FUSE
MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU JUL / AUG 2013
LIFE LOVE 35 24 EQUALITY
fly COME
WITH ME
HIGHS & LOWS OF AIRLINES’ GAY ALTITUDES PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION & THE TRAVEL CLOSET
+ THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR LGBTI HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS
+ -–> EVERYONE’S JOURNEY SHOULD BE LIGHT
FABULOUS HOLIDAYS FOR LESS STAYING HEALTHY ON THE FLY
AN ACT OF LOVE BEING PREPARED
FUSE MAGAZINE MADE IN AUSTRALIA JUL / AUG 2013
LIFE LOVE 35 EQUALITY EDITOR Alexander Thatcher ASSOCIATE EDITOR Yasmin Element
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POLITICAL EDITOR Simon Copland
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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christopher Powell PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Linda Djumlija CONTRIBUTORS Scott Malcolm Elizabeth Gorrell Keiran Rossteuscher Clancy Atkinson Rose Pappalardo Bebe Backhouse Dwayne Lennox Melisa Paz Davey Wavey Rebecca Tetlow Alexander Lowë Dejan Jotanovic
FUSE FEATURES In some countries sharing a smooch with your partner could land you in jail. We look at those travel destinations that are less than LGBTI friendly and how to keep safe on that dream holiday.
24 Life can unexpectedly turn around in seconds and being prepared can be the best gift you can leave your loved ones and family.
24 K OUT CHEC JULY R U YO SCOPE HORO 45 P
PHOTOGRAPHER Doug Robinson
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CONTACT FUSE 0412 309 992 hello@fusemagazine.com.au fusemagazine.com.au PO Box 3577 Manuka ACT 2603 Published + designed by: Lithium Innovation Pty Ltd lithium.net.au ISSN 1836-8387
Thinking of flying overseas? Just how gay friendly is the airline you’re about to give thousands of dollars to? We look at the best and the worst carriers in our skies.
34 Get those bags packed. The world’s most popular LGBTI holiday spots are revealed.
FUSE OP.ED 36 What type of ‘gay’ is our culture cultivating? Dejan Jotanovic muses: homosexuality is a sexuality not a personality, right?
FUSE REGULARS 02 Editor’s Rant 04 What’s On : Movie Reviews 07 What’s On : Events and Shows
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WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU 29 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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08 Round Up : News & Politics 12 Fab Things : Cool Travel Stuff 18 Couch Potato : Film & TV 20 Ear Candy : Music Reviews 23 Eat Me : Taking Stock This Winter 29 Out & About : Cube Nightclub 31 Money Shot : Holidays For Less 39 Health : Travelling With a ‘Morality’ Disease 40 Out & About : Canberra Equal Love 40 Out & About : AIDS Candlelight Memorial 43 Fitness : Staying healthy on the Fly 45 Stargazer : Your Horoscope 46 FUSE Community Directory 48 Dear Rose FUSE35CONTENTS
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❂ GO WEST... WHERE THE SKIES ARE BLUE Alexander Thatcher Editor
One of my favourite songs is ‘Go West’ by the Pet Shop Boys. It’s a particularly relevant song for this, our travel issue. It talks about going to a place of peace and blue skies — where we are free to ‘be what we want to be’.
We also report on the best and worst airlines and their ‘gay altitudes’. Choosing the right carrier and deciding where your pink dollar goes can make a big difference — not just to your dream holiday but also to the lives of others. p32.
That place should of course be our whole planet — although here in Australia we are still fighting for some basic human rights like marriage, adoption, surrogacy and gender equality. All things considered though, we’ve got it petty good in this country overall. In other parts of the world however, for some people just being LGBTI can land them in jail or worse. This may not affect us while at home — but if you’re travelling to any of these countries, remember their laws apply to you as well. It would seem that the sensible thing to do would be to simply avoid going to these countries. Of course for some adventurous or business LGBTI travellers that’s not an acceptable solution, and if you’re travelling with an airline that uses somewhere like Saudi Arabia or any Gulf country as a stop-over you won’t have a choice in the matter.
With the recent release of the largest ever study of the gay travel market, we list the top world travel destinations and reveal what cities hold the most appeal to the queer tourist. p34. Plus we look at getting more for less when travelling, and check out a bunch of fabulous travel items and apps you just must have when heading abroad!
In this issue we look at something we take for granted at home — Personal Displays of Affection (PDA’s) — and investigate their acceptance (or lack thereof) in foreign countries. The fact that simply sharing a perfectly natural romantic moment with your partner whilst on holidays could land you in prison becomes a serious issue. p15.
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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EDITOR’SRANT
We also cover the less popular but especially important subjects of death and disability. It’s not something we like to think or talk about, but being prepared and having a well organised state of affairs can be the best gift you can leave your loved ones. This of course becomes even more important if your relationship rights are not equal to others, or if you plan on going overseas. Make sure you read this. p24. I hope everyone enjoys our special FUSE winter holiday issue and remember if you are jumping on a plane, FUSE makes a great travel companion. Enjoy, Alex
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IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT FACTORY FARMING... Few people realise that factory farming is the single greatest cause of animal cruelty on the planet today. Visit MakeItPossible.com and join thousands of other caring Australians who are making a world without factory farming possible. Watch the film. Sign the pledge. Inspire others.
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MOVIES
By Dwayne Lennox
BEFORE MIDNIGHT OPENS 11 JULY
BEHIND THE CANDELABRA OPENS 11 JULY
FUSE MOVIE PICK OF THE MONTH!
Although Side Effects was officially director Steven Soderbergh’s final film, we welcome the decision to release his HBO telemovie about Liberace in Australian cinemas. Ironically, one-time ladies man Michael Douglas plays the larger-than-life piano man who was camper than Christmas yet one of the world’s highest earning entertainers, while Matt Damon plays his longtime lover, Scott Thorson, whose autobiography is the basis of this film. Douglas and Damon making out promises to be all kinds of fascinating but we’re sure Soderbergh has more than mere titillation in mind.
WE STEAL SECRETS — THE STORY OF WIKILEAKS OPENS 4 JULY After exposing paedophile Catholic priests in Mea Maxima Culpa, documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney turns his gaze in an entirely different direction. Steal Secrets is the perfect film for those of us who only have a passing knowledge of WikiLeaks, what they do and why their founder, Australian Julian Assange, is now living in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. From Assange’s computer hacker youth in Melbourne to the 2010 rape charges in Sweden, this doco covers a lot of ground with a hell of a lot of information. But the most interesting element of the story isn’t even Assange but gay US Army whistle blower, now prisoner, Bradley Manning, who’s a fascinating character worthy of his own film.
While one can lament that every film nowadays seems to be part of a trilogy, we won’t begrudge director Richard Linklater and his actors and co-writers, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, for returning for this third instalment in the ‘Before’ series of films. After first meeting on train in Vienna in 1995, and reuniting in Paris in 2004, Celine (Delpy) and Jesse (Hawke) are together once more, this time in the Greek isles. And fans of these lo-fi, bitter-sweet talk-fests shouldn’t be disappointed with Before Midnight. US reviews suggest that it’s not only the best in the series but a potential player in this year’s Oscars.
THE BLING RING : OPENS 8 AUGUST Sofia Coppola, daughter of Francis Ford, and one of only four women to be nominated for the Best Director Oscar (for the wonderful 2003 film, Lost in Translation), returns with her first film in almost three years. Based on actual events, The Bling Ring centres on a group of Los Angeles teens who take their celebrity obsession to extremes; breaking into the L.A. homes of the stars and pilfering personal effects. The ‘Bling Ring’ as they are dubbed by the media, is headed by Emma Watson, continuing to move away from her Harry Potter persona, while the film includes cameos by the likes of Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst and (urgh!) Paris Hilton.
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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 WWW.DENDY.COM.AU
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WHAT’SON
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TICKETS NOW ON SALE! www.SpanishFilmFestival.com.au
18-26 JUNE at PALACE ELECTRIC CINEMA
NewActon Nishi, 2 Phillip Law Street Canberra. www.palacecinemas.com.au 6
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5TH FROSTY FRUITS SKI TRIP — AUSTRALIA’S GAY AND LESBIAN SKI WEEK HOTHAM ALPINE RESORT, VICTORIA KICKING OFF 26 JULY
BLAK
CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE : 11 - 13 JULY
Frosty Fruits Ski Trip is a big winter vacation, with stunning on-mountain accommodation, offering the best hosted gay and lesbian alpine experience in Australia.
Bangarra Dance Theatre breaks the silence with an exciting, physically dynamic production Blak; exploding with stories about a contemporary clan and the collision of two worlds.
It’s fun, social and entertaining. You’ll love the warm, comfortable chalets and the gay camaraderie that this popular holiday always generates. The trip is run at the the welcoming Hotham Alpine Resort in Victoria, Australia’s highest alpine village with its own airport — Fly in and ski Out!
Blak is physical and edgy, drawn from the artists’ urban perspectives, telling the stories of Indigenous Australia, in powerful and moving dance theatre. Bangarra invites you to experience Blak and celebrate the world’s oldest living culture.
Always on hand are the Frosty Fruits Ski Trip Hosts, who are there to help you make the most out of your fabulous gay winter vacation. Just relax and enjoy yourself!
“Breathtaking...even mindblowing” The Australian
TICKETS AT CANBERRATHEATRECENTRE.COM.AU
WHAT’S ON!
Highlights of this year’s program include the Chill Out Welcome Party with DJ Kate Monroe, Champagne Lunch, a “Sivilised Supper” with fine dinning, the official FFST scavenger hunt, pot luck communal dinners, day spa afternoons, a film night at the Onsen Spa and Sauna, murder mystery “Blood on the Snow!” and more Apres events than you can poke a stick at.
WANT TO KNOW WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING, CHECK OUT OUR ‘WHAT’S ON’ SECTION AT WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
If you would like some information about the Frosty Fruits Ski Trip or to make a booking email FFST@pointsofdifference.com or call 02 8011 3298
FRIDAY 26 JULY CUBE NIGHTCLUB
MORE CUBE FUN P28
More info and booking at pointsofdifference.com
Don’t miss this years fabulous Christmas in July party at CUBE Nightclub. The night includes some extra sparkly entertainment by Charisma Belle and other popular regulars preforming at CUBE. Free entry if you come in Christmas theme and don’t forget about the best dressed competition. WHAT’SON
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By Simon Copland
ROUND UP) FIRST SAME-SEX ‘CUTEST COUPLE’ AT NEW YORK HIGH SCHOOL 18-year-old Chelsea posted this photo of her classmates Brad Taylor and Dylan Meehan, with a note saying: “Two of my best friends won Cutest Couple of our senior class. First time in my school history a same sex couple has even been able to run for this category, not to mention winning it. So proud of them, and my school.” Her post generated over 100,000 notes and comments in just four days. After being contacted by The Huffington Post, Taylor and Meehan shared their reaction saying: “This whole thing has been a bit surreal for us because we have been raised to believe that love is love. We never realized that our happiness and openness would inspire so many individuals. The support we have received from our family, friends, and even strangers has led us to believe that our affection for each other is normal ... When we started dating a year [ago], the thought of a photo of us traveling throughout the world would be a bit frightening, but now we are proud to be part of the LGBT community.” It seems these guys are both cute and inspiring. Carmel High New York RULES!
