Still Here, Still Queer

About Still Here, Still Queer

a bold and vibrant weekly radio program dedicated to showcasing the voices, stories, and lived experiences of older LGBTQIA+ people.

Publisher

JOY 94.9 - Rainbow Community Podcasts for our LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Communities

Category

education · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Jul 2025

Latest episode

21 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Sept 2026

   From Singapore to Melbourne: Joseph Then’s Remarkable Journey of Identity, Culture, and Resilience – Special FONO/SHSQ Crossover Episode

   From growing up in 1950s colonial Singapore to building a remarkable life in Australia — Joseph Then’s story is one of migration, identity, resilience, and community. In this special FONO / SHSQ crossover episode, Gillian and Pete sit down with Joseph to talk about: Growing up Peranakan in Singapore ✈️ Arriving in Australia as a 19-year-old Colombo Plan scholar (and the culture shock that came with it!) His brother Anthony — a celebrated ballet dancer who appeared in The Rocky Horror Picture Show ️ Knowing he was gay at 12, and finding community through Mardi Gras, Melbourne Pride Chorus, and line dancing Losing his brother to HIV/AIDS and turning grief into decades of community advocacy His incredible song choices — from Elton John to Whitney Houston to a beautiful Peranakan song with lyrics he helped write Plus, at 76 years old, Joseph shares the most inspiring message: “I still think there’s a full life ahead of me.” Listen now —  Still Here, Still Queer on JOY 94.9 #StillHereStillQueer #JOY949 #RainbowElders #PeranakanCulture #LGBTIQA #MigrationStories #CommunityResilience #JosephThen The post From Singapore to Melbourne: Joseph Then’s Remarkable Journey of Identity, Culture, and Resilience – Special FONO/SHSQ Crossover Episode (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/09/21/from-singapore-to-melbourne-joseph-thens-remarkable-journey-of-identity-culture-and-resilience-special-fono-shsq-crossover-episode/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

2. 

   17 Jun 2026

   The Night Pokies Came Back – an OB at the Pokie’s Tribute Disco

   Hosts Gillian and Pete broadcast live from the Pokie’s Tribute Disco at the Victorian Pride Center — a sold-out, $7-entry celebration of one of Melbourne’s most beloved LGBTQ+ institutions. At its peak, Pokies drew 1,000 people every Sunday night to the Prince of Wales Hotel in St Kilda for drag shows, dancing, and a legendary piano bar singalong. For nearly 15 years it was a cornerstone of queer community life — and for one night, it came roaring back. We spoke with Doug Lucas, the creative force behind Pokies, who reflected on building the night from a quiet Sunday cabaret into a Melbourne institution — and how it became a lifeline during the AIDS crisis. Showgirl Sharon Starr shared her own drag journey, and Lindsay Kerniff, who was there on opening night in 1976, had stories that had the whole room in stitches — including the legendary Dyke Corner and the cigarette machine that served as the unofficial lesbian pickup spot. Still Here, Still Queer is on JOY 94.9 every Sunday. The post The Night Pokies Came Back – an OB at the Pokie’s Tribute Disco (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/06/17/the-night-pokies-came-back-an-ob-at-the-pokies-tribute-disco/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

3. 

   24 Apr 2026

   Staying Strong: Prostate Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community

   (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2026/04/E53CA516-36E3-4973-B3EB-DD0B5E8B00B2_1_105_c.jpeg)This episode of Still Here, Still Queer focuses on caring for our bodies as we age, with a particular emphasis on prostate health and navigating healthcare systems that haven’t always included LGBTQIA+ communities. Hosts Gillian & Pete welcome exercise physiologist Molly Lowther and urology nurse practitioner Mick Cromer from the Australian Prostate Centre to discuss using exercise as rehabilitation during chronic illness (including prostate and breast cancer), counteracting treatment side effects like bone density and muscle loss, and practical balance and mental health benefits of movement. Mick explains prostate screening via PSA blood tests, risk considerations for family history, common urinary symptoms, and the role of nurse practitioners in ongoing cancer management and sexual health support. Mick also outlines the co-designed “Probing the Prostate” outreach project which is being designed in conjunction with Thorne Harbour Health for gay, bisexual men and trans women, including education sessions and Pride Centre clinics. You can find information on these clinics on the Australian Prostate Centre (https://www.australianprostatecentre.org.au/) website and the Thorne Harbour Health (https://thorneharbour.org/) website. The clinics are expected to run in June 2026. The post Staying Strong: Prostate Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/04/24/prostate-health/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

4. 

