FUSE54 : VOTE YES! - Lesbian Lifestyle

MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU SEP / OCT 2017

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LIFE LOVE EQUALITY

‘78 THE YEAR IT ALL BEGAN

A MOMENT NEVER TO BE REPEATED

+ COUPLES & THEIR MONEY STAYING STRONG CHURCH OF ENGLAND BANS GAY CONVERSION

> VOTE YES FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

NOT ALL VIEWS DESERVE RESPECT BUT PEOPLE DO THINKING FAMILY? FOSTER CARERS URGENTLY NEEDED DEALING WITH HATE SPEECH

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EDITOR Alexander Thatcher ASSOCIATE EDITOR Linda Djumlija CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christopher Powell CONTRIBUTORS Dwayne Lennox Scott Malcolm Rose Pappalardo Peter Ellerton Mark Gillespie Ivan Hinton-Teoh Stuart Poole PHOTOGRAPHERS Tom The Photographer

17 FUSE FEATURES 17

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.

Editor’s Rant : VOTE YES! What’s On : Movies What’s On : Events & Shows Round Up : News & Politics

One of the expectations in the ongoing debate over marriage reform in Australia is that all views should be respected.

Peter Ellerton from the University of Queensland feels all people are worthy of respect, but not all ideas are.

9 15 21 22 37

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FUSE Community : Marriage Equality FUSE Community : Foster Carers Needed Fab Things : Stuff We Love Money Shot : Couples & Their Money

24 24

The man in the van is back, and he’s been playing up a storm.

We revisit Kim Churchill (who was on the cover of FUSE02) in a special feature interview.

21 39 40 43 45

Top Queer : Jaguar F-Pace Couch Potato : Film & TV FUSE Community : Dealing with Hate Speech Round Up : It’s All in the Numbers

27 27

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

In the lead up we look back at the march of ‘78.

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43

47 Stargazer : Your Horoscope 48 Dear Rose FUSECONTENTS

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A STUDY BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FOUND THAT CHILDREN OF SAME-SEX PARENTS ENJOY EXCEPTIONAL LEVELS OF HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND WELLBEING

VOTE YES FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

2

The Australian Study of Child Health in Same-Sex Families (ACHESS), University of Melbourne

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MOVIES

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ‘RULE OF THREE’?

In a harsh environment — it’s snowing, say — you can survive three hours without shelter, last three days without water and three weeks without food before death.

GOD’S OWN COUNTRY OPENS 31 AUGUST Comparisons are odious, but when it comes to movies, they are often inevitable. So it is that this film has been favourably called the ‘British Brokeback Mountain’, but Francis Lee’s directorial debut is its own beautiful tale of rural-set love between men. Yorkshireman Johnny (Josh O’Connor) numbs his daily frustrations with binge drinking and casual sex, until the arrival of Romanian migrant worker, Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu), ignites an intense relationship. In what is proving to be a bumper year for queer film (beginning with Moonlight’s Oscar win), God’s Own Country is one of the best.

FUSE MOVIE PICK OF THE MONTH!

THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES OPENS 28 SEPTEMBER Some 40-odd years before John McEnroe dissed Serena Williams (suggesting she’d only be ranked 700 in the men’s game!), another male tennis player ridiculed his female counterparts. In 1973, Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), a past-his-prime player, hustler and chauvinist, challenged world number one women’s player, Billie Jean King (Emma Stone), to the titular showdown.

King accepted. The rest is tennis history. Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (of Little Miss Sunshine fame), The Battle of the Sexes is a comic-drama that aces its period detail and feminist credentials.

THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US OPENS 12 OCTOBER Starring Kate Winslet (Titanic) and Idris Elba (TV’s Luther), there’s something for all persuasions in The Mountain Between Us, although those hoping for romance (or adult situations) will be disappointed on that front. Directed by Hany Abu-Assad (Paradise Now), and adapted from a Charles Martin novel, this is a survival drama which sees two strangers forced to work together against the elements after their charter plane crashes in the mountains.

Here’s hoping that unlike in The Grey (2011), nobody gets eaten by wolves, or, worse still, nobody turns to cannibalism (as they did in 1993’s Alive).

THOR : RAGNAROK OPENS 26 OCTOBER After flirting with DC in 2011 (opposite Ryan Reynolds in the ill-fated Green Lantern), writer-director Taika Waititi (Hunt For The Wilderpeople) has now been handed the keys to the Marvel universe; helming the third solo outing for Chris Hemsworth’s Asgardian demigod, Thor. Both Thor and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) have had makeovers for this space-bound adventure which sees them taking on the Goddess of Death, Hela (Cate Blanchett, looking like she’s having a blast). Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson and Tom Hiddleston are also along for what promises to be a fun ride.

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

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

28 OCT

9 SEP

16 SEP

AUSTRALIAN COOL CLIMATE WINE SHOW

FAIR DAY 2017

KIM CHURCHILL

Do you love wine? Want a fabulous day tasting amazing cool climate wines? Have a day to remember — you will want to come back to Murrumbateman next year!

Be spoilt with an amazing five courses at the Long Table Luncheon accompanied by medal-winning wines.

Also test your knowledge at our Wine & Trivia and journey through Australia’s cool climate wine regions at the Public Tastings. Why not make a day of it and book a package and catch our winebus from Canberra.

Fair Day — celebrating the diversity of Canberra’s LGBTIQ communities — is returning to Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre this year — bigger, brighter and better than ever!

To coincide with the release of his new album, Kim Churchill is on tour and will hit Canberra this spring. This amazing singer songwriter will most definitely have you dancing in the aisles.

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER MURRUMBATEMEN

More details at: accwineshow.com.au/events or to book email is at: accws1@bigpond.com

SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER GORMAN HOUSE

More details at: aidsaction.org.au

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER THE STREET THEATRE

Tickets: thestreet.org.au

4 NOV

BAKE OFF FLORIADE NIGHTFEST

OVER 2 WEEKENDS : 22 – 24 SEPTEMBER AND 29 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER NightFest returns to Canberra, and this year they’ve doubled the fun. Across two weekends enjoy top talent in comedy, featuring Dilruk, Nazeem Hussain, Tripod and local funny boys The Stevenson Experience.

Discover awesome park lighting installations by the crew from Mandylights, local craft beer and wine, roving entertainment and live music headlined by the ever-talented Kav Temperley and Bob Evans (the smooth alter ego of Jebediah frontman Kevin Mitchell).

More details at: floriadeaustralia.com/nightfest Tickets at: ticketek.com.au/nightfest

FRUIT TINGLES WOMEN’S DANCE

SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 7.00PM – MIDNIGHT Held at the Majura Community Centre in Dickson, Fruit Tingles brings women together of all ages and from all walks of life. It provides a safe space to celebrate our pride.

