FUSE OLYMPIC HERO
Matthew Mitcham JOYOUSLY OUT & PROUD HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT IS VERY UNCOOL! SHOPPING IN YOUR DAD’S CLOSET FOOD ALLERGY PANDEMIC: LIVING GLUTEN FREE RIGHT WING BUFFOONERY IN THE US
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DIVERSITY ACT AWARD WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING CANBERRA BUSINESS
SPRINGOUT 2012 CANBERRA’S QUEER CULTURAL FESTIVAL
> BE BRAVE > BE PROUD > BE YOU!
MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU OCT / NOV 2012
LIFE LOVE 31 24 EQUALITY
CONTENTS
FUSE MAGAZINE MADE IN AUSTRALIA OCT / NOV 2012
LIFE LOVE 31 EQUALITY EDITOR Alexander Thatcher ASSOCIATE EDITOR Yasmin Element
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POLITICAL EDITOR Simon Copland
FUSE FEATURES
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christopher Powell
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PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Linda Djumlija
FUSE
CONTRIBUTORS CT Scott Malcolm SITY A DIVERD WINNER Jacqui Bushell AWARMOST G IN Rose Pappalardo TAND OUTSNBERRA Stuart Poole CA INESS Colby Kern Morrell BUS Melisa Paz Katie Boxall Keiran Rossteuscher Kate Fraser Dan Thorpe Keiron Goatcher PHOTOGRAPHERS John McRae Lily Chen Lauren Young Rose Pappalardo Doug Robinson
17 Homophobia in sport is starting to become very ‘un-cool’ as sports people and community members everywhere make a stand.
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It’s been an amazing year for women’s sports, but did you know the girls get just 2% of media coverage compared to men’s sport. This issue we celebrate female athletes and look at their stuggle for equality.
31 We ask the major ACT political parties some final questions concerning LGBTI issues before you cast your vote on 20 October.
FUSE OP.ED 37
Kate Fraser — who is engaged to an American woman — gives us a rough cowboy round-up of the right-wing buffoonery that surrounds the US queer political scene.
FUSE REGULARS 17
WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU 41 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 FUSE publisher, editor or 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.
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20 Food allergies are now at pandemic proportions — we look at being gluten free.
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 lithium.net.au ISSN 1836-8387
We’re thrilled to have Matthew Mitcham as our FUSE cover boy this issue. We chat to Matt about being a gay Olympian and his anticipated autobiography ‘Twists & Turns’.
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Editor’s Rant The Flicks What’s On Canberra SpringOut Calendar Round Up : News & Politics Style : Shopping in Your Dad’s Closet Out & About : Cube Nightclub Top Queer : Fit for a Queen Ear Candy : Music Reviews Money Shot : Wealth Made & Shared GLBTI Health Update Out & About : Have You Been Shot? Stargazer : Your Horoscope FUSE Community Directory Dear Rose 1
EDITOR’S EDITOR’SRANT RANT
❂ GODS & HEROES Alexander Thatcher Editor
A while back there was a knock at my door and before I knew it I was being asked if I was worried about Jesus’ return. It gave me lots to think about and I started to wonder what kind of guy Jesus might be. It came down to a few simple questions: Would Jesus stand up for bigotry or equality? Would he care more about money or the planet? Would he want to save the whales or eat them? There is no doubt Jesus would be a man of action championing injustice and I severely doubt you’d find him in a church sitting idly when there were rallies to attend. He is not going to think it’s ok to factory farm animals, pollute the earth for economic gain or treat any person with any less love, understanding or compassion than another. The concept that Jesus might ‘hate fags’ — or hate anything for that matter — is beyond ludicrous. Sport doesn’t always have a great reputation when it comes to fairness, often associated with bullying and perpetuating limited ideas of masculinity. In this issue we look at some of our sporting gods and community heroes (people that Jesus would proudly stand by) as they work to stamp out homophobia, sexism and inequality.
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU Check out the FUSE Magazine website for daily news, videos, special online features, what’s on listings, the latest community up dates on our popular message board, the FUSE business directory and more!
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In our special sports feature, FUSE investigates homophobia and sexism in sport — which are major issues for sports people at all levels — and how things are finally starting to change with the help of advocates like gay footballer Jason Ball, hockey player Gus Johnston and many others, including politicians like Andrew Barr here in the ACT. Homophobia is of course not the only issue in sport, and with the tide slowly turning, we also celebrate all the fantastic women in sport as they continue to struggle for equality in an arena dominated by men. Being out and proud as an Olympian can take great courage — which is why this month’s FUSE cover boy is no other than Matthew Mitcham. We chat to Matt about his thoughts on homophobia in sport, life as an elite athlete and his highly anticipated autobiography ‘Twists & Turns’. Which brings me back to the question of Jesus’ possible return and whether I should be fearful of a guy with infinite compassion, who would love and respect all creatures despite their economic status, ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, sex, species or sexual orientation. Should I be worried? No, of course not. Alex Thatcher
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BLOOD DONATION PLEDGE FUSE magazine wants to let the Australian Government and Red Cross know just how much under utilised and safe blood is available, so we have set up a pledge page at change.org — ‘Gay Blood Donation Pledge’ where you can pledge your gift of blood if Australia’s blood donation guidelines are changed. You’ll find the ‘Gay Blood Donation Pledge’ link on our website fusemagazine.com.au or scan this with the QR CODE reader on your smart phone.
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MOVIES THE TWILIGHT SAGA — BREAKING DAWN PART 2 : OPENS 15 NOVEMBER In the highly anticipated next chapter of the blockbuster The Twilight Saga, the newfound married bliss of Bella Swan and the vampire Edward Cullen is cut short when a series of betrayals and misfortunes threatens to destroy their world.
TO ROME WITH LOVE : OPENS 18 OCTOBER Doing for Rome what Woody Allen did for Barcelona in Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Paris in Midnight In Paris, comes To Rome With Love. Full of romance and humour, it stars another fine ensemble cast including Penelope Cruz, Alec Baldwin, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page and Roberto Benigni. A kaleidoscopic comedy set in one of the world’s most enchanting cities, the film follows four different storylines of characters in Rome — some American, some Italian, some residents and other visitors — and the adventures and predicaments they find themselves in. Their eternal quest for love will change their lives forever.
Edward has finally fulfilled Bella’s wish to become immortal. But the arrival of their remarkable daughter, Renesmee, sets in motion a perilous chain of events that puts the Cullens and their allies against the Volturi, the fearsome council of vampire leaders, setting the stage for an all-out battle. This suspenseful and deeply romantic story continues the epic tale of supernatural fantasy and passionate love that has made Twilight a worldwide phenomenon.
THE FLICKS ALL THE WAY THROUGH EVENING OPENS 29 NOVEMBER
FUSE MOVIE PICK OF THE MONTH!
THE INTOUCHABLES : OPENS 25 OCTOBER An amazing story about friendship. After a paragliding accident leaves a rich aristocrat (François Cluzet) a quadriplegic, he hires a young man (Omar Sy) from the projects to be his caregiver.
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Rohan Spong’s musical documentary All The Way Through Evening uncovers the unspoken pandemic that ravaged the gay community of New York City. The Melbourne based independent filmmaker’s story opens upon exuberant 70-something East Village concert pianist Mimi Stern-Woolfe as she rehearses for an upcoming concert. Mimi’s Benson AIDS Series an annual concert commemorates the music left by her friends, all composers, who were lost to HIV/AIDS. All The Way Through Evening will be showing for a strictly limited season at Dendy Canberra, who will be donating proceeds to the AIDS Action Council of the ACT.
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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It is a fun night of dancing with people of all flavours. There is a bar, BBQ and a live band to lead you through those dances that you might remember from primary school – like Strip the Willow, The Waves of Bondi, crazy polkas and some more genteel promenades. By the end of the night you’ll have danced with everyone, caught up with old friends, made some new ones and helped raise cash for the GLBTI community. Have fun with your Bushdance outfit. It’s a night of singlets, jeans, twirling dresses, chaps, check shirts, rhinestones, akubras, hats and boots.
Yarralumla Woolshed, Cotter Road Saturday 17 November 2012. 7:30pm – 1:00am Tix at the door $30 full / $20 concession with card. There is no ATM so please bring cash!
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CANBERRA’S LARGEST GLBTI EVENT FOR OVER YEARS
Canberra Bushdance is an R18+ event so make sure you bring photo ID. Bushdance is a community fundraiser co-ordinated by Pink Tennis - Canberra Gay & Lesbian Tennis Club. Media Partner FUSE Magazine. 6 WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
WHAT’S ON
SPRINGOUT FAIRDAY 2012 3 NOVEMBER 2012 12 NOON TO 5PM Canberra’s favourite LGBTI event SpringOut Fairday will take place Saturday November 3 on the lawns of Westlund House. Fairday is an inclusive event that celebrates the diversity, colour and vibrancy of Canberra and the LGBTI community — and everyone is welcome to come along.
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SEE TH E SPRING OUT EVENT CALEN PAGED9AR
CANBERRA’S PRIDE FESTIVAL IS ON AGAIN! 3 - 18 NOVEMBER 2012
SpringOUT is coming your way! It’s Canberra’s annual queer cultural festival and is a celebration of the vibrancy of the local LGBTIQ communities in the ACT. SpringOUT celebrates with a range of cultural, artistic and political events showcasing the best that Canberra’s queer community has to offer.
It will be a fun packed day that will begin at 12 noon, going right through to 5pm, the day will include live music, fun and heaps of entertainment, not to mention yummy food and tons of stalls from businesses and community groups. It’s a great day to find out what is going on in the Canberra queer community; to buy some early Christmas presents; and to have a fab day out catching up with friends new and old.
WHAT’S ON!
Hosted by volunteers, highlights of the last few years have included the Westlund House SpringOUT Fairday, Bentfest, Women’s Dance, Canberra Pride Awards, and observance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance — and no SpringOut would be the same without Bushdance!
WANT TO KNOW WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING, CHECK OUT OUR ‘WHAT’S ON’ SECTION AT WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
Year by year the events grow, and we are always happy to see our friends from across Canberra, the region, Australia even and further abroad coming to see that underneath all that red tape Canberra is so well known for, there are a few dazzling sequins as well! See SpringOut calendar p09.
