FUSE
MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU JUN / JUL 2011
LIFE LOVE 23 EQUALITY
Anita Pettinato
ART
my
PASSION & OBSESSION
gay
tv T NEXO N S A SE
♥
HELPING QUEER YOUTH REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
PINNACLE FOUNDATION
+ TRUMP’S HAIR FOR PRESIDENT CHRISTINA’S QUEER WALK OF FAME CHITA RIVERA GAY ICON & BROADWAY STAR ACT SCHOOLS ANTI-HOMOPHOBIA CONFERENCE
GLBTI POLLIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
> > > HANG IN THERE, EQUALITY IS ON ITS WAY!
BOOK NOW
6247 1223 WWW.THESTREET.ORG.AU
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CONTENTS
FUSE MAGAZINE MADE IN AUSTRALIA JUN / JUL 2011
LIFE LOVE 23 EQUALITY EDITOR Alexander Thatcher ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Tony Hamlyn
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POLITICAL EDITOR Simon Copland
FUSE FEATURES
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Yasmin Element
11 As this season of television draws to a close, we bring you news of next season’s TV fun.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christopher Powell
15 In a special report, FUSE magazine follows up on Canberra’s first Anti-Homophobia Conference.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Rebecca Lanning Helen McCarthy CONTRIBUTORS Scott Malcolm Andrew Barr Rose Pappalardo Chad Wijayatilake Robert Henderson Lucy Jane Thien Nguyen Keiran Rossteuscher Zara Jackson-Martin PHOTOGRAPHERS Norm Murray Douglas Robinson Josh Sellick Daniel Liebeck CONTACT FUSE Telephone: 0412 309 992 Email: hello@fusemagazine.com.au Mail: PO Box 3577 Manuka ACT 2603 Published + designed by: Lithium Innovation Pty Ltd www.lithium.net.au ISSN 1836-8387
20 Chita Rivera is not only a celebrated diva and gay icon but is also considered the brightest star to grace Broadway. She’s now touring Australia.
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FUSE OP.ED
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GLBTI people are having increased influence on the political stage around the world. Simon Copland looks at the challenges they face when they’re out and proud.
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Christopher Isherwood was a brilliant and controversial literary figure. Thien Nguyen reflects about the man, his lover and his final novel, A Meeting by the River.
FUSE REGULARS 02 Editor’s Rant 04 What’s On & The Flicks 06 Round Up : News & Politics
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WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU 35 All rights reserved. No part of the magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. The appearance, mention or likeness of any person or organisation in editorial or advertising in no way suggests sexual or political orientation. Photographs used to illustrate editorial do not depict the real lives, behaviour or sexuality of the models. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or FUSE staff. Any health, fitness or dietry advice contained in this magazine is for informational purposes only. Consult your physician and a fitness/health professional before changing your diet, doing any exercise program, or taking any supplements or remedies of any kind. Submissions of text, photographs or any other material will be taken as consent to publish said material.
22 She’s loud, proud and talented. We talk to Anita Pettinato about her passion and obsession for art!
16 Buzz : Entertainment & Gossip 25 Money Shot : The Pinnacle Foundation 27 Community : Equal Love Rally 29 Book Review : Christopher Isherwood 31 Grooming & Fashion : Dress Code 33 Top Queer : Mini Countryman 34 Out & About : Canberra 38 Ear Candy : Music Reviews & Gossip 41 Eat Me : Worms Are Cool! 43 Health : It’s Back With a Vengeance 45 Community : Candlelight Memorial 46 FUSE Community Directory 48 Dear Rose 1
EDITOR’S EDITOR’SRANT RANT
❂ HANG IN THERE. It’s seems that homophobia is getting worse. As GLBTI people around the world slowly claw forward for basic human rights, we are seeing many anti-gay groups and individuals becoming increasingly active — and in some cases violent. Sadly, I think this can be expected. There are many people who are absolutely horrified by the thought of queer people being accepted in mainstream society. Not to mention that we are having families and will hopefully soon have the same marriage rights as everyone else. Having said that, in Australia we are ‘the lucky country’. In some third world countries the penalties for just being gay or lesbian are extremely severe. Alexander Thatcher Editor
We are still fighting the good fight and have a great deal of support from all sections of the broader community. In fact, many Christians believe that God actually does love all people and that GLBTI folk should receive equal rights. I personally try to remember that fear, hate and intolerance can come from any group, as can love and common bloody sense. Many people in our community are standing up and letting the world know that we deserve better. Only recently Andrew Barr, now the ACT Deputy Chief Minister, took part in Canberra’s first Anti-Homophobia Conference and announced that the ACT Government will be developing initiatives to combat homophobia in schools. He said, “I am determined that every ACT school will continue to make every student feel safe and valued.”
Tony Hamlyn Entertainment Editor
In addition to this the new ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher, announced her support for same-sex marriage in an interview with the The Australian. She also met with Julia Gillard to urge her to support legislation that could pave the way for legalised same-sex unions in the ACT. There are of course many other politicians and leaders around the country who openly support the rights of GLBTI people. So it seems that as the battle for equal rights rages on we may be in for some continuing turmoil. I urge everyone to keep up the good work and hang in there, as change is definitely in the wind. With love, Alex
Simon Copland Political Editor
Alby Zanella I just want to say a huge thank you to FUSE Magazine for the free tickets to MICHAEL JACKSON HISTORY — THIS IS IT. My partner and I had an awesome time, it was absolutely incredible. May 27 at 1:38pm Douglas J Robinson Hey FUSE, Loved the article on Gender Dysphoria a great insight into a world a large number of people may not usually get to see or understand, keep up the great work as always. XXX May 13 at 6:43pm
Yasmin Element Associate Editor
Christopher Powell Creative Director
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Reflection + Functionality = Form Established in 1996, Form Haircutters in Kingston ACT, centre of Canberra’s Café District offers a high level of client comfort, quality customer service and the latest fashion trends in hair, whilst providing you with a ‘value for money’ commitment. Managing Partner/s Wayne Friend and Paul Granata, lead a dynamic and creative team of stylists whom share Wayne’s passion for the art of hairdressing and his ongoing commitment to education and awareness of the Hair Industry at both a national and global level. Upon arrival at Form, you are immediately greeted by the fresh, 25 Kennedy Street
spacious and warming ambiance. At Form, the friendly and
Kingston ACT 2604
experienced team can assist you with all aspects of hair care
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solutions ranging from hair cutting/styling, colour, and both in-house and at-home hair treatments. 3
MOVIES SUPER 8 OPENS 9 JUNE In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town. The local Deputy tries to uncover the truth which is more terrifying than any of them could have imagined. LA TIMES ...all people need to know is that it’s an adventure about a small town and it’s funny, it’s sweet, it’s scary and there’s a mystery: What is this thing that has escaped?
THE FLICKS DARK OF THE MOON OPENS 30 JUNE Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. When a mysterious event from Earth’s past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us.
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THE TREE OF LIFE OPENS 30 JUNE A hymn to life, this film excavates answers to the most haunting and personal human questions through a kaleidoscope of the intimate and the cosmic. From the raw emotions of a family in a small Texas town to the wildest, infinite edges of space and time, from a boy’s loss of innocence to a man’s transforming encounters with awe, wonder and transcendence.
HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 OPENS 13 JULY The final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.
THE BEAVER OPENS 21 JULY An story about a man on a journey to rediscover his family and re-start his life. Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black, was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tries, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track... until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.
FREE MOVIE TICKETS FUSE has double passes to give away to Dendy Cinemas.
Email us and tell us what you think of FUSE, comment on an article or sign up to the FUSE website and you could win these great Dendy movie tickets • email: hello@fusemagazine.com.au • www.fusemagazine.com.au FREE MOVIE PASSES KINDLY SUPPLIED BY DENDY CINEMAS CANBERRA LEVEL 2, NORTH QUARTER CANBERRA CENTRE, BUNDA STREET, CANBERRA CITY 261-263 KING STREET, NEWTOWN • SHOP 9, 2 EAST CIRCULAR QUAY, SYDNEY PORTSIDE WHARF, REMORA ROAD, HAMILTON • 108 JONSON STREET, BYRON BAY WWW.DENDY.COM.AU
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WHAT’S ON
BENTLENSES PRESENTS QUEER FILM AT ITS VERY BEST!
LESBIANS IN THE HOUSE SUNDAY 10 JULY 2011, 7PM - 11PM CREATIVE WOMYN DOWN UNDER PRESENT “LESBIANS IN THE HOUSE” CONCERT AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE Two thousand lesbians gathered at the Sydney Opera House twenty years ago for a night of great music, dance and a celebration of community. On 10 July lesbians will be back in the house with many of the original artists plus a whole lot more. The 1991 performers Judy Small, Deborah Cheetham, Anique, Kath and Ini and Jive with Jeanette Dancers will be joined by Bluehouse, Julie McCrossin, Shauna Jensen, Kerrianne Cox, Mignon, Donna-Maree Dunlop, Journey MC and Maeve Marsden. This exciting night also includes a drumming welcome by Tranceportation and Feral Fingers, a photographic exhibition by Diann Payne, a community choir directed by Ini and Dayamayii, a young singers showcase and an honouring of sisters who have passed. Booking: 02 9250 7777 or www.sydneyoperahouse.com
THE SUM OF US
Bent Lenses has a fantastic line up of queer films to keep you entertained over these chilly winter months. With films like Brotherhood, Plan B, Gigola, Sascha and Ticked-Off Trannies With Knives in the line up there is sure to be something for everyone. Check out the full list of films showing on the FUSE website and on p26.
WHAT’S ON! Check out fusemagazine.com.au for a full list of what’s on
KYLIE ON TOUR!
The Sum of Us is currently showing in theatres throughout the country. It’s is a bitter sweet comedy that revolves around the devoted and loving relationship between a widower and his gay son and their individual searches for a partner. Canberra Theatre ‘ONE NIGHT ONLY’ Saturday 16 July Bookings 6275 2700 or www. canberratheatrecentre.com.au Sydney Glen Street Theatre 9 - 20 August Bookings 9975 1455 or www.glenstreet.com.au
Have you got your Kylie tickets yet? Better hurry kids, because Kylie has been thrilling fans across the world with ‘Aphrodite - Les Folies’ and ‘Aphrodite Live’ and there are more dates to come. Check out her website for details of a show near you: www.kylie.com 5
NEWS & POLITICS
TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT!? He is the head of a huge corporation, host of The Apprentice, the owner of the Miss Universe Organisation and now a potential candidate for the Presidency of the United States. lol. Trump has become popular with Republican voters by rejecting his previously socially progressive ideas and adopting a right wing conservative approach. Trump has taken a hard line against same-sex marriage, abortion and Barack Obama’s foreign policies. He actually compared his opposition to same-sex marriage to his reluctance to use ugly golf clubs. “It’s like in golf ... a lot of people are switching to these really long putters, very unattractive ... and, I hate it. I am a traditionalist. I have so many fabulous friends who happen to be gay, but I am a traditionalist.” One thing is for sure — if Trump decides to run, it will be a comedian’s delight. At a recent press dinner, comedian Seth Meyers commented, ‘Donald Trump often appears on Fox, which is ironic because a fox often appears on Donald Trump’s head’.