   16 Apr 2026

   A Panel Discussion: What Does Joy Look Like as We Grow Older in Our Rainbow Communities

   (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2026/04/SHSQ-Joy-Panel-1.jpeg)In this episode of Joy 94.9’s Still Here, Still Queer – celebrating the lives of rainbow elders – a panel of elders explores the question: what does joy look like as we grow old? Host Pete is joined by a panel of queer men all over 70, retired journalist Robert Gibson and retired social worker Bartley McGowan, discussing how joy changes with age. They reflect on coming out, growing confidence, and the importance of friendship as chosen family, alongside sources of joy such as everyday interactions, nature, theatre, music, books, films, travel, and pets. The panel also discusses adjusting to changing bodies, including fatigue and reduced mobility, and shares advice to younger selves to come out earlier and embrace community. The post A Panel Discussion: What Does Joy Look Like as We Grow Older in Our Rainbow Communities (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/04/16/joy-as-we-age/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

5. 

   12 Apr 2026

   Foot Care, Flat Feet Myths & High Heels with Podiatrist Sam Turner

   (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2026/04/SHSQ-Sam-Turner-1.jpeg)In this episode of “Still Here, Still Queer,” a podcast which celebrates rainbow elders, hosts Pete and Gillian welcome podiatrist Sam Turner, director at Life Performance Health and a sports podiatry practitioner. We have a discussion focused on foot health and aging. Sam explains how he moved from prosthetics/orthotics into podiatry, and why foot care matters early, including impacts on mobility, pain, wellbeing, and falls. They cover corns and calluses, how footwear fit drives many problems, and note shoe standards are based on a size nine male foot. Sam works at  and is a director at three allied health centres and can be found at https://lifeperformancehealth.com.au/staff-member/sam-turner/ (https://lifeperformancehealth.com.au/staff-member/sam-turner/) The post Foot Care, Flat Feet Myths & High Heels with Podiatrist Sam Turner (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/04/12/sam-turner/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

6. 

   24 Mar 2026

   INTERVIEW: Anita Fiorenza & Annitta Macauley re the VPC’s Plus 55 Social Group

   (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2026/03/Plus55-Group.jpeg)This week we interview Anita Fiorenza who is the Events & Program Manager at the Victoria Pride Centre (VPC) and Annitta Macauley who is the Social Support, Events & Diversity Manager at Lifeview. Both are co-ordinating a newish group for over 55 members of our LGBTQIA+ communities which is called the Plus 55 Social Group. It is holding free bi monthly social gatherings at the VPC and is sponsored by Lifeview. This month is a BBQ & Bocce event on Wed 25th March at 2 pm in the theatrette at the VPC and you can register at https://pridecentre.org.au/event/lgbtiqa-ageing-community-social-club/ (https://pridecentre.org.au/event/lgbtiqa-ageing-community-social-club/) The group also has setup a brand new facebook group which you can also access at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2697470607277702 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2697470607277702) All over 55s are welcome and the last meeting was very popular with about 80 people from all parts of our community attending. The post INTERVIEW: Anita Fiorenza & Annitta Macauley re the VPC’s Plus 55 Social Group (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/03/24/plus55-social-group/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

7. 

   19 Mar 2026

   From Shaking Weights to Madonna: A Queer Nostalgia Special

   (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2026/03/CamTrevSTSQ-scaled.jpg)Still Here, Still Queer on JOY 94.9 dives into the fitness crazes of the past 50 years and the best concerts our guests have ever been to. From Zumba, leg warmers and shaking weights to close encounters with Grace Jones, Madonna, Culture Club and Jessica Mauboy, this is a nostalgic, funny and gloriously queer trip through pop culture, music and fitness fads. All thanks to our wonderful guests Cameron Swann and Trevor Block. The post From Shaking Weights to Madonna: A Queer Nostalgia Special (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/03/19/from-shaking-weights-to-madonna-a-queer-nostalgia-special/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

8. 

   13 Mar 2026

   INTERVIEW: Rowena Doo & Daniel Bryen from Switchboard’s Pride In Aging Program – Part 2

   This week we interview Rowena Doo who is the Program lead for the Pride in Aging program at Switchboard and Daniel Bryen who is the Pride in Aging regional coordinator for the Gippsland Region. Pride in Ageing is a program of Switchboard Victoria (https://www.switchboard.org.au/home)  and it’s goals are to reduce social isolation for older LGBTI+ people, tackle ageism & build long-term improvement and change for older LGBTI+ people. Working with partners, community members and local organisations, Pride in Ageing will centre the experience and needs of older LGBTI+ people to design and help build our own solutions. We want to pilot meaningful place-based solutions that are peer-designed, culturally safe and locally relevant. This pilot is funded by the Victorian Government. It sits within the broader Pride in Ageing Program at Switchboard, alongside the Out and About Aged Care Volunteer Visiting Scheme (https://www.switchboard.org.au/lgbtiolderpeople) service, specialist case support for older LGBTI+ people, and ongoing policy and advocacy work. The post INTERVIEW: Rowena Doo & Daniel Bryen from Switchboard’s Pride In Aging Program – Part 2 (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/03/13/interview-rowena-doo-daniel-bryen-from-switchboards-pride-in-aging-program-part-2/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

9. 