GAY SCOUTS OK In a 61-8 landslide vote, the Boy Scouts of America have decided to eliminate sexual orientation as a membership criterion. The previous policy barred openly gay youth from being members. One area where the scouts didn’t move however was on adult members, with gay Scout Leaders still being prohibited.
CHILDREN OF SAME-SEX COUPLES ARE DOING GREAT! The Australian Study of Child Health in Same-Sex Families, has found that children of same-sex couples scored higher than the national average for overall health and family cohesion — measuring how well the family members get along. The report also found that there was difference between children of same-sex couples and the rest of the population on indicators including self-esteem, emotional behaviour and the amount of time spent with parents. The report collected data on 500 children, up to the age of 17. Of the 315 LGB parents who completed the globally recognised child health questionnaire, 80% were women. The lead researcher Dr Simon Crouch commented, ‘Because of the situation that same-sex families find themselves in, they are generally more willing to communicate and approach the issues that any child may face at school, like teasing or bullying. This fosters openness and means children tend to be more resilient. That would be our hypothesis.’’ According to the last Census, there were 6120 children under 25 in same-sex couple families. However, Dr Crouch said due to under-reporting, the true figure could be more than double this.
This excerpt from Queensland Arrow News was shared by openly gay Australian stand up comedian Tom Ballard who tweeted: ‘Apparently Brisbane was holding same-sex weddings in 1932. They received pretty bad reviews.’’
The growth of the pervert population of Brisbane, beautiful capital of Queensland, is astounding, and in the last year (1931) hundreds of these queer semi-feminine men have made the city their headquarters. Now they have evolved into a cult... ‘Weddings between men, with city lights looking on and enjoying the “ceremonies”, can only prove one thing — that Brisbane by tolerating them is earning for itself the name of the most wicked city in the Commonwealth… The Arrow News : Queensland (1932)
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NEWS&POLITICS
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
ADD IT UP 35
The number of seats (or less) that the ALP will hold in federal parliament after the September election, according to former Labor pollster Rod Cameron. The ALP currently hold 71 seats.
18
The age of consent for gay sex in Queensland. Calls have been made to bring it in line with the national standard, which sits at 16 years.
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The number of years, almost to the day they met, that lesbian couple Lennie Gerber and Pearl Berlin wed under the chuppah, ignoring the North Carolina laws that disallow same sex marriage.
NIGERIA PASSES SWEEPING ANTI-GAY BILL The Nigerian Government has passed sweeping anti-gay legislation. The legislation makes public displays of affection (PDA) and queer organisations illegal, saying: “any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations, or directly or indirectly makes a public show of same-sex amorous relationship, commits an offence and shall be liable to a term of 10 years imprisonment.” On top of this, same-sex marriage and civil unions are banned under the law, with the bill saying “persons that entered into a same-gender marriage or civil union contract commit an offence and are jointly liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment each.” The law builds on already harsh LGB laws. Homosexuality has been banned ever since British Colonial Rule, and in some regions of the country the death penalty is allowed.
390 to 148
390 is the number of Lords that voted for Same-sex marriage in the UK. The bill has several more procedural hurdles to clear in the upper house. Were it to pass, same-sex marriages could begin taking place in the UK next year.
A COMICAL KISS If you’re a fan of Archie comics, you will have seen their first gay kiss, as character Kevin Keller gets into a controversy over kissing his boyfriend in a public place. For Archie Comics it’s a bit of art imitating life. Author Dan Parent said he came up with the story line after the group One Million Moms objected to an earlier comic, depicting Kevin’s future same-sex wedding. The kiss plot was a “playful poke” at the Million Moms action, Parent said. Publisher Jon Goldwater said Keller’s character has let the company weave in contemporary issues to its imaginary world. “We certainly pride ourselves on being contemporary, but that’s not the reason why we’re showing ‘The Kiss.’ Just like when Kevin first told Jughead he was gay, it was in the natural course of conversation.”
LOVE @ EUROVISION 2013
LESBIAN QUEENS
All eyes were on Sweden as Eurovision headed north, but this year it wasn’t all about the songs. In a heart warming moment, Finnish entry Krista Siegfrids make a political statement as the show went live, when she kissed a female dancer on the Eurovision stage during her song “Marry Me”. The singer, says that the entry was a protest against the Finnish parliament’s decision to turn down a vote on gay marriage legislation last year.
In a last ditch attempt to kill off the government’s gay marriage bill, former Conservative UK cabinet minister Lord Tebbit told the House that he and many of his peers were worried that legalising gay marriage in England would open the door towards polygamous or incestuous marriages. He was also deeply concerned about what would happen if a future Queen were a lesbian! NEWS&POLITICS
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ROUND UP)
PALESTINE CHALLENGES DISCRIMINATION AND GENDER STEREOTYPES A new project out of Palestine has been launched to tackle LGBTI discrimination and stereotypes. The Al Qaws Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society alqaws.org, has launched the project called Singing Sexuality, or Ghanni and Taarif in Arabic. The project combines photographs, videos, music and written testimonials through the website ghanni.net with an aim to educate and initiate conversations about gender diversity, sexuality and LGBTI rights. Sara Tranish, the director of Muntada, the Arab Forum for Sexuality, Education and Health, said the project was part of an increasing willingness to discuss these issues in recent years.
CANBERRA COMMUNITY GROUPS HELP KIDS IN NEPAL Apart from keeping fit, the Canberra Frontrunners and Pink Tennis are also making a difference to school kids in Nepal. The two groups raised enough money to buy 80 scientific calculators and make cash donations of over 160,000NPRs (around $2000AUD). They also donated a laptop and printer/photocopier to a small school in Ratmate.
“I think there has been a shift in peoples’ perception. I’m not saying that Palestinian society is so pro-gay rights. I cannot say that, but I can say that it is more and more acceptable. Tranish continued to say that the fight for sexual liberation is part of other struggles in the country: “Sexual liberation is part of our national liberation. It has to be in parallel. My struggle is to contribute to the building of the civil society in Palestine, and part of that building is working on sexual rights.”
Lloyd Donnelly, who made the trip to Nepal said, ‘The school of 80 kids, with limited resources has only three paid teachers and two volunteers. The yearly interest from our donation alone will fund school costs for four students per year’. Lloyd also personally gave scholarships to another two students himself.
YOU’RE HAVING A LESBIAN A young hetrosexual couple who are “having a lesbian” stars in a provocative new TV and billboard ad campign to promote gay marriage. Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), spokeswoman Shelley Argent said the campaign was designed to garner support from mainstream families for gay marriage, on the grounds that gay children were “born that way”.
ELTON CLOTHING ‘GAY PROPAGANDA’
The billboard shows a smiling woman baring her pregnant belly, with the slogan, “Congratulations, you’re having a lesbian”.
A Communist group in Northern Russia wants Elton John to wear a traditional Cossack uniform at an upcoming concert in Krasnodar, because his usual flamboyant clothing is “homosexual propaganda”.
Billboard giant GOA has donated space for the ads, worth up to $60,000, in Queensland. GOA managing director Chris Tyquin said he would ask interstate billboard companies to donate space as well.
“The singer should wear more respectable attire when he performs, like a knee-length caftan, a fur hat and leather boots”, said Mikhail Abramyan, head of the local branch of the Communists of Russia. “We hope he’ll wear it,” Abramyan said, adding that the show’s promoters had rejected the idea. Abramyan said his group, which numbers 350, was ready to take to the streets in protest.”
“I’ve got very close friends who have got children who are gay. If you have a child who walks in and tells you they’re gay, you’d still love them just as much as you did before.’’ View the TV Ad on the FUSE website. 10
Who’s wearing whos outfit? Traditional Cossack uniform vs Elton fashion.
NEWS&POLITICS
Maybe someone should let Mikhail Abramyan know that the traditional Cossack uniform is pretty gay. FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
11
SNAPPY TRAVEL CAMERA The new Canon Powershot N is is light, compact and easily pocketable, making it perfect for traveling. But what makes it really cool is it’s one-touch WiFi connectivity to send your high quality images from the camera. It’s pretty neat; you take pictures by pushing the lens ring down and zoom by twisting it. It even has some creative automatic photo filters. $400.
THE PERFECT TRAVEL SHOE The Propet Travel Walker II is an amazing walking shoe that rolls up to fit in your suitcase. These miracle sneakers are built for walking, and yet they fold down to take up barely any space at all. At around $50, these super comfortable shoes are so durable that they come with a 1000 mile guarantee — that’s about 1600 kilometres. The shoe has a stylish look and are a good replacement for bulky runners, plus they offer enough support for the hours and hours of walking that usually comes with travel.
thIngs FAB { } canon.com.au
TRAVEL TIP
Nearly everyone needs a good carry-on, come travel bag. They are convenient and can save you money. If your bags get torn up easily, or if it won’t fit into the overhead locker, air travel can be challenging and cost more. So make sure you invest in a good quality travel bag, that’s about 56 cm x 33 cm x 23 cm, then it will meet the carry-on requirements for most airlines. You can grab one of these cool vintage style Pan Am 70’s tote bags for around $125 from eBay and other online stores.
shopstyle.com.au
SAFE WATER A cool drink from what seems like clean water, may quench thirst but two days later you’ve got severe stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and endless trips to a toilet that’s scarier than the pain your enduring. Graphic? Yes. Exaggeration? No. The CamelBak All Clear™ uses a UV purification method to sterilise water by jumbling the systems of harmful bacteria, allowing them to pass through your body without harm. Just add water, turn on the UV light while flipping the bottle a few times, when the UV light goes off, it safe to drink. It’s not cheap at $170, but worth every cent.
paddypallin.com.au
Hot spots! Guide books are so 90’s. Equipping your smartphone before a big trip can make your travels easier and a whole lot more fun. Here are just a few of our must have travel apps.