THE STREET PRESENTS
FINUCANE & SMITH’S GLORY BOX 20 NOV TIL 2 DEC
For more event info check out springout.com.au
BIG GAY (GLBTI) CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST @ TILLEY’S SUNDAY 11 NOV @ 10AM TILLEY’S CORNER OF WATTLE & BRIGALOW Eat drink and be merry on a beautiful spring morning with all your fabulous friends. It’s on again, the big gay (GLBTI) champagne breakfast at Tilley’s Devine Cafe. Everyone is welcome so come along for a fantastic breakfast at Tilley’s — bring your friends and make some new ones. More details p18.
MORE GLORY
BOX
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The legendary, indefinable, genre busting Salon of seductive, subversive, and electrifying acts, that has set critics raving and festival audiences around the world in raptures returns to Canberra! And this time she’s opening Pandora’s Box!
Join the undisputed Empress of Provocative Variety MOIRA FINUCANE in her den of velvet tables, brocade drapes and satin lanterns as she unleashes the Medusa Mega Mix! From the multi-award winning house of Finucane & Smith, comes a travelling emporium of no fixed-address, packed to the rafters with international stars, fusing Parisian nightclub with jawdropping cabaret, seductive spectacle, insolent and exotic live art, circus & sideshow, Bollywood & disco, grand guignol & backroom ballet in a show like no other. 7
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EVENTS GUIDE 2012 SPRINGOUT FAIRDAY 3 November Time: 12noon – 5pm Venue: Westlund House Address: 16 Gordon Street, Acton Cost: Free Contact: 02 6257 2855 CANBERRA NUDE YOGA SPRINGOUT SPECIAL 16 October – 18 December Time: Contact for details Venue: Griffith Cost: Free* Contact: fusion.yoga.bodywork@gmail.com All men 18+ invited to enjoy *one free class with Canberra Nude Yoga during term 4 GAP GROUP — WOMEN’S GROUP 3 and 17 November Time: 3pm – 6pm Venue: Tilley’s Devine Cafe Address: Brigalow Street, Lyneham Cost: Free Contact: Chanelle 0438 037 704 LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO 6 and 7 November Time: 7.30pm Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre Address: Civic Square, London Circuit Cost: From $55.00 - $89.90 Contact: canberratheatrecentre.com.au COMMUNITY PRIDE AWARDS 8 November Time: 6pm Venue: Hellenic Club of Canberra Address: Matilda Street, Woden Cost: $10.00 Contact: info@springout.com.au
BENTFEST 10 and 11 November Time: Tickets/session times available online Venue: CSIRO Discovery Centre Canberra Address: Clunies Ross Street, Acton Contact: bentlenses.org MAN2MAN WORKSHOPS 10 and 17 November Time: 10am – 3pm Venue: Westlund House Address: 16 Gordon Street, Acton Cost: Free Contact: workshops@aidsaction.org.au FRUIT TINGLES — WOMEN’S DANCE PARTY 10 November Time: 7pm Venue: Majura Hall Address: Rosevear Place, Dickson Cost: $20.00 Contact: TBA BIG GAY BREAKFAST 11 November Time: 10am Venue: Tilley’s Devine Cafe Address: Brigalow Street, Lyneham EQUINE ASSISTED GLEE SPRINGOUT OPEN FARM DAY 11 November Time: 10am – 4pm Venue: Peakgrove Farm Address: 46 Pettys Lane, Murrumbateman Cost: Free Contact: 0428 172 011 CANROCK CLIMBING WOMEN’S NIGHT 15 November Time: Start at 6.30pm Venue: Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing North Address: 38-40 Essington Street, Mitchell Cost: $16 covers entry and gear Contact: facebook.com/events/398610190206888
CANBERRA QUEER WOMEN’S GROUP PICNIC 16 November Time: Starts at 6pm Venue / Address: On the lawns in between the lake and the National Library Cost: Free Contact: TBA SPRINGOUT RUN, WALK OR CYCLE BY CANBERRA FRONTRUNNERS 17 November Time: 9am Venue: Outside Edgars Inn Address: Ainslie Shops Cost: Free Contact: Peter 0432948538 or Andrew 0403749102 GAY4PLAY ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO CANBERRA BUSH DANCE 17 November Time: 10am Address: Exiting Sydney Cost: $275.00 Contact: www. g4p.com.au CANBERRA BUSH DANCE 17 November Time: 7.30pm – 1am Venue: Yarralumla Woolshed Address: 208 Cotter Road, Yarralumla Cost: $30.00 full / $20.00 Concession Contact: canberrabushdance@yahoo.com.au MARQUES IN THE PARK MOTAFRENZ TURNS 1! 18 November Time: 10am – 2pm Venue: John Knight Park Address: Emu Bank, Belconnen Cost: Free Contact: act@motafrenz.org.au
Visit www.springout.com.au for full details 9
NEWS & POLITICS
By Simon Copland
ROUND UP) SAME-SEX MARRIAGE UPDATE There have been big movements in the arena of same-sex marriage, as momentum builds around the country. The most recent action began in Tasmania, as the Tasmanian lower house passed a law legalising same-sex marriage in the state. Gay Olympian Edward Gal competed for the Netherlands and is somewhat of a rockstar in the world of dressage. Gal in a relationship with fellow equestrian, Hans Peter Minderhoud.
2012 OLYMPIC TRIUMPHS It was touted as the women’s Olympics. With women competing for every country for the first time ever, London 2012 was seen as a major milestone for women in sport. One of the relatively untold stories of London 2012 was the success of gay and lesbian athletes in this year’s competition. With 22 openly gay and lesbian athletes, ten won gold medals. If they competed as a team, this would have meant they would have tied with Mexico or Ethiopia in the competition. In one of the most high-profile races in the competition, South African, Caster Semenya won silver in the women’s 800 metres. Semenya has faced controversy for her entire career after she was forced to take gender tests following her win in the 2009 world championships. Much of the hopes of South Africa were placed on her back this year, as she was the flag bearer, and probably one of the best known athletes of the games.
GAY THERAPY Lawmakers in California have passed legislation banning ‘gay therapy’ within the state. The legislation, passed in the California Assembly by a vote of 51 - 21, will ban the use of therapy that is aimed at ‘curing’ homosexuality for all teenagers within the state. This follows an earlier 23 - 13 vote on a similar bill in the California Senate in May. The legislation is due to land on California Governor Jerry Brown’s desk soon (at the time of writing). If he signs it, as expected, it will make California the first place to ban this controversial practice. And closer to home a Sydney doctor and member of the Exclusive Brethren has been banned from practicing after prescribing anti-androgen therapy cyproterone acetate (chemical castration) to a young gay man in order to cure his homosexuality. In a letter to the Health Care Complaints Commission, the young man said at the age of 18 he came out as gay, a church leader told him, ‘’there’s medication you can go on’’ and recommended he speak to Dr Craddock with a view to my being placed on medication to help me with the problem. 10
Similar legislation was first introduced by the Greens leader Nic McKim in 2005 and passed after Labor Premier Lara Giddings announced the party’s support for the move at their state conference. The legislation is still awaiting approval from the Tasmania Upper House. The moves in Tasmania were quickly followed by another announcement in South Australia, with Premier Jay Wetherill stating that he will support same-sex marriage legislation put forward by the Greens MP Tammy Franks. Wetherill said that the ALP will have a conscience vote on the legislation, which is due to be voted on this year. Changes also occurred in the ACT, with legislation passed that continued to build on the civil unions bill first passed in 2006. The bill re-introduces a legal ceremony component to civil unions, the part of the legislation that was vetoed by the Howard Government in 2006 and then threatened to be vetoed by the Rudd Government in 2009. Following the passing of the legislation, Attorney General Simon Corbell announced that he was working with the Tasmanian Government to develop legislation on same-sex marriage. The bill would be introduced after the election, if Federal same-sex marriage votes fail. And federally the bill to amend the Marriage Act to enable gay marriage was defeated 98-42 in the House of Representatives. Disappointed marriage equality advocates saying the way forward for the issue is now at a state level. WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
HISTORIC DAY FOR TASMANIA Tasmania’s reputation as a modern, enlightened and socially progressive state has been strengthened with the passage of marriage equality laws through the House of Assembly. The Premier, Lara Giddings, said Tasmania had sent a strong message to the rest of the country that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation should end. “I am proud to lead a state which has come a long way in the eyes of the Nation,” Ms Giddings said. “Not that long ago Tasmania was scorned and ridiculed for having laws that outlawed homosexuality. Today we have taken an important step towards toppling the last pillar of discrimination against same sex couples — a step that I believe other states will inevitably follow.” Ms Giddings said constitutional law experts believed that the Bill was robust enough to withstand a potential High Court challenge. “If it was not for governments being willing to challenge norms of the day through law reform we may not have seen the enactment of Native Title or the more recent decision with regard to the plain packaging of cigarettes. Until, if ever, the Commonwealth Parliament decides to legislate for same-sex marriage I believe our State law, when enacted, will be valid and provide a robust framework for same-sex marriage.” Ms Giddings said the Act is not about damaging marriage. “I respect there are people with strong-held religious views on marriage.”However, I do not believe that the personal moral disapproval that some individuals may feel towards same-sex marriage is a valid reason to allow discrimination to continue in the twenty-first century. This issue is about equality and fairness. While there were significant advancements in civil rights during the twentieth century including the removal of discrimination on the basis of race, religion or gender, it is incumbent upon us as twentyfirst century legislators to remove the last act of discrimination.” The Premier said she fundamentally believed it’s time for reform. “It should also be remembered that this concept is not new — marriage equality has been achieved in 12 countries across four continents including Canada, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Portugal and Argentina, as well as in several states of the United States of America. “New Zealand, France, Finland, Nepal, Slovenia, Paraguay, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Washington State and both the ACT and South Australia closer to home are likely to move towards marriage equality in the near future.” STOP PRESS: After a marathon two day debate in Tasmania’s Upper House, the Same-Sex Marriage Bill was narrowly voted down 8 votes to 6. Marriage equality advocates are undaunted by this outcome, saying the issue “has a bright future”. 11
NEWS & POLITICS
ADD IT UP
11,000
The number of athletes who competed in the London 2012 Olympic Games. Only 22 were out as gay or lesbian. Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich were convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred after belting out a song criticising Vladimir Putin.
