Queer Media — Our Voices, Our Stories

Queer Media — Our Voices, Our StoriesThe power of being heard. The freedom to tell our own stories. Saturday 5 December 2026 | 2:00–2:45 pm Venue: 2SER, Broadway, Ultimo Speakers: To Be Confirmed What happens when people who have rarely been heard find their voices, tell their own stories and begin changing the conversations around them? For 47 years, Gaywaves has been part of that story. Beginning on 2SER in November 1979, just one month after the station commenced broadcasting, Gaywaves helped create a space where LGBTQIA+ people could speak openly, share their experiences, celebrate their communities and challenge the assumptions of mainstream Australia. As part of In Solidarity, Our Voices, Our Stories explores the evolving relationship between queer communities and the media — from pioneering community radio and independent publications to television, journalism, podcasts and today’s digital platforms. We’ll consider the people who opened doors, the importance of visibility and representation, and how LGBTQIA+ voices have helped reshape public conversations about identity, equality, culture and belonging. It’s also an opportunity to look forward. As media changes, who gets heard? Who tells our stories? How do we ensure that diverse voices, experiences and perspectives continue to find a place in public life? Through a lively and personal conversation, we’ll explore the achievements, challenges, humour and humanity behind queer storytelling and broadcasting. Join a small live audience for this special conversation, with opportunities to listen, reflect and participate. The discussion will be recorded for subsequent broadcast on 2SER, sharing the conversation with audiences beyond the day. Audience places are limited. Advance registration is encouraged. Join us to celebrate the voices that helped change Australia and the stories still waiting to be told. Part of In Solidarity — celebrating 47 years of Gaywaves and the enduring power of community media.