FUSE 2014 CANBERRA SPRINGOUT FESTIVAL GUIDE
MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU NOV / DEC 2014
LIFE LOVE 43 EQUALITY
GENDER ITY ENTWHAT IDWEARING FEELS RIGHT!
PRIDE SHINES IN A TALE OF AN UNLIKELY ALLIANCE WHY GENDER IS NOT ABOUT UNIFORM
+ CRACK DOWN ON GAY RIGHTS ABUSE
> HAPPINESS COMES FROM BEING AUTHENTIC
CONDOMS NOW & THEN TRANS GIRL CROWNED HOMECOMING PRINCESS
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FUSE MAGAZINE MADE IN AUSTRALIA NOV / DEC 2014
LIFE LOVE 43 EQUALITY EDITOR Alexander Thatcher
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ASSOCIATE EDITORS Linda Djumlija Yasmin Element CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christopher Powell CONTRIBUTORS Scott Malcolm Dwayne Lennox Bebe Backhouse Rose Pappalardo Melisa Paz Philippa Moss Alexander Lowe Marco Fink Ariel Marlee Eleanor
CANBERRA
SPRINGOUT FESTIVAL GUIDE P20
PHOTOGRAPHERS Doug Robinson Rose Pappalardo COVER MODELS Marlo David
FUSE FEATURES 13
It can be tough for trans and gender diverse young people growing up and being told what they should or shouldn’t wear. We talk to four students about what the ‘Gender Is Not Uniform’ campaign means to them and how it’s improving the lives of trans kids all over the country.
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SpringOUT Pride is on again in Canberra and it’s time to come out and celebrate. With lots of fabulous new events, this year’s festival is going to be our most vibrant yet! Check out the special FUSE SpringOUT festival guide on p21 — it’s jam-packed with great stuff to do and there’s something for everyone!
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CONTACT FUSE 0412 309 992 hello@fusemagazine.com.au fusemagazine.com.au PO Box 3577 Manuka ACT 2603
42 Alexander Lowe looks at the hard and historical facts of the French Letter.
FUSE REGULARS 02 Editor’s Rant 04 What’s On : Movies
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07 What’s On : Events & Shows 09 Round Up : News & Politics
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13 Feature : Gender Is Not Uniform 20 Community : SpringOUT Festival Guide 28 Review : Pride the Movie 31 Out & About : Cube Nightclub 32 Fab Things : The Latest Cool Stuff
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.
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34 Couch Potato : Film & TV 37 Money Shot : Rent or Buy? 38 Health & Wellbeing : Change Happens 41 Ear Candy : Music Reviews & News 42 Homo History : Condoms 45 Stargazer : Your Horoscope 46 FUSE Community Directory 48 Dear Rose FUSE43CONTENTS
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❂ HAPPINESS COMES FROM BEING AUTHENTIC I’M FEELING VERY BLESSED. I love being a boy and I wake up every morning a guy in a guy’s body and it suits me perfectly. This may sound like a strange thing to say but the truth is that not everyone is as lucky as me in this respect. Some people wake up every day to a body that does not match their true gender. Can you imagine what it might be like to find yourself in a body of the wrong sex? One that does not match how you feel? A boy trapped in a girl’s body or visa versa? The challenges of being transgendered are vast. Chaz Bono famously said ‘Gender is between your ears and not between your legs’. It’s a truth that not everyone can get their head around but something I feel is extremely important to understand. In this issue I have had the privilege to interview four brave and wonderful trans teenagers — Marco, Ariel, Marlee and Eleanor. They have all been involved in the ‘Gender Is Not Uniform’ campaign, which is aimed at supporting gender diversity in schools through inclusive uniforms and challenging transphobia.
FUSE
While most people may never have considered their gender, there are a growing number of young people who are becoming increasingly open and confident about exploring their own gender identity and want to express themselves in ways that may differ from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Alexander Thatcher Editor
Many of these students find school very difficult. They often experience high levels of discrimination and bullying, negative attitudes, and face discriminatory school policies. It means that their ability to be authentic and happy is very much restricted and that’s why the ‘Gender Is Not Uniform’ campaign is so important and needs everyone’s support. p13. Talking about being authentic and true to yourself, it’s that time of the year again when we celebrate Canberra Pride with the SpringOUT Festival. Every year I see the festival just get better and better and 2014 is no exception. As usual you can see the full SpringOUT festival guide right here in FUSE and it’s jam-packed with events. p20. I’d like to make a special mention of BAKE : Canberra’s LGBTI Charity Bake Off. Last year we raised over $2000 for the AIDS Action Council and A Gender Agenda and this year we are hoping to do even better! It’s a really fun afternoon and we hope everyone will come along Saturday 8 November. Oh and remember, if you don’t bake, don’t worry — because we also need lots of people to come along to buy, eat and be merry. p7. As another year comes to an end I’d like to thank all those who make FUSE possible. Without you none of this would be possible. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and happy new year. Enjoy, Alex
WHY YOU SHOULD BE PART OF THE
CANBERRA GLBTI BUSINESS & COMMUNITY DIRECTORY FUSE Magazine is currently putting together Canberra’s own GLTBI Business & Community Directory for 2015. This will be an invaluable resource for our whole community. If you are a business or organisation who would like to engage with the gay and lesbian community by advertising in the directory please contact Alex on 0412 309 992 or email hello@fusemagazine.com.au. We are also offering not-for-profit community groups and support services a free listing in the directory, please contact us for details.
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Interstellar Travel : To travel to our closest stellar neighbor ‘Alpha Centauri’ it would take around four years, at the speed of light, which is thought to be impossible... or is it?
MOVIES
SERENA OPENS 27 OCTOBER Between the filming of their Oscar juggernauts, Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and American Hustle (2013), Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper teamed up for Serena. Set in Depression-era North Carolina, this (melo) drama centres on the future of the Pemberton timber empire when it is learned that Serena, the wife of George, cannot bear children. Bier, who won an Oscar for In A Better World (2010), helms her second American outing with this soap-y looking story adapted from the best-selling novel by Ron Rash.
INTERSTELLAR OPENS 6 NOVEMBER
FUSE MOVIE PICK OF THE MONTH!
Space. The final frontier. Well, maybe not in terms of cinema but Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar looks set to go where other sci-fi blockbusters have feared to tread. The synopsis about wormholes and space travel doesn’t give too much away but you can bet that a film from the director of Inception is not aimed at the ADHD attention spans of 14-year-old boys who crave aliens and explosions. Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain feature among the terrestrial cast.
THE HUNGER GAMES : MOCKINGJAY PT1 OPENS 20 NOVEMBER Like Twilight before it, the final book in The Hunger Games trilogy has been split into two films. Unlike Twilight, The Hunger Games is a YA franchise with smarts and a strong heroine you can root for. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has now survived two tours of duty in the kill-or-be-killed Games arena, and having been extracted by revolutionaries at the end of the previous film, is now called upon to lead the revolution against the Capitol. Julianne Moore joins the cast this time round, which also features one of the final screen appearances of Philip Seymour Hoffman.
EXODUS : GODS AND MEN OPENS 4 DECEMBER If you can overlook the racial insensitivity of the casting — and that’s a very big if (in 2014, Caucasians should not be playing Middle Eastern characters) — then you may well enjoy the sword-and-sandal spectacle of Exodus : Gods and Men — which sees director Ridley Scott returning to Gladiator territory for this retelling of the Biblical tale of Moses (played here by Batman, Christian Bale). Aussie Joel Edgerton plays his nemesis, the Pharaoh Ramses, while Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) also star.
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
FREE MOVIE PASSES KINDLY SUPPLIED BY DENDY CINEMAS CANBERRA LEVEL 2, NORTH QUARTER CANBERRA CENTRE, BUNDA STREET, CANBERRA CITY 261-263 KING STREET, NEWTOWN • SHOP 9, 2 EAST CIRCULAR QUAY, SYDNEY PORTSIDE WHARF, REMORA ROAD, HAMILTON WWW.DENDY.COM.AU
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LUCKIEST PRODUCTIONS, NEIL GOODING PRODUCTIONS & TINDERBOX PRODUCTIONS IN ASSOCIATION WITH CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE AND HAYES THEATRE CO PRESENT
“Must-see.” daily review
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Book By Neil Simon | Music By Cy Coleman | Lyrics By Dorothy Fields Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tulio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano. Produced for the Broadway Stage by Fryer, Carr and Harris. Conceived, staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse.
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14 – 23 NOVEMBER THE STREET THEATRE 15 CHILDERS ST, CANBERRA CITY WEST
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In Ancient Rome, lust was not a sin. It’s 130 AD and the body of a beautiful young man lies lifeless on the banks of the Nile. In his short life he became famous throughout the Roman Empire. In death he will become a god. But who was he?
Deliciously good and heaps of fun — BAKE : Canberra’s LGBTI Charity Bake Off is back! Grab those aprons and make a difference in the kitchen this SpringOUT. If you don’t bake, don’t worry, because we also need lots of people to come along to buy, eat and be merry. Fabulously delicious food and live entertainment will be available from 2.00pm. Money raised will go to the AIDS Action Council and A Gender Agenda.
Dismissed by Christian historians as a “shameless and scandalous boy”, this is the story of Antinous, gay lover of the Emperor Hadrian, and in the 21st century, he has come back to reclaim his place in history. His story is a tale of political intrigue, of youth sought after and youth lost, of sex and lust, and of love. Written and directed by David Atfield, and starring Nicholas Eadie as Hadrian, Scandalous Boy is sexy, funny, moving and unforgettable. DINNER OFFER : Start your night out with a quick bite to eat at the As You Like It café. Come in between 6:30pm- 7:30pm to enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine with fast, friendly service. Available for selected performances only, refer to thestreet.org.au or call the Box Office on 62471223 for further detail.