NOT SO GAY RUSSIA The Russian queer community and gender activists have been on quite a rough ride this year. The Russian band ‘Pussy Riot’ were sentenced to two years in gaol for undertaking a protest in a Russian Orthodox Church. The band said they were protesting against the churches’ support for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In the courts statement following the ruling, they said that Pussy Riot had “crudely undermined social order”. The Russian Court upheld a ban on pride marches in Moscow. The ban was challenged by a local LGBTIQ activist, with the ruling stating that marches could not be held in the city for 100 years.
40%-50%
The percentage of trans* people that meet the criteria of being clinically depressed at any point of time.
And... Madonna is being sued for $10 million by anti-gay activists in St Petersburg for “moral damage suffered by St Petersburg residents and promoting homosexuality”. Performing in black lingerie with the words “No Fear” scrawled on her back, Madonna attacked a city law adopted in March that imposed fines for spreading homosexual “propaganda”. She had earlier called the law a “ridiculous atrocity”. Homosexuality, punished with jail terms in the Soviet Union, was decriminalized in Russia in 1993, but much of the gay community remains underground as prejudice runs deep in the community.
SMOKING IS SAFER THEN HOMOSEXUALITY President of the Australian Christian Lobby Jim Wallace made waves after he equated the health risks of smoking with that of same sex marriage in a debate with Greens Senator Christine Milne. Wallace said that smoking was a better lifestyle choice than homosexuality, pointing of the high level of drug and alcohol abuse in the gay community. The comments drew quick condemnation, with Prime Minister Julia Gillard pulling out of a planned speech at the ACL conference, and many also pointing out that it is the homophobia of people like Wallace that is causing bad health outcomes for queer people, not our ‘innate nature’. 12
2%
The amount of sports media coverage dedicated to women’s sport, with only 0.5% of sponsorship going to female athletes.
Over 1 Billion
The estimated number of people in the world that are currently gluten intolerant. Approximately 1 in 100 Australians have coeliac disease. WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
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Interview by Alex Thatcher
SPORTS FEATURE FEATURE INTERVIEW
Knowing just how busy he was with training, I was excited as a little puppy when Matthew Mitcham agreed to be a FUSE cover boy. Since disembarking from the plane after the London Olympics Matthew seems to have hit the ground running. ‘I started training as soon as I got back. I’m changing events from 10m platform to 3m springboard because it’s easier on the body, so I wanted to give myself ample time to be ready for Nationals in December.’ Matt told us he has quite an ambitious set of dives in mind, which would give him the highest degree of difficulty in the world — it’s pretty impressive stuff. Joyously out and proud, Matthew is also about to launch his very anticipated autobiography ‘Twists and Turns’ which will include 48 glossy pages of photos, personal truths as well as ‘dirty and gritty bits’. I’m just not sure which bit I’m excited about the most! When we asked him about the celebrity aspect of being an Olympian, Matthew said, ‘I’m really proud to be recognised for who I am and what I do’ — so we had a brief chat with Matt to find out a bit more about who he is and what he does. So Matthew what type of training do you do, day to day? I’m in the gym for 2.5hrs every morning doing cardio, lifting weights, and working technical skills on the trampoline or off a diving board into a foam pit. Then it’s 2.5hrs in the water in the afternoon. Each weekday. And then another 4 hour session on Saturday mornings. What about your diet? Does that change with your training? Now that I’m changing to springboard, I’m allowed to get a bit heavier. Which is fun — I do love Nutella so very much. You may have noticed that recently there has been a lot of press around homophobia in sport. Is this something you have experienced yourself? Strangely enough I only experienced homophobia in sport when I was not open and upfront about my sexuality. In my experience, being open about my sexuality has made it easier for people to interact with me, because they have more information to work with. Do you think high profile sports people should be out about their sexuality? Everybody has a unique situation. I was fortunate enough to be born into a relatively tolerant society and a very supportive family. Many people aren’t so lucky. I believe each coming generation is more tolerant than the last, so hopefully soon sexuality in sport won’t be an issue. So what’s next for Matthew Mitcham? So much exciting stuff — you’ll probably be sick of seeing my face! Tell us about your perfect man — you must be quite the guy magnet! Yeah, like when you put the likepoles together. Just kidding. I already have my perfect man — we’ve been together six years.
MATTHEW MITCHAM Apart from diving what’s your favourite activity? Playing with my puppy. Sleeping. Playing my ukulele. Eating Nutella. In that order. What’s an interview question you wish somebody would ask you? What’s you drag name: Jackie Moff. What’s your super power? I’m Elastigirl from the Incredibles. Funniest life moment? (at 14) “Hey mum, I think I’m gay.” “Well d’uh!” hahaha.
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TWISTS & TURNS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS
Year long cruise, shag or marry? Shag by elimination. Because we can’t marry and I get stir crazy quickly, so a cruise is out! Ricky Martin… hot. Niel Patrick Harris… cool. Boy George… kinky. Photo and cover image by John McRae
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SPORTS FEATURE “Everyone agrees there is no place for racism or sexism in modern Australia. Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are no different. Homophobic harassment is never acceptable and often unlawful. We need to stop harassment and the harm it causes to our friends, family members and neighbours.” Anna Brown for notohomophobia.com.au
SAY
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Photo by Lauren Young
TO HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT
‘I’D LIKE TO TELL YOU WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING A GAY FOOTY PLAYER. I’VE EXPERIENCED HOMOPHOBIA IN AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL FIRST HAND — NOW IT’S TIME TO END IT.’
That’s what twenty four year old footy player (photo above) Jason Ball had to say when launching his petition to tackle homophobia in the AFL. The petition, being run through change.org, called on the AFL to run ‘No to Homophobia’ ads during the AFL Grand Final and launch a Pride Round in 2013. Jason ‘s work is shining a light on a major issue in the sporting world as he and others are trying to tackle homophobia at all levels of sport. Homophobia pops it head up everywhere it seems. Recently St. Kilda AFL player Stephen Milne was fined $3,000 for calling a Collingwood player a ‘f*&%n homo’. This follows the controversy former player Jason Akermanis caused after he wrote an opinion piece calling on gay AFL players to stay in the closet and recently tweeted “who cares?” after Nine sports reporter Clint Stanaway tweeted ‘We’ll have a brave story on tonight. The openly gay footballer (Jason Ball) is urging tolerance and taking his campaign to the AFL’ A report in 2010, Come out to Play, showed that of the 307 surveyed LGBT sports people in Victoria, 42 per cent had experienced some form of abuse due to their sexual identity. Dr. Caroline Symons from Victoria University’s School of Sport and Exercise noted that this didn’t just affect GLBT participants, saying: ‘While GLBT people are likely to experience homophobic discrimination in sport, it is important to note that you don’t have to be gay, lesbian or transgender to experience it. Straight people perceived as gay are just as open to discrimination and homophobia.’
The AFL has agreed to show ‘No to Homophobia’ commercials at it’s preliminary finals, in response to the campaign initiated by a gay footballer Jason Ball.
By Simon Copland
The likelihood of this is that many GLBTI people are either avoiding sports or hiding their sexuality when they do participate. Some of these statistics are stark – of 11,000 athletes at the London 2012 Olympics for example, only 22 were out. That’s a tiny 0.2% of the Olympic competition. You can’t really blame people being hesitant to ‘come out’ as those who then do often face potential abuse, possible issues with teammates and sponsorship. I am a lucky sports person. I play ultimate Frisbee, social netball, and go to the gym, and am comfortably out in all of these spaces. But for many it’s not like this and we can all help make things better and it’s not just about being open in sport yourself, but also about standing up to those who are homophobic — whether its abuse, inappropriate jokes or taunting. This is a job not just for queer people, but for straight people as well. In August, the AFL launched the ‘No to Homophobia Campaign’. Featuring Andrew Demetriou, Eddie McGuire and Lauren Jackson, the campaign will include a year-long social media and TV advertising plan to tackle homophobia. In 2011, former Australian hockey player Gus Johnson tackled the issue of homophobia straight on in a YouTube clip called Gus Johnson: The Reality of Homophobia in Sport. Johnson publicly outed himself and emotionally discussed the impact homophobia in sport had on him. Straight players such as David Pocock from Rugby Union have also taken an active role, with Pocock taking public stands on issues such as same-sex marriage. Governments are acting too. Here in the ACT a $272,000 new program was launched early this year to stamp out homophobia in sports, which will include a full-time project officer to identify and break down barriers that may inhibit participation in sports and develop resources to assist clubs to foster a culture of inclusiveness and to respond to discrimination when it occurs. At the close of the 2012 games in London we celebrate the achievements of the 22 out Olympians and celebrate athletes everywhere who are making a difference in sport as we aim to eradicate homophobia everywhere. 17
A lesbian, gay, trans*, bi, intersex and everyone inbetween event! Eat, drink and be merry on a beautiful spring morning with all your fabulous friends. It’s on again, the FUSE SpringOut big gay champagne breakfast at Tilley’s. SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER @ 10AM
Artwork by Jade Turner
For over 26 years Tilley’s has been a gathering place for the gay and lesbian community. It’s famous for its breakfasts, lunches, dinners and 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! 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.