{APP}
Not being able to get online can feel crippling, and without Wi-Fi some of these apps may prove to be painfully slow, so we suggest you start by downloading the Free Wi-Fi Finder app. GayCities is a comprehensive travel companion app with heaps of information about restaurants, places of interest, hotels, gyms, night clubs, saunas and more. Trip Advisor is similar, but much larger and main stream, it should definitely find a place on your phone also. Language barriers can be a real issue when travelling (or picking up) but all your troubles are solved with Google Translate — bonjour garçon sexy. Also check out Words Lens, it works like magic. There are also a swag of local gay apps — depending on your destination — and more flight and hotel apps than we could manage to put here. Skype is an absolute must and do we really need to mention Gaydar, Grindr, Scruff or Pink Sofa for the girls. 12
TRAVELSTUFF
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2 - 7 JULY T ICKETS: $47 ADULTS | $42 CONCESSIONS & GROUPS | $37 MATINEES “A delicious confection of a show that has the sparkle of fine bubbly and a similar intoxicating effect” Daily Telegraph “beautiful... A complex portrait of a relationship which seems like a real-life love story” New York Post
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PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION (PDA’s) ARE ACTS OF PHYSICAL INTIMACY IN THE VIEW OF OTHERS
PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION (PDA’s) HAVE LONG BEEN A STAPLE IN GAY & LESBIAN RIGHTS. PROTESTORS HAVE USED ‘KISS-INS’ TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE EXISTENCE OF GAY AND LESBIAN RELATIONSHIPS AND THEIR LEGITIMACY. PDA CAN BE USED IN DEFIANCE AND AS AN ACT OF COURAGE. But what happens when sharing a smooch with your partner could land you in jail, under the whip or sentenced to death? This is a serious consideration for a gay traveller when they plan a trip to conservative countries around the world in which homosexuality is criminalised or an institutionalised culture of homophobia exists.
PDA ‘S
& THE TRAVEL CLOSET
‘‘
Almost all travel advice for LGBTI persons will include some mention of the role of PDA in personal safety, like this one:
The LGBT traveller has to be more mindful of his safety than others. The Great Britain Foreign and Commonwealth office suggests that travellers tone down excessive public displays of affection, and also advise gay couples to disclose their orientation before booking accommodations in a rural locale… It’s best to feel out a destination to see how you’ll fit in, rather than making any assumptions. Local customs should always trump familiar behaviours, especially in a foreign locale.
By Elizabeth Gorrell
>
FUSEFEATURE
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‘‘
YOU’RE BEING ARRESTED FOR BEING GAY. WE’RE ARRESTING YOU FOR THE CRIME OF BUGGERY.
ATTITUDES AND TOLERANCE TOWARD LGBT PERSONS VARY FROM COUNTRY. MOST GAY TRAVELERS ENCOUNTER NO PROBLEMS WHILE OVERSEAS, BUT IT HELPS TO BE PREPARED AND RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION BEFORE YOU GO. In Australia we are always advised to visit the government owned website smartraveller.gov.au website, before we leave the country, but surprisingly it does not have a lesbain and gay section and on searching, it was difficult to find any information that was relevent. For comprehensive gay and lesbian worldwide travel advice the US State Department’s — travel.state.gov — travel advice section is particularly good and definitely worth a visit before you jump on a plane. Under ‘special considerations’, it includes warnings for LGBT travellers, and often covers the acceptability of PDA. The State Department’s site also deals with issues that aren’t necessarily related to the legality of homosexuality, as legal rights and constraints do not always operate in tandem with cultural and social attitudes. Though a country may not have formally illegalised homosexual relationships, the prejudices of the public majority may still remain, and these prejudices are subject to change and political influence. France is an excellent example of this, as after the legalisation of gay marriage homophobic sentiment and violence increased amongst the conservative population. A frustrating experience for a gay traveller doing their research may to be find that despite the legality of consensual homosexual relations, a country may remain unsafe for them to travel in without ‘closeting’ themselves. This can include not being able to sleep in the same bed as your partner, or even in the same room. And, it goes without saying, that public displays of affection in countries where the public are prejudiced and the police indifferent would have to be curbed for the safety of the gay traveller. 16
FUSEFEATURE
Places most notorious for these kinds of difficulties include: “Poland, Mauritania and the Middle East also is off-limits, except for Turkey. In these countries, you risk your life for being gay or lesbian. Other regions of the world with restrictive laws pertaining to homosexuality include most of Africa, Trinidad, Jamaica, Indonesia, Malaysia and Chechnya.” By far, the continent in which the gay traveller must be most careful in is Africa, with over half of the countries on the continent (37 out of 60) having outlawed homosexual relationships, with punishments including imprisonment, exile for citizens, corporal punishment and the death penalty. Some parts of Africa can be a hostile environment, and is definitely not the place for a public grope. Pre-colonisation, homosexuality was anything but rare in Africa, but in modern times conservative right-wing political parties control much of the country (often associated with religious extremism) and homosexuality has been criminalised in many parts of the country with penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to public floggings and death. In the recent documentary The World’s Worst Place to Be Gay, (see a preview at fusemagazine.com.au) the growing influence of right wing evangelists and cultural conditioning is examined as the root cause for even the youngest citizens of Uganda thinking that homosexuality is an “abomination.” The film-maker Scott Mills says: “Africa generally is becoming a dangerous place to be openly gay… but Uganda is evidently the most dangerous, with a prominent politician called David Bahati championing legislation – bluntly called the Anti-Homosexuality Act — which would introduce life imprisonment for people found guilty of same-gender sex, and the death penalty for serial offenders.” FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
PDA, ALTHOUGH UNCOMMON, HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY MORE POPULAR AMONGST YOUNGER HETEROSEXUAL COUPLES IN MOST ASIAN COUNTRIES. PDA BETWEEN PEOPLE OF THE SAME SEX HOWEVER CAN BE VIEWED AS SUGGESTIVE AND OFFENSIVE, DEPENDING ON CULTURE. It is not just these openly intolerant cultures that the gay traveller must practice PDA restraint; even on holiday programs or cruises that are LGBTI specific, travellers have been subject to discrimination and police harassment in recent years. For example, in 2012 a gay couple were arrested and taken on to the island of Dominica for prosecution for ‘indecent exposure’, after police claimed they had seen the pair having sex on the deck of their cruise ship from their post on the island. Despite the couples’ claims that they had merely been embracing, not having sex, they were put on trial and fined $900. It is not the fine that is most concerning though, it is the manner in which the pair report being treated by local police. In an article in the Daily Mail the pair claimed that they had been ‘humiliated’ and ‘taunted’ by law enforcement and “admitted they should have done more research before travelling to a place like Dominica.” Their account of their processing is worrying: After police took pictures and obtained fingerprints, a high-ranking office began a nearly four hour interrogation. ‘He said: “You’re being arrested for being gay. We’re arresting you for the crime of buggery.´ Mayer (one of the men in question) said.” So, even from the decks of a gay cruise, LGBTI travellers can still face local persecution as a result of PDA.
IN MANY CULTURES MALES HOLDING HANDS WAS A SIGN OF FRIENDSHIP, BROTHERHOOD AND TRUST. THIS TRADITION IS UNFORTUNATELY ALMOST LOST.
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SO WHAT IS THE GIRLS’ BEST ADVICE?
“We tend to be travellers first; we would never say that regions that are not gay-friendly are off-limits. Instead, adhering to the age-old ‘When in Rome’ adage, we follow suit and keep our public affection to stolen winks and private kisses.”
So, it’s not all doom and gloom for gay travel, but PDA is an issue that is of some concern. Travel blogs like Globe Trotter girls are a great way to share experiences, learn about the LGBTI environment overseas and ask questions of experienced gay travellers. There are many countries around the world that are accepting and encouraging of gay rights and culture, but if you happen to be in one that isn’t, always do you research and consider that it may be best to keep PDA to a minimum. Not as an act of cowardice, rather as part of cultural awareness and wiley self-preservation! Or, you could just stick to the world’s most popular gay hotspots like Tokyo, New York, Barcelona, Berlin, Miami and Rome!
‘‘
... WE DO PLAY A BIT OF HOKEY POKEY WHILE WE TRAVEL, PUTTING ONE FOOT IN, ONE FOOT OUT OF THE TRAVEL CLOSET.
Another problem facing the gay traveller, especially if you’re looking for a more authentic experience of the country, is that the further away one goes from city centres the more prejudice increases. A good example is the Czech Republic; Prague is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world and is renowned for its gay clubbing scene, but travel just an hour or so out of town and gay travellers are often met with overt bigotry which can include verbal or physical assault. So, again, gay travellers are faced with deciding whether to forgo a more interesting and cultural experience of exploring the path less travelled. It is worth noting that in those regions where homophobia is ingrained in culture it is often more difficult for gay male travellers than it is for lesbians. Many of the countries that are listed as having illegalised male/ male homosexual relations don’t list lesbianism as a criminalised act. However, lesbians aren’t entirely immune from discrimination. Dani and her partner of seven years Jess, are well-seasoned travellers, and have spent the best part of the last three years overseas. They write a travel blog called Globe Trotter Girls and they address the issue of PDA while on holiday, and the experience of being forced back in the closet by homophobia in foreign countries:
After traveling through some less than gay friendly locations, we find that we wrestle with what has become a half in, half out of the closet lifestyle.. Dani and I certainly haven’t crawled back in and shut the door, but we do play a bit of hokey pokey while we travel, putting one foot in, one foot out of the travel closet. FUSEFEATURE
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THE PAPERBOY
SIDE EFFECTS Billed as director Steven Soderbergh’s final film (although his HBO telemovie, Behind The Candelabra, opens in cinemas this month), Side Effects is a medical thriller with twist upon twist. When New York psychiatrist, Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), prescribes a new drug for his latest patient, Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara), both of their lives take turns for the worse, with Emily in jail for murder and Banks’ world falling to pieces. But not everything is as it seems and to say any more would spoil the surprises in this nifty thriller which starts out as a critique-of-sorts of America’s drug culture and soon becomes something else. Side Effects also stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Channing Tatum.
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DID YOU KNOW? In 1926, J.L. Baird presented the first television. It showed very low resolution black and white pictures using 30 lines. Today a colour digital television sends pictures with 1080 lines showing crystal clear images.
I GIVE IT A YEAR In a similar vein to Bridesmaids, this British comedy turns the standard rom-com “Romantic Comedy” on its head and a fair shade of blue. After a whirlwind romance, Josh (Rafe Spall) and Nat (Rose Byrne) quickly wed only to find they don’t have all that much in common. Told in flashback while in marriage counselling (overseen by a terrific Olivia Colman), the pair soon find their hearts (and loins) pulled in other directions, in the guises of environmentalist, Chloe (Anna Faris), and American businessman, Guy (Simon Baker). But the best laughs in this bawdy non-rom-com belong to Minnie Driver and Stephen Merchant, as Nat’s cynical sister and Josh’s inappropriate best friend respectively. A comedy bouquet worth catching but mind the thorns.
