Hawaii's First gay radio program to air next month

[urbanguy]

Hawaii's First gay radio program to air next month

Hawaii's first gay radio program on Kauai has plans to expand across the state as gay businesses snapped up sponsorship and advertising on the show before news of its launch reached the media.

Lambda Aloha, a lesbian-gay-bisexual-transsexual education, advocacy and research organization announced Tuesday the launch of "The Gay Agenda" on KQNG AM 570 on July 2.

"Businesses on Kauai that have relied on a gay clientele" are interested in advertising on the show, said Martin Rice, Lamda Aloha treasurer and co-founder.

"There is a large gay market that is underserved that generally has more disposable income than the regular population and is extremely loyal to its businesses."

The first guests on the show, Lambda Aloha Chairman Dan Griesmann and Rice will speak about the 11-year history of Lambda Aloha. "It's going to be information sharing -- not name-calling," said Griesmann. "We are not out to reinvent the wheel or shake up the world or offend anybody."

Lambda Aloha contracted six shows for the next six months, which will probably increase to two shows a month depending on the demand, Rice said. Initially the show will air on the first Friday of every month from 11:05 to noon.

Later shows will include "queer-positive news," guests Robin Nusbaum of the Safe Schools Coalition, Carolyn Golojuch from PFLAG Oahu and Skip Burns of Equality Hawaii as well as call-ins from listeners.

One gay business, 80 Percent Straight Inc., advertises on Oahu radio stations and expressed interest in the new show when it comes to Oahu. "As long as it something that has a positive representation of the gay community, I'm sure we would be interested," said Eric Nakayama, manager of 80 Percent Straight Inc.

Jack Law, Wave Waikiki and Hula's Bar & Lei stand owner, said he would also advertise his gay-friendly nightclubs on the radio show if it proves a success on Kauai.

The support gay businesses would give the radio program shows gay businesses are an economic force not to overlook, Law said.