JOY BLOG

9 Jun 2013

Why Stephanie supports JOY

JOY 94.9 is a vital community resource, not just for the diverse lesbian and gay communities, but for everyone.

Long-time listener Stephanie took the time to share why she believes our radio station needs to be supported into the future to ensure we can continue to provide a voice for the diverse lesbian and gay communities, enabling freedom of expression, the breaking down of isolation and the celebration of our culture, achievements and pride.

Listen below to hear Dean Beck from On The Line read Stephanie’s heartfelt letter on air.

Stephanie’s letter:

Dear Joy

Joy to the world, 2013 Membership Drive

Over the past week I have heard from both presenters and their guests what Joy means to them and amongst the many benefits cited I have mostly heard that Joy provides a voice for your community. I am not a member of your community however I would like to tell you how that voice speaks to me.

I started listening to Joy 8 years ago when I first moved to Melbourne, initially drawn to the station because of the music that you play. Since then I have become a devoted listener and proud Joy member mostly because of program content, although I do still love the music.

Over the years I have heard incredible stories, stories of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and intersex people and while I have always had gay friends the rest of the rainbow has been unknown to me. Through these stories I have learnt about transitioning, gender reassignment, drag kings, bears, cubs and otters, youth suicide and equal love. So many things that have not just informed me but also challenged me and in doing so helped me understand my prejudices and resolve them.

“Your Voice” is not just the voice of the gay community it is the voice of humanity. It speaks of a right for equality, acceptance and belonging, fundamental rights for all communities. And despite not being a member of the gay community I have never felt excluded by Joy as so many of the themes presented on your programs can be applied to every community and to everyday life.

Oftentimes I drive around Melbourne smiling at Anastasia, Michael and Glen, David and Sue, Gillian and Nick, Anna and Dean but at other times have pulled off the road and wept at the stories heard on Word for Word, On the line and Queen of the Night. It is the brilliant content, the excellent diversity of presenters and the fabulous music that makes Joy such great listening.

With this letter I also renew my membership online for another year as for me it is the best investment that I can make to ensure I continue to be a more informed, more interested and hopefully more tolerant and interesting person.

I thank all of the volunteers at Joy for their hard work and dedication. Long live community radio, Joy to the world.

Support JOY. Become a member today.

(Image: Letter Writing for Valentine’s Day © FonnaTasha)