FUSE41 : It's Natural. Gay Lifestyle (Girl Cover) by FUSE Magazine

FUSE SPECIAL REPORT THE INCLUSIVE

SPORT SURVEY FINDINGS

MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU JUL / AUG 2014

LIFE LOVE 41 24 EQUALITY

WHO WE

WERE ARE WILL BE

UNCOVERING THE TABOO OF HOMOSEXUALITY IN SURFING

+ QUEER FACTS ABOUT X-MEN YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW TRANSGENDER TIPPING POINT

> LIFE... A CELEBRATION OF WHO YOU ARE!

BISEXUALITY IS NOT A MYTH LOTL RESCUE GIVING HOPE TO ANIMALS IN NEED SIGNS YOU ARE SUCCEEDING WITH LIFE

FUSE MAGAZINE MADE IN AUSTRALIA JUL / AUG 2014

LIFE LOVE 41 EQUALITY EDITOR Alexander Thatcher

31 26

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Linda Djumlija Yasmin Element CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christopher Powell CONTRIBUTORS Scott Malcolm Rose Pappalardo Shokti Lovestar Andrew Barr Melisa Paz Jim Yeow May Garrett Donna Wilson Philippa Moss Dwayne Lennox

SPECIAL REPORT THE INCLUSIVE

SPORT SURVEY FINDINGS P12

PHOTOGRAPHERS Doug Robinson Rose Pappalardo Natasha Chadwick

CONTACT FUSE 0412 309 992 hello@fusemagazine.com.au fusemagazine.com.au PO Box 3577 Manuka ACT 2603

While many sports are enjoying an awakening to LGBTI athletes, there’s one sport that’s still deep in denial. The Aussie doco OUT in the Line-up follows the stories of two gay surfers who embark on a global journey to uncover the taboo of homosexuality in surfing.

We look at the history of LGBTI people right from the stone age and see just how in many cultures LGBTI people have not only been accepted but revered. Find out who we were, who are, and who we will be.

It all started one Sunday afternoon when Donna Wilson watched a documentary on tigers. Twenty years on and with the help of other open-hearted women she’s on a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and give shelter to misplaced, injured animals.

FUSE OP.ED 24

Published + designed by: Lithium Innovation Pty Ltd lithium.net.au ISSN 1836-8387

The first response Jim Yeow received when he came out as bisexual to his friends was “There’s no such thing!” But the fact is being bisexual is an integral part of who he is.

FUSE REGULARS 19

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU 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 dietary 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.

FUSE FEATURES

02 04 07 08 12 26 29 35 37 39 41 42 43 45 46 48

Editor’s Rant What’s On : Movies What’s On : Events & Shows Round Up : News & Politics Round Up : Special Sports Report Couch Potato : Film & TV Out & About : Cube Nightclub Ear Candy : Music Reviews & News Money Shot : Succeeding with Life Health & Wellbeing : Make a Difference Health & Wellbeing : Dealing with Anxiety Health & Wellbeing : Keeping the Light on HIV Out & About : AIDS Candlelight Memorial Stargazer : Your Horoscope FUSE Community Directory Dear Rose FUSE41CONTENTS

❂ IT’S JUST COMMON SENSE WHAT’S NATURAL? We’ve come a long way in Australia and as a gay man I can live my life openly with my partner without fear. In this, we are truly a lucky country. As we are all aware in some countries like Uganda and Russia, being anything other than heterosexual is just not tolerated. Although I don’t face this type of extreme discrimination and persecution I’m still constantly amazed by the attitudes of some Australians, who by all accounts seem well educated and bright. Time and time again I hear them comment that being gay or gender variant is ‘not natural’. And then there’s the camp that believe that homosexuality is a sickness, the result of troubled family dynamics or faulty psychological development even though medical professionals tell us that these assumptions are purely based on misinformation and prejudice. It is all just so ridiculous and makes them look very foolish in my humble opinion. Unless we assume there is some ‘unnatural evil force’ manipulating some of us — seemingly at random — surely if something happens in nature at all, it’s natural.

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EDITOR’SRANT

Alexander Thatcher Editor

It’s a scientific fact that Mother Nature has been creating people that are ‘queer’ since homo sapiens started to walk this earth and in all probability in animals, before that. Homosexuality has always existed. Different is normal. People who label things as good or bad, ignore the fact that things just ‘are’. And that brings me to our feature article in this current issue — ‘Who we were, who are and who we will be’. It follows the history of homosexual people right from the Stone Age, telling of how in many cultures gay people have not only been accepted and revered but have a special place in society. It is really a wonderful and empowering journey and an article that reinforces that homosexualty is nothing new and existed way before some ‘people’ decided it was ‘un-natural’. p19. With every day I hope that more and more people see that being LGBT or I is nothing to be afraid of. We’re not going destroy marriage or the moral fabric of society. Really it’s just common sense to see that although different, we all want the same thing — to be loved and to love. I believe that equality is an important step in that happening. And talking about having big hearts, also in this issue on p31 you’ll find our feature on the LOTL Animal Rescue Park in Sydney and what happens when a few big-hearted women get together to make a real difference to animals in need of a safe haven. And lastly check out our review of the new Aussie doco ‘OUT in the Line-up’. A story that follows two gay surfers who embark on a global journey to uncover the taboo of homosexuality in surfing. p15. 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

Jersey Boys’ Secret Gay Anthem — “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” Did you know Bob Crewe, the creative mind behind Frankie Valli, penned the song after staring at his male naked lover on a kangaroo bedspread.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 : OPENS 19 JUNE One of the best animated films of recent years (and unlucky not to win the Oscar in 2010, losing out to Toy Story 3), How To Train Your Dragon combined terrific visuals with a big-hearted story. It was also a box office smash so a sequel was inevitable. Premiering at the recent Cannes Film Festival, early reviews suggest that Dragon 2 (which picks up the story of Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, five years later) is bigger, bolder and, yes, better than its predecessor.

JERSEY BOYS : OPENS 3 JULY The hit stage musical chronicling the rise and fall of Frankie Valli, set to the soundtrack of The Four Seasons, finally gets the big screen treatment. And with a surprise choice for director. Clint Eastwood hasn’t been near a musical since 1969’s Paint Your Wagon (though he was touted to star opposite Beyonce in a remake of A Star is Born) but given that Jersey Boys focuses on a group of men, Eastwood probably felt a little more comfortable with the material. Hollywood newcomer John Lloyd Young reprises the lead role which won him a Tony award on Broadway.

SEX TAPE : OPENS 17 JULY Making a sex tape for fun — and worrying that it may some day get out — is something many open minded folk will relate too. Where do you hide yours? After displaying comic chemistry in 2011’s Bad Teacher, Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel reunite, this time as a married couple who decide to put the spark back into their relationship by — you guessed it — making a sex tape for fun. In a pretty impressive feat, the couple go about filming themselves in a marathon three-hour sex session trying out every position in The Joy of Sex. When the said tape gets accidentally uploaded to ‘the cloud’, there is a hilariously mad scramble to reclaim it.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY : OPENS 8 AUGUST With The Avengers 2 still a little ways off, fans of the Marvel universe will have to bide their time with this new light but action-packed, epic space adventure which includes a talking raccoon with attitude! Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) is one of the five Guardians, led by wisecracking pilot, Peter Quill played by Chris Pratt (who is also Andy Dwyer from the hilarious TV series Parks and Recreation). With the galaxy’s fate in the balance, the brash Peter Quill must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand.

By Dwayne Lennox

FREE DENDY MOVIE TICKETS : Email us and tell us what you think of FUSE, comment on an article or sign up to the FUSE eNews and you could win free tickets to these fantastic movies. hello@fusemagazine.com.au

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31 July – 10 August It is Germany in the early 1600s, when persecutions for heresy and witchcraft threatened to engulf the whole of Europe in their fury. A young lawyer finds himself locked in a deadly courtroom battle against one of the most feared inquisitors of the age. As his life and the lives of those he loves increasingly hang in the balance, he turns to his father for assistance. But how can a father help his son when he too is behind the largest witch hunt the world has ever seen? Everyman Theatre is proud to present Canberra playwright Duncan Ley’s multi-award winning play, The Burning; a riveting courtroom thriller. It is historical and contemporary, both an epic melodrama and poignant examination of the bonds and rifts between father and son. From its whimsical opening, through twists and turns, all the way to its shocking climax, The Burning will have you on the edge of your seat.

The Burning > 31 July – 10 August This riveting courtroom thriller will have you on the edge of your seat. “Without pandering to cliche, this has to be one of the best pieces of theatre in recent memory.” ABC Radio

Sunset Boulevard > 8 – 25 October “The show’s a hit. Lloyd Webber’s most artfully constructed score. It offers two of Lloyd Webber’s best songs in With One Look and As If We Never Said Goodbye.” Time Magazine

8 – 25 October The original production of Sunset Boulevard won Tony Awards in 1995 for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book of a Musical as well as many individual acting and design awards. It has also won a Drama Desk Award and been nominated for two Laurence Olivier Awards as recently as 2009. From start to finish it’s a tragic tale, both in its conclusion and in its depiction of someone who confused the immortality of her screen identity with the mortality of her flesh and bone. It’s easy to see why the film version was voted one of the best films ever made: the characters could have been created by Sophocles, the story seismically spirals into despair and the themes resonate to the present day.

BOOK NOW! FOR TICKETS CALL 02 6285 6290 253 CRAWFORD ST, QUEANBEYAN

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WHAT’S ON

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

FIND OUT MORE AND SEE SOCIAL PHOTOS ON P29

FRIDAY 25 JULY CUBE NIGHTCLUB 33 PETRIE PLAZA CIVIC

BANGARRA PRESENTS PATYEGARANG 16 – 17 JULY CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE Bangarra’s Patyegarang is a beautiful evocation of romance and intrigue. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Bangarra, Australia’s multi-award winning dance theatre company, tells the story of Patyegarang, the inspirational journey of a potent Indigenous spirit alive in Australia’s past and present. As the colonial fleet arrived on Eora country in the late 18th Century, Patyegarang befriended the colony’s timekeeper, Lieutenant William Dawes, gifting him her language in an extraordinary display of trust and friendship, which now inspires our imaginations about ‘first contact’. In Dawes’ notebooks, rediscovered in 1972, are transcripts of this remarkable cultural exchange. Patyegarang’s words are a window into a rich, complex and utterly different perspective on her world, its values and its sacred meanings. Bangarra liberates Patyegarang from the library shelves, putting spirit into her heart, as a striking visionary and educator. This deeply moving production is told through the acclaimed creativity of Stephen Page’s choreography and David Page’s soundscape, in a powerful and meaningful dance theatre experience. “Bangarra embraces the joy of human movement and the beauty of the spirit” — Aussie Theatre

TICKETS AT CANBERRATHEATRECENTRE.COM.AU

Don’t miss this years fabulous Christmas in July party at CUBE Nightclub. A celebration of all things sparkly. This years Xmas in July brings fabulous treats, for boys, girls and everyone inbetween. So whether you’re naughty or nice, Cube will get your presents right! Performances by the amazing Brisbane Babes, plus heaps of prizes up for grabs, sexy Santa and more!