Details: 0438 785 131

12 NOV

SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER MUSE @ EAST HOTEL Grab those aprons and make a difference in the kitchen!

With heaps cash and prizes to be won, Canberra’s LGBTIQ CHARITY BAKE OFF is one event you won’t want to miss.

If you don’t bake, don’t worry, because we also need lot’s of people to come along to bid at the charity auction, eat wonderful food and be merry.

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80% The percentage of Australians that say they plan to vote in the looming same-sex marriage postal survey, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll.

ROUND UP

RIOT Screen Australia and the ABC have announced a telemovie to mark the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The movie titled ‘Riot’ will dramatise the birth of the gay rights movement in Australia in the 1970s and be filmed over the next few months in Sydney.

Sally Riley, Head of Scripted Production at the ABC, said: “It could never be more relevant than now to tell this story of identity, courage and love as a marginalised community finds its voice and rises up to fight oppression and injustice.

MALTA SAY YES TO EQUALITY While we are still waiting for equality here in Australia, Malta, a predominantly Catholic island, has recently passed new legislation 66-1 to legalise same-sex marriage.

The legislation replaced the traditional “you are now husband and wife” declaration in civil ceremonies with “you are now spouses”.

Riot follows the real-life journey of Lance Gowland at a time of great discrimination against gay people in Australia and will star Twilight star Xavier Samuel as Jim Walker. Other actors include Jessica de Gouw, Kate Box and Damon Herriman, who will play Lance Gowland.

Riot is set for release in 2018.

Jessica Elise De Gouw, sometimes credited as Jess De Gouw, is an Australian actress.

She is known for her role as Helena Bertinelli/The Huntress in the television series Arrow.

The sole MP Edwin Vassallo who voted against the change said he did so because of his faith, saying, “A Christian politician cannot leave his conscience outside the door”.

This new legislation is a huge shift in a country where divorce was illegal up until 2011.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said it would be “discriminatory” to have separate laws for mixed and same-sex couples. The amendments to existing laws replace references to “husband and wife” with the gender-neutral term “spouse”.

>

39%

NSW Health has announced a dramatic decline in HIV infections. The number of people diagnosed with HIV in the first half of 2017 was the lowest on record (39% lower) since the beginning of the HIV epidemic in NSW. Professor Cooper, the Kirby Institute Director said, “We are extremely fortunate in NSW to have government, clinicians, community and researchers working together towards a variety of HIV prevention strategies including increased testing, improving treatment uptake and providing access to PrEP. Thanks to these partnerships and strategies, evidencebased policy, and a strong response from the community, NSW is on track to virtually eliminate HIV transmission by 2020.”

AUSTRALIANS SUPPORTING EQUALITY The latest survey by The Guardian found that 57% of the sample of 1,817 voters favours a change to the law to allow marriage equality, with 32% against and 11% saying they don’t know. People most supportive of the change are Labor voters (71%), Greens voters (69%), women (65%) and voters aged between 18-34 (65%).

Asked about the likelihood of voting in the non-compulsory postal ballot, 63% said they would definitely vote, 18% said they would probably vote, 4% said they would probably not vote, and 6% said they would definitely not vote — with 9% unsure.

As we all know the postal vote itself remains deeply contentious. 49% of the sample disapproving of it and 39% approving. The postal ballot has become more unpopular since marriage equality advocates confirmed they would challenge it in the High Court. Current polls continues to show that Labor would comfortably win any federal election held now.

NEWS&POLITICS

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CELEBRATING THE DIVERSITY OF CANBERRA’S LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES CELEBRATING THE DIVERSITY OF CANBERRA’S LGBTIQ COMMUNITIES

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10 BILLION The estimated number of doughnuts consumed in the United States per year, that’s about 31 per person. 29 million people in the United States (9.3%) have diabetes.

ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE BECOMING A MAJOR HEALTH CONCERN Antibiotic-resistance is starting to become a major issue, with more than 1,000 cases of almostuntreatable superbugs reported in Australia in the 12 months. One of those bugs is Antibiotic-resistant ‘super’ gonorrhoea.

To date, there have only been three cases of an Antibiotic-resistant ‘super’ gonorrhoea — Japan, France and Spain — but medical experts are still taking it seriously.

It’s believed that gonorrhoea developed antibiotic resistance either when these strains of bacteria were exposed to antibiotics or when they genetically acquired resistance from other bacteria already present in the body.

Kit Fairley, Professor of Public Health at Monash University said, “It’s unlikely that gonorrhoea will become resistant to every antibiotic on the planet. What will probably happen is that it will become much more complicated to treat. Special tests will be required to tell which drugs will work and which ones won’t.”

Health experts everywhere still say prevention is best — gonorrhea hasn’t yet adapted to punch through a condom, so it’s still the best way to protect yourself and your partner.

Getting tested regularly is the most effective way to stop antibiotic resistance from spreading as it reduces the amount of infection in the population.

CHURCH OF ENGLAND BANS GAY CONVERSION THERAPY AND EMBRACES TRANS MEMBERS As Londoners celebrated Pride this year, something awesome happened in York.

The Church of England’s national governing body voted to condemn so-called conversion therapy and to welcome and affirm transgender members into the Church of England.

“As the world listens to us, the world needs to hear us say that LGBT orientation and identity is not a crime. LGBT orientation and identity is not a sickness. And LGBT orientation and identity is not a sin,” said the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev. John Sentamu, according to BBC News.

Despite its progressive gains, currently the Church of England still bans same-sex marriage.

SAME-SEX COUPLES CAN NOW MARRY IN GERMANY German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has signed a bill into law allowing same-sex couples to marry in Germany. The law is expected to take effect in September. This brings Germany up to speed with many of its Western peers.

The new law allows same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, enabling them to marry and jointly adopt children.

There were 393 votes in favour of “marriage for everybody,” 226 opposing the measure, and four abstentions.

ROUND UP

EAST TIMOR CELEBRATES THEIR VERY FIRST PRIDE Marching through the streets of East Timor’s capital Dili with a rainbow flags flying proudly, LGBTIQ community members of Asia’s youngest democracy celebrated diversity.

Campaigners say the parade was a milestone for the tiny, half-island nation and a beacon of hope for a region where LGBTIQ rights are under increasing attack.

TRUMP MOVES TO REMOVE HEALTH CARE PROTECTIONS Changes to the current health care rules in the United States will allow medical providers and insurers to cite religious beliefs as justification for denying care.

This will affect many LGBTIQ people throughout the US. The new rule applies to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s Section 1557, which bans discrimination based on race, sex, and several other factors by health care providers that receive federal funds, which almost all of them do.