By Dwayne Lennox
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COUCHPOTATO
Receiving a limited cinema release earlier this year, The Paperboy may best be known as the film where Nicole Kidman pees on Zac Efron, literally. Set in the steamy Deep South of the 1960s, Efron plays Jack Jansen who returns to his home town and is enlisted by his journalist brother (Matthew McConaughey) in an investigation into a racially based murder. This brings Jack into the orbit of Charlotte Bless (Kidman), the groupie of the convicted killer (John Cusack), and a woman who isn’t backwards about coming forward with her desires. Directed by Lee Daniels (of Precious fame), The Paperboy is a juicy slice of Southern pulp with Kidman (a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominee for this role) very much the star.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS Charles Dickens’ classic novel has been adapted for the big and small screen so many times, there can’t be anyone who doesn’t know the story of Pip, Estella, Magwitch and, of course, Miss Havisham. Yet director Mike Newell (of Four Weddings fame) manages to mount a handsome and engaging tale about the orphan boy, Pip (the spunky Jeremy Irvine), who is made a gentleman by a secret benefactor but loses it all in his pursuit of the icy cold Estella (Holliday Grainger). But the real stars of this version are Ralph Fiennes as escaped convict Magwitch, and Helena Bonham Carter as the eccentric Miss Havisham, who both manage to delightfully chew scenery whilst undermining their initial typecasting.
You’ll find all these titles at JB HIFI, online or at all good DVD outlets. Check out fusemagazine.com.au for DVD giveaway details. Reviewed for FUSE by Dwayne Lennox — thelennoxfiles.blogspot.com.au FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
“whoever she is, please be nice to her” “i’m always nice”
“and no sport!” Some people like to talk sport, some don’t. Whoever you are, you are welcome at your local Vikings club.
FOR THE INFORMATION OF MEMBERS
ZOO 48714
ERINDALE | CHISHOLM | TOWN CENTRE | LANYON VIKINGS.COM.AU
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By Bebe Backhouse
EAR CANDY AFTER MONTHS OF NO LADY GAGA SIGHTINGS AND ALMOST COMPLETE SOCIAL MEDIA ABANDONMENT DUE TO SURGERY, I FELT LOST WITHOUT STEFANI GERMANOTTA’S SARTORIAL GUIDANCE.
But she’s back! Gaga made an appearance at the Versus Versace x JW Anderson launch party last month, but it was sooo stealth, the world almost totally missed it. Lady Gaga also worked as the musical director for the entire show and rumour has it that she debuted Lady Gaga before the Versace some snippets from her yet-to-beVersus event on May 15, 2013. released ARTPOP album during the event, and — thanks to a seriously dedicated Little Monster — someone mashed-up all the snippets into one YouTube video. I can’t confirm anything for sure, but I’m just glad to see Lady Gaga back on two feet again.
MUSIC REVIEWS
DAFT PUNK : RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES French duo Daft Punk helped create our current stadium-shaking dance music scene and their new album is by far the year’s most anticipated EDM (Electro Dance Music) set. The only issue is that it sounds almost nothing like EDM. The album is full of WTF moments: Julian Casablancas delivering maybe the most emotive vocals of his career through a vocoder-style haze; dance godfather Giorgio Moroder waxing nostalgic on an electro-jazz-funk epic. Then there’s the full package — an over-thetop concept LP of reverse-engineered dance music orbiting somewhere between Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ and Earth, Wind and Fire’s ‘That’s the Way of the World’. This is Daft Punk conjuring the musical era that first inspired them, when disco conquered the world with handcrafted grooves and prog-rock excess magnified emotions in blacklit bedrooms. At times, the album is a victim of its own ambition. But it wouldn’t be half as awesome a ride if it had aimed any lower. 20
MUSICREVIEWS
LANA DEL REY YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL Since her breakthrough in 2011, Lana Del Rey has been roughed up by critics obsessed with her authenticity, unwilling to be seduced by her sultry repackaging of curves-andchrome Americana. If the artist formerly known as Lizzie Grant is indeed a ruthless glam-pop replica perfected in a record industry laboratory, the public seems unbothered. Following the release of Born to Die: The Paradise Edition last year, Del Rey returned this week with ‘Young and Beautiful’ — a brand-new song that is included on the The Great Gatsby soundtrack. Given the scope and story, ‘Young and Beautiful’ is without a doubt the compilation’s centrepiece. The song captures everything we’ve come to love about the singer with its grand, cinematic flourishes, eternal longing and lyrics that paint a faded glamour.
EVE : LIP LOCK Eve was unquestionably a presence in the early naughts, constructing a tenacious yet magnetic identity that came out in her lyrics and performance. Seeing Eve return is a welcoming sight, and while unexpected, the experimental arrangements of her new project can be written off as just that. The heart of the issue with ‘Lip Lock’ is that Eve hasn’t restored the command she once had, which subsequently allows these new sounds to lead her down a road of uncertainty. Eve’s maturation as a person has been obtained through time but it may take a while before her music catches up.
BLISS N ESO HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS While the drum-kicks hint at a 90s influence, Bliss takes the opportunity to reflect on his younger years during that era and the relationships that lead to the formation of Bliss n Eso. From there, Eso fast-forwards to life in 2013 with his fiancé (whom he famously proposed to on-stage at Big Day Out) and Facebookfamous dogs. Both verses exhibit the maxim that Bliss n Eso have always lived by — family and friends over everything. The diversity already displayed by the first two tastes of the highly-anticipated Circus in the Sky signifies that the trio are far from done pushing the hiphop envelope. Needless to say, expect the unexpected. FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
T S E T P A P R A L U G E
R A E V A H
cancer l a c i v r e c t d to preven e been vaccinate hav u o y f i n e — ev
For information phone 6205 1933 www.health.act.gov.au/paptest
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Tilley’s
Devine Café Gallery
TILLEY’S IS NESTLED IN TREE LINED LYNEHAM 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! Internationally renowned for legendary blues, jazz and classical concerts, Tilley’s continues to attract artists of international calibre who prefer the intimacy of a warm theatre atmosphere clad in red velvet, brass and dark timber booths. With a fully licensed bar, one can enjoy champagne with breakfast, or in the evening savour our broad range of wines, spirits or boutique beers on tap.
THE CALL IS YOURS! TILLEY’S CAN DO IT FOR YOU! CORNER OF WATTLE & BRIGALOW STREETS, LYNEHAM 22
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
NEWS&POLITICS MUSICREVIEWS
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
By Clancy Atkinson Chef & Food Consultant
Taking stock this winter A well made, full flavoured vegetable stock is extremely versatile and is the heart and soul of many dishes. A good stock adds character and depth to a dish and makes a delicious foundation for soups, stews, risottos and sauces. Surprisingly, by following a few basic fundamentals, vegetable stock can be easy and relatively quick to make — usually an hour from start to finish. Apart from the obvious advantage of being homemade, it’s healthy, economical and a great way to make use of vegetable trimmings, reducing kitchen waste. The first step to achieving a deep, rich delicious vegetable stock is choosing your ingredients. Aromatic vegetables are paramount to a successful stock; celery, carrots, onions and garlic, collectively known as a ‘Mirepoix’ are stock essentials. Mushrooms, tomatoes and leeks are great additives to enhance colour, natural sweetness and depth to a stock. Herbs such as bay leaf, thyme, rosemary and parsley can also be used. A good tip is to make a ‘Bouquet Garni’ by simply tying the herbs together with butchers twine and dropping the bundle into the stock pot. A general rule to follow when preparing the ingredients and calculating yield, is to use two pieces of each ingredient and six cups of water. This will result in approximately one litre of stock being made. The next step is extracting as much body and flavour from the selected vegetables as possible, this is where your knife skills come into play. A nice even dice of the vegetables, approximately 2cm pieces, will increase the surface area exposed to the heat thus maximizing the flavour of the stock. Once the vegetables have been diced, they need to be lightly cooked. Warm a heavy based saucepan over a medium heat then add a little olive oil and the vegetables, gently fry until golden brown.
The browning of the vegetables results in the caramelisation of the natural sugars that have been released, adding complexity to the stock. Next cover the ingredients with cold water. By starting the stock off in cold water, the vegetables have time to release all their flavour. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and gently cook for 45 minutes. Skimming the stock during the cooking time is imperative to achieving clarity in the finished product. The skimming process involves removing any scum that floats to the top of the stock by using a ladle to catch any of the offensive impurities. Once the stock has finished cooking, the vegetables need to be passed out of the liquid. Using a fine sieve placed over a heatproof vessel, pour the stock through the sieve, discard the cooked vegetables and reserve the stock. The stock can be stored in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 6 months for convenient use. Vegetable stock can also be used to cook dried beans and pulses, added to purees and casseroles or as a poaching liquid for other ingredients.
TUSCAN BEAN & TOMATO SOUP Hearty, healthy and delicious, this soup is easy, quick to make and freezes extremely well. • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 leek, sliced • 3 large carrots, diced • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 2 litres vegetable stock • 400g cooked cannellini bean • 400g cooked red kidney beans
• 2 large onions, diced • 4 celery sticks, diced • 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 3 tbsp chopped thyme leaves • 2 tbsp rosemary chopped • 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes • 1/2 small white cabbage, thinly sliced
1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil; add the onions, carrots and celery. Cook gently for 5 minutes until soft, and then add the leeks, garlic, herbs and paprika. Cook for 10 minutes stirring often. 2. Add the tomatoes and stock, bring to a simmer, and then add the beans and cabbage. Simmer for 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. 3. Serve soup with grated parmesan and crusty bread.
EATME
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AN ACT OF LOVE By Rebecca Tetlow
WHEN TIMES ARE GOOD AND YOUR IN LOVE THE LAST THING MOST OF US WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS DEATH. It’s seems to be a fact of life, end of life, or what to do when life goes terribly wrong is not something we like to think about. In a recent interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Palliative Care Australia chief executive Yvonne Luxford said families needed to discuss death more openly. ‘’As a culture we’re quite death denying,’’ she said. ‘’There is this concept that we don’t want to talk personally about death and dying.’ Let’s face it, when your healthy and busy with living, death, sickness or disability is the last thing that’s on your mind, and it can been seen as a bit of a downer if you bring it up at the dinner table. Taking and planning for an unknown future seems foreign or even taboo. It’s a task that often ends up being something you’ll get to one day or just ends up in the ‘too hard and not very nice’ basket. It’s tempting to put this seemly unpleasant task off. However the effort that you put into your personal and estate planning now, will save your loved ones a great deal of stress and heartache in the future. As unconformable as it may seem, death is not a matter of if, but when. 24
FUSEFEATURE
The best gift you can leave your partner and family is a well organised state of affairs as it will lift the burden for those closest to you during a very difficult time. It will also give you peace of mind that your wishes are known and will be carried out. Life can unexpectedly turn around in seconds and being prepared is truly an act of love.
THERE ARE FOUR KEY COMPONENTS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE
Your Will A Will is the only legal way for you to specify who will receive your assets after you die. If you do not make a Will, there is a statutory formula (known as the rules of intestacy), which sets out who gets your estate after your death. The rules of intestacy vary considerably between Australian states and their application to your circumstances may have unexpected and undesirable results. In all Australian states, a person who is in a registered relationship or who is deemed to be in a defacto relationship with the deceased will be entitled to some of the estate. The issue of whether or not a de facto relationship exists can become hotly contested between a person claiming to be a partner and the deceased’s other family. If you wish to remove the potential for doubt, it is in your interest to make a formal Will to ensure your beneficiaries receive their intended benefit without any dispute as to their entitlement. In addition to setting out “who gets what”, a Will nominates who will be your Executor. The Executor’s role is to carry out the terms of your Will and they can make important decisions such as whether assets are sold or transferred to beneficiaries or whether a business is wound up. They are also responsible for organising the funeral. In a Will you may appoint a testamentary guardian who will have responsibilities for caring for minor children, following your death. FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
LIFE CAN UNEXPECTEDLY TURN AROUND IN SECONDS AND BEING PREPARED IS TRULY AN ACT OF LOVE.