PENTHOUSE PARTY FRIDAY 15 AUGUST CUBE NIGHTCLUB 33 PETRIE PLAZA CIVIC Get ready for the all new ‘Penthouse Party’, showcasing the sexiest acts that you’ve ever seen. While it may be cold outside, it’s going to be hot as hell in the Penthouse, so wear as little as legally possible! Think playboy and playgirl bunnies, leather and lace, lingerie. So get ready to get down and dirty, at the Cube Penthouse Party!

KATIE NOONAN SATURDAY 2 AUGUST THE STREET THEATRE Come along to see Katie Noonan in an intimate evening at The Street Theatre, where she’ll be singing up a storm, signing CD’s and having a chat after the show.

Want to know what else is happening, visit our ‘What’s on’ section at fusemagazine.com.au WHAT’SON

ROUND UP

MOSCOW GAY PRIDE HAS BEEN REDUCED TO THIS THE TRANSGENDER TIPPING POINT — LAVERNE COX APPEARS ON THE COVER OF TIME MAGAZINE Laverne Cox has appeared on the cover of Time, only a month after US fans responded to Cox not being included in the magazine’s annual list of the year’s most influential people. A spokesperson for Time said the cover story had been in the works for “months”, way before the controversy over the annual list erupted.

Gay pride parades have now been banned for nine consecutive years in Russia and since President Vladmir Putin signed a law banning “the propaganda of nontraditional sexual practices” things have become extremely difficult for LGBTI people who live in the country. Just a handful of LGBTI demonstrators were brave enough to take to the streets to celebrate gay pride this year in Moscow. Around thirty participants attended two separate events. One demonstration was held in front of the Moscow mayor’s office, a traditional site for rallies and demonstrations. It was meant to honour Conchita Wurst, the drag performer who won this years Eurovision Song Contest. Women painted beards on their faces to match Wurst’s signature look. A second gay pride rally was held in an area dubbed “Hyde Park,” which is meant to quarantine free speech demonstrations. Although authorities had apparently permitted the gathering, at least six people were still arrested.

Cox, who is best known in America for her role as Sophia Burset in the Netflix series Orange is the New Black, is featured under the headline ‘The Transgender Tipping Point’. Cox has received several awards for her work as the first transgender black woman to have a leading role on a mainstream US television show. In Time’s article titled ‘America’s next civil rights frontier’, Cox — who is also a popular speaker on gender roles — told Time that she feels transgender people are often misunderstood and ‘not everybody who is born feels that their gender identity is in alignment with what they’re assigned at birth.’

‘‘

There’s not just one trans story. There’s not just one trans experience. And I think what they need to understand is that not everybody who is born feels that their gender identity is in alignment with what they’re assigned at birth, based on their genitalia. Laverne Cox — The first transgender black woman to have a leading role on a mainstream US television show.

NEWS&POLITICS

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Word of the month — “Uranian” : A 19th-century term that referred to a person of a third sex, someone with “a female psyche in a male body” who is sexually attracted to men.

40% : The percentage of women that report they have had some sort of same-sex sexual experience or arousal.

THREE QUEER FACTS ABOUT X-MEN YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW Mystique is a transgender person. It’s true, Mystique isn’t just a mutant badass, she’s a, bisexual, transgender badass.

CALIFORNIAN MAN PLANTS GAY FLAG AT TOP OF UGANDA’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN After a six day climb through the steep muddy bogs and up the mountain’s glaciers, Neal Gottlieb from California has planted a rainbow pride flag at Margherita Peak, which is the highest mountain peak in Uganda. Mr Gottlieb posted a picture of himself on Facebook, along with an open letter to the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, challenging him to remove it. “I climbed your country’s tallest peak (Mount Stanley’s 16,753 foot tall Margherita Peak) and mounted a gay pride flag at its summit in protest of your country’s criminalisation of homosexuality... If you don’t like said flag on your highest peak, I urge you to climb up and take it down...”

TEXAS GOVERNOR PERRY COMPARES HOMOSEXUALITY TO ALCOHOLISM Seen as a potential US Republican presidential candidate in the 2016 election, Governor Rick Perry made the comparison during an appearance before the Commonwealth Club of California after being asked whether he believes homosexuality was a disorder. “I may have the genetic coding that I’m inclined to be an alcoholic, but I have the desire not to do that,” Perry said in remarks broadcast on the local CBS affiliate. “And I look at the homosexual issue in the same way.”

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1 In the original X-Men comics, Mystique is in fact actually much older than both lead characters Xavier and Magneto, and was born in the late 19th century. She’s also the mother of two mutants who may be familiar to movie audiences — Nightcrawler and Rogue. She was originally intended to be the father of Nightcrawler, with her long-term partner, Destiny. The two met in the early part of the 20th century, when Mystique was living as a man. The series’ creator Bryan Singer’s and Sir Ian McKellan who plays Magneto, each signed onto the X-Men movies because of the allegory of mutants to the modern struggles of LGBT people. In the second movie, they worked to make sure that Iceman’s “coming out” scene, where he tells his parents that he’s a mutant, would reflect what gay people might go through when coming out to their parents.

Although Northstar has not yet appeared in an X-Men movie, he was the first ever openly gay hero in American comic books, and the first openly gay character to come out in a comic book published by Marvel. He married his partner, Kyle Jinadu, in Astonishing X-Men #51 in 2012.

Gay people are still thought of as mutants. In many areas of the world being gay is still a mutancy which is clearly not tolerated in some societies. You can be put to death for your sexuality. Not in this country. We have advanced — it’s been one of the great joys of my life — since these films (X-Men) have been made.’ British actor Sir Ian McKellen

NEWS&POLITICS

ROUND UP GAY MUSLIM GRANTED ASYLUM IN AUSTRALIA A gay Indian student, who fled his country to escape an arranged marriage, has been granted refugee status in Australia. Arriving on a student visa to study, the 25 year old commerce graduate, currently lives with boyfriend in NSW.

NEW WEBSITE OFFERS A WAY FOR SAME-SEX PARENTS TO CONNECT Many same-sex parents already participate on mainstream parenting forums and networks, but according to Gay Parents Australia CEO Rebecca Madsen, what they really want is to connect with individuals who are experiencing the same highs and lows that conceiving and parenting in a same-sex headed family can present. ‘As far as we know, Gay Parents Australia is the only destination that allows Australia’s growing community of LGBTQI parents to all connect together in the one place from anywhere, anytime online.’ Gay Parents Australia members will be able to connect and chat with each other online as well as participate in exclusive members’ forums. More deatils at: gayparentsaustralia.com.au.

When the man recently returned to his home city of Hyderabad in India, he claimed that his father locked him in a bedroom and pressured him to enter into an arranged marriage. He also alleged that his male cousins assaulted him and held a knife against his throat. He was also allegedly threatened by a local Islamic cleric with reprisal if he did not denounce his sexuality. The student escaped his family home with the help of a female friend, hiding in her house until he got a ticket to reach Australia. The Australian Refugee Review Tribunal ruled that if he returned to Hyderabad it was “reasonable to believe he would be assaulted and probably forced to marry, and if he were to refuse he would probably face more serious harm and be killed.” “If the applicant were to return and try to relocate, this would result in his being disowned by his family and probably they would seek to find and harm him... I also accept that he would not be able to live openly as a homosexual in India at any location as, if he did, this would result in ostracism and probable further significant harm,” the tribunal found. His partner told the Tribunal, “We are committed to be together for life.” The couple had registered to marry in Canberra.

DID YOU KNOW! HARVEY MILK STAMP RELEASED A photograph of US gay rights activist Harvey Milk has been used for the central design of the 2014 United States Commemorative Forever Stamp honouring the San Francisco political figure. The stamp was released on 22 May, which is Harvey Milk Day in the US. The stamp design includes the pride flag colours as six different colour squares stacked vertically in the upper left corner on a black background. Milk was a Navy veteran, prominent businessman and community activist when he was elected to the San Francisco board of supervisors in 1977. Harvey Milk was shot and killed, along with San Francisco mayor George Moscone, on November 27, 1978. 10

NEWS&POLITICS

It was Gilbert Baker from San Francisco who designed the first rainbow flag in 1978. He decorated the original flag with eight stripes to represent the following: pink for sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, blue for art, indigo for harmony and violet for spirit. The 1978 Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day March adopted the flag, as did the 1979 Pride Parade Committee after the assassination of Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay public official. The flag was reduced to seven colours because hot pink dye was not commercially available, and the 1979 Pride Parade Committee eliminated indigo so it could divide the colours evenly along the parade route. The version with six stripes is now recognised around the world.

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Come and see why critics are calling Patyegarang one of Bangarra’s most relevant and beautiful productions ever.

A gift of Australian history in a remarkable dance experience about first contact

“Australian dance at it’s best” – SUN HERALD

“An absolute triumph” – STAGE NOISE

“First contact’s Romeo and Juliet” – THE GUARDIAN

DATE 17-19 JULY 2014 VENUE CANBERRA THEATRE BOOK NOW 6275 2700 CANBERRATHEATRECENTRE.COM.AU 11

ROUND UP SPECIAL SPORTS REPORT SPORT IS RECOGNISED AS A VITAL SOCIAL INSTITUTION, BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER, PROMOTING HEALTH AND PROVIDING IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEMONSTRATION AND CELEBRATION OF SPORTING TALENT AND ACHIEVEMENT. It is also the place where LGBTI Australians are largely invisible, silent and marginalised. In comparison to the research and policy work done to improve sport opportunities for other disadvantaged groups (e.g. women and girls, people with a disability, Indigenous Australians and ethnic minorities), much less has been done for LGBTI communities, particularly so for transgender and intersex people.