   10 Mar 2026

   INTERVIEW: Ben Graham-Nellor about Financial Matters to Consider as We Age

   This week we interview Ben Graham-Nellor (https://www.smarthappymoney.com/our-team) who is the Director & a Financial Planner at Smart Happy Money (https://www.smarthappymoney.com). We talk about the wide range of financial matters which we must consider as we age using the lens of older LGBTIQA+ older people. Smart Happy Money (https://www.smarthappymoney.com) is an organisation which is passionate about helping people get ahead through careful planning, coaching and education. Whether you need a plan for your financial success or help getting a mortgage for your first home, we are here to help you reach your goal. Their advisers are not only highly experienced professionals — they’re also allies, advocates, and proud supporters of Melbourne’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. No awkward explanations. No assumptions. Just advice that reflects who you are and what matters to you. NOTE: The information provided in this podcast has been provided as general advice only. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the information in this podcast. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek the assistance of an authorised financial adviser before making any decision regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this podcast. The post INTERVIEW: Ben Graham-Nellor about Financial Matters to Consider as We Age (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/03/10/interview-ben-graham-nellor-about-financial-matters-to-consider-as-we-age/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

10. 

    25 Feb 2026

    INTERVIEW: Rowena Doo & Merrin Wake from Switchboard’s Pride In Aging Program

    This week we interview Rowena Doo who is the Program lead for the Pride in Aging program at Switchboard and Merrin Wake who is the Pride in Aging regional coordinator for the Golden Plains Region. Pride in Ageing is a program of Switchboard Victoria (https://www.switchboard.org.au/home)  and it’s goals are to reduce social isolation for older LGBTI+ people, tackle ageism & build long-term improvement and change for older LGBTI+ people. Working with partners, community members and local organisations, Pride in Ageing will centre the experience and needs of older LGBTI+ people to design and help build our own solutions. We want to pilot meaningful place-based solutions that are peer-designed, culturally safe and locally relevant. This pilot is funded by the Victorian Government. It sits within the broader Pride in Ageing Program at Switchboard, alongside the Out and About Aged Care Volunteer Visiting Scheme (https://www.switchboard.org.au/lgbtiolderpeople) service, specialist case support for older LGBTI+ people, and ongoing policy and advocacy work. The post INTERVIEW: Rowena Doo & Merrin Wake from Switchboard’s Pride In Aging Program (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2026/02/25/pride-in-aging-program-pt1/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

11. 

    27 Oct 2025

    Still Here, Still Queer: Growing Older, Growing Prouder

    Aging is universal — but in the LGBTIQA+ community, it carries its own rhythm. In this heartfelt and funny episode of Still Here, still Queer, Pete sits down with Phil Hinkins and Bartley McGowan to explore what it means to grow older while staying proudly queer. Together they talk about resilience, friendship, community, and how visibility changes with time — all sprinkled with stories, humour, and honesty. Because no matter our age, we’re still here, still queer, and still fabulous. The post Still Here, Still Queer: Growing Older, Growing Prouder (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2025/10/27/still-here-still-queer-growing-older-growing-prouder/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

12. 

    16 Oct 2025

    INTERVIEW: Michael Frommer, Jo Alley & Frances Mulcahy about LGBTIQ+ Health’s Silver Pride Advocacy Network

    In this Episode of Still Here Still Queer we interview Michael Frommer (he/him) who is Ageing Policy and Research Lead at LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, Jo Alley (she/her) who is the Project Co-ordinator, Ageing and Aged Care at LGBTIQ+ Health Australia and Frances Mulcahy (she/her) who is an out and proud trans woman, a retired general practitioner, current researcher, educator, poet, and performer. Fran is also a member of the Silver Pride Advocacy Network, Living Experience Advocacy Panel. We talk about the Silver Pride Advocacy Network and the development of the Silver Pride Navigator which is to be launched soon. You can find more info about the network at https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/silver_pride_advocacy_network (https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/silver_pride_advocacy_network) The post INTERVIEW: Michael Frommer, Jo Alley & Frances Mulcahy about LGBTIQ+ Health’s Silver Pride Advocacy Network (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2025/10/16/interview-silverprideadvocacynetwork/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

13. 

    16 Oct 2025

    INTERVIEW: Jenna Juke & Peter Naughton about Switchboard’s Pride in Ageing and Out & About Programs

    (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2025/10/StillHereStillQueer-20251012-Switchboard-1.jpeg)In this episode of Still Here Still Queer, we’re chatting about two awesome programs from Switchboard Victoria! We’re talking about their Pride in Aging Program and their Out & About program. Plus, we’ll be sharing the details about the next meeting of their Fifty Plus group, which is a fantastic collaboration with the Victorian Pride Centre. The post INTERVIEW: Jenna Juke & Peter Naughton about Switchboard’s Pride in Ageing and Out & About Programs (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2025/10/16/interview-jenna-juke-peter-naughton-about-switchboards-pride-in-ageing-and-out-about-programs/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

14. 

