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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christopher Powell CONTRIBUTORS Scott Malcolm Dwayne Lennox Rose Pappalardo Melisa Paz Philippa Moss Jenni Atkinson PHOTOGRAPHERS Doug Robinson Rose Pappalardo Angela Trevaskis Tom Blunt Nathan J. Jester Gunther Glesti Daniel Agento

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CONTACT FUSE 0412 309 992 hello@fusemagazine.com.au fusemagazine.com.au PO Box 844 Belconnen ACT 2616 PUBLISHER Published + designed by Lithium Innovation Pty Ltd lithium.net.au ISSN 1836-8387 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.

With the Australian Federal Parliament on the brink of securing enough support to legislate same-sex marriage, two brides, Julia O’Boyle and Sue Read, celebrate the anniversary of their declaration of love in our nation’s capital.

09 08 16 18 20 26

Round Up : News & Politics Community : AIDS Candlelight Memorial Couch Potato : Film & TV Community : Encampment ACT Community : TranzAustralia

28 28

As unbelievable as it may sound, many young people are thrown out of their homes, or feel they have no choice but to flee, because of their sexuality.

In a follow on from last issue’s article about homeless LGBT youth who were forced to live in the sewers of the city of Kingston in Jamaica, Travis Gilbert, Executive Officer of ACT Shelter, talks about how this same issue is affecting queer kids in Australia.

16 33 34 37 39 41

Out & About : Big Gay Breakfast Money Shot : Nifty Ways to Save Cash Out & About : Movie Fundraiser Health & Wellbeing : PrEP Out & About : Sydney Mardi Gras 2015

45 Stargazer : Your Horoscope 46 FUSE Community Directory 48 Dear Rose FUSECONTENTS

❂ SO CLOSE WE CAN ALMOST TASTE IT! IT SEEMS WE ARE SO CLOSE TO FINALLY HAVING MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND THAT’S VERY EXCITING! As we went to print this issue, the breaking news came that Australia is on the brink of the having enough support within the Australian Federal Parliament to legislate same-sex marriage. Labor MP and former Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan has switched his position on marriage equality, conceding he was “wrong” to oppose it. This means that only four more votes are required to pass a same-sex marriage bill in the House of Representatives. In the Senate it has been calculated a bill could pass with a majority of one. In an interview, Mr Swan told news outlets that he had found it “increasingly difficult” to reconcile his views about same-sex marriage with his support for economic and social equality. My heart just fills with joy when I see people like Wayne Swan and others finally come to a place where they can see that equality cannot be negotiated and everyone, regardless of their sexual identity or gender, is entitled to have their love legally and formally recognised.

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU Check out the FUSE Magazine website for daily news, videos, special online features, what’s on listings, the latest community up-dates on our popular message board, the FUSE business directory and more!

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EDITOR’SRANT

Alexander Thatcher Editor

Our fight for marriage equality has been a long and passionate one. Whether or not marriage is for you, at the end of the day it’s all about equal rights for ALL Australians. It was never a matter of if, but when, and I can’t wait until the day we can slash a giant heading on the cover of FUSE that proclaims “Marriage Equality is Finally Here!” So what else will you find in this issue? It’s been five years since two lovely brides had an intimate and emotional wedding ceremony in Canberra, and apparently there wasn’t a dry eye in the house! Julia O’Boyle and Sue Read share what their ‘unrecognised’ wedding anniversary means to them, both politically and personally. p23. On a more sombre note, we have an important feature that follows on from last issue’s article about homeless LGBT youth who were forced to live in the sewers of the city of Kingston in Jamaica. Travis Gilbert, Executive Officer of ACT Shelter, talks about how this same issue is affecting queer kids in Australia. As unbelievable as it may sound, many young Aussie kids are thrown out of their homes, or feel they have no choice but to flee, because of their sexuality. p28. If you haven’t heard about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), it’s a pill which taken daily can reduce your risk of contracting HIV. Executive Director of the AIDS Action Council, Philippa Moss, talks about PrEP and how important this drug may be for our community, even though it is not yet available to Australians. p39. You’ll also find heaps of great photos in this issue of our wonderful and very colourful LGBTI community living proud and happy. Enjoy, Alex

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MOVIES

DID YOU KNOW? : It was not until the late 1970s that men start stripping professionally. At the time it was considered ‘deviant behaviour’, and if caught would land you in jail.

TOMORROWLAND OPENS 21 MAY There has been much excitement building around Tomorrowland, the fifth feature film by Brad Bird, and just his second live-action film after 2011’s Ghost Protocol (Bird also directed the animated features, The Iron Giant and Ratatouille). Tomorrowland sees a former boy genius (Clooney) team-up with a scientifically curious girl (Britt Robertson) to unearth the secrets of a place which exists in their collective memory, a place which, judging by the trailer, is both mysterious and visually stunning.

SPY OPENS 21 MAY

FUSE MOVIE PICK OF THE MONTH!

Melissa McCarthy has been on a hot streak since her breakout — and Oscar-nominated — role in 2011’s Bridesmaids (with one or two misfires along the way), and Spy looks set to continue the comedic actress’s run of box office success. Re-teaming with Paul Feig (director of Bridesmaids and The Heat), McCarthy plays a CIA analyst who gets re-assigned from behind a desk and out into the field of world espionage with hilarious results. Jude Law, Jason Statham and Rose Byrne also star.

TRAINWRECK OPENS 30 JUNE Fans of Amy Schumer — and who isn’t? — will no doubt be excited for the comedienne’s feature film debut, even more so given the great reviews out of the SXSW Film Festival back in March. Schumer, star of TV show Inside Amy Schumer, also wrote Trainwreck which follows the non-romantic adventures of serial nonmonogamist Amy (Schumer) who is one day blindsided by — shock, horror! — love. Brie Larson (Short Term 12), Bill Hader (The Skeleton Twins) and Tilda Swinton also star in this comedy directed by Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, º).

MAGIC MIKE XXL OPENS 9 JULY Everyone’s favourite construction worker-by-day-exotic-male-dancer-by-night is back! After the success of the first film in 2012, which star Channing Tatum wrote based on his pre-Hollywood days, the titular (and titillating) Mike (Tatum) returns. Sadly, neither director Steven Soderbergh nor Matthew McConaughey have returned for this sequel but rest assured, there promises to be just as much man candy as before as Mike and his troupe (including Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello and Ellen’s in-house DJ, Twitch) do their thang.

By Dwayne Lennox

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

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WHAT’S ON

LGBTI Business & Community Directory Head over to the FUSE LGBTI directory where you’ll find friendly LGBTI owned businesses, community groups, sporting, social and support services. fusemagazine.com.au/directory

CANBERRA GAY & LESBIAN QWIRE & IN FULL SWING DO IT THEIR WAY WITH A NIGHT OF JAZZ HELLENIC CLUB, WODEN SATURDAY 27 JUNE

DIRECT FROM THE USA STORM LARGE COMES TO CANBERRA CANBERRA THEATRE 17 JUNE

Cabaret has arrived in Canberra! Following the Australian Premiere at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and direct from the USA, Storm Large makes her Canberra debut. She is an International sensation with sold out shows around the world. “Songs range from standard American Songbook fare, Cole Porter, Jaques Brel...to Johnny Cash, Black Sabbath and Bad Brains. Taking and twisting some well known songs, kissing others and setting some ablaze to burn into your psyche forever altered....hopefully making you hear everything differently.” – Storm Large explains. The show will see her reunited with her loyal and fearless band, Le Bonheur, Storm Large delivers a collection of tortured and titillating love songs; beautiful, familiar, yet twisted…much like Storm herself. You may know her as the six-foot tattooed diva as the front for Pink Martini. Or may you recognise her from her rock n roll alter ego from the TV show Rockstar Supernova. Prepare to be swept away by the voice, the beauty, and the visceral talent that is Storm Large. Storm will love you, leave you, delight and misguide you. Add two parts Adele and one part Bette Midler with a splash of George Carlin and an intoxicating cocktail of music, theatre, and personal intensity is served. Bookings at the Canberra Theatre Centre, online at canberratheatrecentre.com.au or by calling the box office on 02 6275 2700.

