A special LGBTQI-themed episode of ABC’s Q&A next week will feature Greek Australian cabaret star Paul Capsis.
The acclaimed thespian will be joined by gay rights activist and author Dennis Altman, Christian Democrat MP Fred Nile, plus two female panellists still to be confirmed for the discussion.
Capsis, known by many in the Greek community for starring alongside Alex Dimitriades in the Ana Kokkinos masterpiece Head On, will be adding his artistic experience to questions asked by the audience.
Capsis recently finished a season performing the musical theatre play Little Birds, and is set to perform in New York on Broadway in Pinocchio.
The special Q&A episode has received a significant amount of media coverage this week thanks to the inclusion of vocal gay rights opponent Fred Nile.
Having described homosexuality as “unnatural, immoral, unhealthy and sinful”, Nile has famously opposed the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, even to the extent of praying for bad weather to ruin the event.
Many have been angered by his inclusion, accusing the ABC for chasing ratings, saying Nile doesn’t bring balance, “he brings bigotry”.
The episode will screen live on ABC1 on Thursday 18 June, after a documentary about the iconic Australian movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The doco is called Between a Frock and a Hard Place.