IN CASH AND PRIZES TO BE WON!
Registration is between 11.00am and 12.00pm. Please bring your entries to the EQ Cafe function room. Registration is $5. Judging starts at 12.00pm sharp. All entries will be auctioned for charity and must be edible. Grab your BAKE entry form and see the list of categories on the FUSE website. OUR GENEROUS BAKE SPONSORS
OPENING NIGHT : Join us for an Opening Night Soiree, hosted by Mike & Martin from Hang Ups Picture Framing. Complimentary drinks, mouth-watering canapés with live music from 6.45pm. BOOKINGS : 6247 1223 or thestreet.org.au $35, Group $30, Conc. $33, Student $25. WARNING : Contains nudity, sexual & adult themes, coarse language. Recommended 18+.
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ROUND UP
EIGHTY : The number of countries where gay people can be imprisoned or even sentenced to death for engaging in same-sex sexual conduct between consenting adults.
TRANSGENDER GIRL CROWNED HOMECOMING PRINCESS IN THE US A 16-year-old transgender girl has been crowned homecoming princess at a Colorado high school. Scarlett Lenh received the majority of the votes from her junior class at Sand Creek High School, besting three other girls for the honor. Scarlett began identifying as a trans girl only this year — she said she’s known she was a girl since about age 7 or 8.
Vivian and Alice began a new chapter in their lives when the Rev. Linda Hunsaker presided over their wedding.
MARRIED AFTER 72 YEARS! It’s taken over 72 years but finally 91 year old Vivian Boyack, and Alice “Nonie” Dubes, who is 90 have been able to marry. The two women began a new chapter in their relationship when they exchanged wedding vows at First Christian Church, Davenport, Lowa in the United States. Surrounded by family and a small group of close friends, the two held hands as the Rev. Linda Hunsaker told the couple that, “This is a celebration of something that should have happened a very long time ago.” Vivian and Nonie met in Yale, Iowa, where they grew up, and moved to Davenport in 1947. Vivian Boyack was a longtime teacher in Davenport, directing the lives of children at Lincoln and Grant elementary schools. “I always wanted to be a teacher,” Boyack said Saturday after the ceremony. “My plan at an early age was to teach in the school where I was then going, and my teacher would move on to another school.” Dubes worked for the Times and Democrat for 13 years in payroll. “I signed the paychecks for everybody, including Bill Wundram,” she said. After leaving the news business, she worked for Alter Corp. for 25 years.
Scarlett who didn’t think she would be nominated said, “It was really exciting. It felt really good. I couldn’t stop smiling,” Scarlett said after she found out at an afternoon assembly that the majority of the junior class had voted for her. Two of the other girls who were nominated by their peers were “extremely supportive,” Scarlett said, and the other “was really upset.” “One of my friends mentioned it, and I didn’t think anything of it because I didn’t think I’d be nominated. But now it really matters to me,” she said. “This is something I’ve wanted to do since my freshman year. I want people to be themselves and not feel uncomfortable in their own body and mind.” Class mate, Michael Carl said he has been a friend of Scarlett’s since the seventh grade. “He has always been there for me and is truly a good person. I support him because it takes a lot of courage and a lot of character to do what he is doing.”
5,000-YEAR-OLD TRANS SKELETON DISCOVERED Archaeologists have discovered what they believe as a 5000 year old skeleton of a transgender person.
Over the years, the two women have travelled all over America, explored the provinces of Canada, and been to England twice.
The body is believed to date from between 2900 and 2500BC and is from the Corded Ware culture of the Copper Age. Men’s bodies from that age and culture are usually found buried with their heads towards the west and with weapons. But this skeleton was found with its head towards the east and was surrounded by domestic jugs, as women’s bodies from the time are usually found.
“We’ve had a good time,” Dubes said. Boyack added it takes a lot of love and work to keep a relationship going for 72 years.
Archaeologist Kateina Semrádová said, “We believe this is one of the earliest cases of what could be described as a ‘transsexual’ or ‘third gender grave’ in the Czech Republic.”
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“There are real and serious security concerns at Buckingham Palace... The palace police are particularly unhappy about the number of guests of servants staying overnight, especially when they may have only just met.” Former head of royal protection Dai Davis commenting about the rise of unexpected guests at Buckingham Palace due to apps such as Grindr
NEWS&POLITICS
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ROUND UP WE’LL MISS YOU JOAN RIVERS “My gay fans have been wonderful from day one. I remember when I was working at the Duplex in Greenwich Village in New York at the beginning of my career and the only ones who would laugh at my jokes were the gay guys. I think if I had started out in straight clubs and bars I never would’ve gotten anywhere.” Joan Rivers told The Advocate earlier this year.
Russian police push gay rights activists away from a pride march in Saint Petersburg to prevent clashes with anti-gay protesters.
U.N. CRACK DOWN ON HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES The United Nations Human Rights Committee has significantly increased its attention on the rights of LGBTI persons over the last ten years, however a new report published in the Human Rights Law Review, has found that there is still room for significant improvement in the way this UN body protects and promotes the rights of LGBTI persons. Lead researcher from the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, Associate Professor Paula Gerber said many LGBTI people around the world were still subjected to widespread persecution, violence and legally sanctioned discrimination.
She continued, “Even today, when I’m on tour I always know if I get eight gay men in the front row it’s going to be a great show. Maybe it’s just me and I know they’re going to laugh at what I’d laugh at, but when my gays are in the audience it’s always a good time.” Apart from being a gay rights champion, Rivers will also be remembered for her contribution in the long fight against AIDS. Karen Ocamb at Frontiers magazine, posted on Facebook after hearing of Rivers’ death.“Please also know that she was out front helping people with AIDS at the very beginning of the AIDS crisis, when so many others turned away in fear.”
“In 80 countries around the world, men — and in some cases women — can be imprisoned or even sentenced to death for engaging in same-sex sexual conduct between consenting adults,” Dr Paula Gerber said. “The UN Committee’s response to this dire situation has been patchy, but there are signs of improvement.” An analysis of the HR Committee’s work between 2003 and 2013 revealed the human rights situation in 139 countries were reviewed, with comments about LGBTI rights violations made in relation to 47 of these countries. “Thirty-one of these 139 countries still criminalise homosexuality, but recommendations to reform criminal laws to remove these odious offences were made in respect of only 13 countries. Meaning over half got away with their ongoing criminalisation of homosexuality, a clear violation of basic human rights, ” Dr Gerber said.
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In true Joan rivers style she had voiced her opposition to same-sex marriage on several occasions. “Gay marriage, I am so against it because all my gay friends are out. And if they get married, it will cost me a fortune in gifts.”
In 2003, recommendations to reduce violations of LGBTI rights were made to four of the 15 countries reviewed by the Committee. Ten years later, in 2013, this increased to 12 out of 15 countries.
“I hate gay weddings. I’m thrilled about the equal rights thing, but gay weddings are like the War on Terror — they go on forever. Gay weddings are a lifetime commitment — for the guests. They start at seven and end in October. Why? Because stereotypes be damned, gays love parades.”
“There is evidence LGBTI rights are starting to receive more attention, but there is still much to be done,” she said.
With Joan Rivers gone, the world will be a less funny place. Rest in peace and thank you.
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“I think the issue is that you say it’s not a priority (GLBTI mental health) but you talk about it quite a bit and when you do talk about it, you say awful things. So that’s the problem... You go out and you deny the existence of homosexuals in North Queensland; they exist. There’s an app called Grindr; I’ll put it on your phone.” Comments made by comedian Josh Thomas to Queensland politician Bob Katter on ABC’s Q&A program
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SOCIAL PROGRAMS
WE INSTIL A SENSE OF DIGNITY, HOPE AND I QE T B L GC L U S I V EMPOWERMENT IN Communities@Work
is an inclusive organisation that provides food and essential services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people when they need it the most. Through our social programs and in partnerships with specialist organisations we provide services or referrals in the following areas: • • • • •
A food pantry open from Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm stocking healthy food and essential items Skills development such as cooking lessons Clothing for job interviews, work experience or special events Social inclusion and support, such as walking, advocacy, mentoring for parenting and household practices Referrals to specialist organisations for example housing
DO GOOD FEEL GOOD REAL GOOD How you can help • • • •
Volunteer in our programs Provide in kind support Become a regular donor Leave a bequest
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GENDER ITY ENTWHAT IDWEARING FEELS RIGHT!
By Marco Fink & Alexander Thatcher
CHANGING THE LIVES OF TRANSGENDER YOUTH IN AUSSIE SCHOOLS IT CAN BE TOUGH FOR TRANS AND GENDER DIVERSE YOUNG PEOPLE AT SCHOOL GROWING UP, BEING TOLD “YOU HAVE TO WEAR THIS BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT BOYS WEAR” OR “DRESSES ARE FOR NOT FOR YOUR BODY TYPE” CAN BE PRETTY CONFRONTING AND FRUSTRATING. To help trans young people overcome barriers they face at school Minus18, along with the Safe Schools Coalition Victoria and a team of partner organisations developed Gender Is Not Uniform, a campaign to help schools throughout Australia better support their trans students.
Trans students are often left in a position where they train staff and administrators on how to be more inclusive. Gender Is Not Uniform gives schools clear goals and guidelines to ensure students of all gender identities will be treated equally and are fully supported. The campaign accomplishes this by encouraging schools to be proactive in being prepared, even if students are not yet openly transgender, and puts a focus on lasting and sustainable change.