To address some of these issues at the local level, the ACT Government has funded the Inclusive Sport Project, which will address harassment, discrimination and bullying, including homophobia and transphobia in the sport environment. A component of the project was a survey that revealed the sport experiences of LGBTI Canberrans. The Inclusive Sport Survey is the first sport specific study of its type conducted in Canberra. It compliments the various policy documents, projects and campaign activities that have been developed nationally and internationally to address homophobia and transphobia in sport and issues that exist for intersex athletes.

THE INCLUSIVE SPORT SURVEY FINDINGS ON THE SPORT EXPERIENCES OF LGBTI PEOPLE IN THE ACT

MOST PEOPLE

SPORTING EXPERIENCES

MOST COMMONLY PLAYED

participate in physical activity for “general fitness, health and well-being benefits.”

most favoured included: achievement and winning, being part of a team or community, being accepted and welcomed, experiencing health benefits, having the opportunity to travel and broaden life experiences, having fun and friendship, gaining confidence and providing a positive contribution.

‘main’ sports identified in the survey are: football/soccer 12.9%, followed by roller derby 4.9% and cricket and hockey both 3.6%.

16.5 % of people identified gym based activities (group fitness, stationary exercises, weights and circuit training) as their ‘main’ sport or recreational activity.

58.4% of respondents do not know if their club or recreation provider have anti-discrimination policies regarding sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

TRANSGENDER OR INTERSEX 10.9% of respondents identify a sport that they would like to participate in but do not, due to being transgender or intersex. 70% of them would like to swim, followed by dancing and a range of sports including netball, football/soccer, basketball and weights training.

The Inclusive Sport Survey report presents the findings of the survey as well as a set of recommendations. Based on the survey report, the ACT Government will deliver a range of initiatives throughout 2014/15 to assist the sport industry to increase and improve sport and recreation opportunities for LGBTI people in the ACT. These include developing a range of resources, investigating partnerships and opportunities with government, educational institutions and sport, recreation and fitness organisations, and rolling out public awareness campaign activities. 12

NEWS&POLITICS

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SPECIAL SPORTS REPORT 50.4%

TACKLING HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT

Over 50% of respondents don’t know if their club or recreation provider has policies around safety and inclusion for LGBTI people, or anti-discrimination policies regarding sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

OVER 40.8%

of LGBTI respondents have felt unsafe in a sporting environment.

37.1%

of respondents were ‘not out’ regarding their sexuality and/or being transgender.

34%

of survey respondents experienced sexism in sport.

32.2%

of respondents experienced verbal homophobia/bullying in sport. 16% of men and 10.8% of women identify a sport in which they would like to participate but do not due to their sexuality. The most common identified activities in which men would like to participate, but do not, are rugby union, martial arts and rugby league. For women, the sports are dancing, ice hockey, netball and swimming.

12.9% / 8.4% / 7.1%

The most common ‘main’ sport or recreational activity identified in the survey is football/ soccer (12.9%), followed by weights and circuits (8.4%) and group fitness (7.1%).

7.1%

of respondents experienced verbal harassment/bullying in sport based on being transgender or intersex.

4.4%

of survey respondents experienced physical assault in sport.

Over 40% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) Canberran’s have felt unsafe in a sporting environment and 32.2% have experienced verbal homophobia or bullying in sport, a new report has found. The Inclusive Sport Survey featured here is a component of the Inclusive Sport Project, and is the first research project of its type undertaken in the ACT. It provides sporting organisations with the opportunity to understand the sport experiences of same-sex attracted and gender diverse people and barriers to their participation. As previously mentioned, while much has been done to improve sport opportunities for other disadvantaged groups such as people with a disability, Indigenous Australian, ethnic groups and women and girls, much less has been done for LGBTI communities. In undertaking the research, the ACT Government wanted to understand the sport experiences of local same-sex attracted and gender diverse people and find out if there are barriers to their participation. Ultimately we want to work with sports to increase and improve the sport experiences for LGBTI people in the ACT and the report provides us with guidance and direction so this can be achieved. The survey undertaken by Sport and Recreation Services closely follows the launch last month of the You Can Play campaign by Play by the Rules. High profile athletes across a range of popular sports, including David Pocock from the Brumbies and Lauren Jackson from the Capitals, are featured in the campaign. You Can Play has the support of Australia’s five professional codes, who together committed to rid their sports of homophobia. In an international first, the Australian Rugby Union, Australian Rugby League, Australian Rules Football, Football Federation Australia and Cricket Australia last month announced that they will develop an AntiHomophobia and Inclusion Framework prior to Sydney hosting the Bingham Cup in August 2014. For more information on The Inclusive Sport Survey visit the ACT Government’s Sport and Recreation Services website at: economicdevelopment.act.gov.au/sport _and_recreation For more information on Play by the Rules and You Can Play visit playbytherules.net.au. NEWS&POLITICS

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While many sports are enjoying an awakening that gay, lesbian and trans* people can actually be accomplished athletes, there’s one sport that’s still deep in denial. Which is ironic since it’s the sport that’s celebrated for being free-spirited, rebelling against the status quo and filled with chill individuals. Surfing.

FUSEFEATURE

SURFING IS OFTEN PERCEIVED AS A MAN’S WORLD. A straight man’s world. And while women have made great inroads over the decades — now accepted and not just begrudgingly tolerated out in the waves; achieving their own pro surfing tour — they are still marketed by their own association as sex objects rather than as accomplished athletes. Surfing and surfing magazines are for the male gaze. But what about the gays? Are there gay surfers? Is there such a thing as a gay pro surfer? As in all sporting codes, one must assume that a percentage of participants are GLBTI community members — but where are these surfers? That was the question asked by both Thomas Castets and David Wakefield, two surfers who just happened to be homosexual blokes. The French-born Sydneysider, Castets, and the Byron Bay boy, Wakefield, weren’t aware of any other gay surfers — male or female — among their fraternity of boardriders. It was an internet search that led them to each other, and their subsequent quest to find others is documented by Out In The Line-up. “People just assume I’m straight. So every time I meet someone I have to disappoint them by saying, ‘Actually, I’m not straight. I have a boyfriend.’ We need to make this less of a drama, less of a surprise and less of something that is rare. This shock factor is painfully evident among surfers. Some choose to remain in the closet for fear of being judged or isolated by their peers or dropped by sponsors. Still others, plagued by self-doubt, disassociate aspects of their lives so that those with whom they ride waves never learn about their sexuality. ” Gay Surfer, Thomas Castets Written and directed by Ian Thomson, the Aussie made documentary follows Castets, founder of gaysurfers.net, and Wakefield, a former state surfing champion, as they travel the world from one surfing hot spot to another to find other gay surfers and discuss what it is to be gay in a sport that is intrinsically macho (and yes, sexist and homophobic) and which does not embrace either ‘weakness’ or a deviation from the status quo. Interviews with people who feared coming out would end either their surfing ambitions or just their membership of the surfing culture are countered by stories of those who bravely took that wave head-on. People like three-time world champion long boarder, Cori Schumacher. 16

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By Dwayne Lennox

ALL IT TAKES IS ONE LOOK AT THOMAS CASTETS FOR PEOPLE TO ARRIVE AT A CONCLUSION... HE MUST HAVE A GIRLFRIEND. THE SUN-KISSED SURFER IS THEN FORCED TO DROP SOMEWHAT OF A BOMB ON THEM. Rhea Mahbubani @ the Daily Pilot Photo of Thomas Castet by Natasha Chadwick

SEE THE FILM! This Aussie doco follows the stories of two gay surfers who embark on a global journey to uncover the taboo of homosexuality in surfing. They become part of an emerging community prepared to step out of the shadows of secrecy and create a more open and accepting surfing culture. Winner of numerous film awards this is a film you should not missed. Schedules can be found at: outinthelineup.com along with details on how to buy the DVD or stream it online. Visit the FUSE website fusemagazine.com.au for our special DVD giveaway.

Cori Schumacher took seven years out of her beloved sport following her second world title to explore and come to terms with her own sexuality, before returning to win her third title. And, of course, David Wakefield. Not openly gay or out to family or friends, the film serves somewhat as his coming out story. From playing piano in church to marching along with fellow gay surfers in Sydney’s annual Mardi Gras parade, Out In The Line-up is very much a personal odyssey as much as a big wave one for Wakefield, who readily admits that when it came to a choice between his sexuality and his sport he chose surfing. That’s a cultural thing which organisations like gaysurfers.net — and a film like Out in the Line-up — aim to redress. But it’s not easy. Administrators of Australia’s major professional sporting codes, including the AFL and NRL, earlier this year supported an anti-homophobia initiative. And while they, and the associated media, tell us that no-one would have a problem with a player ‘coming out’, they often do so whilst saying in the same breath that they don’t think there are any gay players anyway, which sounds as much like a threat as a welcoming gesture.

The fact that no AFL player has ever come out, and no NRL player has since Ian Roberts did in 1995, would suggest that there is still an issue surrounding homosexuality in the world of professional football. The same could be said for surfing, where sponsorship dollars are comparatively smaller (even more so for women), and the community ostensibly more close knit. Although Surfing Australia was not part of that initial anti-homophobia initiative announcement earlier this year, veterans Tom Carroll and Barton Lynch, former Aussie pro surfer — who was surprised to learn his own brother was gay — both appear in the documentary espousing acceptance. Good on you guys. The tide may be turning on homophobia in sport but it seems that a great many in the surfing world are still yet to catch that wave. This film certainly helps break down the barriers and build acceptance for everyone, in every sport! I encourage everyone to check out this great film, details at, OutInTheLineup.com FUSEFEATURE

IT’S TIME FOR AGED CARE TO BECOME

INCLUSIVE & COURAGEOUS

At Northside, we’re not interested in maintaining the status quo – we’re all about achieving exceptional outcomes for our clients. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and we pride ourselves on establishing and providing services that are collaborative and creative. HOW WE DO THINGS SETS US APART Home and Community Care Services are offered to ACT residents by a broad range of services providers. At Northside we believe it’s how we do things that set us apart. Most importantly, we are constantly looking for ways to deliver better practices in our services for clients. YOUR EXPERIENCE HELPS BUILD OUR EXPERIENCE We’ve been providing HaCC services to residents of Canberra’s Inner North suburbs for over 25 years now. Our HaCC services include in home support with domestic assistance and personal care, as well as social support to help community members continue to connect with community services and facilities. This can include home visits, grocery shopping support or even help with getting to the bank or shops.