By Simon Copland
ROUND UP) SOUTH AFRICA TACKLES HATE CRIMES The South African Justice Ministry has set up a crackteam to tackle hate crimes in the country. The decision came after an outcry following the gang-rape and murder of a South African woman over the Easter weekend. Activists claimed that the murder was part of a wider trend in South Africa, with lesbian women being subject to ‘corrective-rape’; a tool used to either punish a lesbian or ‘correct’ her behaviour. Through the website change.org, South African activists amassed 170,000 signatures putting pressure on the Government to do something to stop these crimes. The new team will be charged with developing a hate-crimes legislative intervention plan, a public awareness strategy, and LGBTI sensitive shelters.
THIS MONTH’S IDIOCY We better watch out because American Republican Ken Peterson wants to gaol any ‘gays’ who ‘recruit’ non-gays. A member of the Montana state legislature has ‘learned’ of the queer community’s ‘evil’ plans to recruit new members to homosexuality and is determined to stop it! Republican Ken Peterson has called for legislation to make it illegal for homosexuals to ‘recruit’ non-gays. Ken Peterson would like to enforce a punishment of ten years in gaol and a $50,000 fine for anyone caught in the act of ‘gay-recruitment’. The good news if this bill passes is that Montana Governor, Brian Schweitz, a Democrat, would be certain to veto any such legislation in a flamboyant manner. In a recent ceremony, Schweitzer used a cattle iron with the word ‘Veto’ inscribed on it to overturn a range of new Republican bills on the steps of the Montana legislature. We can hope for a repeat performance if this ‘gay-recruitment’ bill passes.
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There is nothing wrong with going to bed with someone of your own sex. People should be very free with sex, they should draw the line at goats. Elton John
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My driving commitment during my 10 years as chief minister has been to imbed the core principles of social justice, freedom from discrimination, human rights, equality of opportunity and the rule of law, ever more firmly into our community. Outgoing Chief Minister Jon Stanhope at his resignation press conference.
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ROUND UP)
ADD IT UP
EUROVISION 2011!
1,645,872
Number of people signing a petition calling on the Ugandan Government to drop its legislation that would punish homosexuality with death.
5,106
Tweets per second during Barack Obama’s speech declaring that the United States had killed Osama Bin Laden.
Almost 600 million
The Number of people who use Facebook worldwide and growing.
47
Percentage of people in Australia who believe that those earning $150,000 per year are not rich.
UGANDA HALTS ANTI-GAY BILL The Uganda Parliament has backed away from a bill that would have made homosexuality punishable by death. The Ugandan Parliament took no action on the proposed bill during their latest legislative session, leaving its future up in the air. This followed immense pressure from a range of international organisations and governments, including a petition by the international organisation Avaaz which amassed over 1.6 million signatures in just over 24 hours. This doesn’t mean all is well in Uganda however. Homosexuality is still illegal in this central African country and out LGBTI people face the constant threat of being killed because of their sexuality.
3
Number of women who have been the Chief Minister of the ACT following Katy Gallagher’s election (Below Katy Gallagher joins Kate Carnell and Rosemary Follett).
The number of South African lesbian women who have suffered from ‘corrective rape’ and murder since 1998. According to the gay rights organization, Triangle, only two cases of ‘corrective rape’ have ever seen a courtroom, with only one conviction.
A 2011 study from global LGBT marketing agency, Out Now has researched the extent to which gays and lesbians comprise Eurovision’s viewing audience in nineteen countries around the world. According to the report, the competition’s most ardent gay supporters hail from Ireland with 24% of viewers identifying as gay or lesbian. Australia’s LGBT community came in at 14%.
A NEW ACT CHIEF WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE GAY IN SCHOOL?
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Europeans partied in May as the yearly song competition, Eurovision, headed to Germany, where Dusseldorf provided three nights of glitter, bad dancing and fantastic euro-pop. This year’s winner was the Azerbaji entrant, Ell/Nikki with their song ‘Running Scared’. It is the first time Azerbaijan has won the competition in its 56-year history. The win means that if you want to enjoy Eurovision next year, you’ll have to find your way to the Azerbaijan capital city, Baku to enjoy next year’s festivities.
The debate has continued around homosexuality in schools with a special SBS Insight program about what it’s like to be LGBTI in school. Topics covered included the politics of coming out, mental health for queer teenagers and whether or not private schools should be allowed to expel students and fire teachers who are LGBTI. Whilst this debate raged, one fact could not be ignored: LGBTI teenagers continue to suffer some of the highest suicide rates of any group. Whether they like to admit it or not, those who stand up and tell students that they must leave schools because they are gay are playing some role in perpetuating this awful statistic.
In a surprise announcement, the ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope announced his immediate retirement in May. Stanhope was famous for his progressive leadership of the ACT Government, including his passage of the nation’s first Human Rights Act, the implementation of Civil Unions legislation and his publication of a secret draft of the Howard Government’s anti-terrorism legislation on his website. He will be remembered also for his leadership during the 2003 bushfires and by an array of public art installed during his time. Jon Stanhope was replaced by his deputy, Katy Gallagher, with Andrew Barr becoming the the first openly gay ACT Deputy Chief Minister. 7
OH WHAT A NIGHT! MORE FANTASTIC SHOWS AT THE QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
BLOOD BROTHERS 6-23 JULY Willy Russell’s classic musical Blood Brothers is set in Liverpool and is a story of twin brothers separated at birth who reunite and become friends in their childhood, unaware they are related or of the consequences their relationship will bring. Regarded as one of the all time great British musicals, Blood Brothers has been playing on the West End for over 20 years. ‘I see no reason why it shouldn’t run for at least another ten years. If you haven’t seen it yet... WHY NOT? Christopher George, London Theatre Online
15-17 SEPTEMBER The Lennon & McCartney Songbook. Three of Australia’s top cabaret performers are joining forces to take you on a Magical Mystery Tour through a collection of the finest pop songs ever written. ‘A full throttle cabaret show’ Adelaide Now
253 CRAWFORD STREET QUEANBEYAN
TICKET BOOKINGS 6285 6290 WWW.THEQ.NET.AU
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OH WHAT A NIGHT! 19-23 SEPTEMBER A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Direct from Las Vegas to The Q - OH WHAT A NIGHT! is an exciting musical revue written and directed by independent Motown producer George Solomon, and award winning producer/director Michael Chapman. Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On, and Who Loves You, are just some of the many hits you will enjoy from the songbook of those dynamic boys from Jersey, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
FEATURE OP.ED
THE
GLBTI
BUNCH AROUND THE WORLD, GLBTI PEOPLE ARE HAVING INCREASED INFLUENCE ON THE POLITICAL STAGE. More GLBTI people are now being elected to higher political positions. In doing so, they are breaking down some of the barriers put up against queer people who want to enter politics. Yet, as the number of GLBTI Parliamentarians increases, so does the challenges queer people face when they enter the political world. The influence of GLBTI politicians is increasing. In 2009 Iceland elected Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir to the position of Prime Minister, becoming the first openly gay or lesbian head of Government in the modern era. In Australia, GLBTI politicians are breaking new heights every year. Australia now has an openly gay leader of a major party (Bob Brown for the Greens), an openly lesbian Finance Minister (Penny Wong) and an openly gay deputy Chief Minister (Andrew Barr in the ACT). Yet, our political system still places many barriers in front of people who want to get involved and be open about their sexuality. Politicians are still often expected to live up to the traditional family model to succeed. For example, Julia Gillard not being married has caused significant problems for her throughout her career, and talk about a potential future marriage is constantly popping up in the media. Some reporters seem constantly obsessed with the marital status of our elected officials. As if that is an indicator of their ability to lead. It is still expected that politicians will be straight, married and to fit the traditional family mould. In this context, GLBTI politicians face the fact that due to their sexuality they are unable to fit within the traditional family mould. Queer politicians often face intense discrimination, with rumours, innuendo and accusations about sexual misdeeds following them wherever they go. For example, the former majority leader of the US House of Representatives, Dick Armey, once famously referred to influential gay Democrat, Barney Frank, as ‘Barney Fag’. For Frank, as with other queer politicians, his sexuality has followed him wherever his career has taken him. PHOTO CAPTIONS
Top Left: Penny Wong is the first openly lesbian member and Asian-born woman of the Australian Federal Cabinet. Top Middle: Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir from Iceland was the world’s first openly gay Head of Government. Top Right: Andrew Barr is the ACT’s first openly gay Deputy Chief Minister. Middle Left: Georgina Beyer was the world’s first openly trans* Member of Parliament, in New Zealand. Middle Right: Taiga Ishikawa, the first openly gay politician in Japan to win an election in April 2011. Bottom Left: Denise Andrews is an openly lesbian American Democrat from Western Massachusetts. Bottom Middle: Bob Brown announced in the 70s that he was gay expressly in order to encourage gay law reform. Bottom Right: In 1987, Barney Frank became the second openly gay member of the US House of Representatives.
IF WE WANT TO CREATE REAL CHANGE WE NEED TO REMOVE THE IDEA THAT THERE IS ONE IDEAL ‘FAMILY MOULD’ THAT YOU HAVE TO CONFORM TO, TO BE SUCCESSFUL. By Simon Copland
In many cases, only those GLBTI politicians who are discrete with their relationships (and pretend to conform to traditional values) are able to avoid discrimination. You rarely see a GLBTI politician (or any other politician for that matter) who doesn’t face ongoing community or media discrimination for not being in, or having plans to be in a long term, monogamous, heterosexual relationship. The idea of a bisexual politician, who is able to be active sexually with both men and women and still be successful, is simply impossible. It is good to see GLBTI politicians rising in the ranks of the political field. Yet, we cannot expect that an increase in the numbers and power of these people will lead to significantly better results for queer people. I feel that GLBTI politicians are still required to play the role of the traditional family life to be able to enter the political elite and be successful. They are therefore often unable to challenge the very nature of the heteronormative society through the political system. Whilst this is not a criticism of GLBTI politicians and the lifestyle choices they make, if we are to support these politicians and the many others who wish to follow, we must not just do so through standing up for them in Parliament but through challenging the very nature of our political situation. If we want to create real change we need to remove the idea that there is one ideal ‘family mould’ that you have to conform to for success. 9
Tilley’s
Devine Café Gallery
TILLEY’S IS NESTLED IN TREE LINED LYNEHAM For over 26 years Tilley’s has been famous for its breakfasts, lunches and dinners... and of course its fabulous coffees. Tilley’s attracts not only ‘regulars’ but visitors from overseas and interstate who enjoy the all-day menu specials, and oh such lovely cake! Internationally renowned for legendary blues, jazz and classical concerts, Tilley’s continues to attract artists of international calibre who prefer the intimacy of a warm theatre atmosphere clad in red velvet, brass and dark timber booths. With a fully licensed bar, one can enjoy champagne with breakfast, or in the evening savour our broad range of wines, spirits or boutique beers on tap.