The message behind the campaign is if a young person feels happier and more comfortable in a particular type of uniform, then that’s something that should be encouraged, not punished. Students have enough to focus on at school, having to fight to be yourself shouldn’t be added to that. Australian school uniform policies should be more flexible and help make students of all genders feel comfortable, whether they’re trans*gender, non-binary, or cisgender (non-trans identifying). The whole campaign has been written, shot and designed by young people from Minus18 and partners. This means the messages and goals set out by the campaign give trans young people a platform to tell schools exactly what they want and need to be better supported. While dialogue around sexuality has grown and progressed rapidly over the last decade, and more and more schools have committed to supporting their gay, lesbian and bisexual students, discussions around transgender youth have only recently emerged for many schools. More and more students are becoming increasingly open and confident about exploring their own gender identity, and it’s more important than ever that they feels supported by their schools. Having to stay in the closet until after leaving school, or even later, can be pretty damaging for any young person growing up. For many schools the biggest barrier isn’t an unwillingness to be more inclusive, but rather a lack of available resources or guidance.
The campaign also serves as an introduction to gender diversity for many schools that may not ever consider that their student body may contain transgender youth. Information about statistics, common questions, and the legal requirements of schools are all bundled with the campaign, so that students know the facts, and schools know their obligations. The response has been overwhelming, and extremely positive, with the campaign going viral on social media both locally and internationally, shared by hundreds of thousands of people. Reactions to the campaign have reflected how ground breaking Gender Is Not Uniform really is and highlights a need for more campaigns that support trans youth as comprehensively. FUSEFEATURE
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GENDER IDENTITY WEARING WHAT FEELS RIGHT!
he
Marlee HOW DID IT FEEL THE FIRST DAY YOU PUT ON A DIFFERENT UNIFORM?
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HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED OVER TIME?
Being able to present in a manner that reflects my identity, was a huge step for me, but it felt amazing to be able to show the world who I am. Presenting as male and wearing clothes that felt right for me was incredible and I’m so glad I did it.
The biggest change over time has been more teachers and students getting my pronouns right each time they address me. People definitely stuff up at first, and it can get pretty frustrating when they mess up, but seeing people really make an effort to adjust and respect that this is who I am, has been a change and one I welcome.
HOW DID THE KIDS AND TEACHERS REACT?
HAS IT CHANGED HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m really lucky with how positive my teachers and peers have responded to my transition. I go to a very open minded school and everyone has been extremely respectful of my identity and feelings. I think coming out at school can be a really defining moment for a lot of kids, and teachers being respectful made a huge difference.
The positive response I’ve gotten to my transition has allowed me to fully embrace who I am and actually feel comfortable expressing that to the world. It’s made me more confident when meeting new people and knowing I have so many people around me who support me is allowing me to take more opportunities.
FUSEFEATURE
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e
Marco WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR TODAY WHAT DO SEE?
she
It’s hard to describe. A girl, that’s for sure, and to be able to say that confidently out loud has taken a long time, but in a sense I’ve always been aware of it on some level too. I used to get pretty shy and self-conscious, but more and more I’m coming to terms with my gender identity, and the confidence I’ve gained since coming out has been enormous. HOW SUPPORTIVE DO YOU FEEL YOUR SCHOOL IS ABOUT YOU BEING TRAN? My school was pretty supportive when it came to sexuality, but as far as gender there was definitely a gap to be bridged. It wasn’t anything deliberate or malicious, it was more a lack of understanding and information. I didn’t feel comfortable coming out, but one of my close friends did as a trans man and that was a bit rough. The school did eventually catch up and were vocal in their commitment to support students of all identities, but I think a resource like Gender Is Not Uniform would have given them a massive head start. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO YOU? Being able to be myself and present feminine has been huge for me. Wearing clothes I feel comfortable in, and being able to express myself has made me so much more happy, confident, and able to focus on what really matters, rather than worrying about my appearance. I really wish I’d been able to come out at school and be myself. HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF TEN YEARS FROM NOW? Hopefully a bit further along or done with my transition, and maybe even with a family and kids? I’d like to keep helping further the rights and awareness around trans people. Coming out, and even doing this interview is still a bit nerve-wracking for me, but the reason I feel it’s important is, until recently, I didn’t really have many other young people I could relate to while growing up. Spending the last few years with Minus18 introduced me to so many other trans young people and really opened up my whole world, it’s why I’ve been able to come out and I’m so grateful for that. FUSEFEATURE
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A lesbian, gay, trans*, bi, intersex and everyone inbetween event! Eat, drink and be merry on a beautiful spring morning with all your fabulous friends. It’s on again, the FUSE SpringOut big gay champagne breakfast at Tilley’s.
SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER @ 10AM
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
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GENDER IDENTITY WEARING WHAT FEELS RIGHT!
she
Eleanor HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU THAT YOUR ABLE TO WEAR WHAT YOU WANT AT SCHOOL? Obviously it’s extremely important. I’m lucky at my school in that the uniform is not strongly gendered, but for those in other schools who are required to wear skirts or suit-like blazers when that makes them very uncomfortable, it’s a very big issue, and it’s simply unfair for everyone involved when it’s really such an insignificant issue to the school. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen if a female-assigned at birth person wears pants instead of a skirt? DO YOU THINK THE ‘GENDER IS NOT UNIFORM’ CAMPAIGN IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR TRANS KIDS? Definitely! I’m seeing the posters around my school, and at the very least it’s amazing just to see something recognising us. A big part of being trans is that you often feel ignored, and just having the campaign visible goes a long way to combatting that. On a bigger scale, more visibility means more people will be aware of the issues faced by trans kids, and that hopefully will mean a reduction in trans*phobia, both deliberate and accidental.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE? I think one of the biggest struggles faced by trans kids is the question of how to come out at school. A big problem is that often people at school have known you as one gender for most of your school life, and it can be very difficult to get them to change that. Getting peers to understand what it means to be trans may be difficult, but training teachers in ways to support trans teenagers is a much more realistic goal. I know something that’s kept me in the closet at school has been a big fear over whether my teachers, more than my peers, will understand and accept me, and I think that would be a great target for the future. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE YOUR OWN AGE WHO IS UNSURE ABOUT BEING TRANS OR GENDER DIVERSE? When you’re a teenager, you’re experiencing a lot of new things and a lot of new feelings, and a lot of them can be confusing and uncertain. I would recommend exploring these feelings with an open mind — if you’re not sure about being trans, maybe try identifying with a trans identity for a while and see if it suits you. If not, no big drama, and if it does, you’ve ideally saved yourself lots of years of pain in the closet. LGBTI groups like Minus18 are great places to explore that side of yourself, and I think it’s always worth trying new things out. I guess my biggest piece of advice would be to be brave and honest with yourself, and try to dump any stereotypical ideas you might have about what being trans means. Being trans means whatever it means to you, and don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise. FUSEFEATURE
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Supporting someone who is feeling suicidal
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Relationships Australia
Services include:
has experienced counsellors, mediators and educators who provide services in a friendly, open and respectful way for all members of our communities. We openly welcome people from the GLBTI communities.
• Enhancing relationships • Parenting • Relationship difficulties, including separation • Re-partnering and family relationships • Communication issues • Family violence • Managing conflict • Trust issues • Sexual difficulties • Grief and loss • Self-esteem & identity issues • Support for people finding it hard to manage their gambling and their families
Our focus is relationships and any issues impacting on you or your relationships in all domains of our lives, including partners, parents, siblings, friends, colleagues or children.
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Be a friend Listen, keep in touch Give them time
Relationships Australia also delivers support services for Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants, and survivors of child sexual abuse who take part in or are affected by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. To find out more contact us on
1300 364 277 or visit racr.relationships.org.au
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
she
Ariel WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALISE THAT YOU WHERE A TRANS KID? I first realised I was trans around August last year. I’d gotten into the habit of wearing more traditionally feminine clothing, and from that, realised I was probably closer to being bigender than cis. It wasn’t until one of my friends bought me a bra that I realised I was full-binary trans, and that happened in late December last year. HOW DID THAT MAKE YOU FEEL? Realising I was trans was an interesting feeling. I was shocked at first that I could be something so different to the social norm, and then I thought about it more and more, and it began to make a lot of sense. Things in my childhood that never made any sense began to click together and I began to realise that I was always going to turn out trans. Then I felt a sense of slight responsibility. I knew I had to educate myself on a new part of the queer community, and as well as that, learn to educate others on trans issues. HOW DID THOSE CLOSEST TO YOU REACT? My really close friends were hardly surprised. In fact, three or four of them said to me they never even saw me as a male in the first place, which made me feel a lot more confident in who I was, and am. As well as that, my best friend really urged people to use the right pronouns, which was great, and definitely helped a lot. As for my Mum, she wasn’t really surprised, but it did take a while for her to adjust to using the correct pronouns, and calling me her daughter instead of her son. HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK THIS HAS EFFECTED YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR? I feel this has had a huge effect on my journey so far. I’ve grown so much as a person, and for the first time in my life started to feel fully comfortable within myself, which has helped a lot. As well as that, I’ve become more open and accepting and finally have become part of a community where I really, truly feel I belong.
GENDER ENTITY ID WEARING WHAT FEELS RIGHT!
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SPRINGOUT CANBERRA’S QUEER CULTURAL FESTIVAL
1-30 NOVEMBER, 2014 SPRINGOUT.COM.AU FACEBOOK.COM.AU/SPRINGOUT PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
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SPRINGOUT
CANBERRA PRIDE 2014 FESTIVAL GUIDE • 1 – 30 NOVEMBER 2014
SOLD OUT!
SPRINGOUT FAIR DAY
FUSE BIG GAY BREAKFAST
DATE: SATURDAY 1 NOV TIME: 12.00 NOON – 5.00PM HOST: THE AIDS ACTION COUNCIL VENUE: WESTLUND HOUSE 16 GORDON ST, ACTON COST: GOLD COIN DONATION
DATE: SUNDAY 2 NOV TIME: 10.00AM – NOON HOST: TILLEY’S DEVINE CAFÉ VENUE: 94 WATTLE ST, LYNEHAM COST: BUY YOUR OWN BREAKFAST
The AIDS Action Council of the ACT is proud to once again present the launch event for the SpringOUT Pride Festival — SpringOUT Fairday. Fairday is a relaxing outdoor event where you can browse wares from local businesses, find out information from community groups and clubs, celebrate with your kids in the family zone, or even enter your pets in the now famous pet parade. Come and celebrate Canberra’s LGBTQI community, enjoy a shared lunch on the lawns and kick up your heels to some great entertainment.