In the coming months Northside will undertake consultation on new changes we’d like to make to our services in 2014/2015, to make services and staff more responsive to community needs. If you have ideas or questions about HaCC services for you or a family member or friend, please contact us for a confidential discussion. We would love to hear what you’re looking for.

CALL 6257 2255 TO SPEAK TO SUZANNE OR JODI, OR EMAIL INTAKE@NORTHSIDE.ASN.AU

Northside community service, providing exceptional services that support people to improve their lives. 18

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

WHO WE

WERE ARE WILL BE

By Shokti Lovestar

Godward, John William - Mischief and Repose

ON 21ST CENTURY PLANET EARTH THERE ARE STILL SOME LOUD VOICES PROCLAIMING THAT QUEER PEOPLE ARE ‘UNNATURAL’. HOWEVER SAME SEX LOVE, AND PEOPLE WHO BREAK THE GENDER NORMS, HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PART OF THE HUMAN STORY. The only thing that is unnatural in this debate is the homobobia: Homo sex is found throughout the animal kingdom, homophobia is found in only one species. The term homosexual comes from the nineteenth century and is a hybrid of the Greek word ‘homos’ meaning same and Latin ‘sex’ which refers to gender. (Homo in Latin means ‘man’). It first appears in a work by Hungarian Karl-Maria Kertbeny (1824-1882), who was arguing against a Prussian anti-sodomy law, pointing out as long ago as 1869 that these laws were an invitation to extortion and blackmail. A popular — but more homophobic — book by Austrian-German psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840-1902) seems to have brought the term into general use, though other terms were floating around at the time, including homogenic, inversion and Uranian.

German activist Karl Heinrich Ulrichs (1825-95) derived the term Urning, translated as Uranian in English, from the Greek Goddess Aphrodite Urania, who was created from the testicles of the God Uranus. English advocates of homosexual freedom, John Addington Symonds (1840-1893) and Edward Carpenter (1844-1929) adopted the term, using it to refer to a brotherly love between men that would have the power to change society, break down class barriers and bring about a heart-centred democratic future. Their ideas were heavily influenced by the poetry of American Walt Whitman who wrote in Leaves of Grass “I will make the most splendid race the sun ever shone upon, I will make divine magnetic lands, With the love of comrades, With the life-long love of comrades.” It’s interesting to note that these are very Aquarian ideals and Uranus is the ruling planet of the sign of the new astrological age we are currently entering. In mythology Aquarius is the shepherd boy with whom the god Zeus fell in love, making this the age when same sex love comes well and truly out of the closet. FUSEFEATURE

WHO WE WERE, WHO WE ARE, WHO WE WILL BE

Since our love has so often been called an aberration — a biological error and perversion — it is easy for us to overlook powerful examples from history that highlight our place in the human family. Ancient Greek attitudes are often mentioned, but we should note too that emperors of ancient Rome all took male lovers as well as female. Several Greek and Roman writers commented on the prevalence of same sex relations among the Celtic further north in Europe, pointing out that refusing a sexual advance from a male was considered an insult. One of the most famous Roman emperors, Hadrian who conquered the English but had to build a wall to keep out the Scottish tribes, built shrines to his male lover Antinous all over the empire, raising him to the status of a god. Things changed after Christianity became established in the empire, with Theodosius I decreeing in 390 that passive males should be burnt at the stake (but taxes on brothels where males were available for sex continued to be collected until 518). In 558 Justinian extended the burning punishment to active males too, and that seems to have been the final curtain on a long historical period when homosexual relations were widespread and ‘normal’ in Europe.

ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS ROMAN EMPERORS, HADRIAN BUILT SHRINES TO HIS MALE LOVER ANTINOUS ALL OVER THE EMPIRE, RAISING HIM TO THE STATUS OF A GOD. “It is no small consolation in this life to have someone you can unite with you in an intimate affection and the embrace of a holy love, someone in whom your spirit can rest, to whom you can pour out your soul, to whose pleasant exchanges, as to soothing songs, you can fly in sorrow... with whose spiritual kisses, as with remedial salves, you may draw out all the weariness of your restless anxieties.

Gay people have been around since the dawn of man. Above is a cave painting from 14,000 B.C., found in the Cave of Enlène and believed to be of a male couple engaged in love making.

Christianity, despite its edicts against same sex activity, became a haven for homophiles during the Middle Ages and into modern times. Where else could men and women go who did not wish to participate in conventional family relations, the bitter world of commerce or the rough life of the military? Monasteries and churches were places they could live out gentler lives and devote themselves to love and service. That sometimes the love was expressed sexually in these spaces can be deduced from regulations that were made to try to control after-dark activities and sleeping arrangements. A few prominent medieval clerics seem to have found divine potential in love between members of the same gender. Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) in Yorkshire, England, was known as the ‘abbot who loved’ — he has been claimed as a gay saint and ancestor. In his book ‘On Spiritual Friendship’ he wrote: 20

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A man who can shed tears with you in your worries, be happy with you when things go well, search out with you the answers to your problems, whom with the ties of charity you can lead into the depths of your heart; . . . where the sweetness of the Spirit flows between you, where you so join yourself and cleave to him that soul mingles with soul and two become one.” Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179), a German abbess was also strongly associated with love relationships between members of the same gender. This independent woman produced profound mystical teachings and music. She had a strong emotional connection with her personal assistant Richardis von Stade and presented sexuality in a positive way in her visionary writings. During the Renaissance the artist Michelangelo (known in his lifetime as ‘the divine one’) wrote to his young lover Tomasso de Cavalieri “And if the vulgar and malignant crowd, Misunderstand the love with which we’re blessed, Its worth is not affected in the least: Our faith and honest love can still feel proud.” FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

GAY / THIRD SEX CAVEMAN

Fast forward to Victorian era and we find Oscar Wilde writing in 1898: “To have altered my life would have been to have admitted that Uranian love is ignoble. I hold it to be noble — more noble than other forms.” Oscar’s time in prison led to intense soul searching — the book de Profundis was the result, in which he wrote from the visions that arose in the depths of his despair: “Nobody is worthy to be loved. The fact that God loves man shows us that in the divine order of ideal things it is written that eternal love is to be given to what is eternally unworthy. Or if that phrase seems to be a bitter one to bear, let us say that everybody is worthy of love, except him who thinks he is.” What are we to conclude from all this? Perhaps that all the condemnation and punishment handed out to us is a gross and misguided attempt to suppress the potential inherent in our natural self expression — an expression that can even be experienced as a blessing, a spiritual calling, a sacred gift — once the fear and suppression of it is overcome.

IN 2011 ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC UNEARTHED THE 5,000 YEAR OLD REMAINS OF WHAT THEY BELIEVE MAY HAVE BEEN THE WORLD’S OLDEST KNOWN GAY CAVEMAN. Scientists who found the body, which dates back to between 2900 and 2500 BC, said they suspect the caveman may have been a homosexual because he was buried in a way normally reserved for women of the era.

The oldest gay couple (pictured above) in recorded human history are Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum, living in ancient Egypt around 2400 BCE, whose portrait has come through the ages to us showing the pair nose to nose (the most intimate pose in Egyptian art). The oldest story in the world, that of the Sumerian king Gilgamesh, is a story of male bonding with erotic elements. The Old Testament features a male-male love story very prominently — that of David and Jonathan: “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself” After Jonathan’s death, David lamented “Your love to me was more wonderful than the love of women.”

The cave-dweller was placed in his grave with his head pointing eastward, along with several domestic pots and jugs, scientists said. Men of this era were typically buried pointing westward, surrounded by weapons such as battle axes and knives, and other tools. The suspected gay caveman did not have any weapons or tools in his grave. The Archaeologists commented that “From history and ethnology, we know that people from this period took funeral rites very seriously so it is highly unlikely that this positioning was a mistake.” It was also noted that the “third gender” discovery mirrored an earlier case, in which a female warrior dating from the Mesolithic period was found to have been buried as a man. It is of course also possible that these people may have been in fact transgendered. FUSEFEATURE

WHO WE WERE, WHO WE ARE, WHO WE WILL BE Sleep (1866) — Jean Désiré Gustave Corbett, often referred to as a lesbian embrace.

Some native tribes on every continent considered ‘two-spirit’ souls who displayed gender fluidity and formed relationships with members of the same sex to have special powers that should be honoured. So they were often the shamans and healers of the tribe. The European invaders into the Americas, shocked to discover sodomitic practices going on shamelessly amongst the ‘berdache’ set about destroying them. Homosexual and transgender individuals were common too among the Aztecs, Mayans and other tribal groups in south America. The Maori of New Zealand have a word for ‘intimate companion of same sex’ — Takatapui (recorded in a dictionary by missionary Herbert Williams in 1832), and these beings also had a spiritual role in the tribe.

The vast book of human mythology also reveals ancient stories that merge tales of homosexual and genderfluid beings in the bigger picture of human life. The dual gendered Shiva Ardhanisvara in Hinduism, Hu Tianbao the god and safeguarder of homosexual affections in Chinese folklore, the rainbow serpent god Oxumare of Africa and Brazil, gender swapping Loki of the Norse gods, to the well known stories of the Greek pantheon (eg. Apollo’s love for Hyacinth or Zeus for Ganymede), mythology is abundant in tales from a time before same sex attraction was considered taboo or immoral.

Far from the sickening idea expressed by some African politicians that homosexuality is a western import into Africa, there were tribes where same sex activity was utterly normal, such as the Azande of northern Congo, where warriors took young male lovers. To this day the Dagara tribe of western Africa honours gay men as the ‘gatekeepers’, people born with a special vibration to fulfil a spiritual service to the whole community (see Sobonfu Some’s excellent book The Spirit of Intimacy).

We live in a time when science tries to pin down the physical, biological reasons for us turning out gay. The argument as to whether we are natural or unnatural goes back and forth, but it is basically irrelevant.

