This episode of Queering The Air, Sasja and Shurthi was joined by Lesley Saddington, the author of “I Don’t Want To Talk About It,” a biography of AIDS activist Anthony Carden.

In this compelling book, Lesley explores the aftermath of Anthony’s experiences with childhood sexual abuse, his ongoing mental health challenges, and the joyful moments he spent studying at the esteemed Lee Strasberg Institute in New York. It also highlights his rising career as a Broadway actor and the profound loss of his best friend to AIDS, as well as the intense discrimination they faced during that period leading up to Tony’s death at the age of 33. This powerful narrative captures a mother’s love and unwavering support, illustrating how Tony’s deepest secret impacted not just his life but the lives of many others—a truth that was startlingly revealed during the 2014 Royal Commission into Child Abuse.

We explored Lesley’s motivations for writing Anthony’s story and discuss why it was important to share this narrative.

Purchase Book: I Don't Want To Talk About It

Music:

My Love Don't Cost Thing by Jennifer Lopez

Find My Way Back by Samuel Gaskin x Kee'ahn