Superannuation Superannuation may not necessarily be dealt with by your Will. The payment of superannuation death benefits will vary depending on which fund you are a member of. If you are a member of one of the Government Defined Benefit Super Schemes, you will have no ability to nominate who will receive your superannuation death benefits as it will automatically be paid to an eligible partner at the time of your death. If you are a member of an accumulation fund such as an industry fund or private super fund, you may have the ability to sign a binding death benefit nomination. This will give you certainty as to whom your death benefit will be paid. In the absence of a binding death benefit nomination, the trustee of the super fund will usually be able to decide how your death benefit is distributed between your dependants and your estate. Most death benefit nominations are only valid for three years. To ensure that your partner receives your superannuation death benefits, you should consider signing a binding death benefit nomination in their favour and ensure that it remains up to date.
If your partner is not legally recognised as the parent of your child, but you wish for them to continue caring for your child, it is critical that you make a Will dealing with this issue. Your wishes, expressed in your Will, can then be taken into account in the Family Court if this care arrangement is disputed. Similarly, if you care for a child but are not legally recognised as a parent, and wish to provide for them following your death, you should make clear provision for them in your Will, otherwise, that child would not be entitled to share in your estate according to the rules of intestacy. The registration of a civil relationship usually revokes a Will. If you recently entered a civil union, you should review your Will as soon as possible.
A SURVEY OF 1000 RECENTLY BEREAVED PEOPLE FOUND HALF HAD DISCUSSED END-OFLIFE CARE WITH THEIR LOVED ONE BEFORE THEY DIED. AND ONLY 15 PER CENT OF THOSE WHO DIED HAD AN ADVANCE CARE PLAN, DETAILING THEIR PREFERENCES.
THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR PARTNER AND FAMILY IS A WELL ORGANISED STATE OF AFFAIRS AS IT WILL LIFT THE BURDEN FOR THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU DURING A VERY DIFFICULT TIME.
Enduring Power of Attorney For many of us there will come a time, due to accident, poor health or advanced age, during which we will be unable to make decisions for ourselves. There is no automatic regime for another person to make decisions for you if you become incapacitated. While in practice, hospital staff may seek and listen to the wishes of concerned family members and friends, such ad hoc arrangements can create uncertainty or conflict, especially if there are differing views between those involved. An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document by which you can appoint another person (referred to as an attorney) to make decisions for you or act on your behalf. The legislation dealing with Powers of Attorney vary between Australian States. Making an Enduring Power of Attorney gives you certainty about who will make decisions for you while you are incapacitated and makes it clear to third parties who has authority to act for you. It is especially important if your partner is not recognised or welcomed by other family members who may wish to be involved should an emergency arise. There are three main matters in which an attorney can act for you: Firstly, an attorney can manage your property and finances so that they can pay for your living expenses, medical bills and liabilities. An attorney cannot use your money for their own benefit unless you have specifically permitted it. Secondly, an attorney can make personal care decisions such as where you live and how you spend your time. Lastly, an attorney can make health care decisions and most importantly can choose, in consultation with doctors, when to withdraw medical treatment. FUSEFEATURE
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HAVING AN ADVANCED CARE PLAN — IN WHICH YOU DETAIL YOU’RE WISHES IN THE EVENT OF BECOMING INCAPABLE OF MAKING YOU’RE OWN DECISIONS — IS AN ACT OF LOVE.
Advanced Care Planning Advanced care planning involves documenting your wishes about medical and health care decisions. Hospitals and nursing homes are increasingly encouraging patients to undertake advanced care planning prior to admission. It usually involves detailing your wishes about treatment in a number of possible scenarios. It is designed to have you think about and communicate your values, priorities and wishes in regards to your health care. The law relating to advanced care planning varies between Australian states and advanced health directives have been given statutory authority in some jurisdictions but not in others. It is a good idea to consider advanced care planning together with an Enduring Power of Attorney to ensure these documents operate together. As tragic events are most often unexpected, it is important to be prepared for the unknown at any stage. While death and disability can be confronting topics for the young (and young at heart), taking steps to plan for these changes can be one of the best ways to show care and support for each other.
You are able to set out conditions or directions about how your attorney should make decisions. For example, you can set out your wishes about how medical treatment is administered and specify that medical treatment is to be withdrawn in certain circumstances. If you become incapacitated and do not have an Enduring Power of Attorney, your family members or carers will need to make an application to a Tribunal for an order appointing a guardian and manager before they will have any authority to act on your behalf. Being proactive and making an Enduring Power of Attorney will shield your family and carers from the stress, time and uncertainty of that process. It also gives you peace of mind that you have appointed the most suitable person to make decisions for you and that they will be making decisions in accordance with any directions that you have provided.
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WHEN THAT TIME COMES, IT’S VERY STRESSFUL FOR THE PERSON WHO IS MAKING THOSE DECISIONS FOR YOU. IF THEY ALREADY KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, THAT CLEARLY RELIEVES THAT BURDEN. YVONNE LUXFORD CHIEF EXECUTIVE PALLIATIVE CARE AUSTRALIA
Rebecca Tetlow is a Wills and Estate Planning lawyer for Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson Family Lawers. If you have any questions about planning for your future — wills, superannuation, enduring power of attorney or advanced care planning, she can be contacted on 02 6212 7684 or visit ddcsfamilylawyers.com.au 26
FUSEFEATURE
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
Commencing July 2013
Westlund House after-hours
COUNSELLING SERVICE
The new after-hours counselling service will be added to the range of counselling and client support services offered at the AIDS Action Council of the ACT. Free 60 minute appointments will be available every Tuesday evening from 5:00 - 7:30pm. This free service is available to people living with HIV/AIDS and for people who want to discuss issues around relationships and sexuality. The service is also available for partners, families and friends. We have a long history working across the range of issues that affect our community and if required can also make appropriate referrals to other agencies and programs after assessing your needs.
Arrange to see a counsellor
WESTLUND HOUSE RESOURCE CENTRE
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OUT&ABOUT
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♥
FREE ENTRY & 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
♥ THE PARTY NEVER STOPS! With another two wildly successful theme parties over, Cube is having yet another fantastic year. Over the next couple of months not only will Cube have Seamen at Sea (28 June), but also Cube’s Got Talent (12 July), Team Manhunt (19 July) and of course Christmas in July. Keep an eye on the Cube Facebook page and the new look website cubenightclub.com.au for all our upcoming events. Cube is also available for your next birthday or special occasion email info@cubenightclub.com.au for more details.
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D-WINTER CANBERRA’S MI JAZZ FESTIVAL On sale now! 2–11 AUG 2013
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Travel Money
HOLIDAYS FOR LESS
By Scott Malcolm Director of Money Mechanics
SCOTTY’S EXCESS BAGGAGE
When it comes to travelling overseas everyone wants to get the best deals, whether it’s super cheap flights or that great luxury hotel rate. However, when it comes to our travel money, things often get confusing and it’s easy to get ripped off. Here are a few of my travel money secrets, so you can get the most out of your next overseas experience!
TRAVEL MONEY
FLIGHT OPTIONS
Now that ATMs are almost universal, travellers’ cheques are not as popular. But on the upside, if you lose your Travellers Cheques, you only have to contact the nearest office with the numbers on your unredeemed cheques to get them replaced, usually within 24 hours. If you plan to travel in developing countries which are unlikely to have ATMs on every corner, Travellers Cheques are the way to go! ATMs are of course by far the most convenient way to access funds. Provided you have a card that is authorised for use overseas and linked to one of the international networks. Check with your bank well before you travel and from my experience do not rely on your ATM card as your sole source of funds. Also check all your transactions when you return, I got hit with a few double ups on my last trip in the US. Just watch out for cash advance fees and foreign currency conversion fees which apply each time you withdraw money.
Still a relatively ‘best kept secret’, you can now get a business or first class air ticket for up to 70% cheaper. Only new, there are a few online flight booking websites, who snap up frequent flyer points from large companies and then use them to offset the price off your international flights. This is a super cheap way to arrive at your destination in style. Check out: flyl4l.com, 1stclassairfares.com and flybusinessforless.com
ACCOMMODATION Last year my partner and I went to the US and stayed in our own Upper West Side Apartment via AirBnB (airbnb.com) which has a range of accommodation options for travellers. They have apartments, houses, rooms, even treehouses and boats in over 192 countries. Prices are often cheaper than hotels and you’ll get a unique experience. On the flip side, if you own your own place, you could earn some extra cash by renting out your space.
Speaking of cash, having the bulk of your travel money in physical notes is not always the best or safest way to go. It’s a good idea to hit your destination with a small amount of local currency but there are a few other ways to have access to dollars while you are away without risk of theft.
Many people get hit with unexpected excess baggage fees because they fail to read or understand the conditions of the airline and their ticket.
Another way to access funds is with a prepaid currency card which are available in over 26 currencies and sometimes a mix on each card. The card is convenient, secure and replaceable if you lose it. Most major banks have their version of these cards, one popular card is the Travelex Cash Passport (cashpassport.com), available online or from Australia Post. When you setup these cards there is generally an initial card fee and an in-store reload fee so check out the fine print. You will also pay an ATM fee every time you use the card while you travel so again check the fees at the different ATM’s you use. See the ‘Travel Money Buying Guide’ at Choice (choice.com.au) which reviews a number of these providers. Now all you need to do is pick the destination, pack your bags and enjoy the journey!
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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COME FLY WITH ME HIGHS & LOWS OF AIRLINES’ GAY ALTITUDES These days we get increasingly cautious about our carbon footprint; we choose to have fair trade coffee and free-range eggs and when selecting goods and products we try to be both environmentally responsible and ethical. Many of us are into sustainable eco-tourism and some are even ready to volunteer while on holiday. But do we bother to find out how gay-friendly the airline is when purchasing air tickets? By Alexander Lowë
There is a useful set of questions that can help us determine how gay-friendly an airline is: • Is the airline a member of ILGTA or another gay tourism body? • Does it have a micro gay website or page? • How does it support the LGBTI community? • Does it implement diversity training? • Is it an equal opportunity employer? • Does it have same-sex domestic partner benefits? • Does it support same-sex marriage and equality? • What are it’s views on Transexual people and gender issues? • Is it’s home base or stop over country a LGBTI safe destination? Here is a quick look at just a few airlines and how they fare?