Qwire’s mid year concert will be something truly awesome! As the theme for the year is “Connections”, what better way to reach out through music, than to hold a combined concert with another community music organisation. In Full Swing is a twenty piece big band that has been playing in and around Canberra for over 20 years. Qwire and In Full Swing will perform together for an excited audience of around 400 plus people. The show will be in a dinner/dance format where dancing is highly encouraged! 6:30pm — Dinner service before the main show. 8:00pm — Qwire, In Full Swing, Combined Qwire and In Full Swing More information at: canberraqwire.org.au/infullswing

2015 HEALTH IN DIFFERENCE CONFERENCE COMES TO CANBERRA

NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE THURSDAY 13 - SATURDAY 15 AUGUST As a flagship conference of the National LGBTI Health Alliance, this conference will bring together community members, community organisations large and small, health practitioners, researchers, academics, policy makers, advocates and others who are interested in improving the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of LGBTI people. Fore more details see p46. Find out what other events and happenings are going on in Canberra and Australia wide on the FUSE website at: FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU WHAT’SON

ROUND UP

DID YOU KNOW? Sex between consenting men ceased to be a crime in Australia between 1975 and 1997, with South Australia being the first state to decriminalise sodomy and Tasmania the last.

ALAN TURING

was prosecuted in 1952 for homosexual acts, when such behaviour was still criminalised in the UK. He accepted treatment with oestrogen injections (chemical castration) as an alternative to prison. Turing died in 1954, 16 days before his 42nd birthday, from cyanide poisoning. An inquest determined his death a suicide, but it has since been noted that the known evidence is equally consistent with accidental poisoning.

UK: ALAN TURING’S RELATIVES CALL FOR ROYAL PARDONS FOR GAY MEN During the winter of 1952, British authorities entered the home of mathematician, cryptanalyst and war hero Alan Turing arresting him on charges of ‘gross indecency’, an accusation that would lead to his devastating conviction for the criminal offence of homosexuality, which ultimately leads to his suicide. Little did British officials know, they were actually incriminating the pioneer of modern-day computing. Famously leading a motley group of scholars, linguists, chess champions and intelligence officers, he was credited with cracking the so-called unbreakable codes of Germany’s World War II Enigma machine. In the recent movie The Imitation Game, Alan Turing is portrayed as a brilliant and passionate man, who under nail-biting pressure helped to shorten the Second World War and in turn, saved thousands of lives. In 2013, Alan Turing was granted a posthumous royal pardon. While Turing’s family were delighted, they also feel it is an injustice that thousands of others convicted on homosexuality charges have not received a similar pardon. The British government does now have a system in place for the quashing of historic convictions but only 65 of the estimated 49,000 convicted under the outdated laws have had their records wiped. 8

NEWS&POLITICS

In most cases, convictions of ‘gross indecency’ merely involved gay men meeting each other in the street or a park, which was punishable by up to two years in jail. In most instances sex was not actually involved. Many men are reluctant to revisit long-ago convictions that they’d rather forget, especially since they caused most of them great shame and trauma — in many cases involving not only fines or jail but also the loss of their jobs, homes, marriages and reputations.

A scene from the 2014 movie The Imitation Game staring Benedict Cumberbatch

The main political parties have committed to “righting these wrongs” in their manifestos. The Tories said they planned to extend the measures of the Protection of Freedoms Act to relatives of the deceased, while Labour said they would introduce a “Turing Law”, offering posthumous pardons for gay men. Speaking to the UK Observer, Rachel Barnes, Turing’s great-niece, said, “They [the parties] didn’t really have much choice. There was so much public pressure. The whole of the family was delighted when he [Turing] was given a pardon back in 2013… But it always seemed wrong to us that only one person had been pardoned: you’re talking about 49,000-plus people who had been convicted. Why just pull out one person from the bag? Yes, he was a fantastic war hero and shortened World War Two by two years but it doesn’t make any sense just to pardon Alan Turing”. FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

30 YEARS Did you know that this year the AIDS Action Council of the ACT will be celebrating its 30th birthday and anniversary of continued service to the Canberra community.

ROUND UP AYDIAN DOWLING VIES TO BECOME FIRST TRANS PERSON ON MEN’S HEALTH MAGAZINE COVER The hundreds of men who have entered this year’s Ultimate Men’s Health Guy Search all have a story of personal transformation to share.

CALLS FOR AN END TO GAY ‘CONVERSION’ THERAPY US President Barack Obama is calling for an end to psychiatric therapy treatments aimed at changing the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTI people. The move comes in response to an online petition posted on the White House website following the death of 17-year-old Leelah Alcorn. The transgender teen committed suicide in December last year. Leelah left behind a note saying her parents had forced her to attend so-called conversion therapy.

But Aydian Dowling, who is currently perched atop the Guy Search leaderboard, has a transformation tale that’s a bit unlike any other contestants’. The 27-year-old from Oregon is vying to become the first trans man to be on the cover of Men’s Health — a feat that would have seemed unthinkable 25, 10, or even 2 years ago. Dowling told the Men’s Health team that “Having a trans person on the cover would tell people that no matter who you are, you can be the man you want to be,” he says. “It’s fully possible if you put the time and effort and balance it takes to find the man in you. My confidence is my success,” he says, and the same goes for all men. “Success is any time you have a moment of feeling happy. Success is this interview. Success is any kind of barrier you break down in your life.”

IDIOCY OF THE MONTH

AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT IS ON THE MOVE! AIDS Action Council of the ACT President Dr Nathan Boyle has annnounced that Canberra’s leading community based HIV organisation will move to new premises at Havelock House this July. Dr Boyle said, “While Westlund House has been a big part of our history and growth over the last two decades, our new home will give us the security of a long-term lease and be more accessible for our many clients.” For more details on this story see our inside back cover.

The British police are currently investigating radical Christian parliamentary candidate Susan Anne White after recently unveiling her “biblically correct” manifesto and saying, “Is anybody interested in the truth? Studies have shown that homosexuals are 40 times more likely than the general populace to abuse children.” Asked if heterosexual people abused children, she said:“Heterosexuals can abuse children. Because the heart of man is depraved.”

Pictured, Birtish parliamentary candidate Susan Anne White, whom’s fashion choices are almost as disturbing as her comments.

Ms White’s Christian manifesto also includes pledges to “oppose the Islamification of British culture”, “make adultery a punishable offence” and “restore corporal punishment to schools”. NEWS&POLITICS

ROUND UP

GAY PANIC DEFENCE A defendant using this defence claimed they acted in a state of violent temporary insanity due to a purported psychiatric condition called homosexual or trans panic.

GREENS MLC, TAMMY FRANKS DEMANDS AUSTRALIAN OUTDATED ‘GAY PANIC’ DEFENCE MUST GO! Greens MLC, Tammy Franks has again demanded that the gay panic defence for murder be abolished, after the retrial of a man responsible for a fatal attack.

ONE OF JAPAN’S TOP FASHION MODELS COMES OUT AS A TRANS WOMAN Kayo Satoh aka Kayo Police, is one of Japan’s most talented Street Fighter players. She is also one of Japan’s top fashion models. But she wasn’t always a she. Satoh was born a male, something she recently revealed on the Japanese TV program Majotachi no 22ji (“Witches 10pm”). For years, Satoh has appeared in women’s fashion magazines with none of her fellow models or magazine editors knowing that she was a trans woman. The young model came out to her magazine editors and finally made her sex known. She called this a “new start”. On the program, Satoh revealed that she was prompted to go public after rumors began circulating online that she was a man. “Truthfully, I am a man,” Sato said.

JAPANESE GOVERNMENT URGES SCHOOLS TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR LGBTI STUDENTS The Japanese Government has issued a landmark notice, urging education institutions to ensure that schools do more to cater to LGBTI students.

The Japan Times reported that the move, which comes amid increasing sensitivity toward sexual minorities by Japanese society and officialdom, will require schools to pay greater attention to the needs of trans students. The measures attempt to pay heed to a students’ gender identity as much as possible and include allowing trans students to dress in whichever gender school uniform they prefer, or allowing them to use either bathroom or locker room. It also says other sexual minority students — gays, lesbians and bisexuals — deserve greater accommodation. The Japanese Education Ministry revealed in 2014 that schools nationwide had recognized 606 students as transgender. But it noted the actual number might be much higher, as sexual minorities often have difficulty coming out. 10

NEWS&POLITICS

Michael Joseph Lindsay was jailed for 23 years after being found guilty of murdering Andrew Negre, who was beaten and stabbed to death in 2011. However, Lindsay appealed the decision in the High Court, with his lawyer claiming that Mr Negre had caused Lindsay to lose control by making ‘unwanted sexual advances’ and on Wednesday, the High Court ruled in Lindsay’s favour, as they quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial. In reaction to the ruling, Greens MLC Tammy Franks said that the case shows the “gay panic” defence remains part of the law and that a parliamentary committee has decided to reopen a review into the matter. “It only applies when it’s claimed that it was a homosexual male advance,” she told ABC News. “It’s offensive, it’s homophobic, it needs to be removed from South Australia’s culture. This defence only applies in the case of a man who has killed another man. It doesn’t apply if a woman makes a non-violent sexual advance to a man or a woman. It doesn’t apply if a man makes a nonviolent sexual advance to a woman.” Ms Franks originally introduced a bill to abolish the “gay panic” defence back in 2013, when Lindsay was convicted, but no further action was taken. She welcomed the decision to reopen the review, saying, “The chair of the legislative committee, who inquired into my bill in the first place, announced that they’d reopen their inquiry. I think that’s an admission that the committee got it wrong and I hope the Parliament can get it right.” FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

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DID YOU KNOW? Out of the 34 million HIV-positive people worldwide, 69% live in sub-Saharan Africa. There are roughly 23.8 million infected people in all of Africa.

