Been There Done That

22 Nov 2018

Reality and fantasy …

Activism, Archives, film-maker, History, Indigenous, Politics, Pop Culture, transgender, Visibility

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Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, and we hope that with education and awareness the perpetrators of violence will overcome their fears and prejudices.

We comment upon our forthcoming local State elections and reflect that through the same-sex marriage debate, the politicians may have become more aware of our existence and ability to vote.

We note the passing of Stan Lee, creator of comic book fantasy stories and characters, which have stimulated off-shoot movies and social networks, and we discuss reality versus fantasy.

We recount the story how on 25 November 1789, Bennelong the aboriginal, was captured by the English explorers, in the region now known as Sydney, and was used as an intermediary between the two cultures. A proper respectful memorial is now proposed.

The Melbourne Olympics were opened on 22 November 1956 – the first Games in Australia.

From the international press we report of a decision by the Malaysian Censor to cut 24 minutes from the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody; Denmark cuts millions in aid to Tanzania over homophobic comments and actions against gay people; On 3 Sept 2018 the King of the African country of Swaziland announced that the country would henceforth be called eSwatini, but meanwhile the king holds firm to his anti-gay stance, despite some signs of acceptance by the police and general public; the director of the film Love Simon is proposing to make a biopic of the life and loves of (gay) Hollywood film star Rock Hudson; and the Harvey Fierstein play Torch Song Trilogy, describing the struggle for gay identity and rights, is to be updated by including references to the current political situation in 2018 USA.

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

Show #831 – First broadcast on 20 November 2018