Gaywaves seeks lesbian members

By Michael Schembri

SYDNEY -- Gaywaves, the first regular lesbian and gay radio program in Australia, was brought into being in November 1979, just over a year after the first Mardi Gras. It reflected the radical politics of that historic event.

Gaywaves incorporated radical elements of gay liberation: a commitment to left-wing politics; a strong feminism, in keeping with an understanding of the intimate connections between women's oppression and gay/lesbian oppression; solidarity with other oppressed sectors; internationalism.

At a time when most lesbians were soon to go their own way because of most gay men in the movement not having come to grips with their own sexism, Gaywaves started off as a mixed group and was to stay mixed through all the years of the male/female divide. That policy was reaffirmed at a workshop in 1990.

More than 13 years later, Gaywaves is in trouble. Over a period of months, most of its lesbian members have dropped out because of changes in their job situations. The remaining members with to maintain the policy of having a majority female membership, but that will depend on whether enough lesbians volunteer to join the collective.

Gaywaves is a volunteer organisation which seeks to provide a service to the community. It has been of particular value to lesbians and gays who are either still in the early stages of coming out or who are isolated. If it is to survive, it is up to the community it serves to sustain it.

Any lesbian who wishes to join can write to Gaywaves, PO Box 473, Broadway NSW 2007. Or phone the station, 2SER FM, on 330 3000 during Gaywaves' broadcasting time on Thursday nights from 8 to 10.30.

No technical knowledge is necessary to start with. The station provides an initial free training course, and more is learned hands on. So, please help Gaywaves: contact us and join.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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correspondence please contact glw@greenleft.org.au

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