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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
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SPORTS FEATURE The Canberra Roller Derby League is the ACT’s premier all female, flat track roller derby league. Established in 2008, CRDL has been growing ever since and comprises of around 100 active skaters split into four JUST 2% home OF SPORTS teams. COVERAGE IS Photo by Lily Chen
By Simon Copland
DEDICATED TO WOMEN’S SPORT
WOMEN IN SPORT
THE 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS WAS BILLED AS THE “WOMEN’S OLYMPICS”. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER WOMEN MADE UP HALF OF THE COMPETITION AND REPRESENTED EVERY COUNTRY COMPETING AT THE GAMES. AS WE LOOK BACK AT LONDON, IT’S WORTH ASKING, HOW FAR HAVE WE COME WHEN IT COMES TO WOMEN AND SPORT? There’s no doubt that women have historically had significantly had less financial and institutional support; participation in major games like the Olympics has been lower than men’s up until now and in general women’s sport gets much less coverage. It’s undeniable that the athletic feats of women are underrated — it seems men are considered better at sport and more exciting to watch. This is slowly changing however. Women are taking many higher positions in the sporting world. For example, Australia’s Sports Minister is Canberra’s own Kate Lundy. Women are now entering the boards of some of Australia’s top sporting agencies, such as Sam Mostyn at the AFL Commission, Catherine Harris at the NRL Commission, and Alisa Camplin, who is not only an Olympic Gold Medallist, but also an Australian Sports Commission board member and director of the Collingwood Football club. Women athletes are also making a more obvious impact on the national sporting scene. US Open Champion, Samantha Stosur is now probably one of Australia’s best known sportspeople, whilst Sally Pearson and Anna Meares were probably our two highestprofile gold-medal winners in the London Olympics. Potentially more importantly, for the first time in a number of years, it was a woman, Canberra’s own Lauren Jackson, who was Australia’s flag-bearer in the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Queer women are also leading the way when it comes to the promotion of GLBTI sports people. Nineteen out of the twentytwo ‘out gay and lesbian athletes’ in the Olympics were women, including Australia’s beach volleyball player Natalie Cook. In 1981 women’s tennis player Martina Navratilova took a world lead in coming out. Navratilova is probably the most successful out sports player in the history of sporting competition.
New women’s dominated sports are starting to get traction as well. For example, Roller Derby is probably Australia’s largest growing sport — following in the footsteps of sports such as netball — challenging much of the maledomination of sport, putting women at the forefront. These are all great achievement for women in sport, but we still have a way to go. When you flick on the TV, it is unlikely that you are going to see women playing sport; you get men’s AFL, men’s rugby, or men’s basketball. Women also continue to earn much less than men, with a recent survey showing that just 2% of coverage goes to purely female sports, and only 0.5% of sponsorship. And then there is the question of sexism in sport and you have to ask yourself ‘is women’s sport overlooked because of the physical disparities between the sexes, or because of something else’? Perhaps it isn’t that women can’t jump further or run faster than men that’s the problem. In a recent interview Katherine Legge an American IndyCar driver said “there is absolutely no physical barrier to a woman driving the most prestigious vehicle of them all, a Formula One car” and she believes racing is “the only sport in the world where women can compete with men on an equal footing”. But no woman has ever even been given the chance in an F1 competitive car. So if there isn’t a physical barrier, what’s the problem? It seems the underlying assertion that playing, watching or even writing about sport somehow makes women “less feminine” may be the real crux of the issue and it’s no coincidence that the more traditionally attractive women at the championships, the likes of Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic, get greater media attention. We’ve made some great progress in women’s sport and London 2012 was a terrific launchpad that was so desperately needed, but its obvious that more still needs to be done, so get there and support women in sport! 19
GLUTEN FREE ? s s u f e h t s ’ t a h W
By Jacqui Bushell
Visit Jacqui online at puretherapies.com.au
IS IT JUST ME, OR ARE YOU ALSO NOTICING THE PANDEMIC OF PEOPLE BECOMING GLUTEN FREE? CAFES ARE KEEN TO ADVERTISE ‘GF’, EVEN MORE SO THAN GM FREE. CELEBRITY CHEFS, EVEN COLES ARE ON THE BANDWAGON. SO WHY IS EVERYONE AVOIDING WHEAT? ARE WE REALLY ALL SUDDENLY DEVELOPING GLUTEN INTOLERANCE? Common symptoms of a wheat or gluten reaction are bloating, indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, blur brain where it’s hard to think or focus, lethargy, fatigue, depression, anxiety, headaches, abdominal pain, rashes, joint inflammation or limbs feeling as heavy as lead. It’s a huge range of symptoms, which is why gluten intolerance can be difficult to diagnose. Often people will not be really well for years, but it’s low level and ignorable. Then a period of stress hits and suddenly the body’s coping ability takes a nose dive and the big symptoms kick in like autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, arthritis or irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes it’s only when we hit a particular threshold level of wheat or gluten that we react; two sourdough breakies are ok, but the muffin kicks us over the edge. Other folks are so sensitive a mouthful of Weetbix triggers off a ninemonths sized bloat within five minutes. It’s also clear than any emotional overload or physical challenge will exacerbate symptoms as stress also slows down the digestion and can impact on the immune system response. 20
Any of you who have struggled with attempting to make pastry from crumbly mixes of potato and chickpea flour will appreciate the virtues of gluten. Gluten is the name for the proteins that give flours their elastic glue, so that bread and biscuits stick together in that delicious, light way. Unfortunately for some, their body sets up an immune response to it, producing antibodies which destroy the lining of the small intestine. Some people will react to wheat only and tolerate other grains; others will need to be on a strict gluten free diet. Some people will develop Coeliac disease which is an autoimmune based adverse response to gluten where food nutrients can’t be adequately broken down and absorbed, leading to malnutrition, immune hyper reactivity and inflammation.
SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GLUTEN INTOLERANCE AND COELIAC DISEASE? Firstly, coeliac is an immune reaction, a true allergy. Gluten intolerance usually has a much slower onset than coeliac, often only being picked up in our 30s or 40s due to the diverse range of symptoms. Some people with obvious sensitivity to gluten will show up as negative on coeliac tests, which can be confusing. Doctors now have other, more specific, sensitive tests which check for raised gliaden antibodies, produced as a response to gluten. Only a small percentage of people who are intolerant to gluten will go on to develop the whole clinical picture of coeliac. There’s much you can do to prevent it! WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
FEATURE SO WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE DEVELOPING THESE INTOLERANCES? There are a few different answers to why people are developing food intolerances and allergies. Genetic engineering of our grains is only a small aspect. The sheer quantity of grains we eat is hugely problematic. Australian foods are wheat dominant. It’s one of our main crops, whereas corn is more prevalent in the USA. The Palaeolithic diet theory believes that we are genetically not equipped to digest a large amount of grainy carbs and for many folks they provide a challenge. Remember the old ‘food pyramid with cereals and bread the largest part? That food plan has been pushed at us for the last 10,000 years, since the beginning of the agricultural revolution. But it is really only in the last 60 years that our bread, cakes, biscuits, pasta and sugar intake has soared. Pure, unadulterated stodge! Also, in general, our digestive system and gut ecology have deteriorated substantially over this period. Processed foods, plastic faux food, sugars, and poor eating habits lead to a weak digestive system. Children’s gut systems are overloaded resulting in greater damage and younger ages that symptoms begin. I’m seeing kids and teenagers now with whom I’m doing major gut healing work. Ten to twenty years ago, this was hardly a feature in my clinic. Grains are one of the more difficult foods to digest and in an already compromised system it’s easy to end up with bloat causing ferment and then ‘leaky gut’ syndrome. Cutting down or eliminating gluten will help give your belly a breather and reduce the load, but you will also need to do some gut healing work and probably other dietary changes: cut down the dairy, sugars and saturated fats, eatzmore fermented foods (‘I love sauerkraut’ is now your mantra!), wholefoods not pre-packaged, pre-soaking nuts and grains, digestive bitters, probiotics etc. The easiest way of discovering if you’re wheat or gluten sensitive is via an elimination diet. Stop eating it and notice what happens over a three week period. How do you feel? Then have a pile of bread to challenge test. It will be obvious if you’re reacting to the flour! There can be a cross over between many disease processes or conditions and wheat or gluten. Studies show that antigliadin antibodies are found in 70 per cent of non-specific neurological disease. For people with irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, asthma, any autoimmune disease or chronic inflammatory processes, gluten free is one of the first diet changes I invite them to make.
Often people don’t give the diet long enough to really assess the effects. A week is not going to cut the cheese, so to speak (and dairy may also be a triggering factor as well!) I would expect the bloating and abdominal discomfort to settle down within a fortnight, but if there’s been long term inflammation it can take up to 6 months for the lymphocytes deposited in muscle tissue to move. Don’t’ panic! If you are sensitive to gluten, you will feel much improved before the six month mark. But it can take that long, so hang in there. Eating foods that trigger off an immune response creates more inflammation through the gut lining; basically it squashes down the shag pile carpet of our intestines. Less shag pile means we don’t absorb nutrients well and it’s easier to damage this lining resulting in the naturopathic term ‘leaky gut’. What happens here is that the intestines become more permeable and larger than anticipated molecules from poorly digested nutrients are able to pass through the gut wall into the blood stream. The immune system, like vigilante bouncers, goes into ‘stranger danger’ mode and start binding to these molecules in order to hustle them out via the liver. As more and more of these large molecules get bound up in large reactive complexes, the immune system is less responsive in other areas. We start getting more colds, cuts heal slowly and we feel run down. Then the liver gets more stressed and overworked trying to break down all these by-products which, if they are not effectively denatured, end up being deposited in tissues, causing inflammation and damage.
GLUTEN GRAINS INCLUDE: Wheat, wheat germ oil, spelt, kumut, barley, rye, triticale, cous cous, matzo, bulgur, semolina, durum, farina. Read food labels as soups, soy sauce, other sauces or malt contain gluten products.
GLUTEN FREE GRAINS INCLUDE: Millet, rice, quinoa, amaranth, corn, buckwheat, all beans and lentils. Coconut flour, chickpea flour, quinoa flour, soy flour, potato flour, tapioca and arrowroot. These are very starchy and can be glue like in your belly; generally speaking, don’t have too much of these products.
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WHAT’S WITH SPELT? Spelt is a non-hybridised version of wheat (hence has gluten). It’s how wheat was 150 years ago before modern agriculture combined with genetics laboratories and started making it resistant to bugs, fatter, hardier, less tasty etc. I find that most folks who react to wheat only and can digest oats and rye grains are OK with moderate amounts of spelt. Spelt is more water soluble than other grains (oats are too) which can make them easier to digest.