Queen of the Whole Universe Let’s start in the pink. The ‘Queen of the Whole Universe’ crown and the title of the gay-friendliest airline in the world would undeniably go to American Airlines with its spotless LGBTI reputation and the decades of commitment and support. American Airlines (AA) was the first airline to implement same-sex domestic partner benefits and include sexual orientation and gender identity into its workplace non-discriminatory polices. AA pioneered diversity training, became the first airline to advertise in LGBTI media and set up an exclusively LGBTI focused marketing and specialised rainbow sales team. It also supports many LGBTI events, sponsors LGBTI organisations and charities and has been honoured for their same-sex equality policies by the American National LGBTI Bar Association with the 2013 Out & Proud Corporate Counsel Award. 32
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American Airlines is also the only airline in the world, and one of only a handful of international corporations, that has earned 100%, perfect marks on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) every year since its inception. For two decades, the company’s policies and actions have demonstrated a lasting commitment to equality, fairness and inclusion. American Airlines tick ALL the boxes, check out aa.com/diversity.
Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines boasts an excellent commitment to the gay traveller, with strong employment ethics and support for the queer community. It scored a high 90% on the 2013 CEI. The front page of their LGBTI Outreach website states, ‘We take pride in our outreach and commitment to the LGBTI community. We have community partnerships with a variety of local and national organisations who are dedicated to LGBTI causes and initiatives’.
Alaska Airlines The gay friendly Alaska Air Group which serves more than 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, frequently sponsors many gay and lesbian related events such as Gay Softball World Series and Palm Springs Summer Splash. It operates a corporate-wide, gay-specific microsite and offers special discounts for it’s LGBTI travellers. Check out alaskaair.com/content/gay-travel FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
Delta Air Lines
Middle Eastern Airlines
Delta is one of the world’s largest airline; along with its Northwest subsidiary and Delta Connection carriers, it provides service to 368 destinations in 66 countries and serves more than 170 million passengers each year. Delta jumped to 90% on the 2013 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) that rates American Workplaces on LGBTI Equality. This is mostly due to it’s change to the company’s non-discrimination policy to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. It operates a corporate-wide, gay-specific microsite — search Delta, gay and lesbian travel.
On the other end of the spectrum, Government owned airlines from the Gulf States have been aggressively penetrating the Australian market with quality carriers like Emirates and Etihad Airways, even turning some Australian destinations into hubs for further expansion. Unfortunately by supporting these airlines we are ultimately supporting anti LGBTI countries. In the Middle East, sexual relations outside of a traditional heterosexual marriage are illegal and LGBTI people have no legal protection. LGBTI people are regularly prosecuted and have known to be tortured, jailed or even stoned (honorary killings). Trans* people are not recognised by the Saudi Arabia government and intersex babies are operated on at birth to determine sex.
Scandinavian Airlines In 2012, Scandinavian Airlines was named favorite gay airline at the US EDGE Awards after 70,000 online votes had been cast. The airline launched what became one of that year’s most successful global media campaigns, Love is in the Air, which concluded with the world’s first gay and lesbian wedding in the air on a flight between Stockholm and New York. Late last year, SAS created a gay video version of its popular SAS Crew Guide concept featuring Anton Hysen, the young Swedish football player who came out last year and is currently the favorite to win Dancing with the Stars in Sweden.
Virgin Airlines A LGBTI friendly company famous for their gay advertising campaigns, the Virgin group, is no virgin when it comes to wowing the gay customer. Virgin Blue it seems became a little over excited with its sponsorship deal with Sydney Mardi Gras to such degree that its double page spread ad in the gay press, was glued together and when torn apart revealed sticky white stains giving a new spelling and meaning to the old ‘Come Fly With Me’ message. While this made quite the impression, many questioned its taste and the fact that it actually enforced a negative stereotype about gay men and their sexual conduct. Virgin scored a high 90% on the 2013 Corporate Equality Index.
Air New Zealand Air New Zealand seems to be a fair weathered friend when it comes to their commitment to the LGBTI community. Positioning itself as a cheeky and rebellious teenager, their ad campaigns are provocative and push boundaries, with lines like ‘fares lower than grandma’s boobs’ and ads that feature nude crew members and passengers. In strife with the gay community, in 2010 it was forced to scrap a scene from a special in-flight safety video. In the offending scene, a coy All Blacks centre Richard Kahui turns down an opportunity to kiss gay flight attendant Will Coxhead, as it was something ‘yuck’. This may have spelt the end for their gay friendly adventures. Air New Zealand canceled their annual pink flights and shut down its gay micro-site, which had boosted its gay profile for nearly a decade, replacing them with charted flights to Las Vegas. Air New Zealand clearly changed its course from gay-friendly to a gamble-friendly heaven.
Qantas has been recognising same-sex partners of its employees since 2006 — so how will their LGBTI customers be affected by their decision to dump British Airways with a stop over route via gay-friendly Bangkok to pair up with Emirates that transit via Dubai? The penalty imposed for ‘consensual sodomy’ in Dubai is imprisonment for up to ten years in prison. Will a new relationship with Qantas, stimulate Emirates to change anti-gay attitudes in Saudi Arabia? Let’s face it, no one expects that to happen, instead gay couples will find themselves complying with recommendations to pretend to be ‘just friends’, when staying in overnight transit in United Arab Emirates. It’s important to note that non-family members of the same-sex are likely to be denied sharing a room and PDA is an absolute no-go area. On top of this we’re pretty sure that most Middle East airlines would probably score a big fat 0 if rated by the Corporate Equality Index.
Qantas The flying kangaroo is still a gay friendly airline, but the new partnership with Emirates is a major step back for its gay and lesbian customers. It would seem that under the gay leadership of CEO Alan Joyce, we should expect more from our flagship carrier. Qantas has such a fabulous history when it comes to supporting the LGBTI community over the years, but now we are all left wondering what’s gone wrong and is it all just about money and deals at the end of the day? Our loyalty to gay-friendly companies and by supporting their best practices we have the power to encourage other businesses to follow the lead, making an important step that will ultimately benefit our community. We can be a force to be reckoned with, especially considering the Australian LGBTI market is estimated to be worth over 6 billion a year and is a world’s leader in per capita spending.
Did you know? According to the latest research, Australian LGBTI market is estimated to be worth around 6 billion a year and LGBTI Australians are ranked number one in the world when it comes to per capita annual spending. The LGBTI travel market is the fastest growing industry with year-on-year growth of 9.3%, estimated to reach 181 billion this year.
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THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR LGBT HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS COUNTRIES
TOP 10 1. France 2. UK 3. USA 4. Italy 5. Spain 6. Australia 7. Germany 8. Canada 9. Greece 10. Argentina
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The largest ever study of the LGBT travel market by Out Now Consulting has revealed which world travel destinations hold the most appeal to the queer tourist. London was the big improver in this year’s rankings. France is now the number one most desired country for more than six per cent of the total global tourism industry identified as LGBT. The USA has lost its top spot, falling from first to third this year. One of the biggest improvers in the industry — apparently still basking in the Olympics afterglow — is the UK, which moved up from fourth place to second. Talk of the Eurozone crisis has not deterred queer travellers who have pushed Greece up the rankings to appear in the top ten most desired gay destinations globally. Italy also moved up while Spain dropped two places. In terms of most popular cities, New York has remained in the number one position for the second year running. However NYC is being very closely challenged by Rio de Janeiro in second place, which moved up one place and pushed Sydney down to third place, with San Francisco sitting at number five.
GAY CITY
DESTINATIONS
1. New York City : Coming in at number one, New York is the city that never sleeps and is so full of options it’s overwhelming. 2. Rio de Janeiro : Sunny weather and gorgeous people — it’s estimated that one out of every four foreign tourists going to Rio are gay or lesbian. 3. Sydney : Home of Mardi Gras, plus North Bondi Beach has been listed as one of the world’s best gay beaches. 4. London : Still basking in the Olympics afterglow, London is a city that won’t disappoint. 5. San Francisco : Probably the most famous gay city, San Francisco is also one of the world’s most panoramic, open and vibrant cities in the world. 6. Paris : Ah, Gay Pari! Thanks in part to openly gay mayor Bertrand Delanoë, Paris has a thriving LGBTI community. 7. Buenos Aires : What’s not to like about a hot Latino guy or girl. Buenos Aires has the elegance of any European capital with the spirit of South America.
12. Hong Kong : This fledging queer destination should be your number one destination if you want to go brand shopping! 13. Melbourne : Wonderful Melbourne has a thriving, friendly queer community, it’s a food lover’s paradise and there is always something happening. 14. Barcelona : Barcelona’s gay scene is lively, but remember, in Spain you don’t go out to eat until 10pm and the nightclubs don’t open until 3am. So get some sleep in before you go out because you will be out all night drooling over those gorgeous Catalonian boys and girls! 15. São Paulo : Think tanned Brazilians lounging in swimmers. 16. Berlin : You’ll be impressed by the huge, friendly gay scene and all the cultural vibrancy Berlin has to offer… plus there’s beer, lots and lots of beer! 17. Mexico City : Although Mexico is still a deeply conservative country, gay life thrives in Mexico City — the largest city in the world. It’s satisfying and full of surprises, much like taking a shot of tequila, with a pinch of salt! 18. Rome : It’s all about summer in Rome — that’s when the gay party really starts. 19. Cape Town : A hotspot for gay culture and gateway to Africa. Queer tourism is centred around the gay village in Green Point. 20. Miami : Luring in global party boys, hipsters, and scene queens for a world-renowned party scene.
8. Tokyo : With a new and emerging spirit of gay liberation, Tokyo is slowing coming out. This seemingly straight city by day, turns into a raging gay party by night. 9. Amsterdam : Still known as one of the most gay friendly cities in the world, Amsterdam should be high on your list too. 10. Los Angeles / West Hollywood : With more than one-third of the population identifying as LGBT in West Hollywood, it’s the centre of gay California nightlife, luxurious spas and unparalleled shopping and dining. 11. Las Vegas : Although Vegas has only a small LGBTI scene, if you want to mix your romance with roulette, it’s the place for you. 34
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By Dejan Jotanovic
HOMOSEXUALITY IS A SEXUALITY NOT A ... RIGHT?
personality
I BLEACH MY HAIR. Every few months my colourist, Candy, unloads harsh chemicals onto my scalp, determined to eradicate the hideous re-growth and transform me back into the image of the silvery blonde I hold so dear to myself. The process takes hours. While the peroxide continuously floods pain through my tender head, I ask why I do this to myself. Is it freedom of expression? Is it youthful experimentation. A dabble in the beauty industry, perhaps? Or is it because I’m gay?
