Denny Moran

In this comprehensive podcast interview, Denny Moran recounts their experiences within the Wellington gay scene during the 1970s, a time marked by a vibrant but somewhat clandestine LGBTQ community. Working at the telephone exchange, a department within what was known as the post office at the time, Moran found a supportive work environment that was inclusive of openly gay individuals. They interact with many colorful characters and acknowledge the possibility that some of their seniors were also gay.

Moran reflects on the significance of the telephone exchange as a hub for the gay community, particularly in Wellington and Auckland. Social gatherings, like Christmas functions and balls, were highlights of the era, with many attendees dressing in drag and looking forward to seeing how others presented themselves at these events.

The podcast includes reflections on an era of openness within Moran's circle, where friends and sometimes family were aware of individuals' sexuality. Although the concept of gays and lesbians living openly was on the rise, public displays of affection such as holding hands or kissing were rare in public spaces.

Moran delves into the Wellington club scene, mentioning notable places like the Dorian Society and recounts the story of an overnight train trip with a notable character named Phyllis, highlighting the unexpected camaraderie among the gay guards on the railways.

Further discussing their nightlife, Moran recounts working in Wellington's drag scene, changing into drag on the bus, and frequenting venues like Carmen's International Coffee Lounge. They describe a period during which many in the LGBTQ community, including Moran, cross-dressed regularly.

Moran also addresses encounters with law enforcement in public spaces known as beats—an essential aspect of gay life in Wellington at the time, given the lack of other safe spaces for sexual encounters. They recall an incident of being arrested and charged for an indecent act, yet received support from their workplace following the ordeal.

Regarding the media's reaction to the gay community, the podcast touches on newspaper stories centered on the more sensational aspects of the LGBTQ scene, such as public appearances by drag queens. They emphasize that while the media may have reported on these happenings, individuals were rarely named.

Lastly, Moran ends on a reflective note, wishing they had connected more deeply with people rather than the scene itself, expressing gratitude for the inclusive environment they experienced during those formative years and inviting old acquaintances to reach out for a reunion.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Denny Moran

1970s, anonymous sex, arrest, australia, beats, brisbane, carmen rupe, carmen's international coffee lounge, courtenay place men's toilet, courts, crime, cruising, denny moran, dorian society, drag, entrapment, gay, health, history, law, police, post office, profile, public toilet (taj mahal), royal oak hotel, sex, sex work, the balcony / le balcon, transgender, wellington

activities, alcohol, attraction, auckland, ballroom dancing, bay of islands, books, bottom, breasts, building, bus, change, christmas, circle of friends memorial, class, clothing, clubs, coffee, coming out, coming up, community, conversation, cuba, cuba street, dance, dancing, desire, drag queen, dream, entertainment, environment, face, family, fat, food, friends, fun, gaming, gods, greg, hair, hit, holding hands, homosexual, hotel, indecent act, insurance, job, kissing, knowledge, legs, lifestyle, listening, love, mayor, news, other, pants, parties, people, pimping, public toilet, queen, queer, radio, rent, scene, scripture, sea, shade, shoes, shorts, skirt, social, stigma, straight, stuff, syphilis, the edge, time, tolerance, top, touch, transvestite, underwear, vivian street, wig, wind, witness, work, yellow, zoo