Here in Australia, 'Dykes On Mykes' has been an integral part of that legacy, holding the shared title of the longest-running LGBTQ+ broadcast in the nation.
Presenter Ruth Gardner caught up with FROOTY for a chat about the history of the programme, and what it means to be part of the programme’s continuum.
“Our show, along with 'Queer Radio' broadcast on 4ZZZ (Triple Z) in Brisbane, started off as 'Gaywaves' some 35 to 40 years ago while it was still a crime to be gay in Queensland under the Joh Bjelke-Petersen Premiership and Triple Z broadcast our shows.”
Gardner, who has been with 'Dykes On Mykes' for 11 years, says it’s been an honour to contribute to LGBTQ+ voices on the airwaves.
“I’m still good friends with one of the founding announcers of the show who has a long activist history here in Queensland,” Gardner says.
“The station itself was set up in the University of Queensland as an antidote to the fascism of the Joh Bjelke-Petersen regime at the time so it seemed fit and proper that they would broadcast queer radio shows along with other alternative media and alternative music as well.”
“It’s a great honour and a huge legacy that we take quite seriously but also have a lot of fun with.”
Though 'Dykes On Mykes' is going strong, Gardner also reflects on the importance of community-focused media as the LGBTQ+ community have seen independent publications in decline over recent years.
“It’s important for people to be able to have representation of them in a public sphere. When we look at mainstream media we’re not represented so we’re not hearing our own voices and hearing our own stories so it marginalises us even more,” she explains.
Gardner speaks of a long-time listener, affectionally dubbed Karen Mothballs, who still feels unable to share with her loved ones that she is a lesbian.
“She has a husband and she has a long-time love interest that she holidays with once a year who is also married. Without listening to our radio show she has absolutely no connection to her community.”
“There’s still a real relevance for queer voices for people that are still closeted and are wanting to come out. We interview now many young LGBTQ+ change-makers and culture-makers who listened to us when they were still in school because they wanted to find a voice that told their stories, so it’s hugely important.”
Based in Queensland, the programme and Gardner’s work have a much wider reach than just one state.
“We were approached by the National Archives to contribute some shows to go into archive for LGBTQ+ history,” Gardner explains.
“We also re-broadcast on JOY 94.9 down in Melbourne which is a huge honour.”
Gardner has also been honoured twice at Queensland’s Queens Ball, where she was named Media Personality of the Year.
“They don’t have the category anymore, I think they got sick of the same people,” Gardner laughs.
“I’ve also been lucky enough through my work at Triple Z to host the Queensland Music Awards two years in a row and do various other hosting gigs as well.”
