 2019 event to be held in Jerusalem.

We report on the introduction into Jewish schools in Britain of a guide support of GLBT+ students. The resource known as “The Wellbeing of LGBT+ Pupils: A Guide for Orthodox Jewish Schools”, encourages Orthodox Jews to use language responsibly, prevent bullying and support students when they come out, as well as educating both teachers and parents on LGBTQ issues.

The lines on maps don’t necessarily represent precise zones of social or political communities. We reflect upon how the Britain used Australia as its testing ground for nuclear weapons & France did much the same with its territories in the Pacific; China is occupying areas and exerting influence in areas not normally considered as part of mainland China; and even Australia pressures its old ‘colonial’ territory Papua New Guinea.

On the anniversary of the establishment on 29/9/1829 of London’s Metropolitan Police, we discuss how we currently regard policing forces – sometimes in how we give them nicknames. We boast how the local experience of having our own GLLOs (Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers), and the inclusion of the police and other Emergency Service personnel in our Pride Marches, and the police’s own positive inclusion of gay members, has changed social attitudes in Victoria.

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

Show #823 – First broadcast on 25 September 2018