I could go on. I have not yet mentioned the Sufis of Islam (whose greatest poet, Rumi, produced his most beautiful work through feeling inspired by his male lover, Shams), the gallis of ancient and medieval Europe, travelling ceremonialists who would even castrate themselves to deepen their service to the goddess, the third gender hijras and the Kama Sutra of India which includes passages on same sex activity, or the Ming dynasty in China, writings which portray homosexual relationships between men as more enjoyable and more “harmonious” than heterosexual relationships. 22

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Same sex lovers and gender variant beings exist and have always existed. Only in places where our love is accepted, even honoured, can we hope to find out what are the true gifts we bring to the human family. Coming out is an act of self-discovery and self-actualisation. This makes our journey as gay people a spiritual journey from the word go, for it comes from within and is about finding out who we are. If we can better appreciate our place in history, and the often spiritual roles we have undertaken, we stand a better chance of understanding who we are today. We can help a world still riddled with aggressive homophobia to change its ways so that we might discover who we can be on twenty first century planet Earth. FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Walk in to treatment for MINOR INJURY or ILLNESS

to Tuggeranong & Belconnen Community Health Centres

PLEASE NOTE: children under 2 years and those who have complex health issues should visit their GP

By Jim Yeow

BEING BISEXUAL IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF WHO I AM Coming out takes courage, so even a halfway step out of the “Are you gay?” My gay friend asked me as he poured the closet deserves applause. Unfortunately those who play the last dregs of champagne into my cup. It has been an hour bisexual card only to replace it with a shiny new ‘gay now!’ since the start of our alchohol-induced heart-to-hearts, bumper sticker months later are unknowingly committing but I assume he has been dying to know since I took an erasure of bisexual identity, not just among my first sip. In a survey heterosexuals, but among LGBTI groups as well. conducted by I surveyed him over the top of my empty cup sociologist Paula and decided on an ambiguous, inoffensive In a survey of 400 participants conducted by American Rust, one out of three answer, but the alcohol unhinged my lips far sociologist Paula Rust, one out of three lesbians lesbians believed that faster than my brain ever could. believed that bisexuality does not exist. They gave bisexuality does responses like: “I was born [homosexual]; some are not exist. “I like guys and girls”, I said, trying to act born heterosexual; I find it hard to believe that people nonchalantly. My friend rolled his eyes and shot can be bisexual.” This is extremely ironic considering the back, “You’re bisexual? There’s no such thing!” fact that bisexuals are the majority in the LGBTI group. Of all the classifications along the sexual orientation spectrum, bisexuality is often the most misunderstood one, both by straight and exclusively gay people alike. We bisexual people BIPHOBIA IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AMONGST BOTH THE are often thought of as a myth, like unicorns, which incidentally STRAIGHT AND GAY COMMUNITY. ACCORDING TO AN gay people have stolen as their mascot, thank you very much. AMERICAN SURVEY OF 1,334 HETEROSEXUAL PEOPLE, We are either repressed gays too petrified to admit their BISEXUALS ARE AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF TOLERANCE true sexual desires, or completely straight people merely LEVELS, JUST ABOVE INTRAVENOUS DRUG USERS. experimenting and “going through a phase”. Celebrities have not helped matters. Months after coming out as bisexual, Olympian swimmer Tom Daley admitted that he was exclusively gay, prompting rousing cries of ‘I told you so!’ from virtually every LGBT group. Some of the disbelief over the legitimacy of bisexuality is justified. In college alone, where being true to yourself and discrimination can somehow coexist ironically, many homosexuals use the term bisexual as a bridge to coming out, a reassertion that they still have common ground with the heterosexual majority. 24

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My own coming out as bi has been a daily challenge against this erasure of bisexual identity. I knew I was attracted to guys since I was a kid, but it was only in high school that I came out as gay to friends. While I thought occasionally about women, I discounted these thoughts as the product of social conditioning, where the hetereogeneity norm has been drilled so far into the subconscious that no amount of gayness can get it out. My gay friends insisted that bisexuality was a farce so many times that I actually believed it. FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Advocating for open-minded sexual flexibility, designer Tom Ford once told Details magazine; “There’s one indulgence every man should try in his lifetime. If you’re straight, sleep with a man at least once, and if you’re gay, don’t go through life without sleeping with a woman.”

While college is reputed to be the time of experimentation, it was ironically where I got my first taste of mainstream heteronormativity. It was the place where my friendship with a girl from high school blossomed into something more. Within a few months of college life, we were in a relationship, in all aspects of that word. I was not willing to give up my bisexual identity however. I was completely open about my past with men, and she was completely accepting of it. As is typical of college, news of the relationship began to trickle to my friends. As questions came flooding in, I found myself having to justify my sudden ‘retreat’ into the closet. Most straight friends were understandably confused, but most surprising of all is the reaction from my gay friends, whose response ranged from disappointment to outright anger. It is however not difficult to see why. From their viewpoint, it looked like an act of ultimate betrayal. “How dare he?” they must think, “How dare he desert us after we gave him refuge from a world that is still struggling to accept him?”

Now whenever my bisexuality is brought up, straight women would casually mention that it would be ‘such a waste’ if I headed back to boys town, and gay men would insist that I was still ‘confused’ despite my protests. Their feelings are legitimate, but conforming to those expectations is a denial of who I am as a whole person. It is a reinforcement of the strict binaries with which we live in: black and white, no shades of grey in between, and those who can’t fit in either category are immediately shunned. The LGBT Advisory Council of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission present SOME alarming statistics. • Bisexuals are more likely to have considered or attempted suicide than heterosexuals, gays or lesbians. • There is currently zero grant funding that was specific to bisexual issues. • Bisexuals face greater physical and mental health disparities than lesbians, gays, and heterosexuals. • Even in 2014, many people — gay and straight — still insist that bisexuality simply does not exist. Being bisexual is an integral part of who I am. Gender is irrelevant compared to the emotional connection between two individuals. People need to stop obsessing over categorising everything, most particularly sexuality, into neat categories because it completely dismisses a person’s claim to his or her own body. I’m confused? More like people are confused about bisexuals in general.

Article images : The Happy Sad What happens when you find out your boyfriend (or girlfriend) is bisexual. At a time when gay relationships are more widely accepted in the western world, bisexuality it seems, may be one of the last taboos, less understood even within the gay community. That makes this movie especially timely. Director Rodney Evans, who made a strong impression with the film Brother to Brother a decade ago, continues to explore relationships and sexuality in a novel way. The film is a tantalizing picture of some contemporary conundrums. rodneyevansfilm.com FUSEOP.ED

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Did you know? : Australian icon, Carlotta paid just five dollars for her gender affirming surgery. The figure was to cover the costs of the legal documents that she signed, waiving any right of recompense from the hospital should the operation go wrong.

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOUR In a perfect world, Cate Blanchett would have had a least one serious challenger to her Best Actress Oscar win earlier this year in the form of Adele Exarchopoulos. The young French actress gives an amazing performance as Adele, a young woman coming-of-age and to terms, with her sexuality. Abdellatif Kechiche’s Palme d’Or winning film charts Adele’s intense relationship with Emma (Lea Seydoux) over a three-year period. Yes it’s erotic and explicit, but Blue Is The Warmest Colour is about so much more than its infamous sex scenes.

Following on from Gravity and All Is Lost, Tracks explores one person’s battle with the elements. John Curran’s film is based on actual events: an adaptation of the acclaimed book by Robyn Davidson detailing her 1970’s solo trek through the Australian outback, north to Alice Springs and then west to the Indian Ocean. Mia Wasikowska plays Davidson, a strong-willed, single-minded woman determined to make the trek with just four camels and her dog for company. Adam Driver (of TV’s Girls and the new Star Wars film) plays the National Geographic photographer who complicates matters.

COUCHPOTATO FUSEFEATURE

WADJDA One of the most acclaimed films of 2013, and easily one of the best to release locally this year, Wadjda FUSE is capable of winning DVD PICK over the hardest of OF THE MONTH! hearts. Wadjda (Waad Mohammed) is on the cusp of adolescence and wants nothing more than to own a push bike so she can race her best friend. That premise sounds simple enough but given that Wadjda is set — and filmed — in Saudi Arabia, a country where cinema has been banned for three decades, makes director Haifaa Al-Mansour’s debut all the more impressive, and it’s a tale of a girl who wants to do and be more than her society permits, all the more affecting.

CARLOTTA

TRACKS

By Dwayne Lennox

It is no mean task to attempt to capture an entire life on film. Even more ambitious when that life is one of the greats of the last century, the late Nelson Mandela. Justin Chadwick’s biopic, based on Mandela’s own memoirs, tries to do so valiantly as does British actor, Idris Elba, in the lead role of the man who went from lawyer to freedom fighter to long-term prisoner in his quest to end apartheid in South Africa. However, it’s Naomi Harris (from 2012’s Skyfall) who makes a real impression as Mandela’s firebrand wife, Winnie.

Jessica Marais busts out of Packed To The Rafters and into a bustier role in Carlotta, playing the iconic Les Girl icon and transgender pioneer in this telemovie spanning her fabulous forty year career. The film delves into Carlotta’s extraordinary life on and off the stage — a life which began as a boy — Marais portrays the glitz and glamour, and the ups and downs of an Australian entertainment legend.

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

IP R T S Sexual

health check-ups

This winter, take control of your health! Getting a sexual health check-up from STRIP is quick, easy and FREE!

Thursday evenings

Saturday mornings

(men only) Upstairs @ The Ranch 6:00 – 8:00 pm July 31 – August 28

(for everyone) Westlund House 10:00 am – 12:00 pm August 2 – August 23

For more information call 02 6257 2855 or visit www.aidsaction.org.au/strip No appointments necessary. Allow 20 - 40 minutes for cunsultation

ACT

OUT&ABOUT

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

FREE ENTRY & HAPPY HOUR There is nowhere else you should be in Canberra! Come and play at Cube nightclub. Free entry and happy hour every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until 11pm.

AS THE COLD SETS IN... CUBE HEATS UP After a fabulous homo high party, it’s time to get ready for Cube’s all new ‘Penthouse Party’ on Friday 15 August, showcasing the sexiest acts that you’ve ever seen. While it may be cold outside, it’s going to be hot as hell in the Penthouse, so wear as little as legally possible! Think playboy and playgirl bunnies, leather and lace, lingerie, and even some tasteful nudity may be on display. So get ready to get down and dirty lovers, the Penthouse Party is coming your way! Don’t forget, Foreplay Fridays with the VIP guest list, and regular performances on Seductive Saturdays. Check out Cube’s website, Facebook page and official YouTube channel for more fun!

CUBE OPENING HOURS • THURSDAY 9PM - 5AM • FRIDAY 9PM - 5AM • SATURDAY 10PM - 5AM • SUNDAY 10PM - LATE 33 PETRIE PLAZA CIVIC, CANBERRA CITY • CUBENIGHTCLUB.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT

Tilley’s

Devine Café Gallery

For nearly 30 years Tilley’s has been a gathering place for the gay and lesbian community.

LOVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN EQUAL AT TILLEY’S SERVING YOU BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS. THE CALL IS YOURS! TILLEY’S CAN DO IT FOR YOU!

Monday to Saturday 9am –10pm Sundays 9am – 6pm Reserve your favourite table or booth call 6247 7753 www.tilleys.com.au

CORNER OF WATTLE AND BRIGALOW STREETS, LYNEHAM 30

Over the years Tilley’s has become renowned 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! Envelop yourself in an intimate and warm 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. FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

LOTL RESCUE

ON A MISSION TO RESCUE, REHABILITATE AND GIVE SHELTER TO MISPLACED, INJURED AND ABUSED ANIMALS.

My life with big cats ONE SUNDAY AFTERNOON, DONNA WILSON WATCHED A DOCUMENTARY ON TIGERS. SHE WAS CAPTIVATED, AND LIFE WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. THIS IS HER STORY. FUSEFEATURE

LOTL RESCUE : MY LIFE WITH BIG CATS

20 YEARS AGO WAS THE TURNING POINT IN MY LIFE. When it came to big cats I was hooked. I started reading everything I could get my hands on. I joined wildlife groups, adopted tigers and donated money to a variety of organisations. It wasn’t long before the wonderful world of big cats took over my life. Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, pumas: I studied all of the wild cat species. I soon found the need to become more involved on a physical level. This desire to work closely with them was all I could think of. My attempts in Australia were futile. So began the quest to fulfil a dream.

Up ahead part of the cloth was tattered. I could not resist the temptation. I had to look. As I peered through I was greeted with this very loud chirp and then another. Pins and needles took over my body as I stood face to face with two very large mountain lions. Their sheer beauty took my breath away. Little did I know then that these two handsome brothers would be the first of many of my big cat loves.

I discovered a zoological training centre that specialised in big cats in the very cold Pacific Northwest of the USA. This was going to be an adventure for a girl from tropical North Queensland. I resigned from a very comfortable government job, sold everything and booked a one-way ticket. I arrived in the fall, just in time to become somewhat acclimatised before the freezing winter set in. Tigers in the snow — how awesome was that going to be?

I was welcomed with open arms at the park (they love Aussies and nicknamed me Steve Irwin’s sister. Funny that later on I would actually get to work with him on one of his many documentaries). The school was hard work, both mentally and physically. Known as the Navy Seals of zoo keeping, its mission was to produce the best zoo keepers, animal trainers and handlers in the country.

I will always remember that first day. As I walked up the driveway to the entrance of the park I had a weird sensation someone was watching me. Along one side of the path was a wall of heavy shade cloth. I knew there was something following me along the fence line. I could feel its presence. My adrenaline started to rush.

Those who made it through went on to incredible jobs throughout the world. I had moved halfway across the planet to pursue something I had only dreamt of. I was going to give it my all. I excelled at zoo school and graduated with honours.

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FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

By Donna Wilson

I was hired as park manager and an instructor. The park was open to the public six days a week and was the home to over 40 big cats. The few years I spent there I discovered the true lessons were learnt from the animals themselves: Some lessons frightening, others joyous, each bringing you a step closer to truly understanding these glorious creatures. To survive with these animals you need to understand what makes them react in certain ways and, more importantly, what stimulates their wild instincts to take effect. This is learnt by constant observation and studying their body language and behaviour for hundreds of hours. The main indicator of a sudden change of mood is the eyes, they speak a language of their own. Knowing when to get out of their space and not pushing the envelope is how you stay alive. I had my fair share of learning the hard way. The most commonly asked question I get is “have you ever been attacked?” Yes. I have been attacked, bitten, clawed, and I know what it feels like to have your heart in your throat. But it’s not those experiences that stick with you the most. It’s the moments when human and animal share something special. I can’t find the words to describe how incredible it is to have a tiger show you true affection. It is a real awakening of the soul. As I write this and think about those cats in America that taught me so much, I do so with a heavy heart as I recently learnt that many of them have now passed away. On my return to Australia, I was given wonderful opportunities to put what I had learned to good use. The first of these came from the beautiful Mogo Zoo on the south coast of New South Wales. I was hired as senior carnivore keeper and then later as head keeper. I lived in a house right in the middle of the zoo grounds. It was here that I raised my first lion cub. I was a mummy at last, not just an aunty. When a cub looks at you as its mother it melts you right to the bone. During my time at Mogo I was introduced to the Bullen family, also known for their African Lion Safari parks throughout Australia. I went on to work for the Bullens and over the years hand-reared many cubs. A cub is hand-reared because it was rejected by its mother, the mother became ill, or the cub had an injury or sickness. These cubs sometimes feature in documentaries, movies, or TV commercials, which help foster empathy for their cousins in the wild. My new dream along with my partner Amanda (Mandy) Gray was to open the largest animal rescue sanctuary in the southern hemisphere. This sanctuary is be quite unique as it will be the only one of it’s kind that can cater for all species (exotic, native and domestic). At present in Australia there is nowhere for retired circus and surplus zoo animals to call a forever home. Mandy and I teamed up with three other very passionate supporters, Silke Bader, Traci Griffiths & Jon Minor and formed LOTL (Life on the Line) Rescue. Our new animal welfare organisation is a registered charity that has been operating since 2010. We presently work from a location in Western Sydney, where we established Zambi Wildlife Retreat. While we are not open to the public, we take bookings for private encounters and tours, work with Tafe and Universities on educational programs and facilitate corporate events at the retreat.

Zambi Wildlife Retreat Sydney Situated on over 50 acres — just 1 hour from Sydney — Zambi Wildlife Retreat is Australia’s first and only animal welfare establishment that can rescue, rehabilitate, re-home and offer shelter to a wide range of species like tigers, lions, dingos, baboons, birds & snakes. While their focus is on exotic animals needing retirement from zoo breeding programs, circus and private ownership, they also provide care and shelter to domestics, farm animals and native wildlife. Emergency rescue is available across all species. Managed by qualified staff and volunteers, Zambi Wildlife Retreat ensures the health, saftey and dignity to all animals in our care. LOTL Rescue, established in 2010, is the founding company of Zambi Wildlife Retreat. ZWR operates as a registered charity in NSW (Australia) and accepts donations that maintain the upkeep of the facilities, helps with veterinary bills and food for the animals. You can find out more or donate at zambiwildliferetreat.com.au FUSEFEATURE

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EAR CANDY

By May Garrett

JUSTIN BIEBER DONATES $545,000 TO AIDS CHARITY It looks like Justin Bieber’s publicity team have been working overtime to overhaul this bad boy’s image. In an extremely generous act of goodwill that has people buzzing, Bieber recently pledged $545,000 to AIDs research. The announcement was made at the amFAR gala in Cannes, in front of a star-studded guest list including John Travolta and Leonardo Di-Caprio. It’s great to see Bieber making headlines for something other than getting in trouble. The 20-year-old pop star has been making waves for a wide range of incidents, including being accused of stealing a cell phone, fighting with the drummer of The Black Keys and getting written up for vandalizing a neighbour’s house. Maybe there’s hope for Bieber yet? Watch this space.

SIA’S DRY CLEANING FIASCO In other news, the shy and openly bisexual performer Aussie songstress Sia — whose recent hit “Chandelier” has reached dizzying heights on the billboard charts — recently used twitter and to diss a New York dry cleaner who apparently ruined her clothes. Her tweet read, “Suggestions for revenge/pranks on dry cleaner who ruined favourite things and won’t take responsibility? Discuss”. With 465,000 twitter followers, Sia gained a passionate response from fans with similar experiences. Warning to any dry cleaners out there – if you see Sia coming, run.

FOSTER THE PEOPLE : BEST FRIEND Foster the People is a band synonymous with “that song”. You know the one, it was on almost nauseating rotation on every radio station for too many months in 2010, and was used on a number of TV shows including Entourage, Gossip Girl, and Homeland. Yep you guessed it: “Pumped Up Kicks”. The single was eventually released on the album Torches, and Foster the People managed to gain mainstream success as a small indie band from America. Needless to say, the pressure has been mounting for the band to release their second studio album. Supermodel was released in March of this year, and the vote is out as to how the second effort from this Californian indie band weighs up against the monstrous success of Torches. Torches is a self-proclaimed concept album, which seeks to explore ideas of consumerism and capitalism, as well as religion.

The best part of the song is the bridge, which leads into a quieter, softer and sadder melodic guitar riff, tying in more closely with the theme of the song and, in a way, bringing us closer to the sad man who sings it and allowing us to relate to him in his plight to make his friend happy once again.

“Best Friend”, as the album’s third single, certainly explores a more psychedelic sound. Mark Foster, who retains the main song writing credits for this song, combines harmonies with falsetto and horns to create a soaring, uplifting chorus. Interestingly, “Best Friend”, as “Pumped up Kicks” did, creates a juxtaposition using a vibrant cheery chorus against darker lyrics. “Best Friend’s” lyrics tell a story of desperation and an inconsolable friend who cannot be lifted from the depths of despair. References to drugs and addiction are alluded to in lines like: “When your best friend’s all strung out”.

The downfall of “Best Friend” is in the ongoing complexity and layering of sounds – sometimes, less is more. Best friend uses a heavy bass line, a jangly guitar riff, and psychedelic sounds on top of falsetto and horns…. You get the picture. In the end, it’s too much and the song feels crowded. That’s not to say its not a well written song – listen to it while reading the lyrics and you’ll understand more fully where Foster was going with “Best Friend”, it really is quite a moving song. A line Foster sings in “Best Friend” can describe the song itself, “I can see the beauty in the mess”. MUSICNEWS&REVIEWS

Supporting someone who is feeling suicidal

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By Scott Malcolm Director of Money Mechanics

SIGNS YOU ARE SUCCEEDING WITH LIFE WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CHECKED IN TO SEE IF YOU WERE ACTUALLY HAPPY WITH YOUR LIFE? I have recently been doing some soul searching about my own life, career and future. Asking questions like ‘am I doing the things in life that make me happy?’ It’s something that we should all be doing from time to time. With the current Coalition Federal Government downsizing and many public servants being offered redundancy — either voluntarily or not — this subject has also became relevant for many of my clients, some of whom are now having to suddenly change career paths. Although stressful it’s also the perfect time to reflect on life, the track you’ve been walking and what else you would prefer to be doing.