A SHORT WORD ON BUCKWHEAT The ‘wheat’ part of the name is a misnomer; it’s actually a member of the rhubarb family and does not contain gluten. Occasionally, people with leaky gut will react to it though, depending on the degree of inflammation and sensitivity of the bowel. Do make sure that you rotate it with other non-gluten grains, or only have it a few times per week to avoid starting up a low grade irritation. Supermarkets now sell gluten free plain and self-raising flours. Thank you! Be alert to some of the additives they may use in them however. It is only slightly fiddly to make up and mix your own gluten free combo which I prefer to do. Obey a few rules in cooking and you can avoid the Styrofoam taste, leaden texture or the ‘crumbling apart at the slightest touch’ effect. There are now a great variety of flours readily available. I’ve been experimenting with coconut and quinoa flour recently which gives a great subtle taste.
A ‘STICKING’ POINT To help give gluten free flours more stretchiness and prevent them from becoming dry crumblies, add either arrowroot flour or the plant gum ‘xanthum’. The general proportions are about 1/2 teaspoon of xanthum in 2 cups flour for a cake. Add any more and it will have a gooey, slimey texture. Add 1 teaspoon in pastry or bread mixes (approximately 2-2.5 cups flour). Arrowroot is a light, white and fine starch from the rhizome of a rainforest plant. Use 1 dessertspoon per cup of gluten free flours. It’s hard to find pure arrowroot these days, it’s usually tapioca starch which works similarly.
GLUTEN FREE COMBINATIONS For every cup of flour a gluten free substitute might be: Maize flour — if you can’t get maize then substitute corn flour which is lighter. 3/4 cup potato flour and 1/4 cup rice flour. Never use only rice flour in cooking unless you prefer ‘concrete’ texture. Instead of the rice flour try the very yummy coconut flour, quinoa, millet or soy flours. Soy is quite a ‘dense’ flour; don’t use much unless you like your stodge heavy. The ratio of 2/3 potato to 1/3 rice flour also works well or even 1/2 to 1/2, if you like a more chewy texture or Frisbees for the dog. 1/2 cup potato flour and 1/2 cup buckwheat. Buckwheat has a distinctive, slightly ‘nutty’ flavour. In savoury foods you might also like to try chick pea flour (also known as besan). I tend to use potato flour as a base as it’s so light, especially in cakes and sponges. For a self raising effect, add 1 teaspoon of baking powder for each cup of flour combination. Just make sure that the baking powder is a gluten free one, some aren’t. 22
FIG AND PEAR CAKE
LOOK OUT FOR ‘A LOVING SPOONFUL’ GLUTEN, DAIRY AND SUGAR FREE VEGO COOKBOOK PURETHERAPIES.COM.AU DUE OUT IN DECEMBER
10 dried figs 1 pear grated 2/3 cup corn flour 1/4 cup rice flour 1 dessertspoon arrowroot 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 2/3 cup coconut palm sugar or xylitol 100ml rice bran or olive oil Optional: 50ml apple juice, soy or rice milk Pinch salt 1/2 cup polenta 1/2 cup pecan nut pieces or walnuts 2 eggs
Cut figs into quarters and remove the hard center stalk. Sift flours, salt and spices into a bowl, then add in the palm sugar, polenta, oil and whisked eggs. Finally, stir in the figs and grated pear. If you’d rather some pear chunks then cut the pear into little pieces rather than grating. If the mixture is very stiff, which depends on the squishiness of the pear, then add in a little apple juice. Pour into a lined cake or loaf tin. Bake 175C, 45 minutes, till cooked. Serve warm or cold with a thick dollop of nut cream or to be really decadent: yoghurt, lime and pomegranate molasses. Jacqui Bushell ND, DBM, DRM is a Naturopath and Herbalist. Jacqui works with many locally grown, wild crafted herbs, Flower Essences, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Hot Stone Massage and Spiritual Healing. These modalities support and heal our body and mind, inviting us to a more inspirational way of living, to connect on a deeper level with ourselves and our environment. For more information on improving your life visit Jacqui’s website at puretherapies.com.au WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
GRAMMY AWARD WINNER
melissa manchester Her hit singles include “Midnight Blue”, “Whenever I Call You Friend”, “Don’t Cry Out Loud”, “Through The Eyes Of Love”, “You Should Hear How She Talks About You” and many others. Her songs have been recorded by the likes of Barbra Streisand, Dusty Springfield, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, among many others. DON’T MISS THE MAGNIFICENT MELISSA MANCHESTER ON HER AUSTRALIAN TOUR
SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB, CANBERRA FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER • BOOKINGS 02 6283 7200 • WWW.CSCC.COM.AU
To donate life know their wishes
Have you discussed organ and tissue donation with the people close to you? Would you know what to say if you were asked ‘did they want to be an organ and tissue donor?’
To donate life, ask them today. OK?
For more information visit donatelife.gov.au 23
11 & 18 Nov
Man2Man
Free sexual health workshop for Men Over 2 Saturdays, discuss everything you wanted to know about c*ck, arse and SEX with other men, but were afraid to ask
Check out www.aidsaction.org.au To RSVP call 02 6257 2855 or e-mail workshops@aidsaction.org.au WESTLUND HOUSE RESOURCE CENTRE
WARNING: this is a candid workshop for gay and bisexual men, 18+ only
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STYLE
dad’s closet
SHOPPING IN YOUR
MOST OF US DO NOT THINK OF OUR DADS AS FASHIONABLE [LAUGHS], BUT WHAT IF I SAID THAT ALL OF THE LOOKS ON THIS PAGE WERE PUT TOGETHER WITH PIECES FROM MY DAD’S CLOSET.
We are all trying to save money these days, and shopping for our wardrobes on a budget can sometimes be difficult. Having less money for clothes does not mean we cannot stay stylish and current with our look. It just means you have to get a little creative. The thought of wearing your dad’s old clothes might sound terrifying at first, but with a few of my tips and tricks, you will be able to put together an all new look virtually free of charge. The first thing you need to do is keep an open mind. Remember those horrible shirts that your dad wore when you were younger? Well the great thing about dear old dad is that he rarely gets rid of anything and those shirts are hiding in his closet. Bold patterns and textures are really hip right now, and those once tacky shirts are now fashionable and trendy. Look for loud patterns and colours when going through dad’s old clothes. I have learned that something might look horrible on a hanger, but be absolutely fabulous on someone. Whatever you do, do not dismiss something for being too “ugly”. It might be your best find! Now you are thinking about the size differences between your body and your dads. In my case, I am nowhere near as broad as my dad is.
Fitted jeans and chunky boots balance out the shirts perfectly
By Colby Kern Morrell For more fashion advice from Colby visit colbykern.com
This works in my advantage because oversized shirts also happen to be a current trend. The secret to wearing an oversized shirt [or any article of clothing] is to balance it out with fitted pieces. For my looks, I kept it simple with a pair of black skinny jeans. The fitted jeans and chunky boots balance out the shirts perfectly. To make the clothes I found more modern, I paid close attention to the way I styled them. Simply rolling up the sleeves of a shirt can drastically change the way it looks. For one of my looks, I wore a necklace that resembled the geometric pattern on the shirt. These are easy ways to instantly create a unique and trendy style. You can even get more creative by altering your newest treasures. You might consider replacing buttons with new colourful ones, or sewing on patches or pockets from scrap fabric. I cut off the sleeves to some of the things I found in my dad’s closet. This creates a completely customized look that I guarantee no one else will have. I like this idea not only because it is fashionable, but also because of the financial benefits. It is also a form of recycling and who can argue against that? I encourage you to take my advice and give your dad’s closet a look over. I did it with my dad, and it was a great trip down memory lane as we pulled out one tacky shirt after another. Who would have guessed that you would be wearing the same shirt that dad once embarrassed you by wearing.
Bold patterns and textures are really hip
Eco Fashion that is great for your hip pocket and the planet
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OUT & ABOUT
FACEBOOK Join Cube on facebook! www.facebook.com/cube.canberra
HALLOWEEN PARTY. TRICK OR TREAT. FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER 2012. DJ MATT. FREE ENTRY IN THEME
Sundays@Cube
$5.00 basic spirits and tap beer. 10pm to Late. 26
DJ Pete & DJ Matt with guest appearances by DJ KIZ Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night
WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
♥ FREE ENTRY AND HAPPY HOUR There is nowhere else you should be! Come and join us at Cube nightclub. We do free entry and happy hour every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until 11pm.
OPENING HOURS • THURSDAY 9PM-5AM • FRIDAY 9PM-5AM • SATURDAY 10PM-5AM • SUNDAY 10PM-LATE 33 PETRIE PLAZA CIVIC, CANBERRA CITY CUBENIGHTCLUB.COM.AU
♥ WARM YOUR COCKLES AT CUBE In case you missed it, Kiz and Pete supported the AIDS Action Council by DJing in full drag. It was an unforgettable sight! It was great seeing everyone get behind the event and show support. A big thank you to all of the sponsors who donated so kindly, your generosity will not be forgotten. The Diversity ACT After Party was held at Cube and was a huge success. We are so proud to have sponsored such a great organization. Cube is yet another year older! Thank you to all who helped us celebrate our 7th birthday, it was a great turn out and we loved seeing you all there. Homo High was a huge hit yet again! The playground was thriving with tartan skirts, nerd glasses, and white shirts and of course, the classic cube tie. A massive thanks to everyone for getting into theme and making another awesome night. We are already looking forward to next year. It’s a well known fact that Cube throws the best parties in town. It has just been one party after another, but don’t forget Halloween is just around the corner. As you know this party is the biggest of the year. So get ready to party, you won’t want to miss it.