MIKELANGELO AND THE TIN STAR Launching their debut album: “The Surf ‘n’ Western Sounds of Mikelangelo and the Tin Star”, with special guests Saint Clare and her glittering troupe — Go Girl Gadget Go Go. Fred Smith & Liz Frencham will be opening this extraordinary show.
SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2011 TICKETS $32 OVER THE BAR OR BY CALLING (02) 6247 7753 MORE INFO WWW.TILLEYS.COM.AU
THE CALL IS YOURS! TILLEY’S CAN DO IT FOR YOU! CORNER OF WATTLE & BRIGALOW STREETS, LYNEHAM Serving you breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days • Monday to Saturday: 9am – 10pm Sundays: 9am – 6pm • To reserve your favourite table or booth phone us on 6247 7753 10
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GAY TV AS THIS SEASON OF TELEVISION DRAWS TO A CLOSE, NEWS OF NEXT SEASON’S TV FOLLY IS BEGINNING TO SEEP THROUGH. THESE HOT NEW SHOWS WILL HIT SCREENS NEXT YEAR. WE CHECK OUT THE TITLES THAT ALL DISCERNING HOMOS NEED TO KEEP THEIR EYES, EARS AND THROATS OPEN FOR.
NEXT@ SEASON By Tony Hamlyn
SMASH NBC WHAT IS IT?
Glee for grownups, and potentially the greatest thing to come out of US television in the past fifty years. It’s the backstage story of a fictional Broadway musical, featuring original songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman who composed the music for Hairspray. IS IT GAY? Dangerously so. It’s musical theatre with a diva standoff storyline and a tasty dramatic flair. It’s gayness can be seen from space. ANYONE FAMOUS INVOLVED? Like, everyone! Debra Messing, Angelica Huston, Katharine McPhee, and a bunch of Broadway legends. If that’s not enough, it’s also co-produced by Spielberg. BUT IS IT ANY GOOD? After watching the extended trailer I had to be resuscitated. It is going to be amazing!
r Supeing z ama
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FEATURE
ALLAN GREGORY FOX WHAT IS IT?
GAY TV
NEXTN@ O SEAS
A new animated series from actor Jonah Hill and Family Guy writer, David A Goodman. The titular character is a weirdly and hilariously precocious seven year old with two gay dads and an adopted Ethiopian kid sister. IS IT GAY?
Yes, but like most animated series of this nature it takes the piss. A lot. If you love the kind of gay bashing you see regularly on Family Guy and American Dad! (and like seriously who doesn’t?) then this will be right up your alley. ANYONE FAMOUS INVOLVED?
Un- le ab miss
Jonah Hill is kinda famous. And French Stewart plays one of the dads. Remember him? He was Harry in Third Rock from the Sun. Also there will be famous guest voices throughout, including Will Arnett and Renee Taylor. Remember her? She played Fran’s mum on The Nanny.
GOOD CHRISTIAN BELLES ABC
BUT IS IT ANY GOOD?
WHAT IS IT?
It looks brilliant, subversive and wrong on oh so many levels. In a word: Unmissable.
Soap flavoured dramedy. Amanda (Leslie Bibb) comes back home to Dallas after a messy divorce. In the process of getting her life back together she is reintroduced to her old High School buddies who are all a pack of bitches. Think Knots Landing meets Desperate Housewives. IS IT GAY? Dear lord, is it what! There is gayness a-plenty in the plot points, including a hot wealthy closet-case and his boyfriend on the side. Plus, the gay credentials alone on this show are breathtaking: It’s created by Robert Harling, the writer of Steel Magnolias, and produced by Marc Cherry responsible for Desperate Housewives and who used to also write for Golden Girls. It also stars the legendary Kristin Chenoweth. It just doesn’t get much gayer than all this!
It's aey turk
BUT IS IT ANY GOOD?
WORK IT NBC
I’m going out on a limb and saying yes. It’s very good.
WHAT IS IT? Desperate for employment, two men pose as women in order to get pharmaceutical sales jobs. IS IT GAY? No. I mean yes, there’s drag. But not gay drag. ANYONE FAMOUS INVOLVED? In this turkey? Not a chance! Nobody in their right mind would risk their career on something this atrocious. BUT IS IT ANY GOOD? The show’s creative team were a part of the Friends writing staff, so there might be some decent one-liners. But seriously, this is the kind of show that makes you wonder who’s in charge at these networks. 12
VERY good
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THE PLAYBOY CLUB NBC WHAT IS IT? Set in 1963, this drama series is about the infamous Playboy club in Chicago and the girls who scandalously earn a living there. It’s like Mad Men but with a plot. S LOOK FUN
IS IT GAY?
ARE YOU THERE, VODKA? IT’S ME, CHELSEA NBC WHAT IS IT? A sitcom based on the Chelsea Handler book of the same name. The main character is a crazy 20-something barmaid whose life is turned around after getting a DUI charge and watching her sister give birth, presumably not at the same time. It’s like Cheers but with hot girls. IS IT GAY? Not as such. No homos to speak of, though I suspect the hot, sassy co-worker in Chelsea’s workplace might be developed into the token gay character. Regardless, it has gay undertones. Oh, and Coach Beiste from Glee (Dot Jones) is in the pilot as a lesbian cellmate. ANYONE FAMOUS INVOLVED?
The gays always love a good costume drama, particularly one that’s based on something sexy and glamorous like the Playboy brand. But like Mad Men (which has a closeted gay character), this show is limited in its gayness due to the societal constraints of its period. If anyone was gay in this show chances are they’d die within a three-episode arc. ANYONE FAMOUS INVOLVED? The gorgeous Eddie Cibrian, the slutty Amber Heard, and that chick from Step Up, Jenna Dewan. BUT IS IT ANY GOOD? It has potential. Probably, yes.
HAS ial nt pote
APARTMENT 23 NBC WHAT IS IT? A very funny comedy about two female flat mates (Dreama Walker and Krysten Ritter) who totally hate each other and do nasty, sadistic things like sell each other’s furniture and sleep with each other’s fiancé. It’s The Odd Couple for the millennium, and maybe the antithesis of your Sex and the City scenarios.
Dot Jones and also Chelsea Handler, who in a hilarious twist plays her own snippy, somewhat conservative sister. And someone called Lauren Lapkus who’s not famous yet, but whose role as DeeDee the crazy flat mate is going to launch her into superstar territory.
IS IT GAY?
BUT IS IT ANY GOOD?
Best thing ever: James Van Der Beek plays HIMSELF! The storyline involves him being close with one of the bitch flat mates. In her own words, “He’s my gay BFF, only straight.”
Yeah it looks fun and a bit twisted — in a good way.
CHARLIE’S ANGELS ABC
Not at first sight. But the dialogue between the two main characters is so cutting; it looks very Karen and Rosario from Will & Grace. The gays are going to LOVE this one. ANYONE FAMOUS INVOLVED?
BUT IS IT ANY GOOD? It’s gonna rock your world. It’s gonna rock everyone’s world.
WHAT IS IT? Yes, it’s a remake of the 1970s Spelling series. IS IT GAY? Not really. Whilst the franchise is a gay favourite, I have doubts this slick do-over will hit the same mark. ANYONE FAMOUS INVOLVED? Robert Wagner as the voice of Charlie. Also Ramon Rodríguez who was in The Wire and is the sweetest eye candy you could ever want on your flatscreen. He’s playing Bosley. BUT IS IT ANY GOOD?
ably prob t! no
The early reviews are praising it as unexpectedly classy. But I think it’s gonna be more Crockett and Tubbs than Kelly, Sabrina and Jill.
very us o fabuL
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Gay? Lesbian? Bisexual? Trans? Curious? ... Awesome! You’re not alone.
bitbent.org 14
qnet queer youth canberra
qnet.org.au
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2011 ACT SCHOOLS
COMMUNITY
ANTI-HOMOPHOBIA CONFERENCE AROUND 170 STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERS FROM PUBLIC, CATHOLIC AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GATHERED FOR A MAJOR CONFERENCE AT THE HEADLEY BEARE CENTRE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA. The Conference was part of an ACT Government initiative to stamp out homophobia in ACT schools. Guest speakers included: Daniel Witthaus, Author of the book Beyond ‘That’s So Gay’: Challenging homophobia in Australian schools. Daniel recently completed a 38-week national challenging tour of regional and rural Australia, Beyond ‘That’s So Gay’. He spoke about his work in Victorian schools to develop practical strategies and frameworks for understanding sexual identity, coming out and challenging a variety of homophobic behaviours in young people. Dr Lynne Hillier from La Trobe University’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society. Dr Hillier outlined the latest research from the Writing Themselves In 3 (WTi3) report - the third national study on the sexual health and wellbeing of same sex attracted and gender questioning young people. In 2010 more than 3,000 young Australians responded to the survey including 80 from the ACT. Andrew Barr MLA, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Education. Andrew spoke about his experiences as a closeted gay student in ACT Schools in the 1980s and 90s. He also discussed the need for system wide and school based initiatives to combat homophobia. “I’m afraid that the situation in ACT and Australian schools is very problematic ... the research is showing very high levels of homophobia. It’s time for Australian governments at the state and territory and national level to take a stand on these issues.” Dr Affrica Taylor from the University of Canberra chaired a panel discussion of representatives from schools, community groups and youth organisations. Some great quotes from panel participants:
“It is often hard to challenge intolerance and homophobia, it can mean going against the grain, and feeling unsupported but we need to do it even if we are clumsy or stumble.” “Every child is worth empowering to be all they can be. Every family can be beautiful and change the world.” “[on schools tackling homophobia]… Those who matter don’t mind… and those that mind don’t matter.”
THE CONFERENCE GENERATED A NUMBER OF KEY OUTCOMES ACT Government will: • Develop a new training package to help ensure school counsellors and pastoral care coordinators can better work with their entire school to prevent homophobia. • Reform school Anti-Sexual Harassment Contact Officer training to improve our schools’ response to homophobia. ACT Schools will: • Develop school based strategies to combat homophobia. ACT Policing will: • Send Gay & Lesbian liaison officers to talk to school groups on request.
