New gay radio show for Melbourne’s west

New gay radio show for Melbourne’s west

Former ABC journalist Allan Calleja says his home in Melbourne’s west is progressing on gay and lesbian acceptance.

Calleja, 51, who hails from Laverton, said times have changed since his adulthood as he returns to the airwaves this Sunday on local community radio station WynFM 88.9 to broadcast new gay and lesbian radio show, GO WEST.

“Nobody spoke about [homosexuality] then,” Calleja told the Star Observer.

“The only time you heard the word ‘poof’ was before someone was going to punch you out.”

This Sunday Calleja will be joined by three other panelists – Michael (surname withheld), Noel Delmo and David Newton – to start up the new gay and lesbian program.

It will be the first time WynFM – which broadcasts to Altona, Werribee, Laverton,
Hoppers Crossing and Williamstown – has offered a gay and lesbian-specific program.

“It’s reflecting the movement of the population, there are so may gays and dykes over this part of town,” Calleja said. “Land is cheaper and it’s r attracting a new crowd. You just have to look on Gaydar at the number of people in the area.”

Calleja said WynFM has a strong religious, sporting and ethnic representation among its presenters and in its programing, so the addition of a gay and lesbian show may come as a surprise to some. So far he has played it safe, even recording the GO WEST on-air promotions in the US with a US accent so individuals can’t be identified.

“Gay marriage came up as an issue on the station after the New York decision and the reaction from one of the listeners was, ‘I just about vomited up my breakfast listening to it’’,” Calleja said.

Calleja said he doesn’t want to be targeted by “homophobes” in the area and some of those involved in the show are not out to everyone.

Calleja said much of his 30 years working in the media – also a reporter with Ch 10, Ch 7, Macquarie Radio and editor of TV Week – he kept quiet about his sexuality.

Saying it’s now time to do his bit for the GLBTI community, Calleja recalls a time he was ashamed for not speaking out.

“I remember two lovely girls used to sit in Form 2 class and hold hands and stare into each others eyes. They were vilified by others and I feel disgusted that I didn’t stand up for them, even though I wasn’t knowingly gay then, I was a champion for others and a devout Christian.”

Calleja said he wants GO WEST to reach a GLBT audience in the Melbourne’s west that currently doesn’t have a voice

The new show will feature panel discussions, interviews and news, with a focus on the western suburbs.

INFO: GO WEST starts August 7, and can be heard from from 8 – 10pm every Sunday night on WynFM 88.9. Email [email protected]

You May Also Like

Comments are closed.