Tilley’s has a long history of being a meeting place for the queer community and are proud to provide the location for the FUSE Big Gay Breakfast. Everyone’s welcome to come along, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and hang out with old friends over a coffee and some great food!
FUSE ‘PRIDE’ MOVIE NIGHT @ PALACE ELECTRIC DATE: FRIDAY 7 NOV TIME: DRINKS FROM 6.15PM MOVIE STARTS AT 7.00PM HOST: PALACE ELECTRIC CINEMA VENUE: NEW ACTON NISHI 2 PHILLIP LAW STREET COST: FREE (100 SEATS AVAILABLE) Come along and see this incredible true story. Pride tells the story of a Welsh mining community struggling to make ends meet during the 1984 miners’ strike, when hope arrives with the unlikeliest of allies — a group of gay and lesbian activists who decide to raise money for the miners. TICKETS: Pick up your free tickets from Palace Electric before hand or on the night. Let them know it’s for the “FUSE Pride Movie Night @ Palace”.
AQUA HARMONY SWIMOUT
OUTBIZ DINNER & DRINKS
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
DATE: SUNDAY 2 NOV TIME: 9.30AM – 11.00AM FREE EVENT HOST: SUE O’HARA & FRAN TREUEN VENUE: AQUA HARMONY 4 JENKE CCT, KAMBAH
DATE: WEDNESDAY 5 NOV TIME: 6.30PM – 9.30PM HOST: TILLEY’S DEVINE CAFÉ VENUE: 94 WATTLE ST, LYNEHAM COST: BUY YOUR OWN DINNER
DATE: 7 – 22 NOV VENUE: ANU ARTS CENTRE
Aqua Harmony Enriched Learning Partnerships aims to teach children to respect and enjoy the water, wanting children to be SAFER, happier and more successful swimmers. SwimOUT promises to be an awesome morning of pool play time for LGBTQI families.
Join us for a special OUTBIZ SpringOUT social and networking dinner at Tilley’s Devine Cafe Gallery. Whether you are a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and intersex community or would like to connect with LGBTI businesses and public servants, we encourage you to come along.
La Cage aux Folles is the huge and glamorous musical that inspired the film The Birdcage with Robin Williams. La Cage aux Folles began life as a stage play in 1973 and was then adapted into a wildly popular French film premiering in 1978. It’s a wickedly funny farce about love and family. Check out springout.com.au for special SpringOUT ticket deals on Thursday 13 and 20 November. SPRINGOUT
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boy
Scandalous
boy
by DaviD atfielD
sin
In Ancient Rome lust was not a
It’s 130 AD and the body of a beautiful young man lies lifeless on the banks of the Nile. In his short life he became famous throughout the Roman Empire. In death he will become a god. But who was he? Dismissed by Christian historians as a “shameless and scandalous boy”, this is the story of Antinous, lover of the Emperor Hadrian, and, in the 21st century, he has come back to reclaim his place in history. His story is a tale of political intrigue, of youth sought after and youth lost, of sex and lust, and of love. Written and directed by David Atfield, and featuring AFI-award winning Nicholas Eadie as Hadrian, ‘Scandalous Boy’ is sexy, funny, moving and unforgettable.
OPeNiNG NiGHt
Join us for an Opening Night Soiree, hosted by Mike & Martin from Hang Ups Picture Framing. Complimentary drinks, mouth-watering canapés with live music from 6.45pm.
SeaSON DateS friDay 14 - 23 NOvember 2014 14-18 NOvember @ 8.00Pm • 16 & 23 NOvember @ 4.00Pm TICKETS: STANdARd $35 • GRoup 4+ $30 • CoNCESSIoN $33 • STudENT $25
tHe Street tHeatre, 15 CHilDerS St, CaNberra City WeSt
bOOKiNGS 6247 1223 • tHeStreet.OrG.au eNjOy a quiCK bite tO eat befOre tHe SHOW, Pre-tHeatre DiNiNG StartS frOm 6.30Pm Contemporary Australian cuisine with fast, friendly service from only $19.00 ~ Bookings are essential.
WARNING: Contains nudity, sex scenes, adult themes and coarse language. Enjoying yourself is not a
FUSE
Supported by
sin
at The Street.
MAGAZINE
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SPRINGOUT
CUBE NIGHTCLUB SPRINGOUT DANCE PARTY DATE: FRIDAY 7 NOV TIME: 9.00OPM – 5.00AM HOST: CUBE NIGHTCLUB VENUE: 33 PETRIE PLAZA, CIVIC COST: FREE BEFORE 11.00PM $10 AFTER 11.00PM Come and celebrate with us at the SpringOUT Dance Party at CUBE Nightclub. Featuring awesome shows, fabulous drag and the hottest music with hand picked DJ’s, this is one huge night not to be missed! Free entry if dressed in rainbow pride colours.
FRUIT TINGLES WOMEN’S DANCE DATE: SATURDAY 8 NOV TIME: 7.00PM – MIDNIGHT VENUE: MAJURA HALL 2 ROSEVEAR PL, DICKSON COST: $20 In the great tradition of women’s dances in Canberra, Fruit Tingles is now in its third year. This one will be as fabulous as in previous years with our local female band ICONand the amazing Drummers! As usual there is a bar available, although you are welcome to B.Y.O. and snacks will be provided. Bring a little extra cash to spend on clothes, books and even a quick massage. The door prizes are outstanding, all you need is a dance ticket to win! “Yes We Are” will be available to take photos. All proceeds will be going to local projects: Friday Night Lip Service and Dragons Abreast.
BAKE!
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CANBERRA PRIDE 2014 FESTIVAL GUIDE 1 – 30 NOVEMBER 2014
FREE EVENT
DATE: SATURDAY 8 NOV TIME: 2.00PM – 5.00PM HOST: FUSE MAGAZINE VENUE: EQ CAFÉ & LOUNGE 70 KENT STREET, DEAKIN
Canberra’s GLBTI Charity Bake Off is back! Fabulously delicious food and live entertainment from 2.00pm. The BAKE auction starts at 3.00pm. Money raised will go to the AIDS Action Council and A Gender Agenda. Registration is between 11.00am and 12.00pm. Please bring your entries to the EQ Cafe function room. Registration is $5.00 More details on pg 07.
MOTAFRENZ MARQUES IN THE PARK FREE DATE: SUNDAY 9 NOV EVENT TIME: FROM 8.30AM VENUE: JOHN KNIGHT PARK BELCONNEN Come to the queer communities car club SpringOUT event. There will be lots of great cars to check out. You can also display your own car — all makes and models welcome “from primer to pearl”.
BEING TRUE TO OURSELVES DATE: SUNDAY 9 NOV FREE TIME: 2.00PM EVENT HOST: A GENDER AGENDA VENUE: ROOM T3 ANU MANNING CLARKE CENTRE COST: FREE An inspring and wonderful collection of short films exporing the infinite possibilities of gender.
AN ALTERNATIVE GAZE ART TOUR DATE: SUNDAY 9 NOV TIME: 11.00AM HOST: DR DAVID SEQUEIRA VENUE: NATIONAL GALLERY COST: $10 BOOKINGS AT TRYBOOKING.COM/GBJT Tour of the National Gallery of Australia. Artist and curator Dr David Sequeira leads a guided tour of the LGBTQI highlights of the National Gallery of Australia’s collection.
CANROCK RAINBOW ROCK CLIMBING DATE: TUESDAY 11 NOV TIME: 6.30PM VENUE: 38-40 ESSINGTON STREET, MITCHELL COST: $16.50 FOR ENTRY AND HARNESS, $4.50 FOR SHOES CanRock is a social indoor rock climbing group for the LGBTQI Canberra community. CanRock is open to experienced and first-time climbers keen to give the sport a punt!
FRONTRUNNERS ACT
FREE EVENT DATE: SATURDAY 15 NOV TIME: 9.00AM VENUE: EAST BASIN LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN (CARPARK BEHIND OLD BUS DEPOT MARKET) Come along and join Canberra’s queer running group for a run and breakfast afterwards at Walt & Burly on the Kingston Foreshore. For more info email: frontrunnersact@gmail.com SPRINGOUT
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Dust off your hat, polish your boots and grab those rhinestones because it’s Canberra Bushdance! It’s a fun night of dancing with people of all flavours. There is a bar, BBQ and a live band to lead you through those dances that you might remember from primary school – like Strip the Willow, The Waves of Bondi, crazy polkas and some more genteel promenades. By the end of the night you’ll have danced with everyone, caught up with old friends, made some new ones and helped raise cash for the GLBTI community. Have fun with your Bushdance outfit. It’s a night of singlets, jeans, twirling dresses, chaps, check shirts, rhinestones, akubras, hats and boots.
Yarralumla Woolshed, Cotter Road Saturday 15 November 2014. 7:30pm – 1:00am Tix at the door $30 full / $20 concession with card. There is no ATM so please bring cash!