Education Minister Barr has confirmed that the Conference will Visit Anita’s websiteAndrew at: insceneart.com.au. become anher annual partwork of the Government Anti-Bullying program. Check out lastest at ACT the very funky gallery The Urban Uprising in Sydney. urbanuprising.com.au.
STROMLO HIGH SCHOOL CASE STUDY Stromlo provided the largest gathering from any ACT school at the Conference — 21 students, the School Chaplain and the Curriculum Education Program Coordinator. The Conference inspired the Stromlo students and staff to establish the ‘Diversity United’ Group. The Group will meet at lunchtime every Wednesday in a safe place, open to all students and their friends who value student and staff diversity. The ACT Government will assist the school to purchase new resources that will provide positive examples for students with diverse self-identities. The students propose to make a series of anti-bullying posters designed to brighten classrooms, corridors and common areas promoting diversity messages. The posters will be original student-designed, and articulate what students learnt at the conference — to create positive ideas behind diverse identities, to generate discussions about labels and homophobia, to challenge narrow mindedness, and to get the message into all parts of their school. The students will also create information communication technology posters to be shown to visitors on the school foyer. Daily notices on interactive whiteboards will also be displayed in every classroom and at pastoral care lessons. The materials will be shared with other high schools. Members of the Stromlo staff and students have agreed to be “School Diversity Ambassadors” on a series of posters to go around the school making students and staff aware that there is someone to talk to if they need advice. 15
ENTERTAINMENT
By Tony Hamlyn
BUZZ ! A-LISTED Those of you not yet hip to the disastrously fabulous reality series The A-List: New York really need to get it together — and now! It’s a collection of the most astonishingly hateful and vapid scene queens ever gathered in the one place, and the general theme of the show is setting up a bunch of the most self-important gay guys as they try ferociously to outshine one another. Imagine Real Housewives meets the staff of The Rachel Zoe Project; add some underwear modeling and you’ve pretty much got the A-List gist. The first series was jawdropping, as it followed oh-so hot Reichen, winner of The Amazing Race season 4, moving into the East Village with his Latino boyfriend Rodiney and navigating the trappings of supposedly A-List gay society in NYC. The characters assembled are pretentious and troublesome, to say the least, and the interactions are at once an awful display of blinding self-importance and a pretty accurate portrayal of how historically this caliber of gay men deal with the world and each other. Unmissable and simply hilarious, it was the runaway hit of last year. The great news is it’s back with season two, beginning in the US on July 25. Expect more of the same genius TV — the tagline for the new series is “Hide Your Husbands! Watch Your Drinks!”
All the original cast has signed on and there’s some newbies to discover as well. As if that wasn’t enough, a new branch of the franchise is being unveiled around the same time! The A-List: Dallas promises all the nastiness of New York, but with southern charm. The cast was unveiled on the Logo website last month and they are all hotter than Texan chilli in a Northern July! Check them out at the website below, and keep your eyes peeled for more A-List: New York at www.newnownext.com!
CHRISTINA’S GAY WALK OF FAME Tres j’adore Christina Aguilera. I mean, how could you not? She’s a little ball of crazy with a bad blonde weave, whore-flavoured lip-gloss, and a voice like New Years Eve fireworks. ... And ever since the Stripped album (still in my top five of all time!) I’ve worshipped the quicksand she walks on. So how wonderful to hear she is the first inductee into LA’s Gay Walk of Fame. West Hollywood’s infamous gay bar, The Abbey, has begun its own tradition of celebrating the idioms and icons of our global gay community, and our Diva Xtina was there to smoosh those cherry red press-ons into the cement, immortalizing herself at last as a part of the gay vernacular for all time. Or at least ‘til they widen the road to make room for another Starbucks. A rep for the LA Gay & Lesbian Centre, who oversaw the inaugural selection, said, ‘We’re proud of Christina, who’s always supported causes important to gay people. We applaud her for speaking out in favour of equality and working to support the community’. Absolutely! Long before GaGa was raising her paws and dragging us all out to the Monster Ball, the ‘Beautiful’ video was (and remains) a masterpiece in affirming the sexual and social differences in us all. Plus, girlfriend can WAIL, so there was really no other choice. Question now is… who’s gonna be next on that Gay Walk of Fame? 16
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BUZZ ! THE DOCTOR’S WIFE!
SOMETIMES THE IMPOSSIBLE ISN’T IMPOSSIBLE. A new aussie doco called The Doctor’s Wife has recently been doing the gay film festival circuit, produced by first time filmmaker Jonathan Duffy. The focus of the film is himself and his husband, Dr Vincent Cornelisse, who in 2008 packed up their inner-city lifestyle and moved up to the Far North Queensland town of Mundubbera where Vincent took a placement as the local GP. The documentary follows the experience of these two Brissy queens negotiating the terrain of a small country town and its residents. It reveals first hand the way that cultural and sexual diversity is met in rural Australia, and how preconceptions can work both for and against you. The film made its debut in May at the 2011 Tropical Alternatives Film Festival in Cairns, and had some really positive reviews. No distribution details have been confirmed as yet, but keep your eye out for this fabulous Aussie documentary. For more info, including trailers, check out the FUSE website.
LATTERDAY SAINTS? Broadway is being turned on its ear right now with a new production called The Book of Mormon, created by none other than Matt Stone and Trey Parker of South Park fame, and Avenue Q composer Robert Lopez. Whilst the initial assumption was that this new venture would simply be a one-eyed church-bashing, packed with profanity and crass one-liners, the show has actually been universally praised by critics and has quickly become New York’s hottest ticket. The story follows two young men who are sent to Uganda as missionaries for the Mormon Church, only to find themselves questioning their own lives, decisions and of course their faith. It’s exactly the sort of gut-busting comedy you would expect from this team, with lyrics that touch on issues of repressed homosexuality, AIDS in Africa and genital mutilation, to name just a few.
But the show has heart and a superbly written, almost traditional, musical theatre score. It’s been nominated for twelve Drama Desk Awards and fourteen Tony Awards, and the cast recording, released early June, is an absolute riot. A UK version is already in negotiation, so hopefully the Australian production might follow soon after. If you loved Avenue Q, or you’re a South Park nut, or you just appreciate fabulous, subversive, jawdroppingly wrong humour, then track this show down. You will not be disappointed.
GAY’S ANATOMY If I were a lesbian (notice how that’s my go-to, instead of pretending I’m a straight male? My therapist would have a field day with that one!), I reckon Kate Walsh from Grey’s Anatomy and now of course Private Practice would be my lady of choice. She’s smokin’ hot, got a great body and amazing breasts, and when I’ve seen or heard her interviewed in the past I’m always impressed by her fantastic sense of humour. If you are in fact a lesbian and you agree with me on this then you’ll be pleased to hear that Kate Walsh is once again going gay for her latest film role, a low-budget intense drama entitled Angel’s Crest. The film’s reviews are in after its April debut at the Tribeca Film Festival and the word is that this sad tale of a small community rocked by the death of a young boy will have you reaching for the Kleenex. I’ve researched my ass off, but cannot for the life of me find out who has been cast as Our Kate’s girlfriend. But Mira Sorvino is co-starring, so perhaps it’s her. I mean, there’s a match made in gay gal heaven if ever I’ve heard one. Kate’s no newcomer to lezzing out onscreen, having done it no less than three times now and even playing transgender on an episode of CSI in 2004. She’s been quoted as saying, ‘I’m just drawn to the role and the character and if it happens to be lesbian or transgender, whatever. It’s the character and the relationship that really draws me to a project’. She’s the lesbian James Franco from the sounds of that. Good for her! And for the gay women and men who love her. 17
ENTERTAINMENT
HOMO HERITAGE WHAM! IS IT REALLY TWENTY-FIVE YEARS SINCE WHAM! BROKE UP? Back in the mid-70s, a young, pudgy, bespectacled George Michael befriended a hot, popular kid at his school named Andrew Ridgley, the result of which became one of the biggest, most memorable, equally derided and beloved bands the world has ever seen: Wham! Undeniably the consummate example of 1980’s British pop, Wham! broke onto the scene in ‘82 with their runaway hit ‘Young Guns (Go for it)’ and continuing a remarkable streak of success up until their affable breakup in June 1986, exactly twenty-five-years-ago. Given their phenomenal global success (albeit over a short period of time), Wham! were not exactly prolific. George Michael wrote, arranged and produced almost all of their songs, but in truth that only totaled eleven singles from really only three albums, one of which was a glorified Greatest Hits. But while their efforts might not have been measured in quantity, they more than made up for it in quality with album sales in excess of 20 million copies, and single sales topping 15 million. Their legend lives on today in iconic multi-generational hits like ‘Everything She Wants’, ‘Last Christmas’, and of course the song that is now a benchmark standard, ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’.
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BUZZ ! And whilst George Michael’s solo career was kicked off with 1984’s evergreen power ballad ‘Careless Whisper’, the song is actually one of the few credited as being co-written by both Andrew Ridgley and himself. Was the co-writing credit perhaps a gift to the friend who’d allowed him the confidence to write and record in the first place? Maybe. But we’ll never really know. Whilst George never publicly came out until that unfortunate toilet incident in the early 90s, Wham! made a career out of walking the fine line between homoeroticism and soft porn. In fact, their first UK concerts, 1983’s Club Fantastic tour, featured the two of them in mid-thigh tennis shorts dropping shuttlecocks down each other’s fronts. *Sigh!* Don’tcha miss the 80s! Controversially making the decision to end it all whilst they were still at their peak, in June 1986 Wham! released their fabulous farewell single, ‘The Edge of Heaven’, adding one more to their string of worldwide number ones. And it was around that time they also performed a singularly unforgettable three-hour farewell concert at Wembley Staduim in front of 75,000 fans, which they called, ‘The Final’. Elton John performed with them, turning up in a Donald Duck suit, though nobody really knows why to this day, and the night came to a close with the greatest pop track ever written, ‘I’m Your Man’, and its unforgettable last lines ‘If you’re gonna do it, do it right… Do it with me!’ The Final was the sort of event that, in 1986, fifteen-year-old gay boys sat at home and cried themselves to sleep about, because London and Wembley and British pop seemed so far away. Or was that just me? Haven’t we come a long way since then, people! Now we can just download it on YouTube, but back then it was an inaccessible phenomenon in our big, gay history.