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TODD McKENNEY SONGS AND STORIES OF
PETER ALLEN FRI 26 OCT – CANBERRA THEATRE
www.canberratheatrecentre.com / 02 6275 2700 www.toddmckenney.com.au www.facebook.com/ToddMckenneyOfficial
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TOP QUEER
FIT FOR A
QUEEN
By Stuart Poole
THIS ISSUE I TEST DRIVE THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE... Range Rover has been pioneering the development of off-road vehicles for over sixty years now. The Original Range Rover — which I still have a soft spot for — was the first to combine comfort with go anywhere capability. Land Rover has also been the vehicle of choice for military applications worldwide and the UN owns a whole fleet. Even the Queen drives a Range Rover around her property and a manual by all accounts. So fast forward to 2012, and the Evoque, while every bit a Range Rover, takes the user friendliness and drivability to a whole new level. It comes as a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, with petrol and diesel power options. The 2WD eco-diesel is also available in manual, but the rest of the range comes with automatic only. It’s a silky smooth automatic too, with the tacho being the only indication it’s changing gears. I drove the 4WD turbo petrol model; this car could really set your heart on fire. Performance from the two litre engine is best described as “cracking” as is the sweet note from the engine that, while not intrusive, lets you know it’s there, in a sporty sort of way. As mentioned, the auto was perfect with well-chosen ratios, and paddle shift is available for those of us that think we are smarter than a computer. Like most modern autos, it’s best left to its own devices. The interior was what really caught my eye. The test vehicle had a beautiful cream and chocolate brown interior, sounds very 70s I know, but it was totally tasteful and a refreshing change from the grays and blacks that seem to be the only colours available in other brands. Talking of colours, you can choose between many different interior finishes and trim combinations, while most models let you have a choice of a black, white or silver roof as well as the body colour. There is a big choice of 14 body colours too. Oh the “Colima Lime” green! I just want one. The seats were typically comfortable, which is one of the reasons why Range Rovers have sold so well globally since 1970.
AUNT DOROTHY’S
MOTORING TIP
I took the Evoque on a Motafrenz run to Harden. Everyone approved of the looks, and I approved of its highway performance. Overtaking was a breeze, and the road manners were so good you would never know you were in a 4WD. Refined is understating things quite a bit, as I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about the way it drove. I didn’t take The Evoque off road, as it was kindly lent by Lennock Motors, and I don’t like to push the envelope with regards to other people’s nice new cars, but being a Range Rover, I am sure that it would be just as impressive in the rough as it was on the black top. It is a “soft roader” technically, as it doesn’t have low range, but it does have Hill Descent Control and Terrain Response to help you out should the going get tough, or if the road up to your chalet got a little icy – which is what I suspect a lot of Evoques will be doing over winter. So did I like it? Absolutely. If I had to pick my favorite aspect, it would be the interior. So comfortable, practical and attractive. Oh but then there is the performance too, and the looks, and, and, and… Yeah, it’s all good! Thank you to the helpful staff at Lennock Motors Land Rover in Woden for supplying the Evoque for this article. lennocklandrover.com.au
“ Oils ain’t oils” as they used to say in the adverts. Always check with your handbook and make sure that you are using the corrcet oil for your type of vehicle and for the time of the year e.g. summer or winter. Saving a few bucks could be a costly mistake! 29
SPRINGOUT BENTFEST 10-11 NOVEMBER 2012
Bent Lenses is proud to present BentFest2012 ~ a celebration of queer culture on screen MOVIE SESSIONS AND TICKET INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE > BENTLENSES.ORG
SpringOut BentFest screenings at the CSIRO Discovery Centre Nth Science Road Acton
GRAB YOUR SEASON PASS ONLINE AT WWW.BENTLENSES.ORG
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ELECTION SPECIAL
ELECTION 2012 ✔ > WE ASK THE MAJOR ACT POLITICAL PARTIES SOME FINAL QUESTIONS CONCERNING LGBTI ISSUES BEFORE YOU CAST YOUR VOTE ON 20 OCTOBER
Depression is substantially higher amongst LGBTI people and youths in particular. How do you plan to address this serious issue after the election?
Do you think current surrogacy laws should be changed to allow gay and lesbian couples better opportunities to start families?
ACT Labor commits to delivering specialised health promotion and health services addressing the particular health needs of the LGBTI community in Canberra. We recognise LGBTI people as a priority group for suicide prevention and mental health policy and services.
ACT Labor supports a review of the ACTs surrogacy laws in the next term of the Legislative Assembly.
The Greens have a goal for mental health funding to comprise 12% of the total health budget. Over the last term of the Assembly through the Parliamentary Agreement we have been able to secure a $50 million increase in funding over 7 years for mental health services. The Greens are committed to working towards the 12% goal and making LGBTI mental health services a target group in that funding. We support the work of groups such as A Gender Agenda and Diversity ACT who offer support and are currently progressing important work on addressing homophobia in schools, and Headspace who provide youth mental health services. Aged care for gay Canberrans is becoming more important with our rapidly growing population. What measures are you taking to ensure proper service delivery will be available to aging members of the LGBTI population? ACT Labor will develop policies that promote social inclusion and participation of older LGBTI people. We will work with the Gillard Government on the development of the National LGBTI Aged Care Strategy. The ACT Greens passed a motion in the Legislative Assembly which established the first Older Person’s Assembly for the ACT, and the first for Australia. This provides an opportunity for older people in Canberra to have a say and provide feedback on ACT Government policy. The Greens want to see the Older Persons Assembly as a regular event, and would encourage older people from the LGBTI community to be involved in this process. While the provision of residential aged care is controlled by the Australian Government, the ACT Greens would welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue with the LGBTI community and explore how the ACT Government could provide additional support. Same sex families are gradually becoming part of the social norm. Where does your party stand on the future of same sex couples adopting children? ACT Labor amended the ACT Adoption Act in 2004 to remove discrimination against same-sex couples in our adoption laws. Principle number one in our families policy states our belief that “family structures are increasingly diverse and should be valued in all their forms”. We believe same sex adoption is and will continue to be a part of the community and the Greens absolutely support it.
The ACT Greens support the rights of gay and lesbian couples to engage surrogacy, and recognise the ACT’s laws are the most progressive ion the country. The ACT Greens do not currently have a policy on whether Part 4 of the Parentage Act 2004 (commercial substitute parent agreements) should be amended. With the recent developments in Queensland, what are your thoughts on the importance of gay and lesbian health and HIV related programs in the ACT. ACT Labor commits to ongoing financial support to the AIDS Action Council of the ACT as the best investment in combating HIV/AIDS in the ACT. We are committed to involving LGBTI groups and other appropriate community based organisations in the process of making decisions and setting priorities on health issues affecting the LGBTI community. The Greens believe reducing funding to programs like HIV services is a backward step and a poor choice from any government. HIV programs in Australia are recognised as being best practice and have been duplicated in other areas of health. We should be focusing more on preventative health measures, including the provision of information, not defunding such services. With the latest polling showing that 64% of Australians support marriage equality, do you think same-sex marriage is inevitable? Yes. ACT Labor will progress marriage equality in the ACT if the Federal Parliament fails to act. Yes, the Greens believe equal marriage laws in Australia will be passed. We think it is more a question of when that will happen, not if it will happen. With the ACT and a growing number of other States talking about passing their own laws, the Greens believe eventually the Federal Parliament will see sense and pass the required laws for all Australians.
Unfortunately we received no response to these questions from the Canberra Liberals. 31
MUSIC
By Katie Boxall
EAR CANDY MUSIC REVIEWS
FRIGHTENED RABBIT
STATE HOSPITAL
RICKI-LEE
FEAR AND FREEDOM When I spun this CD for the first time, I was pretty sure I already knew what I was going to get: a (hopefully not boring) collection of pop ephemera that would, eventually, leave me feeling disappointed in its talented creator. It swings between I’m-a-strong-independant-woman-who-don’tneed-no-man, I-love-you-please-never-leave-me, and let’s-all-getdrunk-and-dance. The most interesting songs are the ones that mix the three, but that’s only because they are endearingly schizophrenic. If I had to give this CD a letter rating, it would be a big fat ‘G’ for Generic. Sure, it’s perfectly easy to listen to, but one track blends into the other in a bleepity-bloopity pop mess. Fear and Freedom is, unfortunately, the musical equivalent of mashed potato, and does Ricki-Lee’s beautiful voice no favours.
AMANDA PALMER AND THE GRAND THEFT ORCHESTRA
THEATRE IS EVIL It’s difficult to explain Amanda F-ing Palmer to anyone that hasn’t had the pleasure of hearing her. Self described as punk cabaret, she’s created a sound all her own. She’s the kind of artist capable of covering Radiohead on a ukulele one minute and the next thrash out something powerful on a grand piano. With Amanda Palmer’s signature pounding piano and a backing band made up of an eclectic group of ‘stolen’ musicians, Theatre is Evil is packed with songs that start slow and crescendo to fascinating climax. The emotionally harrowing “The Bed Song” and intensely personal “Berlin” (about her experiences as a stripper) are particularly beautiful in their honesty. Often offensive but always interesting, there’s no other artist like Amanda Palmer. 32
Scottish Indie band Frightened Rabbit’s new EP may be only five tracks long, but between the sweet guitar, hammering drumlines and interesting lyrics, there’s a lot of feeling to go around. Lead singer Scott Hutchinson’s Scottish-accented tones and fascinating lyrics lend the EP a sense of whimsy. Title track “State Hospital” is probably the loveliest, but the juxtaposion of sung and spoken lines in “Wedding Gloves” made that track my favourite. State Hospital left me excited for their next full-length CD.
OWL CITY
THE MIDSUMMER STATION Owl City, or rather, its sole member Adam Young. He’s adorable. He’s twee. His music is like a warm hug by the fire on a snowy night. Or, it was. With his new album, he’s aiming for a more grown up sound and more grown up subject matter. For anyone looking for another Fireflies, The Midsummer Station is sadly lacking, but “Good Time”— a fun duet with pop princess Carly Rae Jepsen — comes close, channelling the squeaky clean sweetness that characterised Ocean Eyes. The Midsummer Station, however, takes much more inspiration from mainstream pop, and tracks like “Silhouette” and “Take It All Away” try really hard to give a sense of new maturity. This, at least for me, made the whole thing less enjoyable: I felt like Adam Young was trying to sell me something instead of entertain me. WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
B U R L E S Q U E AT T H E S T R E E T
“exceptionally sumptuously demented” VOYAGE FRANCE
The Burlesque Hour meets Pandora’s Box!