ROUND UP

IT’S ABOUT A FAIR GO In a recent press conference, openly gay CEO of Qantas, Alan Joyce has said same-sex marriage is all about equality and a fair go for all Australians. “As I’ve gone and talked about my sexuality, and talked about diversity in general, I’ve had people coming up to me in the business community and saying that their son, their daughter is finding it tough [being gay], even in this day and age... Same-sex marriage would be an important symbol to young people that ‘they’re not in some way second-class citizens’. I think the fact that we think it is a matter of equality and a fair go, and Qantas stands for that as an Australian brand, can only enhance our brand.”

SUPPORT FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE GROWS Three Australian Federal Labor MPs, Chris Bowen, Ed Husic and Julie Owens, have all confirmed they could switch their votes in Parliament to support gay marriage. The three ministers were among the 98 MPs across the House of Representatives who helped vote down the same-sex marriage bill in the last parliament. Ed Husic told the Fairfax Media, “I’d always maintained a position that I didn’t detect a mood to change the Marriage Act in our area. It’s why I didn’t vote in favour for it previously. However, for people wanting to see that change — and disappointed in my position — they would catch up with me and say that change meant a great deal to them.” “Ultimately, government should be about empowering people to pursue the things important to them in their lives. That’s why I will support marriage equality in any future vote on this matter.”

HIV HOME TEST KITS STILL NOT AVAILABLE IN OZ The first legally approved HIV self-test kit that allows people to get a result in 15 minutes at home went on sale in the UK last month. Unlike other kits, these tests do not need to be sent off to a lab to get the results. It works by detecting antibodies on a small drop of blood, which are often only detectable three months after the infection is caught. An early diagnosis allows people to get treatment quickly and can prevent serious complications. Also, individuals successfully treated for HIV are less likely to pass the infection on. HIV self-test kits are currently not available in Australia. Philippa Moss, Executive Director of the AIDS Action Council, told FUSE Magazine that the Council supports access to home testing and believes that existing HIV testing policy and regulatory restrictions on voluntary Home Based Testing (HBT) should be removed. Also, greater efforts should be made to identify opportunities for improving service flexibility and consumer choice, in order to improve prevention efficacy. Easy and accessable HIV testing is critical, as a significant percentage of HIV sexual transmissions are from people who do not know they are HIV-positive. Currently in Australia, the average time between a person becoming infected with HIV and being diagnosed is estimated at approximately four years. Moss said, “With access to home-testing not available here in Australia we recognise that individuals may choose to purchase HIV test kits from overseas via the internet and the Council is committed to providing information aimed at reducing any potential harms that might be associated with self-administration of HIV test kits. The Council is dedicated to addressing the psychosocial and structural barriers to HIV testing to increase testing rates among gay men. In particular we support increasing the range of voluntary HIV testing options within a more accessible service delivery framework. Getting tested for HIV can be scary, however the condition is treatable so it is important to get tested if you think you have been exposed. If you test positive, early detection and monitoring of HIV will help your determine whether the disease is progressing and when to start treatment.” The Council delivers a wide range of services for individuals, families and the community in Canberra and the surrounding region including counselling. If you would like to know more call 02 6257 2855 during office hours. NEWS&POLITICS

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ROUND UP GERMANY’S KLAUS BURKART WINS MR GAY WORLD This year’s Mr Gay World 2015 has just been crowned, and the winner was 21-year-old German, Klaus Burkart. Klaus who works as a “milk technician” said he hopes to be a role model for young gay men all over the world and help them with their coming out process. When asked about his future now after winning Mr Gay World he said he wants to change young people’s opinion of homosexuality. “At the moment I am planning a campaign to visit schools and talk about how to avoid bullying and gay bashing. It is my dream to share my campaign with delegates and supporters all over the world. I would really like to work together with them to create similar campaigns adapted for their own countries. With my very own experience I can say that coming out is one of the most sensitive parts in the life of young gay people. I would like to lead the world to a point where it is not essential to even have a coming out. The other four countries that hit the top five in the competition this year were Iceland, Hong Kong, Belgium, and Finland. The USA did not have an entrant.Sadly, Thahir Mohammed Sayyed, the sole entrant from India dropped out and went into hiding, citing threats from his religious family. “I am withdrawing from the contest, I hope the organisers appreciate the difficulties I faced. I cannot take this pressure. I have switched off my phone to prevent getting any unwanted calls,” he said in a message conveyed by a third party.

NEWS&POLITICS

By Philippa Moss Executive Director of AIDS Action Council

AIDS ACTION COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL

SUPPORTING THE FUTURE

ON SUNDAY 22 MAY, THE CANBERRA COMMUNITY JOINED TOGETHER FOR A MOVING CEREMONY TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE DIED FROM AIDS IN BOTH CANBERRA AND AROUND THE WORLD. The memorial also served to remind us that HIV and AIDS are continuing to impact the lives of millions of people today. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme Supporting the Future provided an opportunity to reinforce that there is still a great deal to be done for people living with HIV and AIDS and we need to work passionately towards the goal of achieving zero new transmissions by 2020.

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The Council was fortunate to have three highly respected guest speakers including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, AFAO Executive Director Rob Lake and HIV advocate, Abby Landy. The combined perspectives of each speaker highlighted the need to continue to address stigma and discrimination for those living with and impacted by HIV and AIDS and also the LGBTI community as a whole; to recognise HIV transmission rates are increasing and the safe sex message needs to be strongly promoted once again; and to continue lobbying for more flexible testing and treatment options with Australia.

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DID YOU KNOW? Bayard Rustin, one of Martin Luther King Jr’s most trusted advisers, was a gay man. This speaks volumes about King’s view on homosexuality and equality.

LILTING

WILD

A favourite at recent Australian queer film festivals, Lilting is the story of two people coming to terms with grief: Junn (Pei-pei Cheng) mourning the loss of her son; and Richard (Ben Whishaw) mourning the loss of his partner. Through an interpreter, the two will come to learn more about the man they both loved as well as each other. Whishaw (Cloud Altas, Skyfall) is always an interesting performer, and you may remember Cheng from her role as Jade Fox in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000); both give tender performances in this delicate drama.

Grief is a personal thing and people deal with it in different ways. After the death of her mother (Laura Dern) and subsequently hitting rock bottom, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) decides to get her life back on track, literally: taking to the Pacific Crest Trail and hiking cross-country some 1100 miles. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (Dallas Buyers Club) and based on the memoir by Strayed, Wild is a literal journey of self discovery with Witherspoon giving a committed performance every step of the way.

STILL ALICE

SELMA

Julianne Moore — Oscar winner! It took five nominations over a 17-year period but one of the best actresses of her generation has finally won a coveted statuette. Arguably not the greatest performance of her impressive career, Moore’s depiction of an intelligent woman’s slow decline with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease is both restrained and highly affecting. Kristen Stewart is also impressive as the younger daughter, coming to terms with the loss — mentally if not physically — of her mother. The recent death of co-director Richard Glatzer (to ALS) adds another level of poignancy to the film.

Regardless of the virtual snub by the Academy (nominated for Best Picture; winning Best Original Song), Ava DuVernay’s film is easily one of the best you will see in 2015. Not a biopic of Martin Luther King Jr, Selma focuses on the events of early 1965, when the civil rights leader (David Oyelowo in a magnificent performance) led a ‘right to vote’ march from the Alabama town of Selma to the State’s capital. DuVernay intelligently weaves together a history and political lesson (and compelling human drama) which is as relevant and potent today as it was fifty years ago.