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SECTION NAME
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SOMEBODY TOLD ME ONCE I WASN`T LATIN ENOUGH, AND THAT MADE ME LAUGH. CHITA RIVERA
Chita Rivera & Gwen Verdon in Chicago Photo by Martha Swop
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Chita Rivera
FOOTLIGHTS
My Broadway By Robert Henderson
Constantly performing in productions across America, Canada and the UK, she settled in Los Angeles but has kept on the move. If she didn’t create the role in the original show, she certainly made it her own in the many touring productions she’s performed.
Chita & Liza Minnelli Photo by Ken Howard
A TRUE LIVING LEGEND OF THE MUSICAL STAGE, CHITA RIVERA IS TOURING AUSTRALIA AND COMING TO CANBERRA FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY — DIRECT FROM ADELAIDE’S CABARET FESTIVAL. Accompanied by her long-time musical director Michael Croiter on percussion and guitar, Michael Patrick Walker on the piano, and Dave Ellis on the Double Bass, Chita will perform selections from her most celebrated musicals. But who is she? She only created the leading roles in the original productions of Can Can, West Side Story, Sweet Charity, Chicago, Jerry’s Girls, Bye, Bye Birdie and Kiss of the Spider Woman (her second Tony award). With over eight Tony nominations, she is the second most nominated actress in Tony history. She is probably the first Latin-American female performer to really make a mark on the American stage. If you haven’t heard of her before it’s because she focused her career on theatre rather than film or TV. She’s made many guest appearances, even for Will and Grace but she’s the sort of performer who really comes alive with an audience. You might have seen her playing opposite Shirley Maclean in the film Sweet Charity. AT 78 YOU MIGHT THINK THESE DAYS SHE’S A BIT PAST IT BUT HER NATURALLY DEEPER VOICE STILL PACKS PLENTY OF PUNCH AND SHE CERTAINLY HAS LOST NONE OF HER ENERGY. She grew up in Washington and having studied ballet, her first break into theatre came when she accompanied a friend to an audition of the touring company Call Me Madame for moral support. She got the lead dance role, her friend didn’t and it led to over 50-years of a stage performing career. She created the tough role of Anita for West Side Story, a revolutionary show where dancers had to dance, act and sing. Her performance was so important to the show that they delayed the opening of the London production for her to give birth to her daughter Lisa. Ms Rivera’s dancing was always peerless, except perhaps with that of Gwen Verdon, with whom she co-stared in the original production of Chicago. But she’s also a fantastic actor and singer.
In 2009, Chita released a new solo studio CD entitled And Now I Swing, which pays homage to her stage legacy while also displaying her passion for jazz. From classic theatre songs to jazz standards, all tracks featured on this new album have received new arrangements recorded by New York’s finest musicians, reimagining some of Chita’s favourite tunes. She recently starred in the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer’s Life, a dazzling new musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele. Chita recreated her starring role in The Visit, the new Kander/Ebb/McNally musical at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia for which she received the 2009 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. She received the coveted Kennedy Center Honour in Washington D.C., in December, 2002, and was the first Hispanic ever chosen to receive this award. Chita also received The Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2009 and also starred in the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas.
CHITA RIVERA MY BROADWAY IS CURRENTLY TOURING THE COUNTRY CANBERRA The Street Theatre. Friday 24 June. Bookings 6247 1223 or online at: www.thestreet.org.au SYDNEY Seymour Centre. Wednesday 22 June. Bookings 9351 7940 or online at: http://sydney.edu.au/seymour/ 21
FEATURE INTERVIEW By Alex Thatcher
You may have seen Anita’s Pettinato artwork on Big Brother in 2008, or more recently at the official 2011 Mardi Gras Gallery. Either way it’s not hard to miss with its strong sense of self. Anita definetly has the attitude of a natural born artist with something to say — she’s bold, brash and right in your face. There is no telling her what she can and can’t do that’s for sure. In between painting and her busy exhibition schedule we found a little time to chat to her about art and life. Hi Anita, you’ve been making quite the splash on the art scene over the past few years — is painting your full time gig? I’m ecstatic with how the demand for my art has been powering over the years. I paint most days, although this is not the only hat I wear. I also practice two days a week as a dental professional. I consider my dental skills to be just like art - sculpture for teeth! Do you remember when you first starting painting? In 2001 I started painting for fun. I threw a piece of calico on the floor with some paints and brushes that I bought on a whim. From here an art anarchy obsession was born. I continue to create based on passion and vision. I’m self taught so it’s purely instinctual. How much does your sexuality determine what you paint? Hmmm, that’s a good question! I’m not sure how to answer it because it’s something I don’t consciously think about. Subconsciously, I am sure it’s playing a major role.
You describe your work as lurid and lewd with ‘No Rules’. Is that just for shock value or does it go deeper than that? ‘No Rules’ is in no way an intentionally designed shock strategy. Anyone who knows me well, are fully aware it’s just how I roll. There’s no stage production, it’s the genuine me! I think it has something to do with my strict religious upbringing (go figure!), that now has me taking great delight in doing whatever I want! Hence the rebellious ‘No Rules’ rule was born! As for lurid and lewd, I feel these terms sum up my work perfectly — dominated by vivid colour and preoccupied with sexual desire. You won’t find frangipanis here people! You say your four main artistic inspirations are: people, sex, music and a good drink — which is your favourite? Oh shite, this is a hard one to answer. If you gave me only two seconds to respond, the first thing to hit my mind would be sex for sure! But, with a bit of thought I would have to honestly say that music trumps sex. Great music is the only constant that inspires me daily! You can always rely on great music, the same cannot be said for great sex (what a bitch!) Chuckle. Without music my creative mojo would be non-existent. I’ve noticed that your art is of both girls and guys, what does that tell us about you... do you prefer working with female images? I am inspired by the energies of both genders but in different ways. You will notice that my paintings of males project music and dance, which excites me. There is nothing sexier than a hot man on stage, behind an instrument, or busting out on the dance floor. My paintings of females are almost always of a sexual nature. I do prefer working with females in this way, they exude a sexual energy that I feel no male could ever top. The power of the female form is a force to be reckoned with! Having your art in the Big Brother house must have been quite the coup. How did that come about? Big Brother was definitely a great platform for my art and launched me quite nicely into the public arena. The exposure was a godsend. The opportunity came about after a friend recommended my work to the shows art director. 22
More recently you exhibited at Mardi Gras, what type of response did you get from the community? Even in the early days of my art career, I found the community always connected well with my artwork. Exhibiting in the official Mardi Gras Gallery was an overwhelmingly positive experience. I was well chuffed to have had one of my pieces, ‘S-Excess’ chosen as the face of event promotions too. So what can we expect from Anita Pettinato next? More musings of the debauched, romantic, erotic, electric, psychosexual, psychedelic kind...followed by world domination! Muahahaha. If you had three wishes what would they be? Love and happiness to all in the universe, a never-ending supply of music and paint, and hot sex daily of course! Dang, that’s four wishes... I suck with limitations! WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
ANITA IS A SELF TAUGHT ARTIST, AN ORAL HEALTH THERAPIST AND A MOTHER OF THREE. SHE DESCRIBES HER EVER EVOLVING WORK AS A MIX OF ‘MODERN, ABSTRACT, RETRO AND POP ART’. HER ‘NO RULES’ MANTRA NEVER FAILS TO INSPIRE A UNIQUE PAINTING.
ANITA PETTINATO
No RuLes
ART IS HER PASSION & OBSESSION!
ANITA’S TOP TEN! Favourite Movie: Cheech & Chong’s Nice Dreams. I love a good belly laugh. Favorite Actor & Actress: The talented Adrien Brody and sultry Scarlett Johansson. Sex on a stick!!! Favorite Piece of Art: I have a prosthetic leg collaged with the faces of the coolest musicians, designed by music photographer, Matt Palmer. I picked it up in Brisbane and it’s now hanging in my lounge room. My friends are a bit freaked out by it, but I really love it! Favourite Politician: Who, What? Favourite Food: Sushi Favourite Toy: Hehehe... all I’m going to say is thanks Doc Johnson, you’re a genius! Favourite Holiday Spot: Melbourne! Favourite Song: I’m currently fixated on a recent discovery being the sounds of Audio Shaman, it’s perfect for driving my creative mojo. Favourite Colour: RED! It’s full of fire and power! Favourite Quote: ‘A day without laughter is a day wasted.’ by Charlie Chaplin.
Visit Anita’s website at: insceneart.com.au. Check out her lastest work at the very funky gallery The Urban Uprising in Sydney. urbanuprising.com.au
Photography by Norm Murray. photography.outsidethenorm.com
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MONEY SHOT
THE PINNACLE FOUNDATION By Scott Malcolm
Recently a friend emailed me a link about becoming a mentor for LGBTIQ Youth. It sparked my interest and I wanted to find out more about this exciting, and fairly new foundation, the work they do and why! This ties back to what some may call the ultimate in financial planning and leaving a legacy in this world. I met with Sean Linkson who is the executive Director of The Pinnacle Foundation. He and his partner established the organisation in 2009 after five years in the making with a dedicated team of volunteers including the foundation’s patron, the former Justice of the High Court of Australia, Michael Kirby. Their reason behind doing this was to provide financial or other support to enable LGBTIQ youth to reach their full potential. So what do they do? From the foundation themselves:
No matter what your interest or vocation, we might be able to help. Want to be an actor, musician, doctor or architect? A chef, accountant, lawyer or engineer? Whatever you aspire to, we may be able to offer the financial support and resources to help you get there. We know that some young LGBTIQs can face a tough time – coming out to their families, friends and schools, with some finding themselves without the money and support needed to keep up their studies. That’s where we come in. We know from our own stories that having completed an education can make a big difference in this world. We know that with hope for the future it’s possible to leave those problems behind and move on to fulfilling and productive lives. We want to help encourage young LGBTIQs to make something of their lives so that they can act as future role models for others. We want to light the spark within! The Pinnacle Foundation is looking for people to get involved around Australia including Canberra on many levels - financial donations and philanthropy, people who are keen to become mentors and potential scholars.
The Pinnacle Foundation has been established to provide scholarships and bursaries to lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual youth who are marginalised or disadvantaged. It was set up by a group of friends who saw a big need in the LGBTIQ community that was not being met.
CHECK OUT: www.thepinnaclefoundation.org for more information, if you are inspired to sign up, make a donation, become a mentor or would like to find out more about scholarship opportunities.
As a postscript to this article I also wanted to send out a thank you to Jon Stanhope who has left an amazing legacy to the political landscape in Canberra particularly for the LGBTIQ community.
Scotty’s Loose Change Did you know that Australians collectively waste $5.2 billion of food each year. This could be money saved (or food saved). For more info check out www.foodwise.com.au to see how you can minimise waste in your home and save some extra dollars!