28 NOV – 8 DEC
“fantastically indecent” “fantastically indecent”
BOOK
NOW
6247 1223 WWW.THESTREET.ORG.AU 15 CHILDERS ST CITY WEST
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MONEY SHOT By Scott Malcolm Scott is the Director of Money Mechanics
WEALTH MADE AND SHARED IS GOOD SOCIAL CAPITAL! I LOVE GOOD COFFEE AND ALSO TRY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. ON A RECENT TRIP TO MELBOURNE I GOT TO EMBRACE BOTH THESE PASSIONS WHEN I STUMBLED ACROSS A FUNKY LITTLE CAFÉ IN BOURKE STREET CALLED KINFOLK. After you have enjoyed your meal and amazing free-trade coffee you are then offered a coffee bean to put into a jar and can choose to support the likes of a capacity-building initiative in Rwanda; Children’s rights in Ghana; an education project for young Indigenous Australians; or Project, which supports the inclusion for Melbourne’s homeless, marginalized and disenchanted. At the end of each week the jars are weighed and the profits are split to the projects based on the weight of each jar.
So if you venture to Melbourne check out the Kinfolk café, (673 Bourke Street) or while you sip your coffee here in Canberra reading FUSE take that trip down memory lane about your first night out in Canberra. But if you are thinking about adapting your business to include some social capital or are considering setting up a business that has the ability to leave a positive mark on the world, get the right advice along the way and most importantly start your journey to being free around your money and creating wealth, with understanding.
The final bit of uniqueness of Kinfolk is that they run with the assistance of a team of dedicated volunteer wait staff who each have their uniqueness and bubbliness and gave us an experience to remember. The concept reminded me of the queer community club that was The Meridian in Braddon, which was, for those who remember, the only gay bar in the capital for quite a while. I recall my first venture to the Meridian, it was with anticipation and excitement but also was that moment where I realised I was not the only gay in the village! Although I didn’t know personally those who worked behind the scenes at the Meridian Club, I remember the same sense of warmth from the staff and feeling the buzz of community support in Canberra for the first time and it was the moment that I wanted to get involved to really make a difference in our community. The remnants still exist online: if you type “The Meridian Club Canberra” into Google you could be confused that the Club is still open but if you do venture to what is now Knightsbridge Penthouse I do like that you can still see the pride flag on the edge of the window near the front door.
Scotty’s Loose Change Make a loan on Kiva. Kiva is a non-profit organisation with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. One hundred percent of your loan is sent to these microfinance institutions, which we call Field Partners, who administer the loans in the field. Change someones life today! Check out the Money Mechanics Micro Finance team through Kiva via our website or at kiva.org/team/moneymechanics
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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Supporting someone who is feeling suicidal
If you are thinking of suicide
Talk Avoid being alone Set yo urself small go
ey erson if th Ask the kping of suicide in are th Spend time with them Make s ongoingure they receive support
You can recognise the signs
To help those left behind
st
ou tru one y
e to som
als
www.health.act.gov.au/suicideprevention
ed Have you notic
changes?
Has someone you kno w withdrawn from act ivities? Have thingsthey stop that t ped do in hey e njoy? g the
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Be a friend Listen, keep in touch Give them time
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OP.ED
GAY
IN
HEAVENS TO MURGATROYD! IT’S AN ODD SPOT FOR A GIRL TO BE IN THESE DAYS, ENGAGED TO AN AMERICAN WOMAN. This is partly because even to an Australian, the American LGBT political scene over the last ten years looks like an exercise in right-wing buffoonery — a hapless adolescent slapstick which has older, more world-weary (and perhaps therefore, less endearing) nations struggling to keep a straight face and snickering into their sleeves, or maybe coughing faintly with embarrassment. (Of course this commits the awful old fallacy of anthropomorphising nationhood ... but let it lie.) Here’s a rough cowboy round-up: A 1993 State Supreme Court decision in Hawaii exposes the failure of ordinary State legislature to discriminate against homosexuals by denying them the right to marry. The singular right-wing Rep. Bob Barr — of Clinton impeachment fame — gives voice to the conservative howl of angst in the form of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which not only guarantees that no State will ever have to recognise gay marriages legally conducted in another State, but also specifically forbids the Federal Government from recognizing them, thereby denying gay people the rights and privileges conferred upon heterosexual marriage by 1,138 separate Federal statutes. Hawaii itself does a Constitutional quick-step and by the time the original case is heard in 1996 — the same year Bill Clinton signs DOMA — the Court has switched masks and has its eyes pointed at the ceiling. ‘Discrimination? What discrimination?’ Repeat ad nauseam for the 41 States that now segregate homosexual and heterosexual relationships, either through legislation or State Constitutional amendments. DOMA, which could more appropriately be known as COMA (as in Constriction) for the way it makes Americans look to the rest of the world, meantime is not faring as well against the U.S. Constitution as its proud creator imagined it would. To date Section 3 has been declared an offense to the Constitution by at least five different District Court judges, with numerous cases soon to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. People, people! Heavens to Murgatroyd!
AMERICA The recognition of gay marriage became inevitable as soon as anti-discrimination laws and mores were extended to homosexuals, taking into consideration how the definition of marriage HAS changed over the last 100 years... Oh yes, didn’t anyone notice? It must be thirty years at least since any Westerner seriously tried to define marriage as it is actually practised by the end result of procreation. My parents certainly intended to have children; but if for example, the injuries that my father received in Vietnam had been debilitating in this regard, they would just as certainly have been respected in their wish to marry nevertheless. Can anyone imagine a reasonable challenge to such a scenario? Of course not. Marriage has not been a means to an end for a long, long time — in fact American drug companies got their first real fat from the contraceptive boom that made sure of it. So to an outsider of even a moderately liberal persuasion, a quick survey of the tom-foolery being carried on in the United States by conservatives who failed to notice that the horse, not only had bolted but gone on to spawn several utterly ineradicable generations of virile offspring since they last thought to check the stable door was shut, is a perfect scream. I personally can’t imagine wanting to adopt children; not having children is one of a considerable number of benefits to being a lesbian, as far as I’m concerned. But clearly, many do and have and presumably have had to fight tooth and nail to get the right to do so. Did American conservatives think that marriage itself would be passed over as not a big enough deal to worry about? Maybe it’s a case of conservatives, as usual, failing to recognise the true value of the goodies they automatically hoard up for themselves. Marriage! Just think! Oh yes; marriage is truly, truly precious — and in my unclouded view at least, nothing whatsoever to do with making babies. By Kate Fraser Follow Kate on twitter @OutNow2012
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HEALTH
A ROSE
by any other name… ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, WHEN PEOPLE HAVE FOUND OUT THAT I WORK AT THE AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT, I HAVE BEEN ASKED IF I AM SCARED OF HIV. They often have that slightly wide-eyed look of surprise on their face when I reply ‘no, I’m not’. This is not to say that I want to become, nor am I complacent about the potential of becoming HIV positive. But it’s not what the virus would do to me that I am so worried about. When quizzed further I try and keep it basic, but HIV is not a simple virus to catch. It doesn’t ‘just happen’. A perfect storm of circumstances have to take place for HIV to be transmitted. The use of condoms and water-based lubricant are all it takes to stop HIV transmission. Should something go wrong — such as the condom breaking — PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) can be effective in minimising the transmission if accessed quickly after a potential HIV exposure. My real concern about HIV is the stigma associated with it. Will I find a partner that would accept my HIV status? How will my parents and family react? Will any guys want to have sex with me if the know I’m positive? Do I have the energy to have this discussion again and again? Many of us have used an online meeting site or Smartphone app and seen terms from guys declaring they are only interested in sex with guys who are ‘drug and disease free’, or ‘clean’. These statements are at best lazy and at worst offensive. For someone to be clean, it presumes one can also be ‘unclean’. Most people with HIV would say that they are clean! They bathe regularly, wear clean clothes and are familiar with the principles of lather, rinse and repeat. Yet we can be quick to judge people who have HIV. Sexual rejection is very powerful. We would have all been there at one time or another. But there is a special sting that comes from the rejection based on HIV status. It can’t be changed like physical characteristics. It requires the positive person declaring something incredibly personal about themselves. We know that after a diagnosis, it is not uncommon for guys to withdraw from sexual contact with other guys until they get their head around their diagnosis and how they will manage future sexual encounters. We have a culture that too frequently makes jokes about sexual health tests, which much like the school kids yelling ‘that’s so gay’, creates a shame around testing, be it routine or because of a scare. I would encourage changing the discourse to celebrating sexual health testing — and in the event that someone is found to have HIV or another STI, supported through the process of both physically and emotionally treating the diagnosis. Sometimes institutions move faster than cultures, and in this case places like Canberra Sexual Health and the STRIP Clinics, are supportive and judgement free environments that encourage people to be proactive in their sexual health, but remaining sex-positive as well. Maybe we can be a little more mindful about the language that we use. It is quite simple to minimise chances of transmitting HIV, and it is just as much the responsibility of the negative partner as it is the positive partner to make sure that those precautions are taken. Knowing someone has HIV doesn’t make them any more contagious than not knowing. If you want to take control of your health check out aidsaction.org.au/strip and throughout November access the free sexual health clinics at The Ranch and Westlund House, or year round at Canberra Sexual Health Centre.
By Keiran Rossteuscher
Keiran is the AIDS Action Council’s Program Manager, Social Marketing
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OUT & ABOUT
The Diversity ACT ‘Coming Out Gala Evening’ was an amazing evening and hugely successful with 720 people attending, plus over 1,200 voters to the GLBTI people’s choice awards.
SUPPORT DIVERSITY ACT Diversity ACT is a community organisation that exists to advance and support the aspirations, acceptance and human dignity of the GLBTI community. Diversity ACT aims to create and nurture a supportive place for everyone and to act as a beacon of strength and acceptance, providing free and confidential counselling services, a safe place for queer youth, specialist support and as a recreational hub for all GLBTI identifying Canberrans. You can support Diversity ACT by becoming a member — visit diversityact.org.au If you need assistance or support, call the Services Phone Line on 1300 794 717 between 4pm-10pm. Photos by Doug Robinson
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SITY DIVERWARD A T AC NER WIN LGBTI MOSTENDLY FRI FE CA
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OUT & ABOUT
BEER & ENLIGHTENMENT Following the new trend in the queer community, independent groups on Facebook are organising their own LGBTI events and taking over Canberra venues. 70 women from the Facebook group, Beer and Enlightenment braved the cold and partied at Gundaroo Pub.
