GAY TALK SHOW TURNS ONE

By Lesego Tlhwale (BTM Intern)

SOUTH AFRICA – 22 April 2010: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people are part of a broader society, we may be different in sexual orientations but we are all people with the same needs and are affected by similar issues, Frank Malaba, co-host and content producer of Outspoken, a gay talk show said as the Radio Today talk show turned one on 19 April 2010. 

A weekly talk show, broadcasting on Mondays between 21:00 pm to 22:00PM (1485 AM) and DSTV Channel169, the show reaches audiences in the Sub-Saharan Africa and has become a platform of expression for all gay and bisexual people as well as their heterosexual friends and families.

“Radio today is a community radio station, and we believe that there are different people in our communities that need to be respected and given a chance to be understood”, Molaba said.

He added, “We as Outspoken have grown and have become a voice for the voiceless especially in the African countries where homosexuality is still illegal or misunderstood. We have become an all encompassing show that represents all strata of LGBTI groups in our community and beyond.”

According to Molaba the show has also become a place where people with questions about gay issues can come for information.

“We are also very well placed in society and are getting more and more recognised as a great alternative talk show for those not looking for a typical run-of-the-mill radio show about people that love differently, he said. 

He also revealed the intention to connect and work with organizations and publications in Johannesburg and surrounding areas that may contribute to the show’s growth.

“Organisations that will help provide content and make the show more accessible to listeners who might not otherwise be reached by the current advertising and outreach attempts that we have in place.”

The talk show went on air for the first time on 20 April 2009 and it is co-hosted by Frank Malaba and Dupreez Strauss.