“Wondering if you are happy is a great shortcut to being depressed” A quote from 20th Century Women, a new film about three women who explore love and freedom in California during the late 1970s.

NEWS&POLITICS

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103.95 MILLION The number of Netflix subscibers worldwide as of July 2017.

Netflix has released an estimated 126 original series and films.

ROUND UP HIV LIFE EXPECTANCY NOW CONSIDERED NEAR NORMAL Young people on the latest HIV drugs now have near-normal life expectancy because of improvements in treatments, according to a new study by the University of Bristol in the UK. It found that young people who started antiretroviral therapy in 2010 are projected to live ten years longer than those first using it in 1996.

Doctors say that starting treatment early is crucial to achieve a long and healthy life and there are still too many people unaware they have the virus. This is particularly true in the developing world, where the majority of HIV deaths occur because access to drugs is limited.

BISHOP INVOLVED IN SEX TAPE SCANDAL A Romanian Orthodox Church Bishop has tendered his resignation after a video surfaced of him engaging in sexual acts with a 17-year-old male student.

According to the Washington Post, the statement was issued at the end of a two-day Holy Synod where a sex scandal was discussed for the first time in its 92-year history. Bishop Barladeanu will be demoted, but he will remain a monk according to the Church.

The Romanian Orthodox Church explained that the resignation was the best outcome because an investigation would last months and would “prolong the situation of uncertainty of the bishopry of Husi” in Romania.

“I think that the Synod should have come out with a strong decision to condemn such shameful practices for servants of the church,” said political analyst Stelian Tanase. “Instead they preferred a cover up.”

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NEWS&POLITICS

ADULT WEBSITE WANTS TO HOST SENSE8 If you’re a Netflix watcher and a Sense8 fan you were probably pretty devastated when the show was suddenly cancelled after season two.

After the fan uproar over the series’ cancellation, Netflix granted the show a two-hour farewell episode, which will air in 2018.

Lana Wachowski has also said she’s still going to write a third season in the hope it will get picked up somewhere else.

TV streaming hopefuls are popping up everywhere it seems, and after Lana Wachowski’s announcement the adult website xHamster said it wants in on some of the action.

The xHamster website owner said that his site is heavily trafficked and therefore has the revenue to back up production. But it also has “the disposition,” he wrote, to take on the series known for tackling non-normative sexuality. “In addition to allowing billions of users to connect with individual articulations of gender and sexuality, we continue to use our audience to speak up against repressive anti-LGBTQ laws in the U.S. and abroad.”

This sounds like a pretty long shot and seems unlikely, but hey, you never know what can happen nowadays.

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Wake Up Wonderful

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A MOMENT NEVER TO BE REPEATED

By Ivan Hinton-Teoh

Ivan is the founder of just.equal, a national LGBTI rights advocacy group CONSIDERING THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTEMPT TO SUBJECT THE NATION TO THIS DAMN PLEBISCITE/POSTAL VOTE/ SURVEY, YOU MAY NEED SOME GOOD NEWS.

We were finally asked what the LGBTI community wanted.

We were given authority to chart our own course and influence our political journey.

Here it is: I’m confident we are seeing the death-throes of a once dominant cultural force that has denied and delayed dignity and legal recognition to LGBTI Australians.

It was largely because some of Australia’s most powerful politicians have decided that the nation was ready to let LGBTI-centred reforms be centred on the wellbeing of LGBTI people, even in process. This is how the plebiscite was killed in the senate (twice).

I think 2016 (and possibly 2017) will be regarded as a watershed moment in the way in which Australia regards it’s LGBTI citizens.

Why? Did we achieve marriage equality? Were there other national reforms achieved that we didn’t notice?

No, more than that.

Last year, when I was working with colleagues to kill the plebiscite, to move public sentiment from being supportive of one to being firmly opposed, our nation achieved something incredible.

As a result, things are getting pretty desperate in the camps of those who oppose marriage equality lately.

They now find they don’t have the ability to control parliament like they once did. Which is why we’re facing such a dodgy survey, rather than a plebiscite.

We were recognised as citizens that deserved dignity and sensitivity, not only in law but even in any process towards reform.

This mechanism is so outrageously beyond what the ABS has ever been asked to do, it’s so well beyond what any government has attempted to do outside of its legislated authority, we don’t think the High Court will look on it too favourably.

Di Natale spoke passionately about the toll a plebiscite would have on LGBTI people. Shorten said if we lost one person through the process the cost was too high. Hinch told me that he was furious at the thought of us being subjected to a national vote.

While it’s imperative that we prepare for the possibility of a plebiscite/postal vote/dodgy survey we must also be ready to pivot the campaign right back to parliament in early September, if the High Court slaps the government down.

This is significant.

If the High Court rules in our favour we must all go straight back to the MPs who have said they want to break the deadlock and challenge them to do it.

When the Marriage Act was amended in 2004, it was an expression of callous disregard to the LGBTI community.

In 2016 we are now Australian citizens deserving consideration in a process most MPs agreed was too cruel to subject us to.

I’ve now spent years in Parliament House, longer than I actually expected, trying to help MPs and Senators see life through my eyes and to help open their hearts to our community. Many times it has been infuriating.

But not since last year.

“What do you want us to do?” is what I heard more in 2016 than ever before, from Bill Shorten, Richard Di Natale and others.

This was a significant moment that, at times, had me close to tears.

Regardless, I want you to know that this survey is not the fight of our lives. While we should work to win it for our community, it will have little bearing on marriage equality.

Achieving marriage equality is now a given. Whether we get there through this survey, through Coalition supporters breaking the current deadlock in this term or a new government that is rock-solid on its commitment to achieving equality within the first 100 days, we will get there.

Guaranteed. Please don’t panic or lose hope in this moment.

FOR NOW, PROTECT YOURSELF, SUPPORT OTHERS, KEEP GOING. WITH THE DIRECTION WE’RE HEADING, THIS MOMENT WILL NEVER BE REPEATED. FUSECOMMUNITY

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saturday 4 november 2017

7pm – midnight tickets $20 majura hall, 2 rosevear place, dickson DJ live music drummers massages bar and snacks door prizes stalls photo booth all proceeds to local projects for women further info: 0438 785 131

delene.com.au 16

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WHEN IT COMES TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, NOT ALL VIEWS DESERVE RESPECT

Image by Tom The Photographer

By Peter Ellerton

Peter is a lecturer in Critical Thinking and Director of the UQ Critical Thinking Project, The University of Queensland.