Canberra Bushdance is an R18+ event so please make sure you bring photo ID. Canberra Bushdance is a community fundraiser co-ordinated by The Canberra Gay & Lesbian Tennis Club. Media supporter FUSE Magazine
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SPRINGOUT
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CANBERRA PRIDE 2014 FESTIVAL GUIDE 1 – 30 NOVEMBER 2014
BUSHDANCE
SCANDALOUS BOY
AGA FETE DAY
DATE: 14 – 23 NOV HOST: THE STREET THEATRE VENUE: 15 CHILDERS ST, CITY WEST COST: ADULT $35 GROUP 4+ $30 CONC. $33 STUDENT $25 BOOK: THESTREET.ORG.AU 02 6247 1223
DATE: SATURDAY 15 NOV TIME: 11.00AM - 4.00PM HOST: A GENDER AGENDA VENUE: 67 EBDEN ST, AINSLIE COST: FREE
DATE: SATURDAY 15 NOV TIME: 7.00PM – 1.00AM VENUE: YARRALUMLA WOOLSHED COTTER ROAD YARRALUMLA COST: AT THE DOOR $30 CONC. $20
Come to the AGA fete and see what we do! Expect face painting, tours of the house and a bake sale. Hang out in our community garden and watch our DVD. An open space, bring friends and family and introduce them to the AGA Community.
Dust off your hat, polish your boots and get along to Bushdance! It is a fun night of dancing with people of all flavours. There is a bar, BBQ and a live band to lead you through those old time bush dances. By the end of the night you’ll have danced with everyone, caught up with old friends and made some new ones.
In Ancient Rome, lust was not a sin. It’s 130 AD and the body of a beautiful young man lies lifeless on the banks of the Nile. In his short life he became famous throughout the Roman Empire. In death he will become a god. But who was he? Dismissed by Christian historians as a “shameless and scandalous boy”, this is the story of Antinous, lover of the Emperor Hadrian, and, in the 21st century, he has come back to reclaim his place in history. His story is a tale of political intrigue, of youth sought after and youth lost, of sex and lust, and of love. Written and directed by David Atfield, and featuring AFI-award winning Nicholas Eadie as Hadrian, Scandalous Boy is sexy, funny, moving and unforgettable. SPECIAL DINNER OFFER Start your night out with a quick bite to eat at the As You Like It Café. Come in between 6:30pm – 7:30pm to enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine with fast, friendly service. Available for selected performances only, refer to thestreet.org.au or call the Box Office on 02 62471223 for further details. Bookings are essential. WARNING: Contains nudity, sexual & adult themes, coarse language.
FREE EVENT
RAINBOW STORYTIME DATE: TIME: HOST: COST:
SATURDAY 15 NOV 10.00AM – 11.30AM DICKSON LIBRARY FREE
FREE EVENT
A wonderful morning of story telling for our Rainbow families and their children. Last year’s event was a great success and this year promises to be just as popular.
CHROME DANCE PARTY DATE: SATURDAY 15 NOV TIME: FROM 9.00PM VENUE: DIGRESS COCKTAIL BAR 11 AKUNA ST, CIVIC COST: $10 STUDENTS $5 Chrome is Canberra’s longest running dark alternative event, with DJs playing the best in Industrial, EBM, Electro and Alternative music late into the night. We provide a safe, welcoming environment where people are free to express their darker sides while dancing the hours away.
YOUR ROLLER DISCO NEEDS YOU DATE: SATURDAY 22 NOV TIME: 6PM - 7.45PM & 8PM - 10PM VENUE: SKATE NATION 5 LEETON ST, FYSHWICK COST: 15 INC. SKATE HIRE VDL is an inclusive roller derby league that welcomes all skaters, referees and non-skating officials to join. Help us celebrate diversity this SpringOUT by strapping on some skates and trying out your favourite dance moves at ‘Your Roller Disco Needs You’. SPRINGOUT
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SPRINGOUT
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SPRINGOUT PHOTO MARATHON
RAINBOW FAITH IS IT SAFE TO COME OUT?
DATE: SATURDAY 22 NOV TIME: 7.O0AM - 6.00PM VENUE: TBA ON REGISTRATION COST: $10
DATE: THURSDAY 27 NOV TIME: 6.30PM - 8.30PM HOST: JENNI ATKINSON VENUE: BELCONNEN LABOR CLUB COST: $10 CONCESSION $5 BOOK: TRYBOOKING.COM
Take 10 photos of 10 themes over 10 hours. The SpringOUT Photo Marathon is an event designed to work your sense of creativity without causing you to raise a sweat. Registration is a must so please check the SpringOUT Facebook page for details. Great prizes on offer!
THE BIT BENT DISCO!
Join us at the Belconnen Labor Club in the Whitlam Room for a big queer religious discussion and Q and A session featuring representatives from different faiths, including a representative from the Sunday Assembly, a congregation/community where God does not feature.
DATE: SATURDAY 22 NOV FREE TIME: 6.00PM – 10.00PM EVENT HOST: BIT BENT VENUE: THE CORNER @ BCS COST: FREE
The discussion will centre on how each group feels about people from the rainbow community, how accepting each is and how welcomed queer people are within their faith.
Bit Bent is hosting a Heroes and Villains Disco in honour of SpringOUT for young LGBTQI people ages 12 to 25 years. Dress up as a famous hero or infamous villain for some disco dancing, karoke singing, competition playing fun! We will also have a photoboth to help you capture some memories to last a lifetime.
AGA LET’S GET TRIVIAL
TICKETS: The event is free however capacity is limited so contact Jen at bitbent@bcsact.com.au or 6278 8144 to secure a ticket! Bit Bent is a support group for same sex attracted and sex & gender diverse young people. For more information about Bit Bent or the disco please email bitbent@bcsact.com.au
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CANBERRA PRIDE 2014 FESTIVAL GUIDE 1 – 30 NOVEMBER 2014
DATE: SATURDAY 29 NOV TIME: 7.00PM - 9.00PM HOST: A GENDER AGENDA VENUE: MAJURA HALL ROSEVEAR PLACE, DICKSON COST: $15
CANBERRA GAY AND LESBIAN QWIRE CONCERT DATE: SATURDAY 29 NOV TIME: 7.30PM HOST: CANBERRA GAY AND LESBIAN QWIRE VENUE: LLEWELLYN HALL, ANU COST: $25 CONCESSION $20 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL With an engaging repertoire to suit all tastes, the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire presents ‘from the Sublime to the Ridiculous (and everything in between...!).’ Fresh from the Various Voices Choral Festival in Dublin and proud to be part of SpringOUT 2014, Qwire promises to entertain and dazzle you with their bling and continue to put the Q in choir. Event details may be subject to change and were correct at the time of Printing. Should events change we will notify you through our website and social media.
A trivia night fundraiser for the AGA. Members are encouraged to put together teams with family and friends, it’s a great opportunity to introduce them to AGA. Money raised will go directly to supporting all the unfunded work of A Gender Agenda. AGA is a not-for-profit organisation providing support for the Canberra trans* and intersex community. SPRINGOUT
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By Dwayne Lennox
PRIDE Ten years before a bus christened Priscilla carried two drag queens and a transsexual from the safety of inner Sydney into the Australian outback, another bus full of queers undertook a similarly potentially fraught journey: from London into the Welsh mining community of Onllwyn.
Earnest without being didactic and uplifting without stooping to sentimentality, Pride is a joyous crowd-pleaser that genuinely works. 93% rating from rottentomatoes.com
The year was 1984 and Britain’s coal miners were on strike against the conservative Thatcher government’s plans to close coal pits across the country. Recognising a similarly oppressed community, a band of gay and lesbian activists, Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM), decided to throw their small but passionate support behind the striking miners, raising funds and organising food drives. Strange bedfellows to be sure but then again, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, no? That is the basis for Pride, directed by Matthew Warchus and penned by first-time screenwriter, Stephen Beresford; a nonetoo-subtle but wholly sincere retelling of those events which had almost been lost to the public consciousness. Indeed, many of the cast, and Beresford himself, have admitted in interviews that they’d never heard of LGSM and their involvement in those tumultuous events of 1984-85. “Most people don’t really believe this story when they first hear it and I was the same, but a tiny part of me thought if that’s true it’s an incredible story. I really thought it was a myth, but was intrigued. I looked it up and found a tiny reference to it,” Beresford explains in the film’s production notes. “Years and years later I happened upon a book with a passage about Mark Ashton, which confirmed it was true. I knew then, that I had to write it. I then discovered that the LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners) had made their own video which I tracked down and that was the beginning, but it was a long time gestating.” Led by young radical, Mark Ashton (Ben Schnetzer, unrecognisable from last year’s The Book Thief), and viewed through the eyes of the closeted Joe (George MacKay). Joe lives at home with his parents and at age 20 is still considered a minor in the eyes of the law when it comes to the homosexual act. Through Joe’s we watch this band of idealistic misfits — including Jonathan (Dominic West), a middle-aged actor and one of the first people in Britain to be diagnosed with AIDS; and Steph (Faye Marsay), initially the only woman contributing the ‘L’ in LGSM) — rally in support of the strikers. When LGSM take their fundraising directly to the source (the Unions refusing to accept the donations once they hear who it’s from), events take an unlikely turn. 28
MOVIEREVIEW
After first meeting in London with Dai ((Paddy Considine), a representative of the pit from the Welsh village of Onllwyn, the troop pack into a small bus and head to Wales to accept the invitation of thanks extended by the Dulais Valley community centre. But not everyone in this small, working class community is happy to welcome these outsiders, despised as much for being from London as they are for being ‘homosexualists’. And while the local men, excepting Dai and club secretary Cliff (Bill Nighy, in a rare subdued performance), keep their distance, it’s the town’s womenfolk — led by the headstrong Hefina (Imelda Staunton), the inquisitive Gwen (Menna Trussler), and young firebrand, Sian (Jessica Gunning) — who embrace their out-of-town supporters. Of course, Rome wasn’t built in a day and the relationship between the Onllwyn community and LGSM experiences many ups and downs (some factual, some as part of necessary dramatic license) over the course of their almost 12 month long struggle. The London media gets wind of the oddball coupling, dubbing them ‘Perverts for Pits’, with LGSM embracing the term like so many derogatory names the gay movement has reclaimed before them (the miners not so much). There’s also personal issues to be dealt with within each community. The film itself tackles many issues — gay rights, worker’s right, coming out, AIDS, female empowerment — some of it cliche and not all of it with a light touch. But there is an honesty and a sincerity to both the comedy and the drama in Pride, which tonally sits somewhere between the sledgehammer feel-good of The Full Monty (1997) and the emotional authenticity of Billy Elliot (2000). But it would take the hardest of hearts not to be won over by the film’s charm. You may also need a tissue or two, whether you’re a teen in suburban Canberra yet to come out to your family, or a big burly coal miner in Western Australia. Make no mistake, Pride is a feel good film but in the best possible sense. It celebrates two communities coming together and moving forward; not through tolerance but through acceptance and co-operation. A remembrance of victories passed, Pride may also serve as a rallying cry for battles still to be won.