If would like to ask Scott any questions, you can email him at scott@money-mechanics.com.au or call 02 6257 5557. (http://money-mechanics.com.au) Scott Malcolm is Director of Money Mechanics who are authorised to provide financial advice through PATRON Financial Advice AFSL 307379. The information provided in this article is of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information you should consider its appropriateness having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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BENTLENSES PRESENTS QUEER FILM AT ITS VERY BEST!
BROTHERHOOD
Friday 24 June @ 7pm A film about two gay neo-Nazis in a clandestine romance. It digs into the collective psyche of a Danish neoNazi group whose brightest recruit and biggest potential star, Lars, is a closeted gay man with issues.
PLAN B
Friday 15 July @ 7pm This intriguing film tells the story of Bruno, who comes up with a “Plan B” after learning that his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend, Pablo is bisexual.
GIGOLA
SASCHA
TICKED-OFF TRANNIES WITH KNIVES
VIOLET TENDENCIES
Friday 29 July @ 7pm The story of a charismatic young woman who, after the death of her female lover, embarks on a reckless journey through the Paris nightlife.
Friday 5 August @ 7pm A group of knife wielding trannies seek revenge against thugs who beat their friends and left them for dead. Warning: a controversial film with extreme violence.
Friday 2 September @ 7pm Sasha is young, handsome, and living in Cologne and has a secret crush on his hot piano teacher. A refreshing take on coming-out, with all the ups and downs of finding one’s own way. Friday 14 October @ 7pm When Violet arrives home from yet another disastrous date to find Luke has organized a gay sex party in her bedroom. Is it finally time she abandon her gay boys and find her own way?
Screenings at the CSIRO Discovery Centre Nth Science Road Action • www.bentlenses.org CANBERRA’S VERY OWN QUEER SCREEN CULTURE GROUP, OPERATED BY & FOR OUR COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY
PHOTOS BY DOUG ROBINSON • CANBERRA EQUAL LOVE RALLY 28 MAY 2011
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If you are thinking of suicide
ust
to Talk
r you t eone
som
Avoid being alone
Set yours
elf small
goals
Lifeline Ph: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au Kids Helpline Ph: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelp.com.au
Feeling overwhelmed, or that things will never improve? It is important to remember that you are not alone. Talking is the first step to getting help. Other things to do to keep you safe: • Get regular exercise and eat well; • Avoid alcohol and drugs; • Avoid being alone; • Set yourself small goals.
ACT Crisis and Assessment Team Ph: 1800 629 354 www.health.act.gov.au/ suicideprevention
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CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD
BOOK REVIEW
A MEETING BY THE RIVER
LETTERS TO CHEER THE QUEERS Literary skills were not the only thing that raised Christopher Isherwood to the pedestal of fame and led to his celebrity status; his stardom was also influenced by his involvement in films, a sex scandal (Christopher’s life partner, Don Bachardy was almost thirty years younger), and his public exploration of homosexual identity. The trouble for Mr Isherwood was that he was not just any ordinary gay man. In accordance with his literary view, the ordinary gay man is vain, fashion and image conscious, and sexually driven. (You are allowed to disagree with Christopher, but in general think of all those incredibly hot DNA magazine covers with their almost naked men staring into the camera lens, and who buys those magazines… yes that’s right!) He explored his own stereotype of course but he was also very devoted to Hinduism and befriended many significant swamis as a result. The combination of religion and gay men/women may not make the simplest of dishes. Yet, A Meeting by the River harmoniously and cleverly creates both a delicious and intriguing one. The book is a collection of letters and diary entries written by two brothers: Patrick is a film producer who is temporarily away from his family in London, working in Los Angeles and having an affair with a sweet, handsome youth. Oliver is a Hindu follower in India on the brink of committing a life to Hinduism and about to become a swami. Through the exchanges of these letters, diary entries, internal dialogues, thoughts and opinions, we discover the fears and delicate vulnerabilities of the two brothers.
Set in the 1950s, when homosexuality was strictly forbidden and severely judged, Patrick’s acceptance in society is at risk due to his sexual relations with the young man. He is of course afraid of people’s judgements, especially those of his family. Oliver’s dignity is at risk too as he is about to commit his life to Hinduism. He is afraid of failing his own courage if he’s not able to abide to his commitment. He’s also afraid of being humiliated by his family for being a young, juvenile idealist who may not be able to live up to his ideals. The story reaches its climax, with both of their fears somewhat uncovered, when it is agreed that the brothers will meet in India on Patrick’s return journey to London. In an effort to put a drapery over their anxieties and vulnerabilities they each place many assumptions and condescending opinions on each other’s life and choices. An example is Patrick’s declaration that, ‘The plain truth is that these little swamis have never had sex of any kind themselves and therefore they simply cannot imagine what sex means to two people who love each other, how much more than sex it can become…’ I am of the opinion that misunderstandings like these from those who do not appreciate religion can easily create conflict and fear and set illusionary boundaries upon life. Mr Isherwood cleverly points out that a life must have a balance of duty, responsibility and human connections in order for it to kindle desire, passion and pleasure. Yet a life that concerns only pleasures and desires, is no more than a beautiful garment placed over a coat hanger. While writing A Meeting by the River, I believe Mr Isherwood was having an internal dialogue between his two selves; one was sexually driven and the other was the spiritual exploratory self. Though there are many obvious contradictions when one puts ‘religion’ and ‘sex’ together, Christopher was able to break down the conceptual meanings of the two ideas and find a foundation and common ground for both. Consequently, he was able to come to an understanding of peace and internal harmony. That foundation is simply an unfathomable sense of acceptance, and an unconditional love for life and the hidden currents that drive it. Photo above: Don Bachardy works on a painting of Christopher Isherwood.
CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD’S A MEETING BY THE RIVER IS AVAILABLE ONLINE OR AT THE DARLINGHURST BOOKSHOP
By Thien Nguyen
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GROOMING RECENTLY, I WAS ASKED, ‘DOES BLACK TIE MEAN BLACK TIE?’ I WAS LIKE, ‘YES OF COURSE IT MEANS BLACK TIE. WHY WOULD YOU ASK THAT?’ If you’re invited to an event or party with a dress code, you should take note of it, and arrive in the correct style. I’ve noticed that our relaxed lifestyle has led us to believe that ‘formal’ is a good shirt and a good pair of trousers and ‘black tie’ means any shirt and tie with any suit. This is simply not the case, nor in my view, is it acceptable in any way. ‘Black tie’ traditionally consists of a plain black Tuxedo, which is made up of a black jacket with a black silk lapel, a matching pant with silk detail running down the outer leg seam, a white wing-collar shirt with French cuffs and a black or a white bowtie. Finishing off the look are the all important black patent lace-up leather shoes. However, let’s be honest, this would only be worn to Will and Kate’s wedding, or Elton John’s ‘White Tie & Tiara Ball’. An opportunity for the full-fledged ‘black tie’ get-up, simply doesn’t present itself to the common Joe. The modern take, would be to wear a classic (fitted, but not suffocating) black suit, worked with a black or white shirt, a tie or bowtie and some polished black shoes. (Please leave the square toes at home, boys and girls.) And please, wear black socks with your shoes, enough with the white socks and the black footwear. It looks like your little brother dressed you. Oh and one more thing, white leather shoes are completely unacceptable unless you’re Karl Lagerfeld or Christian Louboutin and I don’t think you are — but if you are, call me or send me some shoes. Now, Thanks!
SO WHAT IS ‘SMART CASUAL’ THEN? This is always tough, but to my fabulous friends and I, smart casual is a classic collared shirt or a simple t-shirt with a fitted blazer, a pair of jeans or a pair of chinos. Smart casual depends on the time and type of event. However, under any circumstances, it simply can never be a tank top or shorts because that’s just casual. Smart casual offers slightly more sophistication than jeans and a t-shirt, but less than having to go to the effort of pulling out that suit you hardly wear.
DRESS CODE
‘Girl’s Formal’ When formal season comes around, I’m always really surprised at what some of the girls pick out for formal dresses. Call me old fashioned (God, I feel old), but I think for a formal event wearing a dress that comes down to mid thigh isn’t very formal. Its more like saying ‘buy me a drink and please remember I like my eggs scrambled in the morning’. You should never wear plunging necklines and short hemlines to formal occasions. If you’re really keen to show a little skin, it’s one or the other. Cover the top with a shorter hem, or plunge the neck and lengthen the skirt. I think it’s much more glamorous, much more classy, and I can tell from many experiences with my straight male compatriots, women who wear more, drive men crazy and look so damn much hotter at the same time. It’s just the basic fundamentals about dressing for a formal occasion, back to a time when boys were gentlemen, and girls were ladies. Basically, when you’re unsure, keep it simple and keep it classy. Try not to make an assumption. Respect an invitation, and think of the trouble the person who is hosting the event has gone to in preparing a great night out for you. Always better to slightly overdress, than under dress.
By Chad Wijayatilake Chad is a stylist at Form Haircutters
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IT’S NOT HOW BIG IT IS IT’S HOW U DRIVE IT
TOP QUEER
MEET THE MINI COUNTRYMAN
All Top Queer regulars will remember my affinity with Minis. However, rightfully the Mini is now a historic car, consigned by most to occasional weekend use. Enter MINI, the same concept but built by BMW to meet the demands of today’s motorist... and I love it! One of the biggest criticisms of the new MINI Cooper when it was introduced nearly ten years ago was space. If you weren’t the driver or the front seat passenger it wasn’t good. The MINI grew, inside and out at the last update, but hold on to your hats! Here comes the totally new ‘Countryman’, a bigger MINI, with four doors and a useful boot. It smashes all the myths. It’s sort of an SUV, sort of a sports car and sort of a practical family wagon. The name Mini Countryman comes from the sixties, when the old-skool Mini van was fitted with a back seat and wooden trim on the sides; The New Countryman goes a lot further. As with all MINIs no two are alike, with the list of options and combinations making it a very individual car. The range starts with a base Cooper model and goes all the way up the range topping Cooper S with all wheel drive.
By Stuart Poole
So, how did it drive? Well very nicely if you don’t mind. It has the iconic MINI go-kart like handling, braking and steering, and the Cooper had sufficient performance to satisfy most drivers. Drive a turbo-charged Cooper S and you will really know you are alive. Seats were comfortable and there was enough room for passengers! So Countryman is up for a road trip or a casual Sunday morning drive. You can have a six speed manual or automatic with sports shift. This gives you the choice of flipping the steering wheel paddles, or for those who must play with their stick, a manual option on the gear shift. Paint and trim quality were outstanding, and there was a genuine feel of solidity about the Countryman. Of course safety is a big priority with passive and active safety design features including braking and handling systems which try to keep you out of trouble in the first place. The car has ABS, CBC (cornering brake control), EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and brake assist, all working to keep you on the straight and narrow (OK bad choice of words). There are six airbags, standard across the range and plenty of strength in the passenger cell to ensure your safe arrival if shit hits the fan. I nearly forgot! The ‘mood lighting’ in the cabin has been taken to a new level. It lights up the centre rail (console), the door pockets and the door handles, as well as two small lights above. Now you can automatically scroll through 756 colours VERY COOL. So... would you ever see one in my driveway? Well the answer is: hopefully, one day soon. See you on the roads, Stu.