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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

If you are thinking of suicide

one some

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o Talk t Avoid being alone Set yo urself small go

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CANBERRA LGBTIQ YOUTH

OUR JOURNEY TO ENCAMPMENT The drive to the coast is a peaceful one. Sure, there are some people speeding down the Clyde, eager to get their weekends away started. Usually I crank the music up, singing my way to the shore. As I pull into the driveway of the family home, I sigh contentedly; outwardly nothing much has changed, it’ll be a relaxing weekend. But something has changed. This time when I go back to familiar places, I’m myself; I’m out. I’ve just driven into town in my car with PFLAG bumper stickers all over it. And it feels good. Now at least I can be myself when people I went to school with throw sticks into the spokes of my bike as I cycle past. I can’t help but think how much more comfortable I am with myself now. No need to fake being in a relationship with a guy in my school band. No need to pretend that I’m interested in the cute celebrity male of the moment. I moved to Canberra when I started high school, though I was still went home to the coast every weekend and school holidays for those six years. High school in Canberra wasn’t the best for me, but it wasn’t the worst either. It was when I started university that I was really able to come into my own. At university I came out, after some attempts in high school that didn’t end so well, and I got involved in the LGBTIQ scene in Canberra. I felt a level of connection I hadn’t felt before. I had community members guide me through (as they still do) my first years out and I became involved in a number of community groups. And for that I am thankful. Canberra’s LGBTIQ scene is fantastic. It’s lively and caters for a wide variety of interests. However, as a young person I often felt there was a barrier between my experiences and those of others in the community.

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By Mirja

I started going to, and still regularly attend, Bit Bent, a group for LGBTIQ young people. After a couple of years of flicking longingly through the Facebook pages of organisations such as Minus18 in Melbourne, I approached another young person in our community with an idea. Encampment was born after a Qwire rehearsal at Tilley’s. After a couple of excited hours spent over chamomile tea, Tilley’s closed and we relocated to my flat, still bursting with ideas. Encampment became more than a concept, it was the start of a reality. Huddled over yet more tea, Encampment became a place where we would see young people getting to know each other, breaking down any boundaries within the LGBTIQ community, getting information about issues such as healthy relationships and mental health and forming positive and ongoing friendships. Encampment has grown into something real. We’re now partnered with the AIDS Action Council of the ACT, who are more supportive than we can thank them for. We are involved with Fair Day and National Youth Week and we’ve got volunteers on board. Encampment is aiming to host our first retreat run by young people for those aged 13-17 who identify as LGBTIQ and their allies. Encampment’s motto, ‘Engaging, Camping, Mentoring’ is what we’re about. Connecting young people with the community and providing them with a web of people to call on if they need to. Encampment aims to let our young people know that as a community, we are here for them.

Encampment ACT is a weekend retreat providing support and information to young people aged 13-17 who identify as LGBTIQ in the Canberra region. For more information about Encampment, you can email us at encampment.act@gmail.com or like us on Facebook at: facebook.com/encampment.act

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By Julia O’Boyle

THE BRIDES WORE PURPLE… AND BLACK!

OUR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WAS A VERY PERSONAL, YET POLITICAL ACT. COME WITH ME, I’D LIKE TO SHARE IT WITH YOU…

FUSEFEATURE

THE BRIDES WORE PURPLE… AND BLACK!

AFTER 4 MONTHS OF WHIRLWIND PREPARATION, 1 APRIL 2010 DAWNED BRIGHT AND CLEAR. A GORGEOUS AUTUMN DAY AND THE BEGINNING OF THE EASTER WEEKEND… IT WAS THE DAY OF OUR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP CEREMONY, THOUGH WE LOUDLY AND PROUDLY CALLED IT A WEDDING — AND A WEDDING IT WAS FOR SURE! We were two brides — Julia O’Boyle and Sue Read — who were “given away” and “walked down the aisle” by our mums; there was a bevy of brides’ babes including a best woman and a best brides’ dude; and a beautiful throng of family and friends who witnessed a very personal, and very special, ceremony at the National Portrait Gallery here in Canberra. Our celebrant was Judy Aulich, one of the first registered Civil Partnership Notaries in the ACT. We even had our photos taken with Labor MLAs Andrew Barr (now Chief Minister) and Simon Corbell — one of which was published in the Canberra Times (who’d have thought we’d be page 3 girls!) Our ceremony was intimate, our vows to each other were emotional and heartfelt and I’m told there “wasn’t a dry eye in the house!” We had flowers, and a string quartet, and champagne and a sit down dinner. 24

FUSEFEATURE

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By Julia O’Boyle

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE STOP PRESS Wayne Swan, the former deputy prime minister has switched his position on marriage equality, conceding he was “wrong” to oppose it. New figures now put the Australian Federal Parliament on the brink of having enough support to legislate same-sex marriage, with only four additional votes needed pass a bill in the House of Representatives and a majority in the Senate already in favour. There were messages from some who couldn’t make it and a bag-pipe playing uncle in the UK featured by video because he promised he’d pipe at our wedding. We had a band and dancing, there were speeches and songs, some tears, and much laughter. It was a big bash; a very big, important deal. Why did we do it? A myriad of reasons. Because we could. Because we live in the ACT where our relationship could be legally recognised and celebrated. And mostly because we love each other and we wanted to celebrate that love with people who in turn loved us and cared about us. And maybe because we are both Leos. And also because, well…“the personal is political”. Perhaps not many couples would think that having a wedding or getting married is a political act — it is a tradition of human society after all, a contract that men and women have been entering into for many centuries; it’s been a heterosexual rite of passage for a very long time. For us, having our partnership legally recognised is both a personal and political act — we have brought our personal lives, as a same-sex couple, into the political arena. In the ACT, prior to November 2009 we could not have a ceremony, led by a duly registered celebrant, which legally recognised our partnership. That we were being prevented from marrying saddened us immensely. Over the years we have witnessed straight friends marry and we were, and are, very happy for them.

However, there was also sorrow (and if we are honest, envy as well) that we couldn’t celebrate in the ways that they could, and we felt sad (I usually cried) when the celebrants at friends’ weddings would announce: “marriage in this country is between a man and a woman”. So, we were overjoyed when in late 2009, the ACT Government, with a strong push from the ACT Greens (and no support from the Federal Labor government), were finally able to enact legislation that enabled same-sex couples to legally celebrate their unions. And then we made our announcement to our families, and the planning for our wedding began! So we, the brides, wore purple and black. We looked fabulous! Our gorgeous brides’ babes wore sexy, flirty 1950s inspired black matte taffeta halter necked swing dresses, and the brides’ dude was handsome in an immaculate black suit and shirt with a purple tie and pocket handkerchief. The youngest member of our bridal party, our little “ring-bringer” (who incidentally has two mums), wore purple sequins on her white and pink dress. Our guests included our Mothers and friends and family from all over the globe: Israel, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Wagga-Wagga, the North and Central coasts, Ballarat, and London! And of course all our loved ones from our fair city as well. We are thankful to them all for helping to make our special day such a wonderful and significant occasion. There’s still a way to go in Australia before all relationships are considered politically, legally and socially equal. My partner and I can’t yet say we are “married” (though we do, and I like to call her “Wifey”!) As I said in my speech at the wedding: “JUST AS ONCE OUR SOCIETY DIDN’T CONSIDER INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS CITIZENS OF THEIR OWN COUNTRIES, AND INTER-RACIAL MARRIAGE WAS FROWNED ON, WE BELIEVE THAT THE DISCRIMINATION THAT STILL PREVENTS SAME SEX COUPLES FROM BEING MARRIED WILL ONE DAY NO LONGER EXIST AND WE WILL BE ABLE TO SAY TO OUR GRAND-CHILDREN: “WOULD YOU BELIEVE THAT YOUR GRANDMOTHER AND I WEREN’T EVEN ALLOWED TO GET MARRIED IN THE EARLY 21ST CENTURY!!??” Happy anniversary to us! FUSEFEATURE

By Jenni Atkinson Tranz Australia

The story of

Tranz Australia Recently a new friend of mine told me story about how he used to feel very uncomfortable around trans people and really just didn’t get it. Why would you not want to be the sex you were born? To him it made no sense. Then one evening he found himself naked in front of a mirror, thinking to himself, man I love being a guy; I’m exactly what I should be. And then suddenly it hit him. “OMG what if I woke up tomorrow and I was inside a girl’s body, it would feel so wrong, I would be so unhappy. All I would want is to be a guy again, like I KNOW I am on the inside.” He could understand just how traumatic that may feel and just how lucky he was to be living in the right body.