BEER AND ENLIGHTENMENT PART 2 “BACK IN BLACK” — PHOTOS BY ROSE PAPPALARDO
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DID KN YO 1 INOW U PEO 14 CHLHAVPELE AM YDI A
GET TES TING TE IS Q AN UICD DE K ASY
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHLAMYDIA Getting tested is very simple. All you need to know about symptoms and where to get a test is at socproject.net
CANB E R RA HO S P I TAL A division of ACT Health
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DID YOU KNOW? Chlamydia is the most common Sexually Transmissible Infection (STI) in Australia, and affects 1 in 14 sexually active young people. Chlamydia affects both men and women and is easy to catch, but usually doesn’t have any symptoms, so many people don’t think to get tested for it. Find out more at socproject.net
socproject.net WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
STARGAZER OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
By Melisa Paz
YOUR HOROSCOPE
This issue I have great news for almost everyone — even though Mercury will retrograde between November 6 to 26. In basic astrological speak, this means Mercury appears to move backward relative to the sun and means that all forms of communication, transportation, and decision-making can be messed up and cause all sorts of problems. So by the first week of November everyone should try to finish any important projects or make any big decisions that may be looming, because when Mercury’s goes retrograde things are likely to go awry. Oh and I suggest you don’t sign anything during this time either. On October 4th Jupiter will have it’s turn to go retrograde causing it’s action to be reversed so that the emphasis is upon inner awareness and inner growth. It is an excellent time to get in touch with personal integrity.
Aquarius
January 21 – February 18 By the first week of November you might feel a little anxious because of all the things you have to do. Try to keep calm and do everything with a positive attitude, you know you can handle it, so trust yourself. Tip: Work hard, but remember to dedicate some time to yourself.
Taurus
April 21 – May 21 Jupiter will give you a special surprise with the help of the sun! By the second week of October you will have a lot of extra energy, so use it to enjoy the gift the universe is planning for you. Tip: By the second week of November try listening to what your loved one has to tell you.
Leo
July 23 – August 23 When it comes to sex try new things in late November, and that includes love too, especially if in a relationship. Tip: By the last week of October feel the good energies of the universe and keep a positive attitude about changes and new things coming.
Scorpio
October 24 – November 22 Late November you’ll be full of creativity. Everything you have been working on will flow your way — use it to be productive and see great results. Tip: Try paying more attention to your diet; don’t forget to eat, even if you feel sometimes you don’t have the time.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20 Creativity will be your second name by October. Uranus will be there for you, helping with everything that you want to do and providing some balance for those energies from Jupiter’s retrograde. Tip: By the first week of November try avoiding sending any kind of mail.
Gemini
May 22 – June 21 The moon will make you a bit emotional, but don’t worry, Mars will be giving you balance. Remember that you are the master of your feelings, so don’t let them control your behavior. Tip: By the third week of November take a little break, sometimes fresh air is all you need.
Virgo
August 24 –September 23 The universe is telling you to stop working so hard. Try spending more time with your loved ones and do some things you enjoy. Tip: Talk to that person, you you both need to sort things out and get back to the way things used to be.
Sagittarius
November 23 – December 22 The next two months should be good for you financially! You will also feel a lot of self-confidence and energy to do things that have been in your mind for a while. Tip: By November 5th you will meet someone interesting, listen to your intuition, it will tell you how to act.
Aries
March 21 – April 20 Mercury’s retrograde will affect you particularly, so try to sign contracts and finish important projects before November 6th and lie low until the 26th. Tip: By the second week of October, head out more, be more social and talk to new people.
Cancer
June 22 – July 22 Are you wasting time? You know you have a lot to do. By the second week of November try getting a little creative in the love area, you won’t regret it! Tip: Mercury will be helping you to achieve your goal, so keep a positive attitude and work hard.
Libra
September 24 – October 23 Early November you may have to re-evaluate the way you have been acting — especially at work. Listen carefully to the people around you. Tip: By the third week of October you may receive an unexpected call, don’t lose sight of your phone.
Capricorn
December 23 – January 20 Mercury will be with you so trust it and let the universe take you where you should be — especially when it comes to love. Tip: Don’t try to control everything that happens around you. In late November pay attention to any projects that a friend will begin — they might need your help. 45
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY AIDS Action Council The AIDS Action Council provides information, support and services. More info: aidsaction.org.au A Gender Agenda A resource for transgender, intersex, gender queer and gender variant people. genderrights.org.au ACTQueer A free email list for LGBTI people in Canberra and surrounding region. groups.yahoo.com/group/actqueer Bent Lenses Canberra’s very own queer film culture group. Check out movie times online at 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. Email: bit_bent@hotmail.com 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 PFLAG-ACT A support and friendship group for parents and friends of LGBTI people. More info email pflag.act@gmail.com
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Long Yang A friendly social club for Asian and non-Asian gays and their friends. Canberra: lyccanberra.org Sydney: sydney.longyangclub.org Motafrenz GLBTIQ Car Club Contact Stuart Poole ACT Convener Motafrenz on 0420 523 238 or email act@motafrenz.org motafrenz.org.au
✪ Come and play at CUBE Nightclub! CANBERRA HANGOUTS
Pink Tennis Gay & Lesbian Tennis Group meets Mondays 6pm–9pm at Turner Tennis Club, Cnr McCaughey & Condamine Sts.
Cube Nightclub Canberra’s premier gay nightclub venue. 33 Petrie Plaza Civic, Canberra City. cubenightclub.com.au
Qnet — Queer Youth Cyberspace Qnet is an online community for GLBTI people under the age of 25. qnet.org.au
Phoenix Pub The Phoenix is a chilled out friendly pub where everyone is welcome to drop by for a beer or some Drag Bingo! 21 East Row, Canberra City. lovethephoenix.com
Queanbeyan GLBTI Youth Support Make new friends and discuss issues. Mondays 4pm–6pm at Axis Youth Centre, Campbell Street, Queanbeyan Park. Queer Scientists of the ACT For queer scientists of all disciplines for networking, support, socialising, and to combat discrimination. Email damien.huffer@gmail.com for more info. Radio Q Canberra LGBTI community radio show on 2xx 98.3FM 2xxfm.org.au Rainbow Bubs A playgroup and support group for same sex parents and their kids. Email: hoogied@yahoo.com South Coast Pride NSW From Wollongong down to Merimbula come out, come out, wherever you are! Email: southcoastpride@live.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
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. Diversity ACT Do you need assistance or require support? Call the Diversity ACT GLBTI Support Services Phone Line on 1300 794 717 between 4pm-10pm. diversityact.org.au Ranch Men’s Lounge Canberra’s mens’ space. They are located at Unit 19, Molongo 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
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DEAR ROSE
‘‘
Dear Rose, I’m 16 and have been out for three years to my friends and some family. I really want to tell my grandfather and the rest of my mums family that I’m a lesbian but I’m afraid they will hate me or cut me off. My granddad is like a father to me ‘cos he was there when my real dad wasn’t. I just don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can tell them but I really want to be truthful to my family and myself. Dawnsoul
Dawnsoul, @ Dear You may not realise, but your grandfather and extended
family are likely to already know you are gay — for some reason news like that always gets around. It’s been my experience that grandparents are far too polite to openly discuss “those” kinds of matters. Their view may be that at sixteen you are still finding yourself and that defining your sexuality now maybe premature and that’s OK. Whilst I am all for jumping whole heartily out of the closet, I understand your hesitation; no one likes to be cut off from the people you love. In your case, I wouldn’t hide who I am, but I wouldn’t necessarily declare it from the roof tops either. You could test the waters by starting a conversation with a few of them to gauge their reactions. Remember that attitudes are slowly changing and you may be pleasantly surprised. If they do react badly, they are reacting to the fear of the “difficult” path you have chosen. It manifests because they love you dearly, in time I hope that all families will understand that being gay is not the only thing that defines us, but only a small part of who we are.
‘‘
Dear Rose, I have recently met a male friend of my dads and I’m a bit hot for him. I’m pretty sure he is gay, do you think it would be OK for me to try and hook up with him. Worried
Worried, @ Dear You seem to have a serious “Man Crush” on this fellow and I keep having visions of Jerry Springer episodes! Given the complexity of the situation, I would be asking myself is a mere hook-up really worth the possible drama? But if you have decided that this fellow is someone you want to be involved with and prepared for any possible back lash, then you need to make sure that your dad’s mate is actually gay. Not knowing this for a fact can open a Pandora’s Box of problems not only for yourself, but also for your dad and for the guy in question. I suggest before you do anything with this fellow you should have a conversation to see if he is also attracted to you and to come up with some ground rules about how this dangerous liaison is going to work for you and for him. Good luck!
EMAIL DEAR ROSE WITH YOUR PROBLEM TODAY! By Rose Pappalardo If you would like to write to Dear Rose email her at: dearrose@fusemagazine.com.au
‘‘
Dear Rose, I have recently just moved in with my girlfriend and she just loves cooking for me. Problem is her food really is atrocious — what should I do, I’m dying here (literally). No matter what I do this is heading to a bad place, any ideas? TC
TC, @ Dear My partner has a wicked weakness for
Nigella Lawson and for a long time I could not understand why — She’s not exactly a poster girl — that is until I watched one of her cooking segments and finally got it. Nigella approaches cooking in a sensual and sexy way. But what was most apparent is she puts a lot of love into her cooking and that is what is going to inspire your GF. Ok there are two ways you can approach this: you can either be honest with her about her lack of cooking prowess (and more than likely upset her), or you can approach the issue in a pain-free way. I say give the gift that keeps giving, pick up some Nigella inspiration, DVDs, books and send your GF to cooking classes as a present. And if Nigella doesn’t do it for you both, with Australia’s current love affair with cooking and all that is food, there are plenty of fantastic chefs who can provide inspiration. Or if you truly want to be totally lesbionic, Google famous Iron chef Cat Cora for inspiration! This is also a fantastic activity that you can both have fun with — in no time you will be having dinners that even Nigella would be proud of! “Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”
Harvey Fierstein Actor and playwright
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