Homosexuality may be regarded as a myriad of things. To some churches it is a sin or an abomination, to sociologists it is a minority category, to everyday people it is a type of attraction or behaviour. To others however, homosexuality is a lifestyle; a culture; a way of being. Through gay culture, like every other culture, comes a socially constructed and metaphorically inscribed list of norms and values appropriate for that lifestyle. A niche is created and identities are structured through a “gay backdrop”. In parts of the world where homophobia is physically and emotionally dominant, this culture (and subsequent self identification with the culture) may be a beacon of hope, happiness and safety. It is therefore no surprise that in areas of the world where gay culture isn’t strongly embraced or evident, gay youth suicide rates are reaching epidemic status. Gay culture, therefore, fosters support and health.
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WHAT TYPE OF “GAY” IS OUR CULTURE CULTIVATING?
But is it really all that simple? What type of “gay” is the culture cultivating? Like all other cultures, gay culture has fallen into the trap of stereotypes, categories and boxes. The “gay man” falls stricken to the too-tightly-dressed, hair-product-loaded, weight-watching, media-manic, flaming archetype, while the “lesbian woman” is a victim of the butch-bodied, man-hating, scarily-hairy typecast. These negatively woven stereotypes are continuously reproduced through the media. That’s expected. What is more striking is how these stereotypes are bolstered in the social — the everyday life. Is our need for a gay culture — for hope, happiness, safety and health — generating a self-fulfilling prophecy induced by the media? I am gay, gay I am. While some may accept this culture, this way of being — and therefore this way of dressing, talking, walking, acting — it is of utmost importance to be critical. Through living the stereotype, we are in turn, dehumanising ourselves — we are feeding the homophobic media-obsessed monster as “gay” becomes commodity and object. We are, fundamentally, letting the poison of homophobia seep between the cracks without truly realising the venomous effects. This happens when homophobia is subtle, sometimes even inviting. We embrace, rather than reject, the girls who “want a gay best friend” — we don’t see this as objectification, we see this as a way of absolute being. We see this as comfort. As John Griffin puts it so wonderfully in his 36
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autobiographical account, Black Like Me, “culture — learned behaviour patterns so deeply engrained they produce unconscious, involuntary reactions — is a prison”. Gay culture is a purple prison. In psychology, we learn that the identity is a central component to the self — who you are in your utmost core. However, sociology tells us that we are in fact many selves and that we rationalise through multiple identities, much like masks at the masquerade party, or actors on a stage. So, does gay culture run the risk of being too independent? Are we favouring one type of identity over others? When you think about these other identities such as nation state, race, ethnicity and class — do these reach irrelevance in the eyes of gay culture? The question then remains, is the purple prison too limiting? Is the purple prison enough?
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I JUST WANNA BE MYSELF AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW, I AM MY HAIR, I’M AS FREE AS MY HAIR Lady Gaga
It could alternatively be argued that the purple prison is irrelevant in itself, or even more boldly, that it doesn’t exist. Homosexuality is sexuality, it’s not personality. To state otherwise is being essentialist and therefore, ignorant. An individual’s personality is unique to their own experiences and chasms of structured identities. Who are you to claim that my experiences of homosexuality are universally aligned to those I find on my Grindr list? Again, be warned, this way of thinking is also too simplistic. Homosexuality, through history, has become politicised. Birthed in ancient scripture, homosexuality has travelled through discourses such as sexology and psychiatry, arriving promptly in the platform of politics. Issues of discrimination, family, marriage, sex and work have been churned and smeared on parliament’s white-washed floors. Homosexuality is not a personality... right? But in feminist thinking we are constantly reminded that the personal is political. Therefore, perhaps homosexuality needs a base in personality; perhaps stereotyped narratives need to be told, performed, and reproduced. Through a shared unified consciousness — through the purple prison — we are showing who we are, how far we’ve come, where we want to go. We’re showing that some things are worth fighting for, and that we will fight for these things together. Again, I must echo the importance of critical awareness. Though unified and shared consciousness is a thrilling and persuading engagement with activism, we — the purple prison — cannot write ourselves into checklists of self-identification. In this I mean that we can’t become the objects of politics, for we are the subjects of politics. So have the freedom to paint the purple prison any shade of purple you wish, or any other colour for that matter. Multiple identity identification is therefore another important aspect of attaining a “fuller” self. Embrace your blackness, embrace your Islamic beliefs, embrace your Australianness — foster these other types of identities in conjunction with each other. As gay icon “extraordinaire” Lady Gaga advocates, “I just wanna be myself and I want you to know, I am my hair, I’m as free as my hair”. And so I conclude that my choices are my own individual, multi-faceted choices. That is why I bleach my hair. REFERENCES Griffin, J.H. (1961), Black Like Me, Boston, The Riverside Press Cambridge. Lady Gaga, ‘Hair’, Born This Way, 2011, by Interscope Records.
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TRAVELLING WITH A By Keiran Rossteuscher AAC Social & Program Marketing Manager
WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT A WORK TRIP TO EUROPE COULD RESULT IN YOU BEING DEPORTED OR THROWN INTO DETENTION? FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV (PLHIV) THIS IS NOW A POTENTIAL REALITY. Over the last year many Virgin Australia flights to Europe on 777-200s, and in the very near future all Qantas A380s, will be operating via the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The flights coming in and out of the UAE with Virgin will go via Abu Dhabi, while Qantas fly through Dubai. If you enter the UAE and are found to be HIV positive, a ‘morality disease’, then you will be deported and even detained. It is one of only five countries according to PLWHA.org that has a complete ban on PLHIV entering the country — known HIV status must be declared before entry on your visa. The UAE also has strict laws regarding possession of drugs. A significant number of medications that are legal in many other countries are illegal in the UAE. This extends to HIV medication with anyone found in possession of anti-retrovirals at risk of being detained not only for being HIV positive, but for possession of contraband. While the concerns about people passing through and staying within the terminal are at this stage grey, it can be assumed that like in any airport, anyone can have their possessions searched if they are considered to be in violation of local laws.
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MORALITY DISEASE For its part, Virgin provided six months notice of the changed path and the potential impact that this would have on staff, given UAE laws need to be adhered to. Crews were also provided with training to work on alternate flight paths that did not travel via the UAE. It is likely that Qantas would do the same. However by providing this option to crews, if they hadn’t already disclosed their status, was this tacit disclosure?
WHILE BARRIERS TO TRAVEL FOR PLHIV ARE FALLING, WITH THE USA AND CHINA RECENTLY LIFTING THEIR TRAVEL BANS, AND MEDICATIONS BECOMING EASIER TO MANAGE WITH TRAVEL, THERE ARE STILL MANY REAL ISSUES TO BE FACED. More information about travel through the UAE can be found at their embassy website uae-embassy.ae
Australia has laws that ensure PLHIV are not discriminated against and their privacy is maintained. You do not have to disclose your HIV status to your employer; likewise, you cannot be discriminated against because of your HIV status. Employers also have a duty of care to staff. Anyone who is HIV+ and moves beyond the terminal into the UAE proper is at risk of being detained. An individual may choose to take another airline that does not go via the UAE, such as British Airways, however these might be unaffordable or have longer routes. Some workplaces have policies to use a particular airline, or they seek the cheapest or fastest route. It is not always possible to make alternative arrangements for one staff member if colleagues are traveling in a group. Should a staff member be asked to travel through the UAE, they may be placed in harms-way. As an employee doesn’t have to disclose their HIV status to their employer, they may potentially risk their personal liberty, forgo their privacy, miss out on work opportunities/commitments, or even feel forced to seek alternative work.
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CANBERRA EQUAL LOVE RALLY — PHOTOS BY DOUG ROBINSON
CANBERRA 2013 AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL — PHOTOS BY DOUG ROBINSON
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Come out to Australia’s Gay and Lesbian Ski Week
Hotham Alpine Resort, VIC - July 26th onwards Stunning on-mountain accommodation, fully hosted and stress-free! Welcome Party feat. DJ Kate Monroe, theme: “Alpine Chic” Budget Welcome Pass $915pp (inc. 4-day lift ticket & accommodation)
pointsofdifference.com/FFST 02 8011 3298 / 03 9016 9445 41
The AIDS Action Council Provides professional counselling and support services which cater to your needs.
Drawing on years of counselling and client support experience, this free service is available to people living with HIV/AIDS and for people who want to discuss issues around relationships and sexuality. The service is also available for partners, families and friends. We have a long history working across the range of issues that affect our community and if required can also make appropriate referrals to other agencies and programs after assessing your needs.
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ŠCopyright AIDS Action Council of the ACT
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STAYING HEALTHY
ON THE FLY JUST TAKES SOME
CREATIVITY!
x
TRAVEL
By Davey Wavey Fitness Instructor
For a lot of people, working out and eating right while travelling can be a real challenge – it’s often an excuse to take a few days (or more!) off. While the occasional break is perfectly fine, working out and looking after your health while traveling is still really important. It just requires a bit of creativity and mindfulness. Here are few tips of what you can do while away, which will help you from putting on those unwanted kilograms.
HEALTH CLASS
AVOID THE MINI BAR
3 As we speak, I’m scrutinising the mini bar’s contents. For the
record, there is nothing “mini” about this bar’s caloric content. Chocolate bars galore, chips and what’s that, mixed nuts? I always recommend a simple wholesome style diet — lean protein, lots of fruit and vegetables, mixed nuts and berries. My excitement is short lived however, as the nuts are literally coated in salt. Unsalted nuts are the way to go—but you probably won’t find them in the mini bar. MAINTAIN THE PROPER MENTALITY
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BE WEARY OF ROOM SERVICE Taking a quick glance at this hotel’s menu, I’m tempted to order such delicacies as deep fried fish & chips or nachos grande (I assume the grande refers to the effect it will have on your waistline). Even the sandwiches are loaded in heart-clogging toppings like butter and mayo. It’s fine to cheat every now and then, but I’d suggest hitting the street to find some healthier and possibly cheaper alternatives. EXERCISE IN YOUR ROOM No weights, no problem! Body weight workouts are great for travellers without access to dumbbells, bench presses and the like. Try simple body weight exercises like, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and dips from the comfort of your hotel room. If there is park nearby you can go for a run, do pull-ups on a tree branch (don’t laugh—I’ve done it before!), or triceps dips on a playground’s parallel bars or a bench. Staying fit is easy if you use your imagination while away.
4 Just because you may physically be on vacation, your body is not.
I always chuckle when people say that they can eat what they want on vacation. Your body doesn’t process vacation calories differently, and the effect on your body is obviously the same regardless. Eat healthy as much as possible — target 80% of the time. Obviously this is much easier at home, but it’s the worth the effort to maintain while away. STAY HYDRATED
easy not to get your 8 cups of water while travelling. And it’s 5 It’s much easier to adopt soft drinks and alcohol. Make an effort to drink water – it will also help stave off some of your cravings. Being on holidays or a buisness trip, doesn’t need to be a death sentence for your fitness program or a prescription for obesity. Keep your game face on and I think you’ll be pleased with the results — more energy, better sleep, increased immune system performance and a fuller life, just to name a few. Davey Wavey is an AFPA certified personal trainer and world renowned fitness guru. Check out his awesome hotel workout video at daveywaveyfitness.com
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By Melisa Paz
JULY 2013
YOUR HOROSCOPE
July will have two planets going direct and one in retrograde. There will be a lot of good energy in the air to help you to think clearly and achieve any goals. The month will begin with Saturn going direct around 8 July, which means all signs will centre around concentration and determination. By 17 July, Uranus will go retrograde which will mostly effect Cancerians. With circumstances that require immediate reaction, try to respond calmly to any unexpected events. Around 20 July, Mercury will start to go direct again — this will help everyone with eloquence and intuition.