PRIDE is currently showing at Palace Electric. Reviewed for FUSE by Dwayne Lennox — thelennoxfiles.blogspot.com.au FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
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FEATURING SYDNEY STAR NIKITA VANDERKAMP & CUBE’S QUEEN FLANGELINA $20 entry includes two complimentary drink cards on arrival, plus great giveaways & prizes up for grabs throughout the night!
Cube nightclub presents
NEW YEAR’S EVE 2014
GRECIAN WHITE PARTY Hot performances and one hell of an explosion into 2015!
Cube transforms into a Grecian Palace for NYE 2014. Dress code is white.
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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.
Hey Lovers — it’s the month to be PROUD! Celebrate SpringOUT and join CUBE for some fabulous summer parties! Be sure not to miss the Cube SpringOUT Dance Party on Friday 7 November, it’s going to be a jam-packed night with some awesome entertainment and as always, the best music in town — dress in rainbow colours for free entry. There are prizes and giveaways including some very sexy Andrew Christian underwear! With the year coming to an end we are already planning for the most spectacular New Year’s Eve party we have ever had — The Grecian White Party. The night will feature our favourite Sydney celebrity, Nikita VanderKamp and Cube’s very own Flangelina. Dress in full white for your chance to win a $150 bar tab on the night. Cube will transform into a Grecian Palace Paradise, with exquisite cabanas and beds, goddesses roaming the club, surprise performances and our DJ’s keeping you going till sunrise.
CUBE OPENING HOURS • THURSDAY 9PM - 5AM • FRIDAY 9PM - 5AM • SATURDAY 10PM - 5AM • SUNDAY 10PM - LATE 33 PETRIE PLAZA CIVIC, CANBERRA CITY • CUBENIGHTCLUB.COM.AU
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Did you know : A 2013 study revealed that Australians binge on Christmas shopping more than any other country, with over a third of Aussie retail spending happening in December alone.
THE COOLEST CHRISTMAS GIFT EVER! We can’t actually think of anything cooler than buying the Phantom 2 Vision Drone for someone (or yourself) for Christmas this year. So what is it? The Phantom 2 is basically a remote controlled quadcopter and aside from being really fun to fly a helicopter that can fly roughly 55km/h and reach heights exceeding 275 metres, it’s also been outfitted with an awesome camera. Plus it is absolutely crammed with cool tech, including GPS, Wi-Fi, radar positioning, return-home feature and a fully stabilised 14MP camera with an F/2.8 lens that shoots video at 1080p/30.
SKIN CARE RANGE THAT REALLY DOES CARE After eighteen months of research and development, the Wedge Australia team is excited to bring us a line of men’s skin care products that deeply clean, restore, strengthen and protect a man’s skin. Using old-school back to basics skin care principles married with innovative new ideas, Wedge Australia Skin Care for Men has been formulated using high quality, uniquely Australian ingredients sourced from sustainable local farms on land and sea. Their products only contain ingredients that are safe and healthy for your skin, including many natural and organic ingredients, and packaged in a 100% recyclable eco-friendly delivery system, Wedge Australia Skin Care for Men enables you to look after your skin and the planet. Wedge Australia tell us they have diligently sourced the best ingredients possible to deliver high performance products at an affordable price that you’ll love to use every day. You can be confident that the range of men’s skin care will enrich and protect your skin wherever you are in the world. The Wedge Australia product range is made by a man for a man and includes; face scrubs, anti-aging and daily moisturisers, hair products and more. For more product details and to shop online check out their website. wedgeaustralia.com.au
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COOLSTUFF
The Phantom 2 Vision+ includes an extra battery for extended flight time and is simple to set up and super easy to fly, making it the first aerial filmmaking and photography system for everyone. You can shoot fully stabilized video from the sky, right out of the box. There are no words for how cool this is and if your not sold on the idea yet jump online and watch a few Youtube video reviews. The price ranges form $1500 to $1800 and they are available in Australia from the Hobby Warehouse. Note: Flying anything above 400 feet (120 metres) requires Civil Aviation Safety Authority clearance, so watch that altitude. Flight time 25 Minutes.
hobbywarehouse.com.au
POOL PARTY FUN! As a general rule speakers and water typically don’t mix. Bring them near a swimming pool and you’ll likely regret it. But now there are speakers that actually love the water as much as you do and are sure to take your next pool party to a whole new level . These cool floating LED pool speakers bob around in your pool alongside noodles, floats, and rubber duckies — plus they look great at night. Each speaker is connected wirelessly to a transmitter, which connects to any iPhone, iPod or other music device with a standard 3.5mm audio jack. The transmitter and speakers are all battery powered and work just as well on dry ground. They retail for only $25 - $50 and you find them on ebay or aliexpress.com who offer free shipping to Australia. aliexpress.com
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APES IN SPACE! Thirty two monkeys and apes from several species have been flown into space; none flew more than once — the first was a rhesus monkey called Albert in 1948.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES The second instalment in one of the smartest franchises to come out of Hollywood in some time, Dawn picks up the story of Caesar (Andy Serkis in another extraordinary performance) and his fellow apes 10 years after the events of 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The apes have forged their own society and haven’t seen a human in years, but all that changes with the arrival of Malcolm (Jason Clarke), who with a small team hopes to access the dormant hydro dam to provide electricity to the survivors’ colony in the city. Caesar grants them access but can ape and man peacefully co-exist or is war inevitable?
THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY The French countryside, delicious food and Helen Mirren: what’s not to like? Based on the best-selling book, and produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, Hundred-Foot tells the story of the Kadam family, who pack up their lives in Mumbai following a tragedy and begin anew in Europe. When the patriarch Papa (Om Puri) decides to open an Indian restaurant opposite the one-hat Michelin restaurant of Madame Mallory (Mirren), he sets in motion both a fierce rivalry and his son Hassan’s (Manish Dayal) food odyssey. Lasse Hallstrom (Chocolat) directs this sweet souffle of a film.
By Dwayne Lennox
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COUCHPOTATO FUSEFEATURE
One of the biggest films of the year is arguably the most entertaining movie of 2014. Part of the Marvel Universe but set in outer space, Guardians sees Peter Quill (Parks and Rec’s Andy all buffed up) leading a team of misfits across the galaxy to stop the evil Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace). Quill’s crew includes the kick-ass Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the monosyllabic tree creature, Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), and the trigger-happy Rocket, a lab-created raccoon with a big chip on his mutant shoulder (with scene-stealing voice work by Bradley Cooper). Director James Gunn, and screenwriter Nicole Perlman, succeed in expanding the Marvel Universe while creating something apart: you don’t have to be an Avengers fan to enjoy this ride.
BEGIN AGAIN Keira Knightley can sing? Who knew?! And in John Carney’s latest musical romance (he made the brilliant 2007 gem, Once) she does, playing a songwriter in New York who catches the ear and eye of a down-and-out music producer (Mark Ruffalo) who wants to make music with her; conceiving the idea of recording an album on the streets of New York City. The project becomes an escape for both, with Gretta (Knightley) dealing with the break-up of her now-famous musician boyfriend (Maroon 5’s Adam Levine), and Dan (Ruffalo) trying to make amends with his estranged wife (Catherine Keener) and daughter (Hailee Steinfeld).
MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT Another year, another Woody Allen film. And although Magic in the Moonlight doesn’t hit the heights of Blue Jasmine or Midnight In Paris, its south of France locations and 1920’s period costumes go a long way to making this ‘clash of beliefs’ comedy a pretty diversion. When illusionist Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth) is called in to prove young American spiritualist Sophie Baker (Emma Stone) a fraud, the logical man soon finds himself under the spell of the charming clairvoyant. Could she be the real deal? Jacki Weaver, Marcia Gay Harden and Eileen Atkins also star.
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
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moneymechanics. bringing together technical expertise and the human touch to create a solution tailored towards your overall goals. • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Estate planning CALL Cash flow management TODAY! Wealth creation strategies FIND OUT HOW Salary sacrificing strategies WE CAN HELP Direct share portfolio creation GET YOU ON Budgeting tools & accountability THE RIGHT TRACK Self managed (DIY) super strategies Ethical investment portfolio creation Property investment advice & analysis Public sector super maximisation strategies Debt management & reduction strategies Risk management planning & insurances Structuring assets for best tax outcomes
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Call 02 6257 5557
money-mechanics.com.au • advice@money-mechanics.com.au
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SHOULD YOU BUY OR RENT? WEIGHING YOUR OPTIONS
WITH INTEREST RATES IN AUSTRALIA AT AN ALL TIME LOW, MANY PEOPLE ASK ME IF IT IS BETTER TO RENT OR BUY. This question has a lot to do with your values and what is important to you from a lifestyle perspective, however it has financial consequences, as often a home is the largest investment asset people purchase and the interest payments over time can accumulate. Recent research conducted by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) challenges the long-standing comment that “rent money is ‘dead’ money”. Peter Tulip (Economic Researcher from the RBA) and Ryan Fox (Financial Stability Researcher) set out to determine whether it’s cheaper to rent or buy a home and, as a consequence, whether Australian houses are overvalued.
