Activism and the Early HIV/AIDS Response with Ian Hunter MLC

Cal talks with South Australian Legislative Council Member Ian Hunter about the murder of George Duncan that ignited South Australia’s push to decriminalise male homosexuality in 1975. Ian walks us through the behind the scenes lobbying by students, academic, law societies, and politicians that turned this historic event into legislative reform. He also explains how early AIDS activism blended community organising with direct access to health ministers, shaping a model of cooperative response. Ian makes a final call for younger generations to stay alert, because rights can be taken away by parliament just as easily as they were originally granted by Parliament. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at [email protected] Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au.