‘In Our Blood’ is Australia’s answer to ‘It’s A Sin’ & it features a very steamy scene at a noted gay cruising club
In Our Blood about the LGBTQ+ community’s response to the AIDS epidemic in the early ’80s.An ensemble miniseries rife with period-specific details, In Our Blood certainly invites comparison to Russell T Davies’ It’s A Sin, which followed a decade in the lives of young, queer Londoners during the international health crisis.But where the Australian drama differs is that it’s also a jukebox musical, featuring rousing performances of songs form the likes of Depeche Mode and Tears For Fears, punctuating emotional moments of queer joy, sadness, and resilience.The musical aspect is just one of the ways In Our Blood balances out the heavier subject matter with levity and celebration.
For another example, look no further than a scene in the latest episode, “No Time For Politicking,” in which “gay nun” Tim (Ryan A.
Murphy) heads to a men’s sauna for some safe sex activism to help prevent the spread of HIV.Plus a reflection on the gay casting debate: “I’m not setting some industry standard.”Notably, the scenes were filmed at Brisbane’s Wet Spa & Sauna, a popular cruising spot and “gay sex on premises” venue.
And, it turns out, the bathhouse is a natural on-camera, looking fantastic in neon pink, purple, and blue lighting—and of course packed with sweaty, naked sauna-goers.Dressed in a nun’s habit, Tim gets the attention of the spa’s muscled clientele to preach the good word of safe sex:“Contrary to unpopular opinion, God has not sent the plague to smite us all,” Tim shares, referencing the growing HIV epidemic.