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR LIFE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The relationships you have are less dramatic than they use to be You might not have as much money as you want but you have a rich life You are not afraid to ask for help and support when you need it Where you live feels like home You let go of things that don’t make you feel good Are you limiting your inner critic and choosing more positive thoughts You see setbacks not as ‘failure’ but opportunities for ‘self growth’ You don’t complain much, but instead focus on solutions You don’t blame your parents and accept them for who they are You stopped caring about what others think of you You are happy for your exes when they move on You can celebrate others’ successes You allow yourself to feel your feelings and express them You have passions or hobbies that you pursue You are able to accept compliments without deflecting them You have things that you look forward to You have some goals that have come true You have empathy for others You feel connected to your work You hear the words ‘I love you’ from family, friends or your partner

We have all had times where we feel like we are not achieving our best in life. Running a small business I have periods where things are going to plan and I am ‘kicking plenty of goals’ while other days I am left wondering why I am doing what I do at all! On those days I find celebrating the small victories on how far I have come, rather than how far I still have to go, to be the best way to check-in with myself.

So the conclusion I came too was: if you are on your journey and feeling in a funk, or not where you thought you should be at this exact moment in time, take a deep breath and some time out to appreciate what you have achieved. On the flip side, if you are not living the life you would like, start taking some small steps to make changes that head you towards your ideal life.

Shannon Kaiser, life coach and author from playwiththeworld.com, has put together some tips that gave me some context to the questions I was pondering. Read these as stand-alone tips and not a list that you need to tick every box on.

Some elements may have a financial impact, however keep in mind that sometimes the things that matter most to us actually have a minimal financial cost. As part of my approach with clients I aim to get a deeper understanding of what they want to achieve in life to ensure they can have plenty of this ‘goodness’ in their financial life plan. So while we all continue on this journey, be kind to yourself and seek professional advice if needed.

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.

MONEYSHOT

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Hey, don’t forget about doing our AIDS Action membership today.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A MEMBER OF

THE AIDS ACTION COUNCIL THE AIDS ACTION COUNCIL NEEDS YOUR HELP! If you are interested in issues concerning sexual health, HIV and AIDS and want to support a grass roots community organisation, we want you! Throughout the world, people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS are banding together in organisations in an effort to increase awareness about the virus and to address stigma and discrimination and to educate themselves and their communities on HIV prevention, care and treatment. In Canberra the organisation is the AIDS Action Council. The AIDS Action Council is in the vanguard of social change, creating networks of support, producing educational materials, and advocating for a positive voice for positive people.

BECOME A NEW AAC MEMBER TODAY, EACH PERSON CAN MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE! Members receive access to discounted safe sex products, information and news on sexual health, can access special free services, two awesome safe sex packs per year, invitations to all AAC events, newsletters and access to ‘members only’ offers from our partners. And importantly, you get to support the ongoing work of the AIDS Action Council. ALREADY A MEMBER — RENEWALS ARE DUE NOW! We know how easily membership renewal can slip to the bottom of the task list. By renewing now you’ll be ensuring that you continue to receive your members benefits and updates from the international conference AIDS 2014.

The AIDS Action Council works to ensure that people living with HIV and AIDS have input into the creation, development, and implementation of services and policies within the organisation and advocates and lobbies for change within the broader community. This is achieved through the members of the organisation working with people living with HIV and AIDS, by supporting community events, being informed and educated and working together to address stigma and discrimination.

Voting: Although you can join at any time, to be an active ‘voting’ member, you need to apply or renew your membership at least 30 days prior to our Annual General Meeting.

Our members encourage others to get tested, speak out, raise awareness, seek medical help, provide support, and advocate for change.

Call 6257 2855 or email: contact@aidsaction.org.au or download the AAC membership form directly at: aidsaction.org.au/become-a-member

Don’t let your renewal laps: Anyone who has not renewed his or her membership since the last Annual General Meeting will be automatically removed from the list, please renew ASAP.

FUSECOMMUNITY

Girl2Girl is a website for lesbians and bisexual women. Get the low-down on the down and dirty with lesbian sex 101. Find out why you should bother with safe sex; how to use latex barriers; how to stay safe emotionally before, during and after sex; and so much more. Check it out today!

Knowing what you want is an important step to emotional safety

Girl2Girl.info 40

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A message from ACT Medicare Local

WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR HEALTH & WELLBEING? ACT Medicare Local (ACTML) is the ‘backbone’ organisation for the Canberra community’s health and wellbeing. We are a non-government organisation that has worked closely with local general practices for over two decades. We’re also introducing innovative new primary health care services. We encourage Canberrans to form an ongoing relationship with a local family doctor, as having a GP you regularly see and trust often leads to better health outcomes. Your general practice becomes your ‘health care home’. These days, general practices house not only your GP but nurses and allied health providers such as psychologists, diabetes educators and nutritionists. ACTML runs a number of key programs including the long-standing HIV Program. It helps to optimise the health and well-being of people with, or at risk of, HIV and other blood-borne viruses and their friends and family. The HIV Program’s registered nurse and counsellor provide direct client support, including advocacy and care co-ordination. We also assisted the introduction of rapid HIV testing to the ACT which now provides patients with results in 20-30 minutes, instead of 24 hours. Our partnership with the Canberra Sexual Health Centre and the AIDS Action Council provides outreach sexual health screening clinics for priority populations including men who have sex with men, and same sex attracted youth.

KNOW YOUR AFTER HOURS HEALTH CARE OPTIONS! Research has shown many Canberrans don’t know where to seek health care in the after hours period, including public holidays, so here is a quick rundown. After Hours Locum Medical Service (CALMS) CALMS is an accredited after hours medical service. Visit afterhoursact.com.au or call 1300 422 567. Your Local Pharmacy. For minor health concerns and medication queries. Visit the health.act.gov.au website or search online ‘After hour pharmacy’ in your local area. Health Direct. Advice from health professionals. Call 1800 022 222 (24 hour, 7 days). Walk-in Centre. One-off treatment for minor illness and injury walkincentre.act.gov.au Emergency Department. For accidents and emergencies (24 hours, 7 days). In an emergency or life threatening situation call 000.

WITH OVER 3 MILLION PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA LIVING WITH ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IT’S BECOME A SERIOUS ISSUE AMONG OUR COMMUNITIES Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are much more likely to experience depression and anxiety than the broader population. They are also at a greater risk of suicide and selfharm. Among LGBTI populations, research clearly indicates that discrimination, abuse (both verbal and physical), exclusion and prejudice are key contributors to the increased rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm. Compared to heterosexual men, gay men are more likely to be diagnosed with major depression or panic disorder, especially those experiencing social withdrawal, isolation and socioeconomic hardship. Younger gay and homosexually active men seem to be at a higher risk of depression than older gay men. Many gay men living with HIV have lost relationships, social support networks, careers, earning capacity and a sense of future. These multiple losses may make them more likely to develop depression and may also compound symptoms. More than 50 per cent of people living with HIV in Australia report having depression or anxiety. Studies consistently show that bisexual people have even higher rates of depression or depressive symptoms than homosexual people, and an Australian survey of LGBTI people found around 60 per cent of transmen reported having depression.

DO YOU NEED SOME HELP DEALING WITH STRESS, ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION? NewAccess is a Beyond Blue program that’s offers a free and confidential support service to help you tackle day-today pressures that may be causing you stress, anxiety or even depression. An Access Coach, specifically trained and experienced, will help support you in setting practical goals that will get you back on track. The service is available now in the Medicare Local regions of Canberra, Central Adelaide and Hills and North Coast NSW, this free service is for anyone over 18 experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression. Find out more at: beyondblue.org.au. HEALTH&WELLBEING

LET’S KEEP THE LIGHT ON HIV Canberra’s 25th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Shone the Light on HIV. Community members, politicians and diplomatic representatives gathered to remember those lost to HIV and stand in solidarity with those impacted by HIV today, at Canberra’s 25th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, which was held on Sunday 18th May. This year’s theme “Let’s keep the light on HIV” could not have been more pertinent, with rates of new HIV diagnosis on the rise in the ACT. Genevieve Jacobs from 666 ABC Canberra, donated her time and talents to host the event for the second year, which featured performances from Canberra’s Gay and Lesbian Qwire, Johnathan Davis and Kai-Kai Toh. Sally Richards shared a heartfelt account of what it was like to lose her brother to HIV and US Ambassador John Berry provided a moving and inspiring speech which we are pleased to be able to share with you in FUSE. A sincere thank you to the Aids Action Council, the Hyatt Hotel and Staging Connections, whose hard work and generosity enabled a beautiful community event.

But, in 1996, this horrible disease had shrunk my 6’2” 200 pound athlete partner to less than 100 pounds. In June of that year, he died in my arms. Thankfully, the world responded to the terrible “It” of 1985 — the disease we know as AIDS. As a result of passionate engagement and research, new drugs have given hope — and life — to millions. In the early 1990s, it was estimated that infection rates in some sub-Saharan countries were as high as 1 in 3 adults. AIDS threatened to destabilise societies. It created millions of orphans and brought economic development to a screeching halt. Even a decade ago, AIDS was – in many countries – still a death sentence. Societal and economic conditions in the worst affected countries hadn’t improved. But, thankfully, the international community responded. It was an amazing demonstration of hope, of love, and of commitment to human life. And, today, things have changed. Around the world, new HIV infections are down almost 33% since 2003. Deaths from AIDS are down 30% since they peaked in 2005. This is very good news indeed, but we can do better. I am a member of the generation that survived the worst of the disease at the very beginning. It falls to us to ensure that the next generation will not repeat the same mistakes. And that means educating our young people about prevention and transmission, sharing best practices, and supporting the research that will lead to prevention and a cure. However, it is alarming that, in both Australia and the United States, new HIV infections are actually on the rise, particularly in young men. HIV is not the common cold. It only takes one unsafe encounter to contract this horrible disease. Both the President and I hope that everyone will commit to an AIDS free generation.

US Ambassador John Berry. AIDS Candlelight Memorial Canberra 2014.

