Publishing in a changing world
Before 1969 there was no gay or lesbian media in Australia. It was a world of silence, persecution and hidden pleasures. Much has changed since then for the gay and lesbian communities, along with attitudes within broader society. The gay media of the seventies, eighties and beyond reflect those changes.
This website is part of project to record this history and the role played by gay and lesbian media over the past 40 years. Posted here is my Honours Thesis ‘The Origins of Gay and Lesbian Media in Australia 1969-78’. I’m now working on a PhD at the University of Melbourne, under the supervision of Dr Graham Willett, investigating the social and political impact of Australia’s gay and lesbian media from 1969-2000. A book version will follow.
BILL CALDER, former editor and publisher
EMAIL: wfcalder@student.unimelb.edu.au
Sep 05, 2011 @ 09:40:25
Bill, I saw an article in SSO about your project. I worked for Campaign mag from about 1976 to 1980 as a freelance journalist, then editor 1979-80, writing under 3 different names and editing the entire publication. Wild times and worked harder than I ever did, before or after, for the least amount of money. But probably the best journalistic time in a 40+year career. If you’re interested in those Campaign years with Rod Stringer & Co, let me know and we can make contact. I’m in Sydney and retired. Looking forward to your columns in SSO.
Sep 24, 2011 @ 18:10:13
Hi Bill, I’m one of the two cover boys on Campaign Edition 1, ( loved seeing the cover page again!) and the freelance showbiz writer. I’m still performing and writing, (though no longer under a stage name) and remember those halcyon years with great affection. We were revolutionarys; the out and proud gay men of that era, & worked hard to establish many of the freedoms todays generation take for granted. It was both a labor of love, and an honour to be part of it.
Oct 01, 2011 @ 13:27:30
Hello Bill, I recently published an almost true gay convict history novel
which includes the famous 1808 Sydney Sodomy Trial. I am indebted to the late Martin Smith, Campaign 21. My gay epic “Beyond the Capes” can be purchased in any gay-shelved bookstore or requested in libraries. The distributor is Bulldog Books. It has enjoyed very good reviews here and in the UK. I have tried to present Georgian gay life as an integral part of the socio-political milieu. Yours sincerely with best wishes in academia. Richard de la Haye, Perth WA> richbb@iinet.net.au PH 08 92278303
Nov 06, 2011 @ 19:30:38
what a fantastic project!
Dec 05, 2011 @ 07:56:34
Bill, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Ian MacNeil (sp?) who also wrote for Campaign. I also did bits and pieces for Campaign at the time of Frank Wells and then for my sins worked for TRUTH and in Melbourne radio (3LO/3RRR etc) before heading to London and Reuters. Frank was an outstanding and charismatic editor. I left Campaign around the time it was (yet again) threatened with closure. Having an archival bent, I admit to “abstracting” from the editor’s filing cabinet key historical memorabilia (photos, manuscripts, early editions, posters) being anxious about their safety. They’ve ended up in the hands of the State Library. Not a moment too soon I fear: the cabinet was “lost” during the move from Harris Street, Ultimo. By the way, a 4 minute 8mm film I took of the march on the morning prior to the first Mardi Gras is on Youtube. Is Rod Needam still with us? He and Stringer have a very interesting story to tell on how the mag “kept going.” It was later acquired by an American couple with interests in the Sydney sex industry. I’m retired but still remember vividly the extraordinary personalities of that frantic era. Frank was never short of fascinating anecdotes but I don’t think he has ever been interviewed. Pity.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 18:25:34
Is anybody interested in buying the first 100 editions of Campaign?
Apr 10, 2012 @ 06:47:36
Yes. Such an archive needs to be acquired, preserved & placed in the State Library. Please email me the details so we can make arrangements.
Dec 25, 2011 @ 21:36:28
Bill, just to clarify: when I “abstracted” the negs/pics/manuscripts from the editor’s (subsequently lost) filing cabinet I was actually editor at the time but this no doubt presaged my career in scandalsheets! The photo of Frank Wells and Rod Stringer emailed to you was at Frank’s final edition and was shot by my good self at the Harris Street, Ultimo, office and you are very welcome to use it. I briefly succeeded Frank and yes I’m sure it was the talented raven-haired yogurt-eating Greek bombshell Lillian Lowe who then followed me.