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.

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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 website and the Thorne Harbour Health website. The clinics are expected to run in June 2026.

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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.

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