It’s understandably not something most people think about and why would you, if your body, mind, heart and soul are all congruent? If you were born a girl and you feel inside that you are a girl, then you’ll never really think about what it must be like not to have that congruence, let alone understand how it feels. Of course it works the same for me. I can never know how it feels to have that total congruence. Before I became the authentic me, Jenni, nothing about me felt right — presenting myself to the world as a male was for me, completely and utterly wrong. After many years now of presenting myself to the world as female it does feel right and I’m lucky that I can move in the world and be seen 100 per cent of the time as the woman I am. For me it’s been relatively easy and I feel I’m now in the body I should be. I’m happy to be feminine, curvy and to talk with a voice that does not out me. Sadly, however this is not the story for a lot of my sisters, brothers and others, many of whom struggle everyday.

Suddenly his heart just broke open and he knew the pain that a trans person must feel. Since that day he not only ‘gets it’ but he also makes sure that whenever he sees intolerance or confusion about trans people, he shares his story and insight in the hope that it will bring compassion and understanding.

Many trans people are consistently misgendered* in public because of the way they look or act, which can lead to many issues in their lives. Mental and physical health problems, reduced access to housing, lack of self-confidence, employment issues and for many an isolated existence.

It’s a heart-warming story and I’m so glad my friend has come to this new place of understanding. But I think at this point it’s important for me to point out that there is more to it than just the genitals we have, or don’t have.

As a trans woman I know that many trans people are struggling and alone and it got me wondering how I can help, and after some contemplation I decided to start a collective of like-minded people, called TranzAustralia. My vision is to help others along their path towards living an authentic and happy life.

I feel that our pre-occupation with sex, sex ‘bits’ and ‘sexy times’ does us a huge disservice. We are all way more than our genitals. It sounds like a silly thing to say but many of us are completely focused around our sexuality and gender, leaving no room to be more. For a trans person genitals are just the beginning of the story. Existing day-to-day can be a huge challenge, with a thousand things going on in your head — things that most people don’t even have to think about. Do I dress as the world expects, or do I dress how I feel and what will happen if I do? How should I walk? How do I interact with others, what about my voice, how should I speak? Should I change my mannerisms and the big one, what are people thinking about me and is it safe to be honest about whom I really am on the inside? It’s a difficult way to exist. This is the daily, hourly, even by the minute scenario trans and SGD (Sex and/or Gender Diverse) people find themselves within their journey. It’s tough and for some people proves just too much to handle. Current statistics say an appalling 41% just don’t make it and take their own lives. It’s an extremely alarming number and one that evokes a great sadness in me. The number one thing I personally feel others should understand about trans and SGD people is that it has little to do with sex and is nearly all about gender.

As part of our collective vision is to make things easier for trans people, TranzAustralia also offers independent Trans101 Diversity Training to help educate the general public in the workplace. The training program centers around trans/SGD people and the issues they face. It includes tips on how work environments can be made more inclusive, real life stories and an open floor question and answer session. Contact Jenni on 0418 656 661 if you would like more information or visit facebook.com/Jenster2012

If you are having difficulties around gender or just need somebody to talk to there are a range of free services available that are there to help you. Lifeline: 13 11 14 QLife: 1800 184 527 or qlife.org.au AIDS Action Council Free Counselling: 6257 2855 A Gender Agenda: 6162 1924 or genderrights.org.au

*Misgender. To refer to a person using terms (pronouns, nouns, adjectives...) that express the wrong gender, either accidentally or deliberately; for example by calling a woman “son”, a boy “she”, or an agender individual “he” or “she”.

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CAST OUT &

homeless in the ACT

HOMELESSNESS AMONGST YOUNG PEOPLE WHO IDENTIFY AS LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANS, INTERSEX OR QUESTIONING

In the last issue of FUSE we ran a feature article and photographic essay and article by Grace Phelps-Roper, a former member of the Westboro Baptist Church, which documented the living conditions of homeless LGBT youth who have been forced to live in the sewers of the city of Kingston because of their sexual orientation. We had an incredible response to this article; many readers appalled that parents could actually disown their children because of their sexuality. We also had readers comment on how lucky we were in Australia that this kind of thing does not happen here or indeed in Canberra.

FUSEFEATURE

Travis Gilbert, who is the Executive Officer of ACT Shelter was quick to tell us that although in most cases Australian LGBTIQ identifying kids can ‘come out’ without drama from their family, this is not the case for all kids. As unbelievable as it may sound, many young people are thrown out — or feel they have no choice but to flee their homes because of their sexuality. Sadly, most of these kids end up homeless, alone and on the streets.

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By Travis Gilbert Director of ACT Shelter Inc.

Canberra is a harsh place to endure homelessness, especially during the winter months. While a high proportion of people who experience homelessness in the capital (62% according to the Census), are accommodated in homelessness services, some groups are missing out. For people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Questioning, (LGBTIQ) there are no dedicated homelessness services in the capital. This is problematic for a number of reasons. Firstly, we know that a high proportion of people experiencing homelessness in Canberra are young people. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 1 in 4 people experiencing homelessness on Census night in 2011 were aged between 12 and 24. Unfortunately, we don’t know how many of these young people identified as LGBTIQ. We do know that this is a critical life stage in the formation of identity and that an LGBTIQ identity is not accepted by all families. If the situation here is in any way similar to that of the United States however there in an urgent need to be alert and alarmed. A MAJOR STUDY COMMISSIONED BY CYNDI LAUPER’S TRUE COLORS FOUNDATION INCLUDED A SURVEY OF THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAD RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM YOUTH HOMELESSNESS SERVICES IN THE UNITED STATES. IT FOUND:

30%

OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAD RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM HOMELESSNESS SERVICES IDENTIFIED AS BISEXUAL

OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAD RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM HOMELESSNESS SERVICES IDENTIFIED AS GAY OR LESBIAN

OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAD RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM HOMELESSNESS SERVICES IDENTIFIED AS TRANS

The vast majority of young people were accessing, or had accessed mainstream youth homelessness and housing programs with only 1 in 5 being able to access LGBTIQ specific services. In Australia, research conducted in 2013 for the National Homelessness Research Strategy captured the homeless experiences of a number of people who identify as LGBTIQ.

ONE OF ITS KEY FINDINGS WAS: “LGBTIQ PEOPLE ARE OVER-REPRESENTED IN HOMELESS POPULATIONS; ARE LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE A HIGHER INCIDENCE OF THE NEGATIVE OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH HOMELESSNESS; AND HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA ARE COMMONLY EXPERIENCED IN ACCOMMODATION SERVICES.” While there is a need for better data, it is not surprising that people who identify as LGBTIQ are more likely to experience homelessness than their straight peers. Family breakdown, family conflict, physical and sexual abuse and episodic mental illness are among the key triggers of homelessness. Experiences of bullying, discrimination and harassment, which remain all too common for LGBTIQ people, can compound these risk factors. In a former life I was a youth homelessness worker and I met a number of young people who first experienced homelessness after disclosing their sexuality and being evicted by a parent or guardian as a result. Other young people I met who identified as LGBTIQ had more complex stories but their sexual identity had still played a part in the process of becoming homeless. For many young people generalist homelessness services can feel unwelcoming, deterring them from seeking help. This is a key issue that has been raised in relation to services that are run by faith based providers. Attitudes towards people who identify as LGBTIQ espoused by some prominent church leaders, as well as actual experiences of discrimination and stigma, deter people from accessing faith based providers. In the case of homelessness caused by domestic violence, seeking refuge is problematic for people in same sex relationships because the partner can potentially access the same service, offering no escape. The long term consequences of homelessness can be serious. There is a need for more to be done to ensure that all services are responsive to the needs of people who identify as LGBTIQ. At the very least, people should feel comfortable approaching places for support. An ideal solution would be housing led solutions delivered by and for people who identify as LGBTIQ. We know that peer education and peer workers with lived experience are often more effective at engaging people. FEATUREFEATURE

BRINGING IT OUT OF THE CLOSETâ&#x20AC;Ś What can be done? Firstly, we need to acknowledge people who identify as LGBTIQ as a specific group who are likely to be at increased risk of homelessness. This means raising awareness, it means acknowledging that stigma and discrimination still exist and that discrimination in the housing market is a real issue. In short, we need to bring the issue out of the closet. Secondly, we need to get hard data to identify the level of homelessness amongst people who identify as LGBTIQ here in the ACT. Until we know the level of demand/ need, it is difficult to budget for, or design effective service responses. Thirdly, we need to undertake a comprehensive research project to capture the experiences and stories of people who identify as LGBTIQ and their housing trajectories. We need to understand what has pushed people into homelessness and what the risk factors are.