ONE OF THE EXPECTATIONS IN THE ONGOING DEBATE OVER MARRIAGE REFORM IN AUSTRALIA IS THAT ALL VIEWS SHOULD BE RESPECTED. But if we want to uphold the values of the enlightenment and of deliberative democracy, then whatever side of the debate you are on, demanding views be treated with respect is a flawed idea.

This may sound contradictory, but it goes to a point too often missed in such circumstances: people are worthy of respect, ideas are not.

We naturally adopt a respectful attitude to people. At this basic level, people have to work hard to lose our respect, and, even then, we may choose not to disregard them because we value human life and dignity. We appreciate that they contribute in some way to the social norms we all enjoy and that they, like us, are creators of society as well as participants in it.

Ideas have no such empathetic traction. Unlike people they cannot suffer, they do not know joy, and they do not contribute by themselves to the happiness of others.

That is not to say there are no really good or really bad ideas. But they do need to stand or fall exclusively on their merits, and often within their own contexts. They should be subject to critical scrutiny and survive only though articulation and argumentation.

THE FALLACY OF DEEPEST OFFENCE It may be painful to acknowledge, but what we view as a core belief to us may be seen differently by others.

Even if we feel that the belief is a strong part of our identity. Like all ideas in a free society, it must be permissible to subject that core belief to open inquiry.

To assume that an idea may not be questioned because it is a part of your identity, and that an attack on it is an attack on you equivalent to a denial of human respect, is a fallacy. I call this the Fallacy of Deepest Offence.

It is a blurring of the line between people and ideas.

It is a device by which ideas are rendered immune to critical inquiry behind the claim of deepest possible offence: an insult to human dignity.

Failing to recognise this fallacy creates two problems.

The first is that we lose the ability to reflect on our own internal processes. If we do not look inwards and question what we see, we ossify - led more by our creed than by our critical faculties.

FaiThe second is that we become less tolerant of others, less willing to work collaboratively, and less able to comprehend arguments. Both of these diminish our ability to contribute and to coexist.

OP.ED

17

“NO ONE HAS ANY RIGHT TO TELL ANYONE WHAT MAKES A FAMILY” Drew Barrymore

If you want to believe that the world is made of snow, that women are inferior to men, that homosexuality is morally wrong, or that relationships between people of the same sex should not be legitimised through marriage, then go ahead.

But the instant you take that belief into the public arena, your idea will be rightfully tested. The minute you suggest others should believe it too, you will be challenged. When you ask that the taxes of your fellow citizens support your belief, you will be resisted. This is exactly how an open society operates and should operate.

Your ideas are not immune to criticism just because you express them with sincerity.

IDEAS NEED ARGUMENTS, NOT ASSERTIONS Our arguments are our rational probes into the world. When they work, we can feel that we are on solid intellectual ground. When they do not, we know we need to refashion our thinking or to consider more deeply how our arguments are received by others.

Our arguments are not only designed to make our case publicly, but they also challenge us to look closely at our own reasoning.

When proponents of the status quo on marriage ask for respect, they have every right to receive it.

But they have no such right for their views.

If robust analysis of their arguments shows up their weaknesses, then offence, or claiming a lack of respect, is not an option. The onus is on them to create a better argument.

18

OP.ED

The Australian Christian Lobby, for example, lists four assertions on its website as to why same sex marriage should not be permitted: • Redefining marriage will threaten your freedom of speech • Redefining marriage can take away your religious freedom • Redefining marriage is the step before redefining gender itself, and • Redefining marriage will take away children’s rights — every child deserves a mum and a dad.

Some of these have recently been repeated, equally devoid of justification, by former prime minister Tony Abbott.

The lack of logical or evidentiary support around these claims is breathtaking. Nowhere on the ACL’s website are found reasons supporting these claims, let alone complete arguments to analyse and evaluate.

So by all means let’s be respectful in the marriage equality debate. Let’s refrain from focusing on the person and play the ball instead. But let’s not assume that that means an absence of demand for rational engagement.

We should hold people to task for the views they express and make it clear that if they are not prepared to craft a cogent argument their slogans are nothing more than gang colours.

To claim offence when questioned is not only to commit the fallacy of deepest offence, is also to disrespect utterly the right of your fellows to engage in honest inquiry, and that is a very deep offence indeed.ely, and less able to comprehend arguments. Both of these diminish our ability to contribute and to coexist.

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

19

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STACEY & SARAH +LOVE THE NEED FOR FOSTER CARERS HAS BECOME CRITICAL. THEY ARE NEEDED URGENTLY FOR SHORT TERM, LONG TERM AND AS RESPITE CARERS FOR CHILDREN EVERYWHERE. IF YOU HAVE NOT YET CONSIDERED BEING A FOSTER CARER MAYBE IT’S TIME, AND MAYBE WE CAN HELP CONVINCE YOU. WE CHATTED TO STACEY AND SARAH FROM CANBERRA TO SEE WHAT THEIR EXPERIENCES WERE. When talking with Stacey and Sarah, a few things become clear.

Their open-mindedness, their commitment to children, their nurturing natures and their ability to love unconditionally.

Four qualities that make them totally cut out to be foster parents. Sarah is a shift worker in the community sector, of Aboriginal background. Stacey is a social worker, of Scottish background. They are a same sex couple who have experienced both short term and long term foster care and are now caring permanently for their 15 month old daughter.

We sat down with them and asked about the emotional highs and lows of foster caring.

WHAT’S IT LIKE HAVING CONTACT WITH THE BIRTH FAMILIES OF THE CHILDREN? STACEY: I think before you become a foster carer the idea of having contact with birth families seems wrong. Like people are scared of these people that they have no idea who they are, they hear things in the media about parents abusing their children and being drunk and addicted to drugs and having big mental health problems.

In reality, we have found that working with the birth families has been beautiful.

SO WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO FOSTER? STACEY: I think we foster, well I know we foster, because we had reached a time in our life, we were married, and we were thinking about a family, and we thought about all the different options, obviously the natural options aren’t quite as easy for us.

We both work in this sector of foster care, so we saw that there was a need for foster carers, and because of that we felt it was the best option for a family.

SARAH: We had talked about other options — we discussed IVF, adoption, different ways to have a family, and we made a united decision that we would give foster care a try. We’ve fostered a baby that came to us and was restored to its birth family, a baby who lived with us and now lives with his siblings, and now our baby girl who was placed with us at just four days old, and is now our daughter long term — until she is 18 and beyond.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU NEED TO BE A FOSTER CARER? SARAH: You have to not be judgemental. I think that’s so important, to be open minded. And totally committed to helping children. Essentially, you’re opening your whole life to a family that you’ve never met, to a child that will be placed with you with maybe ten minutes’ notice (if you are doing crisis care), with no preparation, and you just have to roll with it. It can be tough, so you have to be committed, and you have to be ready to do it.

