With support from the Victorian Government, Kerrie & Dolly’s House Party – a brand new live-streamed light entertainment variety program to be hosted by Kerrie Stanley and Dolly Diamond twice weekly on the freshly launched JOY TV from Thursday 23 April 2020.
Finding new ways of supporting each other to keep our communities connected, the Victorian Government is funding the immediate rollout of priority initiatives to support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ Victorians impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“We not only recognise the needs of our LGBTIQ communities, we prioritise them,” said Minister for Equality, Martin Foley. “We know that the effects of a global pandemic can be felt in complex and difficult ways in these communities, so we’re supporting trusted organisations at the frontlines to ramp up their efforts wherever possible.”
“We’re making the investments needed to ensure every LGBTIQ Victorian has access to the healthcare and support they deserve,” added Minister Foley.
This funding will increase the capacity of JOY 94.9 as a multi media organisation, to launch JOY TV – a video streaming service using platforms such as YouTube and social media channels.
“Now more than ever, the role of independent community media is so important in keeping our community connected, informed and entertained,” said JOY 94.9 CEO, Ange Barry. “The launch of JOY TV with this important show builds on the great work of Bent TV and other organisations, broadcasting video content created by community for community.”
Kerrie & Dolly’s House Party is proud to be the first collaboration to be streamed on JOY TV. The show aims to bring a sense of the LGBTIQA+ and allied communities into viewer’s homes, as well as to emphasise hope and optimism during these challenging times. The format will include songs, performances and segments, along with updates and interviews with key LGBTIQA+ figures all by video link or as pre-recorded pieces.
“It’s time to switch over to something that is community based, informative, interactive and a whole lot of fun,” says comedy-cabaret icon and host, Dolly Diamond. “We’re here to take the LGBTIQA+ community’s mind off the challenges we are facing right now. And we certainly won’t be forgetting our allies!”
“Dolly Diamond and I are excited to bring you all the variety you can handle, not once, but twice a week,” added co-host, Kerrie Stanley. “We believe in accentuating the positive so we will focus on good news stories and subjects, especially ones that make us all laugh.”
House Party will regularly feature a number of recognised Victorian LGBTIQA+ community members including Dean Arcuri (cabaret artist/JOY broadcaster), Sexy Galexy (drag king/comedian), and musical theatre performers, Vincent Hooper and Rachel Trevorrow Dunham, just to name a few…
Kerrie & Dolly’s House Party will launch this Thursday 23 April on JOY TV and then will stream each Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30pm (AEST). For more information, visit: www.joy.org.au , www.facebook.com or www.youtube.com for details.
Image: Dolly Diamond and Kerrie Stanley (supplied)