We acknowledge Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and give respect to their Elders, past and present.

Read our Statement of Reflection

Your Cart

Your cart is empty right now...

Discover what's on
Your Stuff
Lists
No lists found
Create list
List name
0 Saved items
Updated: a few seconds ago
Getting Started
Get started with Your Stuff

A free Your Stuff account allows you to save, list and share your favourite collection items and articles. This account will give you access to Your Stuff, NFSA Player and Pro. You will need to create an additional account for Canberra event tickets.

Confirm
Skip to main content
National Film and Sound Archive of AustraliaNational Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
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
    Industry professional? Go Pro

    Need to license this item? A/V professionals and researchers can shortlist licensing enquiries via our NFSA Pro catalogue search and membership.

    Get started with PRO

    Collections to explore

    • News bulletin

    • LGBTQIA+

    • 1980s

    • Start your own collection

      A free Your Stuff account allows you to save, organise and share your favourite videos, audio and stories.

    More in Stories+

    Personalized your experience

    Save, create and share

    With NFSA Your Stuff