STACEY: I think you have to be prepared to have your heart broken, and you have to be prepared to love whatever child comes into your care with all your heart knowing that they may leave, but they might stay as well. Yeah, you just got to have lots of love.

SARAH: If it wasn’t for our baby’s mum and dad we wouldn’t be mums, we wouldn’t have a family.

We love them, and we tell them that we love them, and we embrace them, we embrace her extended family, and they have embraced us, and they are a 100% important to us. We have their photos in our home; we talk about them often, we will always be inclusive of them.

STACEY: Children don’t come in isolation, children come with a family, and we love their family as we love our child. It all takes love.

WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU RECEIVE? SARAH: There’s plenty of help. There’s professional help, there’s carer support help, there’s caseworker help, but also your natural networks really come together. When you say that you’re going to have a child in your home, all of a sudden everybody is visiting more and offering things, and there’s plenty of support.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the support that we’ve received from ACT Together and from our family and our friends.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BECOMING A FOSTER CARER, CALL 1300 WEFOSTER OR ACTTOGETHER.ORG.AU ACT Together will also have an information stall at Fair Day this year at Gorman Arts Centre on 28 October 2017.

FUSECOMMUNITY

21

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DID YOU KNOW? The average shark has 50 teeth in up to eight rows, which are continually being replaced.

Because they lose so many, they often go through more than 30,000 teeth in a lifetime.

HIV TESTING USB STICK Scientists in the UK have developed a USB stick that can quickly and accurately measure HIV-1 levels with a single drop of blood.

Published in the journal Scientific Reports, testing shows that the USB stick is highly accurate, and it can produce a result in under 30 minutes.

When blood is placed onto a spot on the USB stick, it senses the HIV-1 virus through a change in acidity levels. A mobile phone chip in the USB stick converts this information into an electrical signal, and the stick then feeds the result to an app on a smart device or computer.

For positive people, the new USB stick can also detect the rise in HIV levels, and flag a potential problem with a patient’s meds or therapy.

The developers say the device could also allow people with diabetes to regularly monitor their daily blood-sugar levels and be used to test for other viruses, such as hepatitis.

Although no announcement has been made as yet, the USB Testing Stick is in the final testing stages and should hopefully be available soon.

MUSE MAKES MEDITATION EASY The makers of this new brain sensing device say it will elevate your meditation experience. The headband, which connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone, gently guides your meditation with changing sounds based on the real-time biofeedback. MUSE allows you to obtain a deeper sense of focus and motivates you to build your practice. At the end of the session, it gives you detailed results to measure your progress. $320 @ choosemuse.com

R2-D2 USB CAR CHARGER Something for all those Star Wars fans.

This little guy sits in your car’s cupholder and will whistle sadly when he senses a device that’s run out of power. Make R2-D2 bloop and bleep happily again by letting him use your vehicle’s power to recharge your devices. He has two USB ports to charge your tablet or smartphone and pretty much anything that uses a USB connection. $40 @ ebay.com.au

DON’T GET EATEN Apparently, it’s OK for us to eat sharks, but not the other way around. Go figure.

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The guys from Sharkbanz say their product is an easy way to add peace of mind to the everyday ocean swim, surf, or snorkel. Sharkbanz uses a special patented magnetic technology to deter sharks from attacking people. As the shark approaches a person wearing Sharkbanz, magnetic waves coming from the band disrupt its electro-receptors, and it quickly turns away. The experience for the shark is “like a person suddenly shining a very bright light in your eyes in a dark room, and it’s not pleasant.” $149 @ sharkbanz.com.au

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Important change to Canberra Bushdance ticketing After 33 years the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Tennis Club is making a major change to the annual Bushdance at the Yarralumla Woolshed.

A pre-purchased ticket is now essential for entry.

Tickets are limited and this will be enforced. Anyone turning up at the Woolshed without a ticket will be refused entry.

Yarralumla Woolshed, Cotter Road Saturday 25 November 2017 7:30pm – 1:00am

Tickets can be purchased at pinktennis.org.au/events/bushdance The use of pre-purchased tickets and enforcement of a maximum number of attendees is required to ensure compliance with the conditions of hire of the Woolshed, and with the conditions of the liquor permit. There will be a mobile ATM onsite.

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.

23

Kim Churchill

The blue-eyed surfer boy Interveiw by Alexander Thatcher

IF YOU HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING US OVER THE YEARS, YOU MIGHT REMEMBER THAT KIM CHURCHILL — THE ARCHETYPAL BLOND AND BLUE-EYED SURFER BOY — WAS ON THE COVER OF FUSE02 IN 2009. HE WAS ONLY 20 YEARS-OF-AGE BACK THEN AND HAD JUST STARTED OUT AS A SINGER-SONGWRITER. We first met Kim on a Sunday visit to the Kingston Markets in Canberra where he was busking. It was not hard to see that this talented guy was going to be successful, so we set up an interview and arranged for him to play a gig at the HUSH Lounge — an LGBTIQ bar that used to be in Woden. Of course, everyone loved him.

After playing at some of the coolest music festivals all over Australia and the world, Kim is heading back to Canberra to play at The Street Theatre on the 16 September. Pretty excited, we thought this was an excellent opportunity to catch up with Kim and see how things have been going since we last interviewed him over eight years ago.

FUSE Last time we interviewed you in 2009 you were just starting out. Your aspirations were refreshingly simple.

Use your talents and love of music to “buy a couple of killer surf boards and guitars, and have enough money to fund yourself to surf and play music until you were too old to move.” How’s that going, Kim? KIM Haha, well I have a few surfboards (and way too many guitars!), and I make a living playing music. That’s kind of a beautiful perspective you guys have got. I hadn’t thought about my dreams from those days in a long time.

As always seems the way with dreams, once you achieve them you move onto the next. These days I wanna play arena’s and have one of those radical double-decker tour buses when we tour Europe. Those buses are amazing and super fun with all your band and crew. We shall see though. I’m pretty happy as it is.

FUSE So you thought it would be ‘wicked’ and ‘a bit of dream’ to play for thousands of people. Has that happened yet?

KIM Wow, its so cool hearing the quotes from all those years ago. Thanks for being supportive all of this time FUSE! Yeah, it has… and it is! It’s almost like a drug. The nerves before going onstage can be intense but once you get into it and the crowd is onside and going bananas, you kind of just hold on for the ride. I think the real pros are guiding the rollercoaster so to speak. I’m not there yet, but I can imagine it being an incredible rush.

24

FUSEFEATURE

FUSE When we first met, you described your sound as a hybrid of Blues, Roots and Classical music — has that changed at all?