There is a range of colours and trim combinations that will literally blow you away. Unlike Asian brands where you get told you can only get a grey or black interior. You can choose the fabric or leather on the seats, the number of seats (there is a four or five-seater version) and different accent trims for the interior. You can also specify a John Cooper Works body kit, for further individuality. Oh and I nearly forgot the twelve different types of alloy wheels (yes twelve). You can also choose from a variety of body and roof color combinations. It certainly is a car for those who are keen to personalise, and won’t accept something “out Visit website at:MINIs, insceneart.com.au. of theAnita’s box”. As with all you can ‘build’ your own Check her lastest work at the very funky gallery on line.out www.mini.com.au The Urban Uprising in Sydney. urbanuprising.com.au.
AUNT DOROTHY’S
MOTORING TIP
Hanging numerous car fresheners in the rear-view mirror will help keep your car fresh, while filling your dash with fluffy toys will stop you getting lonely on those long drives. Always remember to talk to them, while stroking them lovingly whenever you stop at the lights — it looks really cool! 33
OUT & ABOUT
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DJ PETE mixing it up with the best! Thursdays 8.30-11.00pm . 2011
DJ Matt mixing hits from yesterday and today without giving you a second to stop. Friday 18 March . 2011
WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
♥
XMAS IN JULY @ CUBE NIGHTCLUB
Join us on Friday 22 July for Xmas in July. Come dressed in you’re best Christmas costume for FREE entry and the chance to WIN some awesome prizes. From 9pm, $10 cover charge after 11pm.
OPENING HOURS • THURSDAY 8.30PM-5AM • FRIDAY 9PM-5AM • SATURDAY 10PM-5AM • SUNDAY 10PM-LATE 33 PETRIE PLAZA CIVIC, CANBERRA CITY WWW.CUBENIGHTCLUB.COM.AU
♥
KARAOKE @ CUBE NIGHTCLUB
Every Thursday night at Cube Nightclub is Karaoke night. Sing your heart out from 9pm till 11pm for a chance to WIN weekly cash prizes and to be in the running to WIN the grand prize awarded every 3 months.
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OUT & ABOUT
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WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
Talking to your kids about puberty, relationships and sexuality can be challenging. Parents can feel that they lack the conďŹ dence or resources to do this effectively.
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) is a health promotion charity that has been supporting parents & carers in Canberra to have these conversations with kids since the 1970s.
Our key goal is to minimise the risks and harms faced by children and young people, using an evidencebased approach to comprehensive relationships education.
For more info about how SHFPACT can support you as a parent or carer, phone us on 6247 3077 or visit our website at www.shfpact.org.au today.
Assisted with funding from the ACT Government.
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MUSIC
By Tony Hamlyn
EAR CANDY NEW TUNES GOSSIP THE SATURDAYS NOTORIOUS I think I speak for everybody when I say ‘WHOOOOSH!’ Finally The Saturdays have their Girls Aloud moment! It’s been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait. This is big, it’s meaty, and it’s fab! The production on this is by Steve Mac who is UK pop royalty and basically responsible for almost everything you’ve danced to and sung along in the shower to since 1991, and Mr Mac has left no stone unturned here. There’s a certain grandiosity to this dance sound that goes beyond the tedious eurotrash out and about at the moment. This corker of a single is genius and I demand you give it a listen immediately. STAN WALKER LOUD I always liked Stan Walker on Australian Idol, so I’m delighted to see him working in LA, baby, movin’ and shakin’ with the big players, and coming back with something this good. Loud is a superbly arranged big sounding anthem that sends tingles up and down the spine. And, quite simply, this is the best male vocal I’ve heard an Aussie put to record I think ever. Yes, EVER! On this single he hits notes and goes places vocally that his peers can only dream of — a star in the making. BEYONCE : RUN THE WORLD (GIRLS) Oh dear. Beyonce spent so much money on an epic video for this new song that she forgot to buy a melody. What an oversight! This concoction of frantic rhythms and teeth-grating tweaks is without any soul. 38
LADY GAGA BORN THIS WAY Has there been a more eagerly anticipated album in modern gay popular culture? The Fame was a thud, Fame Monster was a bang, so will Born This Way be the sonic boom we’ve all been hoping for? The answer, for the most part, is YES. Running at seventeen tracks, this collection is not devoid of Lady GaGa’s occasional self-indulgence. But whilst there are a few songs that could’ve perhaps been left on the cutting room floor, they are actually few and far between. It’s mostly magical moments on Born This Way: sounds that will cause endorphins to flow; melodies that will make neck hairs stand; influences that will have hands clapping and fingers clicking. Fashion Of His Love and the opening track Marry The Night are both instant favourites, and the studio version of You And I is a beautifully produced pastiche to Elton’s Yellow Brick Road days, perhaps even the best thing she’s done so far. There are some weird, Euro influences, including Americano which could easily have been a part of Eurovision. But its in the tracks of Black Jesus – Fashion Amen and Scheibe that the Lady shines, with dark, minor verses that roll into the catchiest of major choruses. Don’t fight it: GaGa has delivered. End of.
LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE GUY Remember the “Leave Britney Alone” guy, Chris Crocker? Well he’s actually been busy recording his own music and… it’s not all bad! Check out his uber-gay collection of tunes on his YouTube account - itschriscrocker. I Want Your Bite is the standout, and is actually quite fabulous! I HEAR A SYMPHONY George Michael is back on the road this year with Symphonica: The Orchestral Tour. Performing with symphony orchestras in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. The tour begins in Prague this August. No confirmation yet, but we might just see a Sydney Opera House gig in January 2012. TAKE THAT X-Men: First Class is out in June and looks to be completely amazing and Take That have in fact recorded the film’s theme song, a punchy electro-pop tune entitled Love Love. WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
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EAT ME ONE WOULD THINK THAT UNLESS YOU’RE A BIRD OR POSSIBLY A KLINGON, YOU PROBABLY DON’T CARE MUCH ABOUT WORMS. WELL CALL ME CRAZY BECAUSE I THINK THEY ARE IN FACT PRETTY COOL… YES I SAID IT, WORMS ARE COOL!
A worm farm is also inexpensive and kinda fun. If kept properly there is no smell and it’s very environmentally friendly. Your new worm farm will come with full instructions, but basically you feed them kitchen scraps — avoiding too much citrus and onions — and after four or five months the worm casts (vermicast) and wonderful worm tea on the bottom will be ready to use. You just keep adding scraps and the worms will keep producing gold.
When setting up a worm farm firstly consider where to put it. It should be in a convenient easy to access location that is cool and dry. Make sure your new worm farm does not get any hot sun as it will kill your worms. ‘Why on earth would somebody want to keep worms?’ you might ask. You can’t pet them, eat them or teach them tricks. The fact is these slimy little invertebrates are just not sexy — although the Worm Café packaging designers would have you believe otherwise. But still worms are fantastic and there are a few good reasons why you might consider keeping a worm farm at home.
DID YOU KNOW! Worms are great for our environment because they naturally till, aerate, and fertilize the earth. The problem is that worms are disappearing from the earth because of farmers using lots of chemicals in order to make their plants grow bigger. The chemicals are killing the worms that would make their plants grow bigger naturally.
Worms are cool! By Alex Thatcher
Worm farms can really help benefit the environment, while giving you an easy way to dispose of those kitchen scraps. And because they are compact and moveable, they are great for people who have limited space. Whether you’re a hard-core gardener or just grow a few pot plants or veggies on your balcony, worms can be an invaluable asset. These are however, not your ordinary worm, these are composting worms, which usually comprise Indian Blue Worms, Tiger Worms and Red Worms. They live in your worm farm and decompose organic matter to produce fantastic stuff, called worm castings and worm tea, which is one of the best natural fertilising products you can get — it’s gold! Worm farms are easy to start and I suggest grabbing a worm farm kit. There are a few different types available; I’ve been using the ‘Worm Café’, which has had some great reviews and works a treat. I’d go for the rectangle option as it takes up less room than the round model.
WHY WORMS? The worms eat your kitchen scraps and process them into castings. This reduces the rubbish you put out and it makes an excellent soil conditioner. Worm tea is the liquid waste the worms produce. This is an awesomely effective and natural fertiliser. Worms also produce vermicast (worm poo) — it’s great to add to your garden or pot plants. A worm farm is a cheap solution for people with limited space. It’s an easy and fun way for people to recycle kitchen waste.
WHERE TO BUY A WORM FARM?
In Canberra you can grab a worm farm from the Greenhouse Emporium in Fyshwick (they’re really great supporters of FUSE, see p49) and in other parts of Australia you can pick one up from your local hardware store or online. I thought the packaging was the funniest thing about my new worm farm. Cartoon lady worms (or possibly drag worms or lipstick lesbian worms) all glamorously dressed to the nines — fantastic.
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STRIP: FREE & EASY SEXUAL HEALTH CHECKS Thurs nights @ Champions 28/7 - 25/8 Sat mornings @ Westlund House 30/7 - 27/8 Call 02 6257 2855 for more information
www.aidsaction.org.au/strip
P I R STSexual
health check-ups
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BACK, WITH A
!
HEALTH OP.ED
VENGEANCE
Well, it was never really gone to be honest. In fact, over the last ten years across Australia the number of gonorrhoea notifications (diagnoses) have been steadily rising. The thing that has really piqued our interest is that the ACT has shown that it can sometimes really punch above its weight. As of the end of March 2011, the ACT had some 46 notifications for gonorrhoea, almost the same as the total number for 2010.