In addition, we need to ensure that all workers in housing and homelessness services have access to cultural competency training to enable them to work effectively with clients who identify as LGBTIQ. In fact, it should form a core component of certificate, diploma and degree level courses in social work and health and community services.

FOR US, BY US â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE ROLE OF PEERS (AND ALLIES) I believe there is a need for peers (and allies) to play a much greater role in this space. As a first step, cultural competency training should be delivered by people who identify as LGBTIQ. This would deliver a dual benefit of raising awareness of the issue as well as upskilling staff. In addition to determining the level of demand and capturing experiences and stories of people who identify as LGBTIQ, we need to involve the community in finding solutions. This could include the employment of peer workers in existing housing and homelessness services or it may be that the LGBTIQ community be invited to design appropriate homelessness services and housing led solutions.

Equally we need to understand what protective factors exist to prevent people who face housing insecurity from tipping over into homelessness. In doing so, we can put in place better early intervention strategies to keep at risk people housed during particular life stages and transitions.

There is a proud track record of doing this in health so why not housing and homelessness? The success of peer involvement in safer sex campaigns and in peer education to combat the spread of HIV a generation ago could set a precedent for doing the same when it comes to keeping at risk LGBTIQ people housed or resolving homelessness quickly.

We also need to understand the extent to which the current service system is meeting need. Conversely, we need to know what is deterring people from seeking assistance and why. This could help existing services address these issues in service design and how they promote themselves.

Peers could empower young people to harness their capabilities and strengths and regain independence in affordable, safe and secure housing. Working in tandem with allies who are specialist workers in housing and homelessness services, they can hopefully develop innovative peer led solutions to end homelessness for people who identify as LGBTIQ.

FUSEFEATURE

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The team at Northside know it takes a lot more than a rainbow flag to make a service LGBTI friendly.

We also know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we have been working closely with our friends in the Canberra Gay & Lesbian Qwire, the AIDS Action Council of the ACT, A Gender Agenda and the broader LGBTI community to ensure our services and staff are informed, inclusive and aware. Northside Community Service has been working with the Canberra community for more than 35 years.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • • • •

Housing & Homelessness Services Aged Care & disability Services Early childhood Education & Care Social Inclusion & Outreach Services Youth Engagement Community Development In home support & Personal Care Community transportation Pet Assistance & Wellbeing Services (PAWS) Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Programs Venue Hire

If you or someone you know could benefit from the listed services, why not give our team a call. And by the way, we are always on the lookout for ‘Exceptional’ volunteers to join the team so if you have courage and integrity we would love to hear from you too.

02 6257 2255 • 2 ROSEVEAR PLACE, DICKSON ACT WWW.NORTHSIDE.ASN.AU @NORTHSIDEACT

EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE COURAGEOUS PRACTICE

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THE FUSE BIG GAY CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST {TILLEY’S}

A FUN MORNING OF BREAKFAST, CHAMPAGNE AND GOOD CHEER FOR THE WHOLE GLBTI COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS, ON A FABULOUS AUTUMN MORNING AT TILLEY’S DEVINE CAFÉ.

OUT&ABOUT

NIFTY WAYS TO

SAVE

DO YOU OFTEN WONDER WHY SOME PEOPLE SEEM TO DO ‘MONEY’ BETTER THAN OTHERS? Money is an experiential thing and a learnt human behavior and because we are not born with a natural instinct to know how to use and manage money, some of us have learnt how to go about it in better ways. Here are a few nifty tips to save money. Try to make your savings plan fun and realistic and be clear on your savings goal as it will make it easier to keep on track.

Use cash, not your cards to do your spending We don’t often touch money these days with the ‘tap, swipe or insert’ action of shopping. To really appreciate what you are spending use real cash so you actually feel and see what you are spending. Don’t go grocery shopping when you are hungry, have a shopping list and set your budget for the groceries.

Don’t spend your gold coins When you receive change have a strategy in place to not spend that money. Put it into a money box and at the end of the year crack it open and see what you have saved. I did this a few years back and had managed to save over $2,000.

Master the thirty day rule Whenever you’re considering making an unnecessary purchase, wait thirty days and then ask yourself if you still want that item. Quite often, you’ll find that the urge to buy has passed and you’ll have saved yourself some money by simply waiting. If you want, you can even keep a “thirty day list” where you write down the item and the day you’ll reconsider it.

MORE CASH!

Smart phone app — Fifty Two+ If you have a smart phone check out the 52-week challenge (search Fifty Two+ Money on the app store). The idea behind this is to save an amount each week and then increase that amount every week for the next 52 weeks. So week 1 you save $1.00, week 2 you save $2.00, week 3 you save $3.00 and so on. At the end of 52 weeks (where you pay in $52) you will have $1,378 in your savings account plus any interest along the way. If you can afford to multiply that by 10 you would save $10 in week 1, $20 in week 2, $30 in week 3 and in week 52 (where you save $520) you will have $13,780 in your savings account plus any interest along the way!

Don’t pay bank fees or ATM withdrawal fees If you are paying an account keeping fee you should talk to you bank to find out how you can avoid paying this. Check out the www.affordablebanking.info website which lists all the banks in Australia and their fee free accounts. Also avoid using ATM’s which are not owned by your bank in order to save on withdrawal fees.

Super co-contribution For those who earn less than $49,488 a year (for the 2014/15 year), the government will give you a ‘Co-Contribution’ of up to $500 each year if you pay in a $1,000 personal contribution. That’s a 50% return on your money! If you need assistance in exploring these tips further, talk to a professional but most importantly start your journey to being free around your money and creating wealth with understanding.

Ask for help and encouragement from your inner circle Sit down and talk to the people you love and care about the most and ask them for help. Tell them that you’re trying to trim your spending and you’d love it if they offered any suggestions and support they might have — and pay attention to what they tell you. They might have some personal insights for your situation that will really help.

Scott Malcolm is Director of Money Mechanics a fee-for-service business who are authorised to provide financial advice through PATRON Financial Advice AFSL 307379. For more information email scott@money-mechanics.com.au or call 1300 772 643. 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 financial goals, objectives and personal circumstances.

MONEYSHOT

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

10 By Scott Malcolm Director of Money Mechanics

Talk to your bank and reduce or manage paying bank fees.

3 4

Make your own gifts instead of buying gear from a shop.

Write a list before you go shopping and stay with your ‘purpose in mind’ when you are at the shops!

7 8

Talk to your bank about a reduction in the interest rate on any home loan or debt you have.

Have your friends over for dinner at home more often with instead of going out to expensive restaurants.

WAYS TO HELP IT ALL COME TOGETHER

Repair old clothing, and consider selling and buying second hand clothing.

Engage in collaborative consumption to buy, sell and share your stuff for financial gain — rent out a spare room, sell some books or clothes.

In a survey by Business Insider of people said saving makes them feel happier!

85%

A Commonwealth Bank survey revealed that If your buying your lunch every day it could be costing you well over

21%

of their customers are saving especially for a holiday or trip

$300

According to RAMS Home Loans less than

The average Aussie save

45%

$593

of Aussies have a high interest savings account

each month

Going without your daily coffee for 3 months can save up to

each month

$200

DID YOU KNOW...

Did you know on average Aussies spend over

$14 billion year on alcohol

Don’t keep your credit card in your wallet or purse and follow the 30 day rule when making a ‘want purchase’ rather than a ‘need purchase’. Wait 30 days and if you still want to buy it then it is reasonably important but if the impulse to buy it has gone then you have saved some money.

A Prudential survey revealed that gay families save on average pa more than the national average household

$6,000

When you go shopping, avoid the ‘convenience foods’ and ‘fast foods’ and go for the fresh groceries items.

MONEYSHOT

Tilley’s Devine Café Gallery

Est. 1984

THREE DECADES

THE SAFE PLACE

Socialise Fabulously

s Corner of Wattle and Brigalow Streets, Lyneham OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 8AM – 10PM • SUNDAYS 8AM – 6PM TO RESERVE YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE OR BOOTH CALL 6247 7753 OUR KITCHEN IS OPEN ALL HOURS FOR YOU • TILLEYS.COM.AU 36

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AIDS ACTION COUNCIL MOVIE FUNDRAISER {DENDY CINEMAS}

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT ATTENDED THE AIDS ACTION COUNCIL MOVIE FUNDRAISER, WHICH INCLUDED A SOIRﾃ右 & PRIVATE SHOWING OF DALLAS BUYERS CLUB AT DENDY CINEMAS, OVER $2500 WAS RAISED FOR THE COUNCIL.