KIM Haha yep definitely. I think all those elements are still in there purely just because I played those kinds of music for so long. These days it’s much more about honest, strong songwriting and letting the melodies and lyrics dictate where the music wants to go. I’ve messed around with stuff that has electronic influences, some way heavier distorted kind of stuff and some pretty poppy sounds as well. They’re all wonderful colours to use if it suits the song and the intention.

FUSE Your new album ‘weight_falls’ is pretty impressive, what’s your favourite track and why?

KIM Um, I really like ‘The Border’. I was really inspired by the Radiohead album ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’ and some of the very gentle driving beats they used. This song reminded me of some elusive kind of wonderful feeling when you realise you can get away from everything through your imagination. You can just wander off into whatever you want, with whomever you want. You pick someone, and off you wander.

It’s a beautiful feeling when it happens.

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

FUSE What’s been your biggest adventure in the past seven years?

KIM Probably climbing through the Salcantay Glacier, then down into the Amazon before arriving in Machu Picchu. It took five days and was like being on another planet.

5

IN

WORDS...

FUSE On a personal level, what do you feel is your best song so far?

FUSE What’s been your favourite places to tour so far?

KIM Rosemary. About my Grandma.

KIM Hard to pick one. Touring Canada was quite incredible. I’ve done coast to coast probably 20 times and played in the mountains or out in magical forests at festivals or downtown in huge busking festivals. The surfing there is also amazing. Such a different culture to anywhere else. It’s a really stunning country and some of the most interesting and kind people in my life. Beyond that, Peru is pretty rad. Oh and Mexico. That place is awesome!

FUSE Your philosophy on life and happiness.

FUSE So where to from here?

KIM Well, the new album comes out on August 25th worldwide! I’ve never had such a huge release with so many people on board. There’s a lot to do. Promo throughout the UK and Europe. I’m touring with the German electronic group Milky Chance and hitting a bunch of festivals across the world. We’ll also be spending the best part of a few years touring the new live show! Hopefully, I can come to Canberra a few times ; ) FUSE Oh and we really need to ask how that old van of yours is going, or do you get around in something fancier now?

KIM I flipped it! Fell asleep at the wheel about five years ago. Somehow my friend and I got out without a scratch. Kind of freaky. Since then I had a Mercedes sprinter for years called VANessa. In the last few years, a bought a new van off an old tennis club, and her name is Anna IVANovich. I’ve had a bunch of vans in Europe and North America. I won’t name them all here, but my favourite was iVAN 2.

KIM Don’t take it too seriously.

FUSE If friendly aliens came to earth and wanted to show you the universe would you go — it’s a one-way ticket.

KIM Of course.

FUSE Your thoughts on the same-sex marriage.

KIM Vote ‘YES’ everyone! So stupid…

FUSE What’s the best part of your day?

KIM Second beer after surfs with friends. (oops 6).

KIM’S NEW ALBUM WEIGHT_FALLS IS AVAILABLE ON ITUNES

FUSEFEATURE

25

9

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AUSTRALIAN COOL CLIMATE WINE SHOW Be spoilt with an amazing five courses at the Long Table Luncheon accompanied by medal-winning wines.

Also test your knowledge at our Wine & Trivia and journey through Australia’s cool climate wine regions at the Public Tastings. Why not make a day of it and book a package and catch our Wine Bus from Canberra.

More details at: accwineshow.com.au/events or to book email us at: accws1@bigpond.com

SAVE

THE DATE 26

Sunday 20 November 2017 at Ainslie Arts Centre

canberraqwire.org.au FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

78 The march of

By Mark Gillespie

2018 will be the 40th Anniversary Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, and in the lead up we look back at the march of ‘78.

ON APRIL 27, 2015, CHRISTINE FOSTER, A LIBERAL PARTY COUNCILLOR AND THE SISTER OF THE THEN AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER, TONY ABBOTT, MOVED A MOTION AT THE SYDNEY CITY COUNCIL CALLING FOR A FORMAL APOLOGY TO THE ORIGINAL GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS MARCHERS. IT WAS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. In this article Mark Gillespie, a 78er and an anthropologist from the University of Sydney, writes about his own experiences. He looks at the momentous events that took place in Sydney between June and August 1978, when violent social unrest and public protests on the streets erupted with far-reaching effects for Australias everywhere.

THE MARCH OF ‘78 On a cold Saturday night in Sydney on June 24, 1978, a number of gay men, lesbians and transgender people marched into the pages of Australian social history.

I WAS ONE OF THEM. Several protests and demonstrations were organised during June that year to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riot in New York and to demand civil rights for Australian lesbians and gay men.

Gay activists in San Francisco had asked the Gay Solidarity Group in Sydney for support in their campaigns in California and the word had got out. At Taylor Square, where we assembled, I was impressed by the turnout (a report in The Australian estimated the crowd at about 1,000 people at this early stage of the night).

The early rainbow nature of the movement was evident, with transgender and Aboriginal people and people from migrant backgrounds all mixing in. We were a diverse and spirited group of a few hundred mostly younger men and women ready to march down Oxford Street to Hyde Park, along a strip that was becoming the centre of gay life in the city.

The atmosphere was more one of celebration than protest. Little did we know then that, by the end of the night, many of us would be traumatised and our lives changed forever.

As a young émigré in my twenties, from the Queensland bush, like many gay men and lesbians from the country in those days, I was, in effect, an internally displaced person. We were refugees in our own country.

Having arrived in Sydney seeking refuge from the never ending police state of mind that was life under the Joh Bjelke-Petersen Queensland government, I was renting a studio flat in Crown Street, Darlinghurst, at the time.

All through history, cities have offered people like me a measure of escape from oppression and persecution.

But in 1978, even in a big city like Sydney, refuge and security could not always be found and, without even basic human rights, we were always vulnerable.

As a high school teacher working for the NSW Department of Education, “coming out” posed a major risk for me — it could mean the loss of my job.

HOMOHISTORY

27

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FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

78 The march of

Marchers at the 1978 Mardi Gras parade. The Pride History Group.

For the those who were subjected to electric shock treatment in the 1970s at the old Prince Henry Hospital in Little Bay, it could even mean losing your mind.

Living a “double life” was a means of survival. Gay people’s lives were wrapped in stigma and shame.

The real unspoken tragedy of the times was the loss of the lives of so many wonderful young people who struggled with their sexual identities and, unable to deal with all the pain and shame inflicted on them, ended up committing suicide.

The Stonewall Riot, which had occurred nine years earlier, far away in Greenwich Village on Manhattan in New York, marks the modern era of “homosexual liberation”. This oft-quoted term was popularised as early as 1971 by Dennis Altman, the Australian academic who became a leading voice of the movement.

