World Wide Wave

30 Dec 2013

World Wide Wrap: 2013

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World Wide Wave grows reminiscent as we look back on some of our best interviews of 2013. Thank you to all the guests throughout the year. You’ve been fantastic, and we are looking forward to a fantastic 2014.

Myanmar (Burma) with Benjamin Law. Our first interview is with comedian, columnist, self-confessed “Gaysian” and author of the book by the same name. He travelled throughout Asia and in April, he spoke with us about a hidden life for the LGBT community in Myanmar and the impact of HIV on this frail country.

Columbia with Felix. In January we had Felix in the studio, a student from Bogota where we chatted about mixing gay life with Columbia’s macho culture, religion and family in Columbia

The Netherlands with Elco. In February, we went to one of the most advanced countries in the world for LGBT rights – The Netherlands. It was the first country to legalise gay marriage and Elco explained to us why Holland’s culture is so accepting of LGBT people and how they are advancing LGBT rights beyond their own borders.

United Arab Emirates with Rod. In November we had a visiting expat from the United Arab Emirates drop in to the studio to to take us inside the underground gay scene of Dubai where homosexuality is still very much illegal.

Uganda with Katherine Fairfax-Wright, Director of the documentary Call Me Kuchu. In May, we took on the very challenging life of gay people in Uganda. We spoke with Katherine Fairfax-Wright, Director of the confronting yet inspiring documentary Call Me Kuchu. Its main character and the leading champion of gay rights in Uganda was murdered during the filming of the documentary.

Since this time, and with the help of international pressure, the so-called “Kill the Gays” bill has been watered down somewhat and passed the Ugandan parliament earlier this month providing lengthy prison terms for gay people. A small victory but still a long way to go.

Antarctica with Gerard Baker from the United Kingdom Antarctic Base. We all chuckled when World Wide Wave presenter Shannon said that she would love to do a show on being gay in Antarctica. Sure enough, she came through with a English man who has lived out and proud in the confined living conditions of the United Kingdom Antarctic Base.

Northern Ireland with Conor O’Kane, 20 year old Mr Gay Northern Ireland. In August, we caught up with Mr Gay Northern Ireland, Conor O’Kane who has big plans to impact LGBT rights around the globe.