OUT&ABOUT

At Canberra Sexual Health Centre Level 1, Building 5 (Oﬀ Hospital Road) Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT PH: 02 6244 2184

No time to get an STI check? Now it’s easier...

FREE AFTER-HOURS HIV/STI CHECKS for men who have sex with men, with HIV results in 24 hrs

4:30pm – 7:00pm Canberra Sexual Health Centre

2015 dates—First business Monday of every month 1 June 6 July 3 August

7 September 12 October

2 November 7 December

(in lieu of 5 Oct)

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

By Philippa Moss Executive Director of AIDS Action Council

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH PrEP? What if there was a pill you could take daily to reduce your risk of getting HIV, but due to government regulations, it couldn’t be accessed in Australia? Well this pill exists and it’s called PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). PrEP is a type of medication called Truvada that is already used in Australia to treat HIV. The issue is, the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) that controls what we as Australians can and cannot use as “medicine”, has only approved Travada to be used to treat HIV, not prevent it. There has been plenty of research done overseas and in Australia to test if PrEP actually works. America has approved its use and it is recommended for gay (and other homosexually active) men. In order for the AIDS Action Council to stand by its commitment to the Melbourne Declaration, which directly refers to establishing demonstration trials that provide access to PrEP; fast tracking TGA approval; and offering PBS funding for PrEP for high risk groups, it is important we continue to be part of the PrEP agenda and that it remains a priority for the organisation. We know it is possible to purchase PrEP from overseas with a prescription provided by a doctor. Some of the larger AIDS organisations like ACON and VAC have released information sheets on how to access PrEP in Australia from overseas suppliers. The Council would only advocate for men to do this whilst maintaining HIV testing and counselling for adherence, precaution and continual monitoring. Getting a prescription from a doctor that is knowledgeable about PrEP is paramount in ensuring you are provided with the right precautions, have access to a steady supply of Truvada, and to ensure you undergo important monitoring. If for example, you were HIV positive without knowing, and you were to commence PrEP assuming you were negative, you run the risk of developing resistance to drugs used in Truvada which could limit your HIV treatment options. Condoms are still a big part of preventing HIV infection, as well as other sexually transmissible infections such as Gonorrhoea and Syphilis, which PrEP does not protect you against. We continue to see new HIV notifications despite condoms being readily available. What does this tell us? There are still barriers to condom use for those who don’t use them routinely and they should have the option to access PrEP because we know it can reduce transmission. PrEP is not for everyone. It currently involves a serious commitment to taking the medication on a daily basis with the risk of developing side effects. However, for those who feel they need it or want to explore it as an option or even just discuss it – the Council is here to help.

HEALTH&WELLBEING

A regular cervical screening test could save your life As it helps to prevent cervical cancer – even if you have received a vaccina�on for HPV For more informa�on phone 131 556 (cost of a local call)

www.health.act.gov.au/paptest

Proud to create change in schools

Change is coming The Safe Schools Coalition is dedicated to making schools safer and more inclusive for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse young people. We are creating change to ensure that every student and every teacher in every school has access to a safe and inclusive learning environment. If you would like your school to be part of the Safe Schools Coalition, it’s free. By joining us, you are committing to building a school that is free from homophobic and transphobic bullying, that’s safe and inclusive for all students and staff. For more information contact Erin Smith on 6163 3438 or email esmith@shfpact.org.au Delivered by

Nationally convened by

The Safe Schools Coalition Australia is federally funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.

safeschoolscoalition.org.au 40

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

SYDNEY GAY & LESBIAN MARDI GRAS 2015 {CAPITAL QUEERS}

IN THEIR EFFORTS TO BE AS FABULOUS AS POSSIBLE, WHILE PROMOTING DIVERSITY AND PRIDE, CAPITAL QUEERS SPENT OVER 150 HOURS INFLATING 3600 BALLOONS FOR THEIR “BURSTING WITH PRIDE” FLOAT ENTRY. OUR PROUD AND QUEER CANBERRANS LITERALLY EXPLODED WITH COLOUR AND RECEIVED A “SPECIAL PARADE COMMENDATION” BY SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR ENTRY THIS YEAR.

OUT&ABOUT

SYDNEY GAY & LESBIAN MARDI GRAS 2015 {CAMP-BERRA}

THIS YEARS CAMP-BERRA’S FLOAT ENTRY WAS AN ABSOLUTE SEQUIN EXPLOSION. IT INCLUDED A 30 METRE LONG SEQUINED RAINBOW FLAG WHICH TOOK OVER 5 MONTHS TO MAKE AND WAS CARRIED BY 85 FABULOUS CANBERRAN’S.

OUT&ABOUT

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

SYDNEY GAY & LESBIAN MARDI GRAS 2015

OUT&ABOUT

Walk in to treatment for MINOR INJURY or ILLNESS

Now open at the Tuggeranong and Belconnen Community Health Centres 7.30 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 pm daily

! 44

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

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

YOUR HOROSCOPE JUNE & JULY 2015

By Melisa Sandfort

From May 19 until June 11 Mercury goes retrograde again. This happens three times a year — if you could see it from where you’re standing, it would appear as if Mercury was going backwards for about three weeks. This period is traditionally associated with communication issues, confusion, delays and frustration. On the up side, during June it’s Neptune turn to go retrograde when we all have increased intuition and our ability to express ourselves in different ways is enhanced.

Aquarius

January 21 – February 18 June and July is going to be all about work, but try not to worry and remember that great rewards come to those who work hard. Tip: Listen to your loved ones when it comes to organising an upcoming trip; there’s a good chance they have it right!

Taurus

April 21 – May 21 It might be a little bit difficult for you to express your feelings to your loved ones, but it’s worth the shot. Let them know how much you care about them and you might be surprise how much better things get. Tip: Do some extra exercise to help deal with any stress.

Leo

July 23 – August 23 This time is yours Leo. Your levels of energy and motivation will be really high by the end of May, so make great use of them and let Jupiter help you with organising and planning an upcoming event. Tip: The Universe is trying to inspire you, look for the signs.

Scorpio

October 24 – November 22 During July you might find yourself in a competitive mood. And even though you want things to go your way, it might be better for you to relax a little and just let the Universe do its job. Tip: Saving money for that rainy day is always a good idea.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20 June is going to be a great month for you to trust your intuition and move forward. Neptune and the Moon will be sending you good energy to help your creativity and decision making. Tip: Express yourself; if you feel something is not right, just say it politely.

Gemini

May 22 – June 21 These next few months are going to be very important when it comes to close relationships. Listen carefully and do your best to be understanding and thoughtful. Tip: Don’t worry about what the future will be like, enjoy every day’s magic as it is.

Virgo

August 24 – September 23 July is going to be a good month for you to solve a couple of issues regarding your love life. By the second week of July, Saturn is going to give you a great opportunity to express yourself, use it well. Tip: Spend some quality time with your family.

Sagittarius

November 23 – December 22 By the first week of June there is a good chance that a face from the past might reappear. Enjoy the reunion and spend some time getting close again. Tip: If you’re unhappy Monday to Friday, it’s time to re-think a lot of things related to work.

Aries

March 21 – April 20 June is going to be a great month for work Aries, so keep that motivation alive and let the Universe inspire you to do wonderfully creative things with your life. Tip: Over these winter months it will be important for you to take extra care of your diet and health.

Cancer

June 22 – July 22 You just might find yourself having some luck when it comes to your love and sex life. Listen to your intuition and let the Universe guide you when it comes to deciding important things in this area. Tip: Don’t sweat about the small things.

Libra

September 24 – October 23 Work will provide Liberians with many new opportunities. The love front looks to be just as successful, despite the fact that prior to this the situation could not get any more dire. Tip: Look around, maybe happiness is much closer than you think.