ALARMING? MAYBE. Until recently it was quite uncommon in the ACT for gonorrhoea to be detected amongst heterosexual people who hadn’t been sexually active overseas. It was pretty much exclusively found in men that have sex with men. In all honesty, most people would probrably be more concerned about being asked how to spell gonorrhoea in a spelling bee than in getting it, because it’s not one of the big nasties. You have an irritation when you pee, you go to the doctor, find out you have it, they give you some antibiotics and tell you to be careful for the next week til the meds kick in! Indeed, apart from hearing it in a list of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) you have probably been screened for it during your regular check-up. Or you may have heard the PE teacher mumbling about it whilst you were vaguing out at the back of the class; it has probably never registered any higher on your radar. Even though there may be no symptoms or they are mild or transitory, gonorrhoea can lead to very nasty long term complications, including abscesses around the anus, eye problems or if it gets into the blood, septic arthritis. All of these can be avoided with prompt treatment. So is this where I start waving my finger and stamping my feet at all the naughty gay men out there who haven’t been using a condom? Well, I could — but won’t, because there’s a bit more to it than that. The problem is that evidence suggests (with gay men at least) that transmission is mostly through oral sex. Now, I could easily suggest that wearing a condom would remedy this situation, and for the guys out there who insist on condoms, or use of other barrier methods for oral sex, the chances of gonorrhoea transmission are very low indeed. I am not, however, an idiot and appreciate that even the most health conscious of gay men are prepared to take certain educated risks, and are not likely, even in the short term, to wear a condom during a blow job. So where does this leave us with an effective response? Well, at the AIDS Action Council, we suggest that there are two ways of taking control of your sexual health: firstly by using condoms, and secondly by having regular sexual health checkups. A gonorrhoea check is really simple — just a throat swab by the clinician, and rectal swab that you do yourself in privacy. But while you are there, it’s probably a good idea to talk to the clinician about what else you might want to get tested for. When I do presentations to BitBent and other young people about sexual health, the key messages I want them to take away are:
• • • • •
All of us who have had sex have had a chance of being exposed to STIs Many STIs never show any symptoms: so don’t bother waiting for them! Once we have one, we might pass them on to someone else Most STIs are easily treated The way to take control of STIs is to get a regular sexual health check-up
The reason we are so concerned about all STIs, even ones that may not have any symptoms or long term consequences for gay men, is that there is a very clear link to having an STI, and the increased chances of contracting HIV. While we think numbers of notifications will continue to go up before they come down again, we are confident that taking control of our health is the best way to take control of all STIs. For more information check out www.aidsaction.org.au or www.thedramadownunder.info By Keiran Rossteuscher
Keiran is the AIDS Action Council’s Social Marketing Officer
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COMMUNITY The Candlelight Memorial began in San Francisco in 1983 during a time of confusion and misconception about a mysterious disease sweeping the gay community. Four young men – Bobbi Campbell, Bobby Reynolds, Dan Turner and Mark Feldman – decided to put a “face on the disease” by coordinating a small vigil behind a banner reading, “Fighting For Our Lives.” A march was planned from the Castro District to City Hall. As others joined in, the Candlelight drew thousands, beginning a movement that would inspire countless other people in countries around the world to bring HIV into the light inspiring communities and politicians to foster support, and move people to action. 2011 marks the 23rd Candlelight Memorial held in Canberra (being one of the only AIDS Councils in Australia to continually host the event on the internationally recognised date in May). This year we heard from Murray Proctor (Deputy Director General of the Program Enabling Division at AusAID and the Australian Ambassador, HIV/AIDS to the UN) about the power of solidarity in the HIV response here in Australia and the Asia Pacific. Candlelight remains one of the most important community led efforts as it demonstrates the invaluable role we all play in the fight against HIV as well as remembering and honoring loved ones who have died or who are living with HIV. It was great to see such a diverse group of people in attendance this year particularly younger people inspired to carry on ‘the light’ as we work towards minimising the social and personal impacts of HIV in the Canberra community. Scott Malcolm President AIDS Action Council BW Image: Third Candlelight Memorial Canberra 1991 | Top: Candlelight Memorial Canberra 2011
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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY AIDS Action Council The AIDS Action Council provides information, support and services. More info: www.aidsaction.org.au
Girl Thing ON RAW FM 87.6 Wednesdays & Sundays from 7pm Presented by Tori Mac, an hour of sexy house and electro served up girly style.
ACTQueer A free email list for LGBTI people in Canberra and surrounding region. groups.yahoo.com/group/actqueer
Long Yang A friendly social club for Asian and non-Asian gays and their friends. Canberra: lyccanberra.org Sydney: sydney.longyangclub.org
Bent Lenses Canberra’s very own queer film culture group. Check out movie times online at www.bentlenses.org Bit Bent Youth Group Meet other young people, get support or just hang out. Mondays at Belconnen Youth Centre 6pm–8pm and Thursdays at the Woden Youth Centre 5pm–6.30pm. More info email: bit_bent@hotmail.com Canberra Gap Group Gap group is a monthly coffee/drinks group for same sex attracted women and gender diverse people. Contact: meganmunro2001@yahoo.com.au Canberra Gay & Lesbian QWIRE Want to be involved with Canberra’s own gay and lesbian choir? Singers and non-singers encouraged. More info: canberraqwire@yahoo.com.au Dyke Dinner & Movie Group More info on FUSE website or see Canberra Lesbians on Facebook. Fruits in Boots A social and support network for rural GLBTI members outside the ACT. Email: fruitsinboots@gmail.com Gay ACT Squash Group Wednesdays 6.30pm–7.30pm.National Sports Club, Mouat St, Lyneham. groups.google.com/group/gayactsquash Gay Dads Australia A resource for gay dads and those who are thinking of becoming dads. Check out: gaydadsaustralia.com
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Pink Mountians A community website for GLBTIQ people living in and visiting the Blue Mountains. Visit: pinkmountains.com.au Pink Tennis Gay & Lesbian Tennis Group meets Mondays 6pm – 9pm at Turner Tennis Club, Cnr McCaughey & Condamine Sts. Qnet - queer youth cyberspace Qnet is an online community for GLBTI people under the age of 25. www.qnet.org.au Rainbow Bubs A playgroup and support group for same sex parents and their kids. Email: hoogied@yahoo. com Rainbow Bowlers Meet new people on ‘Gay Bowling’ Sunday nights at Belconnen Bowling Alley. 1 Emu Bank from 7pm. South Coast Pride NSW From Wollongong down to Merimbula come out, come out, wherever you are! Email: southcoastpride@live.com Transgender Network A social and support group for all transgendered persons and their friends. More information online at: canberratransgendernetwork.webs.com Uni of Canberra LGBTI group A social group for all LGBTI students and staff. Queer Space is located at the UCSA building 1 at the Uni of Canberra. Info email: sexuality@theucsa.org.au
✪ The Red Herring Cafe CANBERRA HANGOUTS Cube Nightclub Canberra’s premier gay nightclub venue. 33 Petrie Plaza Civic, Canberra City. www.cubenightclub.com.au Tilley’s Devine Cafe For over 26 years Tilley’s has been a gathering place for the gay and lesbian community. Warm and sumptuous, it’s famous for its food and fabulous coffees and cake. To reserve your favourite table or booth call us on 6247 7753. Cnr of Wattle & Brigalow Sts, Lyneham. The Red Herring Cafe A place for quirky, queer, and just curious people to meet, mix and mingle. Petrie Plaza, Canberra City Bar32 Bar32 is gay friendly bar and nightclub with a mixed younger crowd. Indy and alternative dance music and bands. 32 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City. www.bar32.com NEW : Ranch Men’s Lounge Canberra’s men’s space. They are located at Unit 19, Molonglo Mall in Fyshwick ACT. A safe venue for men who want to meet men. See ad p47.
Want to know ‘What’s On’ or be listed here, then visit us at www.fusemagazine.com.au
WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
AIDS Action Council of the ACT Living Well Services
Vitamins & Supplements Changes to our Vitamins & Supplements Service have led to more affordable options for all people with HIV. We now provide quality items at discount prices to assist you to take control of your health and wellbeing. A note from your doctor or an HIV Dietician stating your requirements is all that is needed. For those people with a pension or Health Care Card, there is a small dispensing fee of $5 and for all others, including those in paid employment, products are available at 50% of our cost price. For further information on either of these services, contact the Living Well Co-ordinator on 02 6257 2855 or marcus@aidsaction.org.au
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DEAR ROSE
‘‘ @
Dear Rose, My X boyfriend blocked me from his Facebook page and stopped following me on twitter — how could he be so heartless. Min.
Dear Min, What can I say, ex-boyfriends are unpredictable beasts. Whilst we would like to think that exes can be civilsed and continue some form of friendliness, the fact is that he has a choice whether he wants to retain you as a facebook friend and there is not a lot you can do about it. My best Dear Rose advice is: A. You could start your own Facebook page titled “Top Ten Reasons why my ex has deleted me from his Facebook page” or B. Pluck up the courage and simply ask why he removed you from his page! It sounds to me as though something may have happened or something may have been said to incur the wrath of the ex boyfriend. Clearing the matter up as soon as possible could mean a new friend in your inbox.
‘‘
Dear Rose, I’m a happy lesbian and I am secure in myself and in my sexuality. I’ve wanted to explore alternative sexual practices like BDSM and power Play. My partner is ok with this but I’m finding that our lesbian friends are not, saying, that to play with power is to enact the very patriarchal society that we abhor. What do you think? Mistress of Pleasure
Mistress of Pleasure, @ Dear If you’re both consenting adults, then what other people think about your bedroom activities is really none of their business. As far as “power” and the “patriarchal society” debate, I feel it’s not so much about the physical act of BDSM, because the act should be enjoyable for both parties. The issue I have, is about how individuals can sometimes take advantage of their “power” role — deliberately using it to manipulate others, inflicting cruelty rather than pleasure. Because of this element, BDSM has many myths and false impressions related to it. Good sexy “power play” is about giving each other pleasure and exploring new territories together.
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By Rose Pappalardo If you would like to write to Dear Rose please email her at dearrose@fusemagazine.com.au
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Dear Rose, I have fallen in love with my flat mate, but she’s not into girls. This is not just a crush. Everyday it gets harder for me to live with her when I’m not honest about my feelings. But I’m worried that if I tell her how I feel she will freak out and it will ruin our friendship. How do I deal with this unrequited love? Em
Em, @ Dear I am feeling ya! Every Lesbian I know has fallen in love at least once in their life time with a beautiful, straight girl, flat-mate. It’s almost a right of passage for lesbians, like moving in on the second date. Don’t beat yourself up too much though, unrequited love is probably the hardest emotion to deal with. It is frequently the person who is in love and not able to express their feelings that generally ends up getting hurt. Whilst I am the first in line to say it’s best to be honest about your feelings, it seems to me by disclosing your feelings to your flat-mate you run the risk of losing a friendship that you obviously value. However, you also need to care and protect yourself as much as you can and this ultimately may lead to you making some choices about whether you need to put some distance between you and your unrequited love. I am not suggesting that you run and check out available Real Estate but start moving towards finding new interests or new groups of people to occupy some of your time. Maybe try a stint of house-sitting. Time away from the situation will give you some much needed head-space but my best Dear Rose advice is to be kind to yourself and allow yourself time to heal.
Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands? Ernest James Gaines An American author.
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