US AMBASSADOR JOHN BERRY TALKS FROM THE HEART. When I met my first partner, Tom Leishman in 1985, this terrible disease barely had a name. On our second date, over dinner, Tom told me that he had “It.” I knew what “It” was. Everyone knew what “It” was, even if they didn’t like to talk about it. We also knew people were dying from “It”. Tom said that if I didn’t want to pursue the relationship any further, he understood. I told him that “It” would be a damn silly reason to abandon something that might turn out to be true love. And true love it was — for nearly 10 years. 42

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We must ensure that the legacy of those we have lost is love. That their remembrance is a cure. And that we commit this terrible disease to the pages of history so that no one else loses a partner, a child, a parent, or a friend to AIDS. Let me end tonight as I ended Tom’s eulogy. The final paragraph of Thornton Wilder’s classic The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a meditation on love. “But soon we shall die and all memory will have left earth, and we ourselves shall be loved for a while and forgotten. But the love will have been enough; all those impulses of love return to the love that made them. Even memory is not necessary for love. There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning.” FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

25TH INTERNATIONAL AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL CANBERRA

Photos by Doug Robinson

FUSECOMMUNITY

Imagine a world without factory farming... Few people realise that factory farming is the single greatest cause of animal cruelty on the planet today. Most pork, bacon, ham, chicken and egg products come from animals who live lives of abject misery in factory farms. These are highly intelligent animals who are forced to endure intense confinement and surgical procedures without pain relief. They have been denied the same protection from acts of cruelty that are

afforded to dogs and cats, despite having the same capacity to suffer. But it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be this way. Our choices can set them free. By refusing factory-farmed, consuming fewer animal products, or going meat-free, you can create a kinder world for animals. Visit MakeitPossible.com and join thousands of other caring Australians who are making a world without factory farming, possible.

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YOUR HOROSCOPE JULY & AUGUST 2014

By Melisa Sandfort

July and August are going to be full with goodness. These two months will only have planets getting direct, and those planets are Mercury, Uranus and Saturn. That means that positive energy from these planets is going to be helping us with all the nurturing things we want to achieve during this time. It will also be especially positive when it comes friendship, love and intimacy. So it might be cold and chilly out there, but the Universe is going to make sure we don’t have to deal with the winter all by ourselves.

Aquarius

January 21 – February 18 July may be difficult at work. You have some projects you might want to finish up quickly and that may be stressful. But don’t worry, Mercury is going to help you organise your time, you just have to take a deep breath. Tip: Take a day or two to spend time with your loved ones.

Taurus

April 21 – May 21 Winter is here and it might put you in the mood for making changes. Uranus is going to encourage you to try new things — they could be anything, so be openminded and curious. Tip: The third week of August is going to be a great week for love and sex, so get out there. and enjoy!

Leo

July 23 – August 23 By August you should write down some ideas you have. Mercury is going to give you lots of motivation but you’ll need to put some creativity into them to reap the rewards. Tip: July will be a great month to travel; you might want to plan something with your loved one or a friend.

Scorpio

October 24 – November 22 Uranus is encouraging you to rebuild your social circle. It’s quite important for you to remove some negative people from your life and bring some new friends to it. Tip: During July, Mercury is going to give you a nice surprise in the work area, so keep motivated and be creative.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20 During July you may have some issues when it comes to communicating how you feel to that special person or friend. Let the Universe guide and help you with it. Tip: By the second week of August take a nice trip out of town to clear your head from work.

Gemini

May 22 – June 21 By mid July, Mercury is going direct, and that means that it’s the perfect time to rethink your finances — if you have bills they should come first. Tip: A special event may come your way. It you send out love and remember that you’re loved in return, it will surely be wonderful.

Virgo

August 24 – September 23 You may find that you have some extra time by the middle of July — it will be an excellent time to let your hair down and go out with a bunch of close friends. It will help to free your mind from stress. Tip: A person you really care about is waiting for you to take the first step, do it!

Aries

March 21 – April 20 July is going to be an amazing month to get creative when it comes to your sex life. Saturn will be there to help you communicate, so take a chance and try new things. Tip: Take extra care of your money in August, you might want to spend on things you don’t really need — don’t.

Cancer

June 22 – July 22 You might receive a special visitor and with Mercury by your side everything is going to be perfect. You may need to put more effort in when it comes to your love life, so watch for the signals. Tip: Be patient with your loved ones and friends — sometimes you only need to listen.

Libra

September 24 – October 23 This is a good time to let the Universe guide you when it comes to money and finances. Be sure not to waste time or money. Sit down, plan for the future and remember to take care of anything that may be outstanding. Tip: Don’t let your ego take away the best of you.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

July may to be an emotional month for you, however, Saturn is going to be there guiding. You might want to talk to that special person or friend if you feel things are not going that well. Tip: Winter is cold, but it doesn’t mean you should stay inside the whole time, get out into the world.

A project you’ve been working is starting to work out the way you want it to — that is amazing, but don’t stop now, there is still more to do. Tip: Get creative with your partner; remember it is always important to keep the passion alive. If your single, there’s some fun to be had!

November 23 – December 22

December 23 – January 20

STARGAZER

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY AIDS Action Council The AIDS Action Council provides information, support and services. More info: aidsaction.org.au

Diversity ACT A LGBTI community and service centre, for more information call 1300 794 717 diversityact.org.au

A Gender Agenda A resource for transgender, intersex, gender queer and gender variant people. genderrights.org.au

Gay ACT Squash Group Wednesdays 600pm–8.00pm, at ANU Sports and Recreation Centre. gayactsquash@googlegroups.com

ACTQueer A free email list for LGBTI people in Canberra and surrounding region. groups.yahoo.com/group/actqueer

Gaycrash Canberra Taking over the coolest Canberra straight bars one night at a time! facebook.com/gaycrash.canberra/info

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

PFLAG-ACT A support and friendship group for parents and friends of LGBTI people. More info email pflag.act@gmail.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 Capital Queers Canberra’s Mardi Gras group. More info at capitalqueers.com VENUE : Cube Nightclub Canberra’s premier gay nightclub venue. Thurs 9pm-5am • Fri 9pm-5am Sat 10pm-5am • Sun 10pm-late 33 Petrie Plaza Civic, Canberra City. cubenightclub.com.au Dyke Dinner & Movie Group More info on FUSE website or see Canberra Lesbians on Facebook.

Long Yang A friendly social club for Asian and non-Asian gays and their friends. Canberra: lyccanberra.org Sydney: sydney.longyangclub.org GLBTIQ Car Club Contact Stuart Poole ACT Convener Motafrenz on 0420 523 238 or email act@motafrenz.org motafrenz.org.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.

Qnet : Queer Youth Cyberspace GLBTI people under the age of 25. Check out qnet.org.au Queanbeyan GLBTI Youth Support Mondays 4pm–6pm at Axis Youth Centre, Campbell Street, Queanbeyan Park. Radio Q Canberra LGBTI community radio show on 2xx 98.3FM 2xxfm.org.au Rainbow Bubs A playgroup and support group for same sex parents and their kids. Email: hoogied@yahoo.com 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. Relationships Australia Canberra Region Do you need a counsellor or a relationship mediator? RACR provide services in a friendly and respectful way for all members of our communities. Telephone 1300 364 277. racr.relationships.org.au Tilley’s Devine Cafe For almost 30 years, Tilley’s has been a gathering place for the LGBTI community. Warm and sumptuous, it’s famous for its food, fabulous coffees and cake. Cnr of Wattle & Brigalow Sts, Lyneham. Telephone 02 6247 7753. Uni of Canberra Queer Collective A supportive social group for UC students and staff. Get in touch at: sexuality@theucsa.org.au or find our FB group: UC Queer Collective.

> > Want to know “what’s on” or be listed here, then visit us at www.fusemagazine.com.au

DEARROSE

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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.”

EMAIL DEAR ROSE WITH YOUR PROBLEM TODAY!

By Rose Pappalardo

Dear Rose, My girlfriend and I have two beautiful twin girls. We pretty much keep to ourselves but recently my partner and I are at odds on whether to expose them to LGBTI culture. Liz

Dear Liz, I must confess I have not been lucky enough to be a parent, so my advice comes as an enthusiastic aunty. The question of how much you expose your daughters to the gay culture is something I imagine would be kicked around by many parents in rainbow families. It is natural for you both to be protective of your children given that any community has a wide variety of personalities and views and I suspect your own personal experiences have made you more cautious. Ideally all parents aim to prepare their children for the world and living in Australia where there is a melting pot of many cultures. Exposing your daughters to some part of the LGBTI community exposes them to diversity of all kinds of people and also a connectivity with who you both are. The great thing is that as parents you are in control of just how much exposure that might be. Balance is the key to a happy and fulfilling life. Giving your kids an opportunity to be exposed to a variety of diversity will ultimately prepare them the ever changing world in which we all live in.

Dear Rose, I’ve recently met a guy that I have unintentionally fallen for. I can’t get him out of my head. The thing is I’ve been living in a happy heterosexual relationship since leaving school two years ago. Suddenly I’m unsure about everything. I never thought I was gay. Could I be Bisexual? What’s going on? RJ

Dear RJ, Your story sounds so familiar, I did not come out till I was 27 after having a few relationships with men. My first girlfriend was someone I reconnected with at our ten year high school reunion, it consequently blossomed into a three year relationship. It’s interesting as young adults we are protected in a small world consisting of family life, school and sport etc, it’s only when we make our way into the real world we start to see and learn more about who we are as individuals.

Dear Rose, I really, really like this guy I know at college and he’s just so nice. How can I tell if he likes me in the same way? Thomas

The best advice I received at the time was to seek professional counselling, to have someone help me sort through the fear, the questions piling up in my head and who could give me an objective prospective without any judgement. This gave me the confidence to own who I am and to understand that not everyone may like the revelations I had about myself, and that ultimately, that didn’t matter. You have to like and care about yourself first!

Dear Thomas, The art of working out if someone likes you in “that” way is a tough one and certainly doesn’t get easier as you get older.

You may find that your just open and curious, you may find that you are indeed gay, or it could be that you’re bisexual. Empowering yourself with that knowledge is going to be the best way forward and a happy life.

The best way in my experience in working out if someone “likes” you is firstly to get to know them better. Find out if you have common interests such as sport or music. By getting to know him better you are able to judge his feelings. Having common interests and spending time with him will also give you a feel for the kind of friendship that may, or may not, blossom. Keep in mind, if this guy turns out not to “like” you, don’t fret as the old saying goes “there are plenty of fish in the sea!”

‘‘

My mother took me to a psychiatrist when I was fifteen because she thought I was a latent homosexual. There was nothing latent about it.

Amanda Bearse Actress, Director, Comedienne

Need help or someone to talk to? Support is available for anyone in distress by phoning (24 Hours) QLife 1800 184 527, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or AAC counselling services on 02 6257 2855. If you require relationship support or services call Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277

ASK DEAR ROSE 48

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If you need help or have a question email : dearrose@fusemagazine.com.au

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