Altman continues today to chronicle and interpret the movement. The violence, unrest and resistance of the Sydney Mardi Gras of 1978 has clear parallels to Stonewall.

BACK TO THE MARCH We started off from Taylor Square in a festive mood. Chants rippled along the marchers, strangers joined hands and we sought to bring people out of the bars and into the streets to join us. Some did come out of the bars and joined us; others lined up and watched the parade but did not join in.

I heard the commonly used Australian put-down of those times, “poofters”, hurled at us. “Ratbag poofters”, too. When we reached Hyde Park we were denied entry.

Confusion reigned and an officer in authority appeared intent on breaking up the march. His derogatory tone of voice and the way he hurled insults and abuse angered all within earshot.

It soon became clear that our open-back truck that would have provided the disco music for a party and a platform for speeches in the park was to be forcefully confiscated and the driver arrested. We then realised it would be a mistake for us to enter Hyde Park at all.

At the front of the march I remember a few split seconds of initial doubt that we would be able to do it, and then, in perfect, bold, spontaneous unison, at our success in breaking through the cordon of police across College Street, we shouted, “On to the Cross!” (Kings Cross).

With an exhilarating surge of energy we turned from College Street into William Street. Propelled onwards with hundreds joining in behind us, we turned left into Darlinghurst Road into the heart of Kings Cross.

We were sick and tired of being criminalised, pathologised, demonised, of being made to hide who we were and having our rights to live as human beings denied.

HOMOHISTORY

29

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FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

78 The march of

Police and marchers met in the 1978 Mardi Gras.. The Pride History Group.

That night we were in the streets and we were determined to get our message to as many people as possible. After marching down Oxford Street and seeing our numbers swell as many people came out of the coffee shops, bars and hotels to join us, now we wanted to call on everybody in the Cross to listen to our chants and come out and support us as well. We chanted: “Out of the bars and into the streets!”

We wanted the whole world to hear our cries for freedom from the oppression that characterised our lives.

In numbers, suddenly, wonderfully, we were unafraid.

Here there was a direct parallel with Stonewall, for as with the NYPD, the NSW police force faced an unexpected and vigorous resistance.

As determined as they were to put us back in our closets there was no stopping us. Now we were coming out. And now we had straight people willing to join in and support us. In Darlinghurst Road in Kings Cross we were cut off and ambushed with hundreds of police with dozens of wagons blocking us in front and from behind.

These were critical moments, because in truth the crowd would most likely have dispersed at this point.

Yet the real violence was about to begin. It was there in Darlinghurst Road that we faced the most brutal onslaught of the whole night. The police, arriving in numbers, took advantage of the semi darkness of the night, unleashing a reckless and ugly attack on the marchers.

They acted as if they had a licence to inflict as much injury as they could and I feared there would be dead bodies everywhere if they had guns in those paddy wagons and were to open fire. Despite that fear we did not run, we fought back, resisting arrest as the police wielded their heavy batons indiscriminately.

The more we were assaulted the more we resisted.

The group-solidarity had taken hold as we tried to stand our ground, rescuing “brothers” and “sisters” from the clutches of the police as they were being forced into paddy wagons. I distinctly remember the way that the police near the El Alamein Fountain targeted women for arrest, in particular, and the smaller and more vulnerable among us.

The first Mardi Gras is often described as a riot but I didn’t see it that way. It was a very defiant act of resistance that proved a turning point. We were willing to stand up, to resist. We were people too; our sexualities may have been diverse and different but that did not make us any less human than others.

The discriminatory attitude of the police and the violence they meted out to us seemed to represent in highly symbolic and condensed form the very pain, humiliation and suffering that society as a whole constantly inflicted on us as lesbians and gay men.

Some 53 men and women were arrested, all of whom — unhelpfully — had their names and occupations subsequently published in The Sydney Morning Herald.

Many lost their jobs or housing as a result.

HOMOHISTORY

31

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FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

78 The march of

Violence breaks out on the streets of Sydney. The Pride History Group.

Some 53 men and women were arrested, all of whom — unhelpfully — had their names and occupations subsequently published in The Sydney Morning Herald. Many lost their jobs or housing as a result.

Over the years I have often wondered why we didn’t storm the building then and there. Strangely after a short period of silence somebody started to sing the Afro-American spiritual “We shall overcome” and the whole crowd joined in:

Gail Hewison, one of the women detained, described to me the whole experience of being locked-up without charge as one of shock and trauma. She had all her possessions taken away from her including her glasses. She told me she could hear the sounds of a man being horribly beaten in another cell. Then, after a while she also began to hear the supportive chants of the crowds gathering outside.

WE SHALL NOT, WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED WE SHALL NOT, WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED JUST LIKE A TREE THAT’S STANDING BY THE WATER WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED

In front of the police station, close to Oxford Street and Taylor Square where the march had started hours earlier, battered and bruised, hundreds of us gathered in an enraged state shouting, “Let them free!”.

We continued the refrains from our earlier chants:

TWO FOUR SIX EIGHT, GAY IS JUST AS GOOD AS STRAIGHT! Looking out at the angry crowd the police inside the station must have been apprehensive about what would happen next. They were greatly outnumbered and for some moments as we inched closer and closer, you could sense an urge on the part of the crowd to takeover the police station, to demand the jailers keys and so to release our brothers and sisters.

Over the years I have often wondered why we didn’t storm the building then and there. Strangely after a short period of silence somebody started to sing the Afro-American spiritual “We shall overcome” and the whole crowd joined in: Reflecting on this now I would like to think that, despite the provocation on that night itself and the centuries of violence that had been perpetrated upon us, we as a collective knew instinctively that violence was one of our main grievances and we had a mission to resist it and fight against violence using other means.

Someone in the crowd cried out, “I am a lawyer. Are there any other lawyers or solicitors here? We need to raise bail money!”. The campaign to win the legal battles was now well underway, culminating in 1984 when homosexuality was decriminalised in the NSW Parliament.

This brief narrative of the first Mardi Gras is told because the events of that night, their causes and repercussions can now be placed in clearer historical perspective and they help us to understand why keeping politics at the centre of the annual Mardi Gras is so important. You can read the complete essay by Mark Gillespie online at The Conversation.

HOMOHISTORY

33

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78 The march of

You’re invited to mobilise in support of the most significant advance against HIV since the introduction of HIV treatments nearly 20 years ago.

WE CAN END HIV BY 2020 2020 marks the end of the decade and it can also mark the end for new cases of HIV in Australia.

