Revealing she was born male has shocked many, highlighting the importance of JOY 94.9 and the greater diversity that the station represents in 2013 and beyond.

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Today it’s a church that still welcomes the GLBTI community with open arms, even if the hierarchy of the Church have a differing opinion.  The Vicar is Stuart Soley, the Father of Fitzroy.

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You can reach FTM Shed by email. Dude Magazine and FTM Australia also have great resources for people who wish to find out more information.

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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.

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Today, John-Michael Howson discusses life, love and censorship in an intimate and revealing interview that aired just minutes after an on-air altercation with Julian Assange’s mother Christine, on 3AW. With the world premiere of his latest production”More Sex Please, We’re Seniors” just days away, John-Michael Howson speaks exclusively to JOY 94.9’s Dean Beck.

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This is a story of a mother’s love for her son and the inspiring work she does within broader community to promote understanding and diversity.

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Berger, a celebrated Melbournian, is the daughter of Polish Jewish immigrants, who, back in the eighties experienced the sting of HIV-related stigma.

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Her personality is as bright and eccentric as her fashion sense and her unmistakable voice purrs like a Victor lawn mower over loose gravel. She is Melbourne’s very own living treasure: Yvonne Gardner.

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Today we speak with Dr Mark Stoove, one of Australia’s top researchers specialising in HIV, AIDS & STI epidemiology and behaviours. We discuss some of the latest medical breakthroughs in disease prevention and treatment; get an update on Victoria’s HIV/HepC co-infection clusters that emerged in 2011 amongst 39 HIV+ gay men; explore the pros and cons of allowing needle and syringe programs in prisons and talk about the success of a recent trail in Victoria’s gaols which saw condoms issued to prisoners.

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Today 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 29 years old he became Tony and how he happily identifies as both male and female.

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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 do 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 that lesbians and gays have existed in this city since its birth.

As Oscar Wilde said “Any fool can make history, but it takes a genius to write it.”

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Victoria is home to one of the most inspirational GLBTI youth organisations in the world: Minus 18.

Set up to provide a safe place for gay and lesbian youth to come together, party and play, Minus 18 has won multiple awards, as have the individuals who have run the organisation.

Joining us today is the longest serving convenor of Minus 18 Mark Robinson, and James Campbell. These two guys represent our future. And they are very much today’s leaders.

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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 female, but for some there is a disconnect: they feel opposite to how they present. For others their biological presentation is not as clearly defined. Being born with boy bits and girl bits means you fit… where?

Gender identity, sexual identity, masculinity, femininity are all by definition very different, yet very interconnected and complex. Being different is never easy, but its a challenge often made harder by us. Some of the greatest discrimination stems from Gay men and Lesbian women.

And like most discrimination, its source is ignorance.

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This dynamic duo inherently engage the listener as they entertained en-mass in a coveted weekly timeslot with their seemingly effortless signature sense of humour. Known as “The Two Fat Lattes”, please welcome Benny Mazullo and Frank Ponte.

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Leanne had a care-free teenage life as a surfy chick, and was very much part of the vibrant live music scene that was happening in Melbourne in the 80’s & 90’s, and has a “way-cool” story about Renee Geyer.

Leanne has lived overseas, where she had to speak slower as they couldn’t understand her accent. She is currently the manager at the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard…always giving back to the community.

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John’s story is inspirational, from his tough childhood where he ran away from home at the age of 15, to him becoming Victorian Australian of the Year in 2014 – what a story.

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He quickly set his sights on the world of big business and making big money. After a near-death experience and “rebirth”, he set his sights to helping the community which had supported him through his difficult times.

Over the last 4 years he has worked at an inner city Community Legal Centre and later, at a not-for-profit specialising in dealing with the homeless. He has had many day to day dealings with gay kids, especially of Indigenous or Eastern European ethnic backgrounds who felt ostracised by their communities, becoming either homeless, or drug addicted, or both. His time is also spent volunteering with the Outreach program for the Victorian Aids Council.

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Sir Ian McKellen said “Ross Watson’s paintings are obviously the work of a master of technique. The conjunction of modern naturalism and classic works makes it hard to believe one’s eyes. We admire him and wonder.”

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Lisa is a powerhouse in the GLBTIQ community in Melbourne as she has been the director of MQFF for the past 14 years, delivering one of the best film festivals of its type in the world. Lisa & her partner have also been featured on the very popular TV show – Grand Design Australia.

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Barry was part of commercial radio for 40 years, on-air and as program director, and has interviewed some of the biggest names in music including Michael Jackson.

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Gary talks candidly about what it was like to be a patron during the Tasty Nightclub raid in 1994 and how subsequently he led a successful legal case against Victoria Police as patrons were awarded over 10 million dollars in damages. Highlighting the important role that JOY played during that time.

Gary also shares stories about his various careers including being Deputy Lord mayor of Melbourne and his current role as CEO of a fine art auction house.

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Jean talks about her life’s journey including being a young Mother during the 60s and how she became a prolific author.

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For the last 18 years, Anita has played a significant role at JOY and has hosted  Women on Waves showcasing independent women’s music focusing on Lesbian artists where she has garnered a loyal following.

Joining Anita, is musician, Michelle Parsons, who talks about Anita’s contribution to women’s music.

In 2009 Anita was awarded life membership of JOY.

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Gabby talks about her brush with fame, find out how Gabby meets Madonna! Also Gabby talks candidly about her struggle to leave a violent relationship and how she found her life partner and soul mate.

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