By Scott Malcolm Director of Money Mechanics
The report concluded that Australian home prices have risen faster than incomes in each of the past six decades, which makes an assessment based on the historical price-to-income ratio less relevant in determining whether valuations are fair. The RBA says comparing the cost of buying to its main alternative, renting, is a better way to evaluate whether home prices are reasonable, or moving into bubble territory. Their conclusion based on the comparison of rental to purchase costs is that recent data does not show signs of a bubble. The authors note that there are factors that will skew the buy or rent equation for each household, such as how much a household values owning rather than renting their home which may justify a premium for ownership. Issues such as security, freedom to renovate, and how often a household expects to move were considered. They also acknowledge that forecasting housing prices is a business plagued by uncertainty and many observers have suggested that future house price growth is likely to be somewhat less than the historic average. Interestingly the two authors who compiled the research discussion paper are in two different situations – Peter Tulip recently purchased a house, whereas Ryan Fox is a renter. As with all things in life, it depends on your personal life plan, what you are hoping to achieve and what is important to you. If you are striving for financial freedom, educate yourself and if you want further advice seek the guidance of a professional.
Their study found real house prices (adjusted for the quality and size of the dwelling) rose by an average of 2.4 per cent per annum over the past sixty years. So, if house prices were to continue growing at this rate, buying a house now would be almost as costly as renting. That said, over the past decade, house prices have risen by only 1.7 per cent, which means that if this growth rate was maintained, it would currently be 19 per cent cheaper to rent than buy. This is calculated by measuring the difference between the annual cost of owning a house (which the RBA estimates is 4.9 per cent of its value) and renting at 4.2 per cent, over the past decade. In this case, at current prices, rents, interest rates and so on, the average household is probably financially better off renting than buying.
THE FREEDOOM TO RENOVATE AND DO WHAT YOU LIKE TO YOUR OWN HOME CAN BE A BIG PLUS!
A key objective of the research report was to determine whether Australian houses are overvalued. 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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By Philippa Moss AIDS Action Council
CHANGE HAPPENS Change has always happened, but over the last twenty years change itself is changing — it has become faster, more fundamental and disrupting, and less immediately predictable! Disruption creates those who thrive and those who just exist. Think of telephone and record companies, Kodak and Encyclopedia Britannica on the one side and Google, Apple and Amazon on the other side. Our own sexual health is by no way immune to the forces of change. HIV for example is no longer a death sentence; in fact living with HIV is barely recognisable from twenty years ago. In another twenty years, or even less, HIV will be radically different again from today. Increasing HIV rates, medication updates, Treatment as Prevention, PREP, PEP and even stigma and discrimination will all drive change. Add to this the effects of globalisation and the introduction of external capital into the delivery of health services and we have a recipe for faster, more fundamental and disruptive change! Treatment has transformed the face of HIV in Australia and around the world, but it is changing faster than the community can keep up with and it has effected the consequences. An unintended consequence of advances in HIV is the development of complacency. As treatment reduces viral load, some people mistakenly believe they do not need to adhere strictly to the treatment regimen or that reduced viral load means elimination of transmission risk.
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HEALTH&WELLBEING
Executive Director
We need to catch the winds of change — even chase it! We need to be innovative, intuitive, self respecting and we can’t be complacent. We need to examine the consequences and make informed choices. The people who get this will be able to adapt fast CHANGE and always be ready to embrace ONLY TAKES change positively. Other will have PLACE THROUGH “buried their heads in the sand” and not even seen the change DALAI LAMA happening around them.
ACTION!
31%
DID YOU KNOW? IN 1985 31% OF PEOPLE INCORRECTLY THOUGHT THEY COULD CONTRACT HIV FROM TOUCHING A TOILET SEAT.
At the AIDS Action Council we see people from across the whole spectrum. The people who are thriving are clearly those with the vision and humility to face the future with trepidation, passion and vigor! The others who are resistant to change and complacent in their decision making may not keep up with the fast pace of change. The AIDS Action Council assists people to work with change, with new technologies and new information and we all have a role in empowering the younger more open people coming through, the new generation, who are challenging and disrupting themselves positively!
DID YOU KNOW? THE FIRST RECORDED CASE OF HIV/AIDS IN AUSTRALIA WAS IN SYDNEY IN OCTOBER 1982, AND THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN DEATH FROM AIDS OCCURRED IN MELBOURNE IN JULY 1983.
We need to decide what we want to be in this new and evolving world. Change itself is changing, and its time to ride this tide!
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EAR CANDY
By Bebe Backhouse
JENNIFER LOPEZ : BOOTY
LADY GAGA TOOK ME TO VENUS!
The world’s original booty queen has remixed her song ‘Booty’ to give try-hard newcomer Iggy Azalea the spotlight. Musically, the new take has more oomph, courtesy of the added storyline of Jennifer playing the butt mentor to the suspiciously curvy flavour-of-the-month. But, even in the remix, the song isn’t as fetching as hoped — it has a routine club beat and Lopez’s vocals are pale and thin; here’s a good reason she let Iggy upstage her on her own song, as J-Lo’s latest album AKA has bombed since its release. As for the new ‘Booty’ video? Well, even that’s too tushy to be true.
Lady Gaga has almost wrapped up her latest global tour, artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball, and when she was in Melbourne recently I decided to go and see what she had in store for her Little Monsters this time. Gaga took us to planet Venus with lots of glow sticks, giant inflatable space flowers, extremely good-looking alien dancers and more confetti than every single Mardi Gras to date. She had her Monsters in the palm of her hand, commanding the stage and spreading her mantra of equality, self-love and expression beautifully with the iconic Gaga attitude. After watching the concert, it’s easy to understand why she is in a different league to other pop artists; not only did she delight her most passionate of followers, she probably converted a lot of her sceptics.
ANGUS AND JULIA STONE As a rule of thumb, there are generally two reasons why a band will self-title an album several records into their career. It’s either because they’ve made the definitive album of their life, or they’ve run out of ideas and don’t care anymore. As a long-time fan, I had a pretty good idea which would be the case here. Listening to the opening track, ‘A Heartbreak’, I was genuinely surprised; it opened up to an entire album of muted guitar notes, stomping, swinging drums and walking bass lines. Pulling apart individual songs overlooks the greatest thing about this album – just hearing their voices together. These aren’t the pristine harmonies of their previous albums. Much of this album sounds like two siblings on a long drive, singing along with the radio. Is that why this album could be the best thing this band ever does? Who knows? For the time being, it is.
TEN MORE YEARS FOR BRITNEY Britney Spears will give herself another ten years in the music industry. The 32-year-old had her first taste of stardom in ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ as a child and went on to produce massive hit albums, beginning with Baby One More Time in 1999. She’s had plenty of ups and downs along the way, suffering a very public breakdown in 2007 that even saw her shaving her head. Despite a recent breakup from David Lucado, Britney is in a good place and looking to her future. “I’ll give myself another ten years,” she said when asked how long she’ll stay in the music industry. “I want to have more kids in the near future, marry and star in films. I haven’t met the right guy yet. But everything happens for a reason, which is a good thing. I have no regrets.” MUSICNEWS&REVIEWS
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Cond ms
By Alexander Lowe
H A R D & H I S T O R I C A L FAC T S
Curiously, condoms were mostly intended as protection for men from sexually transmittable infections (STD), rather than as birth control, which was the prerogative of women. Legendary womaniser Casanova, who was in fact bisexual, was an early ambassador of safe sex, describing in his memoirs how he used to blow up linen condoms as balloons before intercourse to entertain his partners and to check his condom’s integrity. Those condoms were secured with a pink ribbon and Casanova called them ‘French letters’, in reference to the ‘French disease’, syphilis. It was the French soldiers of King Charles VIII who contracted syphilis from Spanish missionaries during the siege of Naples and then spread it across Europe. It was recorded to be specifically transmitted through anal sex. In Britain, the oldest condoms found were in a toilet in Dudley Castle and have been traced back to the soldiers of Charles I who reportedly used them on each other for protection against syphilis. The first rubber condoms were made around 1860 and had to be custom fit to cover the head of the penis only. They were as thick as bicycle tires, uncomfortable, and smelt of sulphur. However, being reusable, they became a popular alternative to ‘skinny’ condoms (made of animal intestines) which came at a price of a week’s salary. Then Germans started the ‘cement dipping’ process which allowed making rubbers thinner and since the 1920’s condoms have been primarily made from latex, suspended in water rubber.
DRAWINGS RECENTLY DISCOVERED IN STONE AGE CAVES IN FRANCE SHOW US THAT CONDOMS HAVE BEEN USED AS MANY AS 15,000 YEARS AGO. According to legend, King Minos of Crete used condoms made of goat’s bladder circa 1,500BC, and the use of condoms was also recorded in Ancient Egypt, where linen condoms were among the treasures found in King Tut’s tomb. For millennia the most popular material for condoms was animal and fish intestines, however, in Ancient China, condoms were made of silk paper and lubricated with oils. In Japan leather condoms were used, as well as condoms made from tortoise shells and animal horns that covered the penis glans only, and Roman warriors were claimed to have made condoms from the muscle tissue of warriors they conquered.