Aquarius
January 21 – February 18 July will be positive in academic areas and you may find yourself motivated to create an interesting and fun project. Tip: Remember that your family is more important than work. Dedicate time this month to your love ones and let other people know that is a priority.
Taurus
April 21 – May 21 Everything is right on track so let Saturn lead your thoughts and inspire you when it comes to intimacy. Around 20 July will be an ideal time to spend enjoying or spicing up your sex life. Tip: Take care of your finances; by the 23rd you will need some savings.
Leo
July 23 – August 23 Jupiter wants you to take a trip in early July, so start organising now and pack those bags! During July, keep an open mind for what may be coming in regard to change and opportunities. Tip: Don’t lose contact with that special person, no matter how far away they are.
Scorpio
October 24 – November 22 Beautiful Venus is going to be with you throughout July, so prepare to have four amazing weeks full of positive love energy in every area or your life. Tip: Try to eat a little bit healthier from now on — your body is asking you to take care of it.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20 Sometime during July, there is a good chance you’ll receive a nice surprise in the economic area. Try not to worry so much about money, the Universe will reward you for all your hard work. Tip: In early July something unexpected may happen in the love area, enjoy it.
Gemini
May 22 – June 21 Sex and intimacy is a highlight for the lucky Gemini. At the same time the universe is trying to balance your creativity. Go with the flow and enjoy. Tip: Mercury will be holding your hand in June, so use this time to organise any matters related to your finances.
Virgo
August 24 – September 23 Rewards are coming your way Virgo as Mars prepares you for a lot of new and wonderful things during July — this will be especially highlighted around family and relationships. Tip: Take it easy, let go and let things fall in the right place in the right time.
Sagittarius
November 23 – December 22 Finally all the pressure is fading away dear Sagittarius — you can expect a great month. It is time to start mulling over what to do next in your life. Tip: During July you will have the opportunity to plan a trip. Be mindful of the cost — you can have a great time without spending too much.
Aries
March 21 – April 20 Uranus retrograde will affect you, so be careful with what you do and say. Luckily not everything will be about watching your moves, you will be encouraged to do something new with amazing results. Tip: Keep your mind open when it comes to the point of view of strangers.
Cancer
June 22 – July 22 Uranus will make its retrograde hard on you, try to keep calm under every situation and think twice before saying the first thing that pops up in your mind. Tip: Work on being more understanding and compassionate to others — it will reward you later.
Libra
September 24 – October 23 You may hear some news that will be sad. Remember that everything has its place and letting go is important to your happiness. Expect a vibrant environment with family members during July. Tip: Take care of your finances and stop spending money on things you don’t really need.
Capricorn
December 23 – January 20 July is a good time to re-evaluate your goals. Mars will make it easier for you to decide what you really want to achieve, instead of what you think you should achieve. Tip: Give that special person a nice surprise by the mid July, they will really appreciate it.
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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY AIDS Action Council The AIDS Action Council provides information, support and services. More info: aidsaction.org.au
PFLAG-ACT A support and friendship group for parents and friends of LGBTI people. More info email pflag.act@gmail.com
A Gender Agenda A resource for transgender, intersex, gender queer and gender variant people. genderrights.org.au
Long Yang A friendly social club for Asian and non-Asian gays and their friends. Canberra: lyccanberra.org Sydney: sydney.longyangclub.org
ACTQueer A free email list for LGBTI people in Canberra and surrounding region. groups.yahoo.com/group/actqueer 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
OUTBIZ : LGBTI Business Network Connect with other like-minded people, expand your business, find new customers or suppliers, network and support the LGBTI business community. Email: outbiz@yahoo.com.au Pink Tennis Gay & Lesbian Tennis Group meets Mondays 6pm–9pm at Turner Tennis Club, Cnr McCaughey & Condamine Sts.
Capital Queers Canberra’s Mardi Gras group. More info at capitalqueers.com
Qnet : Queer Youth Cyberspace GLBTI people under the age of 25. Check out qnet.org.au
Dyke Dinner & Movie Group More info on FUSE website or see Canberra Lesbians on Facebook.
Queanbeyan GLBTI Youth Support Mondays 4pm–6pm at Axis Youth Centre, Campbell Street, Queanbeyan Park.
Diversity ACT A LGBTI community and service centre. For more information call 1300 794 717 diversityact.org.au
Radio Q Canberra LGBTI community radio show on 2xx 98.3FM 2xxfm.org.au
Gay ACT Squash Group Wednesdays 6.30pm–7.30pm. National Sports Club, Mouat St, Lyneham. groups.google.com/group/gayactsquash Gaycrash Canberra Taking over the coolest Canberra straight bars one night at a time! facebook.com/gaycrash.canberra/info
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Motafrenz GLBTIQ Car Club Contact Stuart Poole ACT Convener Motafrenz on 0420 523 238 or email act@motafrenz.org motafrenz.org.au
Rainbow Bubs A playgroup and support group for same sex parents and their kids. Email: hoogied@yahoo.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
✪ Come and play at CUBE Nightclub! CANBERRA HANGOUTS Cube Nightclub Canberra’s premier gay nightclub venue. 33 Petrie Plaza Civic, Canberra City. cubenightclub.com.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 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. Westlund House Westund house is a welcoming space and community centre for the whole LGBTI community. You’ll find us at 16 Gordon Street, Acton, ACT Online at: westlundhouse.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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A Little Laser Cosmetic Laser Clinic
Jennifer Dromgold is the owner of a boutique clinic providing hair removal and skin rejuvenation with medical grade treatments at affordable prices. Jennifer has clients ranging from gay boys & girls to people in the trans* community who need a professional that understands their needs.
OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH LASER TREATMENTS
For more information call 6232 6629 Located in Manuka Arcade “As somebody that supports and understands the needs of GLBTI people I’m very keen to offer my services and help individuals look and feel better.”
Bewong River Retreat
We offer the perfect holiday or short break in a secluded natural setting with luxurious bungalow accommodation. The perfect place for civil unions, commitment ceremonies and hopefully very soon same-sex marriages.
riverretreat.com.au Telephone 02 4443 6999
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Dear Rose, I really like this new guy I have recently met. After the loss of my partner of 20 years, he’s like a breath of life. He’s quite a bit younger and an Asian boy. I’m worried that people will think I’ve turned 50 and now I’m just another stereotype. It’s something that I’m finding difficult, as a younger man I said, ‘God I’d never be a rice queen!’ I feel ashamed and stupid now. Rick
Dear Rick, Isn’t it crappy that as a community we bang on about equality, love and commitment, yet we still have preconceived notions about “desirable types” of boys and girls? What is wrong with Asian boys — or any people of colour, black or white — or for that matter a crazy Italian woman like me? Nothing! My experiences with Asian boys are in the whole, smart, driven, loyal and very sweet. Not so sure about the crazy Italian women, but their craziness, I am told, is charming! When I first started seeing my partner it occurred to me there was a massive gap in our age. For about five seconds I actually worried what people may think. But I asked myself, ‘Are these “people” going to support me, care about me and build a life with me. The answer was, and still is “maybe”. Don’t get me wrong, I love and respect my friends’ and will ask advice about some things, but at the end of the day my life is my own. So, let me ask you, ‘Does this person make you feel special, make you laugh, drive you to be better, and most of all, make you happy? If your answer is yes, then anyone who criticises is not worth listening to.
Dear Rose, I recently came out to my Dad. He’s not too happy and has made me promise not to tell anyone else — ever — as it will just bring pain and shame to our family. I love my family and respect my dad, but he’s asking me to live a lie… what do I do? Name Withheld
Dear Friend, It’s a shame that your Dad has asked you to keep a promise that more than likely you are not going to keep. The fact is at some point the question will come up if your family members haven’t guessed already and lying isn’t a healthy situation. Time is however, on your side, with having a gay child almost becoming mainstream as more people come out of the closet and attitudes changing to “So what??” In your case sometimes the best thing to do is adopt a “let’s wait and see” attitude. Give your Dad an opportunity to let this revelation sink in. The fact you have had the courage to tell him is real progress and a start to the journey for you both.
ASK DEAR ROSE 48
DEARROSE
By Rose Pappalardo
EMAIL DEAR ROSE WITH YOUR PROBLEM TODAY!
Dear Rose, A lesbian girlfriend of mine say’s to me, ‘You dress too pretty… blah blah… you’re just not a real lesbian… no wonder you’re still single… blah blah’ Is it really true, does looking too heterosexual impede my ability to find a female partner? Lipstick Lesbian
Dear Lipstick Lesbian, Funny you should write to me about this, I was told that I wasn’t a real lesbian because I only have one dog; apparently when I have two dogs, then I get my membership card. Let me bust this myth out of the water. A “real” lesbian is attracted to all kinds of women. The attraction can be to their body, nature, strength or character. A real lesbian is not a women who simply wears overalls and Doc Martins and a real lesbian doesn’t “hate or loathe” men. And to limit lesbians to some kind of code is a bit sad in my view. I have dated lots of different “types” of lesbians and the one quality that I am attracted to is strength. It didn’t matter if they wore skirts or a uniform, if they were confident about who they are, I found them incredibly attractive. And as for whether this will impede your chances of a lesbian relationship, I know plenty of girls out there that are just hanging out for feminine Lipstick Lezzies who wear pretty summer dresses and make up. I can also say when I wear skirts suits or dresses nobody ever doubts I am not a real lesbian... not that it matters by the way.
‘Using the word “gay” as a euphemism for homosexual is fine I guess. But I’ve always thought a word like “fabulous” might have been better. Sure would be a lot easier to tell your parents, “Mom, Dad: I’m fabulous! And my friends are fabulous too!’
Michael Greer (1943-2002) was an openly gay American actor and comedian, best known for his role as “Queenie” in Fortune and Men’s Eyes.
If you need help or have a question email : dearrose@fusemagazine.com.au FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
canberra theatre centre and bangarra dance theatre in association with centenary of canberra present
“Breathtaking ... even mindblowing� The AusTrAliAn
11-13 July 2013
I want a place where I can be myself. I know a place.
We just want you to be happy, no matter who you are. That’s why we have loads of live entertainment, pool tables, outdoor areas, and big screen TVs. We’ll even collect your empties for you! We’re like a better version of your best friend. Oh, you can bring them too, if you like.
For the information of members and their invited guests.
ZOO 49332
What a difference...
Dickson 2 Badham St Woden Launceston St/Furzer St thetradies.com.au