    15 Sept 2025

    Sustainability Superstar Darren Johannesen Vs John Denver & Dolly Parton

    (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2025/09/Darren-scaled.jpg) Gillian and Phil’s guest on Episode 7 of Still Here, Still Queer is the wonderful Darren Johannesen. Darren is a longtime supporter of Joy 94.9FM,a passionate environmentalist and an entrepreneur. He currently serves as the Sustainability Lead at the peak body for the renewable energy industry. In his personal life, he is married to Michael, a father of three and the custodian of a large garden and six chickens, as well as a big fan of John and Dolly! Listen with love xx The post Sustainability Superstar Darren Johannesen Vs John Denver & Dolly Parton (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2025/09/15/sustainability-superstar-darren-johannesen-vs-john-denver-dolly-parton/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

15. 

    14 Sept 2025

    Looking For Work After 60 & Managing Stress

    Hosts Gillian and Phil are joined by the wonderful (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2025/09/540378270_772539045467767_5031185251023796882_n.jpg)Janie de Souza from Remedy Recruitment who shares some great tips for Still Here, Still Queer listeners finding it tough on the job market. Our resident personal trainer Trevor Block is also on hand to talk us through some simple exercises that to help dial down all the stress that goes with the often demoralising process of applying for jobs! The post Looking For Work After 60 & Managing Stress (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2025/09/14/looking-for-work-after-60-managing-stress/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

16. 

    29 Aug 2025

    “If we don’t help each other we’re f#*ked”: Andrew Foster.

    This week’s a (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2025/08/IMG_0008-copy-scaled.jpeg)wesome SHSQ guest, Andrew Foster, shares his amazing life experience so far and the tough lessons he’s learned. After being rejected by his mother for being gay, Andrew faced the AIDS epidemic on the front line, nursing his dying partner and supporting our ravaged community through the physical and social horrors of the disease. Now retired from his career in publishing and landscaping, he gets to devote more time to his lifelong love of painting. The post “If we don’t help each other we’re f#*ked”: Andrew Foster. (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2025/08/29/if-we-dont-help-each-other-were-fked-andrew-foster/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

17. 

    21 Aug 2025

    The Beatles, Bryan Ferry & Belinda Carlisle: David Hunt has met them all

    (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2025/08/Image-21-8-2025-at-4.53-pm.jpg)David Hunt of Friday Night Live and Sunday Arts Show on JOY steps out of his comfort zone as host and interviewer to become this week’s special guest on Still Here, Still Queer. Gillian takes the opportunity to dig into David’s illustrious past as a record company exec and celebrity minder and uncovers plenty of gold. From nightclubbing with music royalty and dress shopping with pop stars, to hobnobbing with novelists and hosting album launches at his house, his reputation as the party starter to the starters became legendary! The post The Beatles, Bryan Ferry & Belinda Carlisle: David Hunt has met them all (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2025/08/21/the-beatles-bryan-ferry-belinda-carlisle-david-hunt-has-met-them-all/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

18. 

    30 Jul 2025

    Still Here, Still Queer Ep 2: Let’s Get Physical

    Henry, Gillian and Pete are joined by GP George Forgan-Smith and PT Trevor Block to discuss how we can stay fit and healthy enough to keep living our best lives. Hot tips include taking a “Farmer’s Walk” and an “Ass Class”! Next week we’re talking about breaking down ageism and we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at stillherestillqueer@joy.org.au and listen in on Sundays at 6pm on JOY 94.9FM or online. (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2025/07/20250727-Still-here-Still-Queer-Ep-2-11-scaled.jpg) The post Still Here, Still Queer Ep 2: Let’s Get Physical (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2025/07/30/still-here-still-queer-ep-2-lets-get-physical/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

19. 

    23 Jul 2025

    SHSQ – About Our Hosts – Henry, Gillian & Pete – Ep1

    (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2025/07/StillHereStillQueer-1.jpeg)Still Here Still Queer is a weekly one-hour radio program & podcast that celebrates the voices, experiences, and resilience  of older LGBTIQA+ people. We aim to bring joy, spark curiosity, honour history, and build bridges across age groups in the queer community. In this first episode we introduce each of our hosting team – Henry, Gillian & Pete. The post SHSQ – About Our Hosts – Henry, Gillian & Pete – Ep1 (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer/2025/07/23/shsq-about-our-hosts-henry-gillian-pete-ep1/) appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer (https://joy.org.au/stillherestillqueer).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.