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HOMOHISTORY
In WWI German soldiers were supplied with condoms, but not the Allied forces, where STD rates skyrocketed with nearly 417,000 cases recorded among British and Dominion troops and over 300,000 cases among Americans (nearly 15% of US troops). New Zealand nurse Ettie Rout got concerned with high numbers of venereal diseases among ANZAC soldiers and developed her own prophylactic kit with condoms that she distributed to servicemen. She published an article in The New Zealand Times advocating for condom use which caused an outrage but managed to persuade authorities to start distributing free condoms to troops in Europe. Conflicting morals, particularly from religious biases, have often been the leading opposition to condom use, with restrictions on condom manufacture and sale in Ireland and the USA existing for nearly 100 years. The last TV advertising ban was only lifted in America in 1979, right before the start of the AIDS epidemic there. Condom re-invention continues to this day with new designs, such as anal condoms for the receptive partner and prototype ‘spray on’ condoms. Another development is a ‘cap condom’ to cover the tip of penis only. In Canada the ’invisible condom’ is in its trial stage: it’s a special gel that hardens up as a thin film in the rectum and then dissolves after several hours. As mankind gets more inventive with each passing year, who knows what we’ll come up with next — stay tuned!
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WHETHER YOU ARE
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GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL TRANS QUEER STRAIGHT OR EVEN SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN?
YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH MATTERS! Take charge of your sexual health and wellbeing Visit our website at shfpact.org.au where you’ll find heaps of information — or make an appointment at the SHFPACT clinic by calling 02 6247 3077 • STI and HIV screening, checks and advice • Male, female and trans reproductive and sexual health services • Info and resources on sexually transmitted diseases • Safe sex education and advice • Sexual difficulties and contraception services • Education and training programs • Pap Smears and HPV Vaccine • Services for people with disabilities
SEXUAL HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING ACT 44
The SHFPACT clinic is located at Level 1, 28 University Ave, Canberra City. We offer a holistic, confidential and respectful service. Call 02 6247 3077 or email shfpact@shfpact.org.au to make an appointment. More at shfpact.org.au FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU
YOUR HOROSCOPE NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2014
By Melisa Sandfort
The weather is warmer and with it everybody’s energy! November and December are going to be exceptional months to enjoy the great outdoors and to reconnect with friends. By the middle of November Uranus is going direct so a lot of nice surprises are on their way, especially around emotions. Venus is going to retrograde by the end of December, this means that a few changes are coming especially regarding our social and romantic lives — it’s going to help everyone with a a great start to 2015!
Aquarius
January 21 – February 18 If your planning a trip, Jupiter is going to be there helping you organise everything. Be chilled about any small difficulties that may arise. Tip: You might get some extra money around November — don’t spend it right away it’s going to come in handy in the near future.
Taurus
April 21 – May 21 Someone you care about a great deal may be travelling from a great distance to visit. Venus is going to be there for you both with lots of positive energy to help you enjoy the reunion. Tip: December will be a great month to take a nice break and recharge your batteries.
Leo
July 23 – August 23 Lucky Leo! Jupiter and the universe is planning some pretty nice things for you over the next few months, especially when it comes to your personal and spiritual development — keep a look out for all the signs. Tip: Express your true feelings — be loud and be clear!
Scorpio
October 24 – November 22 Over the next couple of months a lot of things may be changing and so too are you. November is going to be a great month for Scorpios, use it to try and revitalise your life and yourself. Tip: Be patient and diligent at work and the rewards will come!
Pisces
February 19 – March 20 Dear Pisces, you might start to feel a little more emotional than usual by the middle of December. Try not to let any of those feelings colour your life or ruin any time you may spend with people who care about you. Tip: Go outside, have some fun and enjoy the weather!
Gemini
May 22 – June 21 You may have a big decision to make regarding work in the near future. Only you know what’s right, listen to your heart instead of asking everyone else what you should do — the truth is you already have the answer. Tip: Good things come to those who wait.
Virgo
August 24 – September 23 By mid December someone might tell you something that’s pretty important so listen carefully. There is a good chance you are going to misinterpret it if you’re not careful — don’t let that happen. Tip: Step away from that computer or your smart-phone once in while!
Sagittarius
November 23 – December 22 December might bring some changes around love and sex, but those changes can be great opportunities to make things better. Keep your mind and heart open and let the universe guide you. Tip: If your not already, the universe wants you to get more involved with life!
Aries
March 21 – April 20 New and exciting things are coming your way over the next few months, so keep your heart open and your spirit motivated — especially towards the end of November. Tip: It’s an important time to reconnect and spend quality time with your family, loved ones and friends.
Cancer
June 22 – July 22 By mid November you might start to feel somewhat impulsive, use that energy to find the courage to make good changes in your professional and personal life. Tip: It’s a good time for you to embark on healthier lifestyle choices and to look at your overall diet.
Libra
September 24 – October 23 You might be feeling a great desire for adventure and if that’s true December is going to be lucky. With Venus by your side it’s the perfect time to start planning. Tip: Lighten things up and have some fun in the bedroom — it’s going to be a time full or romantic and sexual inspiration.
Capricorn
December 23 – January 20 Things may be different than you expected. Mars and Venus are going to be there for you in December to provide you with the energy and motivation to spice things up and take control of your life. Tip: You may need some extra money in December — plan for it now! STARGAZER
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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
Pink Tennis Gay & Lesbian Tennis Group meets Mondays 6pm–9pm at Turner Tennis Club, Cnr McCaughey & Condamine Sts.
A Gender Agenda A resource for transgender, intersex, gender queer and gender variant people. genderrights.org.au
Friday Night Lip Service! Canbera’s regular queer radio show on Friday nights at 9:30pm on 2xxfm 98.3fm 2xxfm.org.au
Qnet : Queer Youth Cyberspace GLBTI people under the age of 25. Check out qnet.org.au
ACTQueer A free email list for LGBTI people in Canberra and surrounding region. groups.yahoo.com/group/actqueer
Gay ACT Squash Group Wednesdays 600pm–8.00pm, at ANU Sports and Recreation Centre. gayactsquash@googlegroups.com
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
Gaycrash Canberra Taking over the coolest Canberra straight bars one night at a time! facebook.com/gaycrash.canberra/info
Canberra Gay & Lesbian QWIRE Want to be involved with Canberra’s own gay and lesbian choir? Singers and non-singers encouraged. More info: canberraqwire.org.au Capital Queers Canberra’s Mardi Gras group. More info at capitalqueers.com 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.
PFLAG-ACT A support and friendship group for parents and friends of LGBTI people. More info email pflag.act@gmail.com Long Yang A friendly social club for Asian and non-Asian gays and their friends. Canberra: lyccanberra.org Sydney: sydney.longyangclub.org Motafrenz : GLBTIQ Car Club Contact Stuart Poole ACT Convener Motafrenz on 0420 523 238 or email act@motafrenz.org motafrenz.org.au 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
Queanbeyan GLBTI Youth Support Mondays 4pm–6pm at Axis Youth Centre, Campbell Street, Queanbeyan Park. Ranch Men’s Lounge Canberra’s mens’ space at Fantasy Lane is located at Unit 19, Molongo Mall in Fyshwick ACT. It’s a safe venue for men who want to meet men. Open 7 days a week. Call 02 6239 1600. mustangranch.com.au — 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
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EMAIL DEAR ROSE WITH YOUR PROBLEM
By Rose Pappalardo
Dear Rose, Over the past few years entering into a poly relationship has been on my mind. It feels right for me. People seem to often think it is all about the sex, but I think it’s about love, unity and balance. Someone close told me I’ll end up alone and without a solid relationship. Do you think polyamorous relationships can build loving and successful lives for people. Tyson
Dear Rose, I recently came out to my long time best friend. He took it very badly and told me I was disgusting and said he felt betrayed. I wish I had never told him and I now think is was the worst decision of my life. How can I put things back the way they where? HR
Dear Tyson, Successful polyamorous relationships have existed throughout human history within many cultures very effectively, mutually benefiting the parties involved. It’s only been in recent modern history that has seen them given a bad rap because a few people have used it as an opportunity to manipulate others. Famously, The Church of Latter Day Saints embraced polygyny, but officially denounced the practice in 1890.
Dear HR, Whilst there are lots of wonderful coming out stories, there are unfortunately some really terrible ones of rejection and loss as well. Often it’s the people you least expect that can let you down. I am really sorry that your friend reacted so negatively. Unfortunately once you have said something, it’s impossible to take it back. The one thing you can hold onto is that you have been truthful about who you are. If your best friend chooses to see this as being “disgusting” or a “betrayal”, then it’s his loss.
The history of polyamory is extraordinarily interesting and well worth a closer look at if you are considering this type of relationship. In today’s world where some people choose to prioritise other things in their lives such as careers or study, it’s not surprising that for some it’s become a possible alternative to the more traditional forms of two people relationships. When contemplating any relationships, first and foremost it must be mentally and physically equal, nurturing and supportive. And as long as you are honest and open with your partner/s any relationship can be a successful relationship.
Dear Rose, I’ve met a lovely girl and have recently found out that she is a pretty serious nudist and she is really encouraging me to get into it as well. I have issues being naked, what can I do? Too Shy
Dear Too Shy, Firstly, you need to determine whether the nude thing is something that you truly object to or whether it’s just the fear of the unknown. If you feel this is not for you, discussing this openly is the right thing to do. If you want to give it a go, I suggest starting off slowly by sleeping nude and then building up your confidence to walking around your home nude, taking it from there. Ask your partner to lead you gently and with love on this new path of self discovery.
But as I often say, “time is a great leveller”, sometimes giving people the chance to digest the information leads them to reconsider their reaction and put things into perspective. The fact is that your best friend could have been shocked by your coming out and may now be feeling foolish that he should have worked this out a long time ago. Either way, never regret owning your own truth, be proud you had the courage to do so, there are many people who live a lifetime and never do. Update: Just before printing we received a letter saying that HR’s, friend had indeed felt he reacted unfairly and the boys are now friends again.
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Gender is between your ears and not between your legs Chaz Bono The only child of the pop duo Sonny & Cher, is an American advocate, writer, musician and proud transgender man.
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
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