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National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive

'Being Different' book launch with Don Dunstan

1986

'Being Different' book launch with Don Dunstan

1986

  • NFSA ID3T2YCN1N
  • TypeTelevision
  • MediumMoving Image
  • FormSeries
  • Duration35 mins, 12 secs
  • GenresLGBTQI, News
  • Year1986

This clip reports on the then-controversial launch of the 1986 book Being Different: Nine Gay Men Remember, which was edited by historian Garry Wotherspoon. The launch featured appearances by Don Dunstan, then Chair of the Victorian Tourism Commission (VTC) and former South Australian Premier, alongside Monsignor Porcamadonna (activist Fabian LoSchiavo). The publicity surrounding the book caused a public and religious stir, almost resulting in Don Dunstan’s removal from his VTC role. This segment captures moments from Dunstan's stirring speech, as well as the comedic antics of the Monsignor. Seeing a gay book launch on the nightly news was empowering representation for queer audiences, but also signalled how the media in the mid-'80s regarded positive gay stories as exceptional.

Courtesy of
Network 10

This clip reports on the then-controversial launch of the 1986 book Being Different: Nine Gay Men Remember, which was edited by historian Garry Wotherspoon. The launch featured appearances by Don Dunstan, then Chair of the Victorian Tourism Commission (VTC) and former South Australian Premier, alongside Monsignor Porcamadonna (activist Fabian LoSchiavo). The publicity surrounding the book caused a public and religious stir, almost resulting in Don Dunstan’s removal from his VTC role. This segment captures moments from Dunstan's stirring speech, as well as the comedic antics of the Monsignor. Seeing a gay book launch on the nightly news was empowering representation for queer audiences, but also signalled how the media in the mid-'80s regarded positive gay stories as exceptional.

Courtesy of
Network 10
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