This year JOY 94.9 has faced “massive backlash within the community simply for existing“.
It was in September last year received a bomb threat, forcing them to evacuate the building, although JOY remained on-air.
In a release issued by the station today it’s claimed JOY has also faced threatening and abusive phone calls to the volunteers who identify as LGBTI and a massive backlash over the station’s support of the safe school coalition, marriage equality and fighting to recognise LGBTI as equal members of society.
So, JOY is fighting back with a radiothon.
“Australia is making changes in advancing LGBTI rights, but our community still fight for equality and acceptance in many areas of daily life,” says CEO of JOY 94.9 Tennille Moisel.
“With marriage equality still not legal and leaders like Trump being elected, we still need JOY 94.9, now, more than ever, to advocate for LGBTI rights. We can’t do that without our community and ally support.”
JOY 94.9 is an LGBTI volunteer-based community radio station committed to providing a voice for our diverse communities, enabling freedom of expression, the breaking down of isolation and the celebration of our culture, achievements and pride.
The Radiothon Theme for this year is ‘We Still Need JOY.’
Harassment, bullying and homophobia are STILL an issue in Australia with LGBTI young people up to 14 times more likely to attempt suicide.
Almost half of LGBTI identifying people hide their sexual orientation or gender identity in public for fear of violence or discrimination.
It remains illegal for gay couples to adopt children they are not biologically related to in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Gay men in Australia are still forbidden to donate blood for fear of HIV transmission regardless of a gay man’s sexual history or relationship status.
You can help JOY to campaign for LGBTI rights, be a platform for LGBTI voices and celebrate LGBTI milestones.
The radiothon runs from May 1 to June 30 celebrating the diverse on-air voices of the LGBTI community across Australia.
There are prizes up for grabs including a Holden Astra.
For all details head to joy.org.au