Capricorn

December 23 – January 20 July will be a wonderful month for you. Good things are coming your way and the Universe is going to make sure you have a great time, especially by the second week of the month, love every minute. Tip: Try spending more quality time with your family. STARGAZER

CANBERRA COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

AIDS Action Council The AIDS Action Council provides information, support and services. aidsaction.org.au A Gender Agenda A resource for transgender, intersex, gender queer and gender variant people. genderrights.org.au ACTQueer A free email list for LGBTI people in Canberra and surrounding region. groups.yahoo.com/group/actqueer Bit Bent Youth Group Meet other young people, get support or just hang out. Mondays at Belconnen Youth Centre 6pm–8pm and Thursdays at the Woden Youth Centre 5pm–6.30pm. Email: bit_bent@hotmail.com Canberra Gay & Lesbian QWIRE Want to be involved with Canberra’s own gay and lesbian choir? Singers and non-singers encouraged. More info: canberraqwire.org.au

Cube Nightclub Canberra’s Premier Gay and Lesbian (LGBTIQ) Dance Venue. Historically, Cube has been renowned within the Canberra gay community for its mellow, liberating environment and loving atmosphere. Thurs 9pm-5am • Fri 9pm-5am Sat 10pm-5am • Sun 10pm-late 33 Petrie Plaza Civic, Canberra City. cubenightclub.com.au Diversity ACT A LGBTI community and service centre, for more information visit diversityact.org.au PFLAG-ACT A support and friendship group for parents and friends of LGBTI people. More info email pflag.act@gmail.com 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

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. Call 02 6239 1600. mustangranch.com.au 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. Call 1300 364 277. racr.relationships.org.au The Phoenix Pub The most friendly pub in Canberra. Supporting equality, the GLBTI community and the right to drink beer since 1993. lovethephoenix.com Tilley’s Devine Cafe For over 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.

HEALTH IN DIFFERENCE 2015 COMES TO CANBERRA. THIS IS THE FLAGSHIP CONFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL LGBTI HEALTH ALLIANCE. This conference will bring together community members, community organisations large and small, health practitioners, researchers, academics, policy makers, advocates, and others who are interested in improving the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of LGBTI people. Health in Difference 2015 conference opening plenary key note speakers include: Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs , President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Bob Brown, Sekneh Beckett and Brian Herd!

Key topics for the conference will be: • Ageing and Aged Care. • Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. • Intersections – exploring the many intersections across our lives. • Practice Connect Celebrate - celebrating the achievements of our everyday work.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE HEALTH IN DIFFERENCE 2015 CONFERENCE. Early bird rates apply until 29 May 2015 • Visit: healthindifference.org/2015/02/registration 46

COMMUNITYDIRECTORY

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Talking to your kids about puberty, relationships and sexuality can be challenging REWARDING Having conversations about puberty, relationships and sexuality with your kids can yield many benefits: positive connection, being the ‘askable adult’ in their lives, and even learning yourself! The positive effects for your child include not only an understanding of their bodies and health, but also opportunities to learn, grow and build skills for healthy relationships throughout their life. Talking in childhood without guilt or embarrassment about things like body parts and how they work, and respectful peer relationships, sets the stage for talking later about puberty, sexuality, intimate relationships and sexual health.

SEXUAL HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING ACT

Children and young people value their parents’ perspective on these matters, but will also seek information from other trusted sources. Frank and open conversations can also help young people to value themselves and diversity in their community, as well as enabling them to recognise and prevent or report abuse and exploitation. SHFPACT helps guide parents and carers (children’s primary sexuality educators) who would like to start having these conversations with their kids by providing resources for parents/carers and children using an evidence based approach to comprehensive relationships education.

For more info about how SHFPACT can support you as a parent or carer call us on 02 6247 3077 or email shfpact@shfpact.org.au We are located at Level 1, 28 University Avenue, Canberra City. Visit our website at: shfpact.org.au 47

EMAIL DEAR ROSE WITH YOUR PROBLEM

By Rose Pappalardo

Dear Rose, I recently lost my virginity to someone I thought loved me, but after we had sex he cut me off completely. I feel completely betrayed. Are all gay men really that shallow? Mark

Dear Mark, It’s a terrible thing to give yourself to someone only to have them turn away and break your heart. It may not make you feel any better but many, many people have gone through the same thing. Unfortunately, gay or straight, there are shallow people who may take advantage of others. A sincere person would be honest about their intentions or, at the very least, be respectful enough to have a conversation with you afterwards to explain their behaviour. The most important thing is to not allow this persons actions to affect how you approach your next relationship. The biggest mistake many people make is assuming that when one person hurts you everyone will, and that could sabotage future relationships with a sincere person who comes into your life. The thing to remember is you have done nothing wrong, it’s really about them.

Dear Rose, When I first came out I was on dating apps and became addicted to them, I uninstalled them and then installed them again. I know that they are bad for me, but how can I stop? J

Dear J, This is a common issue amongst lots of people. While dating apps are a fantastic way to connect with people, it’s also important to strike a balance. As far as the addiction goes, you need to ask yourself why you are unable to be more measured with your usage, for example, is it because it is easy, instantaneous, anonymous or exciting? Once you determine what it is that keeps pulling you into a rotating carousel, the quicker it will be to unravel yourself and slowly change any compulsive habits. If you feel that this issue is beyond something that you can handle on your own, seek some professional help to support you through this process. Addiction, whether it is to alcohol, cigarettes, or anything really, is about breaking habits. Successfully kicking them is about the support you seek.

Dear Rose, I recently started a new relationship with a girl I think is really special. Unfortunately my parents seem to have taken an instant dislike to her and are making things very difficult for us. What should we do? Kate

Dear Kate, The best way to get to the bottom of their concerns is to have an adult discussion. When it comes to dealing with these kinds of situations a parent’s instinct usually kicks in to protect their child. This usually occurs because either they feel their child may not be mature enough, or possibly they are not quite comfortable with your sexuality yet. Either way, these types of situations give you an excellent opportunity to prove to your parents that you have weighed up the pros and cons and you are mature enough to reason out issues that effect you in a clear way. Prepare and consider how to bring up the subject and explain to them that their disapproval hurts you the most and also makes you feel that they don’t trust your judgement. Highlight that their disapproval doesn’t inspire you to go to them with this issue or other important issues. Also, think of all the questions you think they may ask you in relation to your relationships and ensure you have answers. Be calm, no yelling or hysterics and take the time to listen to what they have to say. This situation can be annoying from your point of view, but forgive them as their intentions are always good.

‘‘

My brother is gay and my parents don’t care, as long as he marries a doctor!” Elayne Boosler American comedian and advocate for animal rescue.

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

ASK DEAR ROSE 48

DEARROSE

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

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

The AIDS Action Council

ON THE MOVE CANBERRA’S LEADING COMMUNITY BASED HIV ORGANISATION IS ON THE MOVE TO NEW PREMISES THAT WILL STRENGTHEN HIV SERVICES IN THE ACT COMMUNITY. AIDS Action Council President Dr Nathan Boyle said moving from Acton’s Westlund House to Havelock House in Turner in July 2015 would save money and allow the Council to devote more resources to service delivery. “This is a great move for us as it will boost the AIDS Action Council’s ability to help the community,” Dr Boyle said.

“WHILE WESTLUND HOUSE HAS BEEN A BIG PART OF OUR HISTORY AND GROWTH OVER THE LAST TWO DECADES, OUR NEW HOME WILL GIVE US THE SECURITY OF A LONG-TERM LEASE AND BE MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR OUR MANY CLIENTS.” As a grassroots peer-based community organisation, we always work to put our clients first and this change of location will mean an even stronger and more accessible location for the Council into the future. We’ve had some excellent discussions with the Havelock Housing Association Managing Director and there will be many opportunities to share resources and work in partnership to benefit the Canberra community.”

Further information please contact the AIDS Action Council Executive Director Philippa Moss on 02 6257 2855.

to a brighter future The Council’s Executive Director Ms Philippa Moss is working to ensure the move goes as smoothly as possible and said: • All memorabilia within Westlund House will be preserved, archived and/ or stored appropriately; • There will be a celebration/garage sale at Westlund House to farewell the space, and a massive celebration at Havelock to celebrate the next 30 years of AIDS Action in Canberra; • The Council will be rebranding to forge a new visual identity to connect the Council even more strongly with its clients, members and key stakeholders.

“THIS YEAR WE WILL ALSO BE CELEBRATING THE COUNCIL’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY, SO A WONDERFUL NEW HOME AND A NEW LOOK WILL BE A GREAT WAY TO MARK THE OCCASION,” MS MOSS SAID. “THE AIDS ACTION COUNCIL IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT 30 YEARS OF USING OUR KNOWLEDGE, PASSION, EMPATHY AND COURAGE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH.”

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

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

Watch the film. Sign the pledge. Inspire others.

Animals Australia, 37 O'Connell St, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051