JOY 94.9 is an LGBTI volunteer-based Melbourne (and online) community radio station committed to providing a voice for the diverse LGBTI communities, enabling freedom of expression, the breaking down of isolation and the celebration of our culture, achievements and pride.

On the eve of the 41st annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, we look back on the origins of the now world-famous Sydney LGBTI pride extravaganza, as a series of gay rights marches by a brave group of activists, ending in arrests, shaming and unemployment.

Kate Rowe was one of the activists involved in the events of 1978, now proudly referred to as “The 78ers“, and she joins us to recount those events, explain why Mardi Gras is still important today, and what the theme of this year’s event– “Fearless” –means to her.

Click here to listen to the podcast of the interview with 78er Kate Rowe on joy.org.au