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 appeared first on Still Here, Still Queer.

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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