ABC TV 'Four Corners' (1982) "Sydney, Golden City of the Gays"

Looks at gay life in Sydney in the early 80s when homosexual sex between men was still illegal in New South Wales, pre-AIDS. Reporter Jack Pizzey interviews a number of gay men and lesbians in Sydney at the time. Sydney has become the gay mecca of the South Pacific.
Sydney's gay guide book of the day listed 61 gay groups and social clubs. Features radio show "Gay Waves" and Campaign magazine, and gay hotels, discos and restaurants of the day. Interviews muscular athletes going to the Gay Games in San Francisco. Talks to men of the day about coming out and their first experiences of gay life in Sydney. Takes the temperature of societal attitudes to homosexuality of the time.

Features lesbian band "Stray Dags" playing at a Sydney Town Hall. A lesbian is interviewed about her coming out experiences with her family. Conservative politician Jim Cameron is interviewed about what he would do if a child of his turned out to be gay. He answers "love the sinner, hate the sin" and to seek therapy. Teacher Edd Ashmore is interviewed at the Sydney Opera House re his experiences coming out in Sydney.

Shows the legal situation at the time in each Australian state. South Australia was the first state to legalise homosexuality. Don Dunstan is shown backing the New South Wales campaign for legalisation. Homosexuality in the animal kingdom is cited. The maximum sentence for homosexual sex between consenting adults in New South Wales was double than that for heterosexual rape.

Gays demonstrate and petition the public in Blacktown against MP John Aquilina 's stance on homosexuality saying no one in NSW wants the law changed to legalise homosexuality, and confront him with a petition. The group includes Garry Wotherspoon and Fabian Lo Schiavo.

Controversial footage is shown of a beat (toilet block) in Green Park, Darlinghurst when men go to seek sex with each other. A catholic priest from Sydney's North Shore was inadvertently captured on camera visiting the toilet and later sued the ABC. Psychologist Bob Hay is interviewed about seeking casual anonymous sex in public toilets. Hay confronts the interviewer on public displays of sexuality.

A gay commitment ceremony at the Metropolitan Community Church is shown. The Catholic position on homosexuality in New South Wales is given via an interview with president of the Catholic Institute of Sydney, Dr John Hill. He says that the gay movement is wanting too much too soon and is a threat to Australian society.

Robert French is interviewed about what conservative political forces are standing in the way of gay law reform in New South Wales. He is not happy with Premier Wran's slowness in attending to law reform. Gay Liberation Choir. Finally a gay freedom march through Sydney's CBD is shown.


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