Visit the website >

HOMOHISTORY

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By Scott Malcolm Director of Money Mechanics

COUPLES AND THEIR MONEY THERE IS A LOT OF NOISE ABOUT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AT THE MOMENT AND, EVEN MORE, TRAJECTION ABOUT THE DYNAMICS OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS. WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING IT GOT ME THINKING: “HOW DIFFERENT ARE SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS WHEN IT COMES TO MONEY?” WELL, PROBABLY VERY LITTLE. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR SUCCESS WITH MONEY AND YOUR LOVER. 1. ENGAGE WITH YOUR MONEY

3. MAINTAIN YOUR INDIVIDUALITY

Within relationship dynamics, it’s pretty common that only one person deals with all the finances. Life is always changing and often throws challenges at us. It’s important to make sure you are both active and involved in how you deal with your finances.

It’s healthy to keep your individuality. What I mean here is that you will have joint goals and plans as a couple, but you also may have separate goals or plans as an individual. Honor both so you can celebrate your coupledom and individual self along the way.

I had a client who lost his partner who dealt with all their finances. Having to learn how to pay bills while grieving adds so much more complexity to a sad time.

2. TO MIX OR NOT TO MIX So do you blend all your finances or do you keep things solo?

My partner and I setup our first joint account for holiday spending. This gave us a safe way to enter ‘joint account life’.

We often have different values and levels of understanding when it comes to money, so it’s important to be easy on each other as you build your new framework of how you want to deal with your finances. Mindfulness plays a big part here!

I would suggest you have joint accounts for common expenses such as your weekly living costs and monthly bills. Keep at least one separate account as a backup. A joint account can be frozen if someone dies or loses capacity so you should always ensure you have a slush fund you can access if the worst was to happen.

This joint and individual framework also helps to protect both parties if one person earns a lower income, has other family commitments or does not work.

I have seen this work well where a client of mine was an avid sailor, but his partner didn’t have sea legs. They are now in retirement with the sailor doing their thing up and down the coastline and the land bound partner flying or driving to meet them at each port. It has been a great way to celebrate individual goals as well as their joint outcomes in retirement! Think outside the square as anything is possible!

4. HAVE A MONEY DATE NIGHT Have a monthly date night where you focus on discussing all things money. Talk about your goals and plans as well as the mechanical elements. Cash flow, super and estate planning over a nice bottle of wine.

If you want a framework on what to discuss give me a call or flick me an email, and I will give you some additional ideas about the kind of things to talk about.

Keep it fun and remember there is no right or wrong with the money stuff. Make sure you are being open and honest with each other and seek out further advice if needed!

Scott Malcolm has been awarded the internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner designation from the Financial Planning Association of Australia and is Director of Money Mechanics. Money Mechanics is a fee for service financial advice firm who partner with clients in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney to achieve their life and wealth outcomes. We 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

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CANBERRA MENOPAUSE CENTRE

SEXUAL HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING ACT

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Based at Sexual Health & Family Planning ACT the Canberra Menopause Centre is a specialist service for women seeking information, support and/or medical management of menopause symptoms.

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JAGUAR F-PACE S A GENUINE JAGUAR AT ITS SOUL

By Stuart Poole

JAGUAR HAS TRADITIONALLY ALWAYS MADE HIGH-END SPORTS CARS AND SEDANS — LET’S FACE IT, YOU DON’T NORMALLY THINK SUV AND THEN THINK JAG. BUT WITH SUV’S BEING SO POPULAR IT MAKES SENSE THAT HIGH-END CAR MAKERS LIKE JAGUAR, PORSCHE AND BENTLEY ARE NOW OFFERING THEM. I already knew that driving a Jag was going to be a pretty amazing experience and I was not let down by the F-Pace. The first thing that caught my eye was its gorgeous looks and striking colour. The car I took for a test drive was a beautiful opal-like blue, with a contrasting black and cream interior. Today’s cars mostly seem to be fifty shades of grey, so it’s always refreshing to see some deviation from the norm.

The engine is a Supercharged 3 litre V6 producing 280 KW of power, hooked up to a silky smooth eight-speed auto gearbox with all wheel drive. It really does move along, and the exhaust note has a lovely sound to it. The F-Pace S rides on big 22 inch rims, and the suspension manages to achieve the balance between sporty and comfortable. Even though you’re in an SUV the F-Pace drives, feels and sounds like a genuine Jaguar.

The F-Pace has a beautiful profile, long bonnet, low roof line and swept back cabin. I really loved the large panoramic glass sunroof; it was nice to catch a few rays, and when it got too bright at a touch of a button I could slide back the mesh shade.

The F-Pace was an enjoyable blend of a sports car and SUV that seemed to strike a true balance between practicality and sportiness.

It is happy in an urban environment but can easily tackle those weekends away on bush tracks or off-road driving. Which is pretty much what Jaguar set out to achieve. The F-Pace starts at around $74,340 (plus on-road costs).

Thank you to Lennock Jaguar in Phillip for providing the vehicle.

As expected the cabin was super plush, and I was surrounded by a multitude of electronic adjustments to optimise my comfort and driving experience. The car featured beautifully appointed seats; leather trim; climate control; push-button start; InControl Apps, an eight-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity; sat nav; the latest in collision avoidance technology; and a fabulous Meridien sound system (just to name a few). I found all the ergonomic controls were easy to use and had a real intuitive feel to them. This is something I always look for in a car; it’s nice to be able to step in and go.

Like the Tardis, it also felt bigger on the inside. The cabin had plenty of room for everyone to be comfortable, with ample headroom. The boot was deep, and like all SUVs, the back seats fold down to increase luggage space for those weekend trips.

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

AUNT DOROTHY’S MOTORING TIP Can’t afford new tyres? Some new brands have arrived in Australia from Asia. Formally a brand queen, I have tested a number of these “non-brand” tyres. I can honestly say they were pretty good and a fraction of the cost. Sure the prestigious brands may be better, but the average motorists will find the cheaper alternatives satisfactory, and they are much safer than bald tyres.

FUSEINTERVIEW TOPQUEER

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DID YOU KNOW? Alice Guy-Blaché (July 1, 1873 – March 24, 1968) was the first person to be a film director and writer of narrative fiction films. She experimented with Gaumont’s Chronophone sound syncing system, colour tinting, interracial casting, and special effects.

THEIR FINEST

EMO THE MUSICAL

Before Christopher Nolan’s immersive war film stormed cinemas, there was another Dunkirk themed movie released this year. Lone Scherfig’s period drama, however, didn’t take place on a French beach but back in the London film studios of the British War Office. That’s where Catrin (Gemma Arterton) has been assigned to write the female parts (or ‘the slops’) of an heroic war story to inspire the British people in their darkest hour, and where a disapproving head writer (Sam Claflin) and demanding leading man (Bill Nighy) prove to be as exacting as the frequent German air raids. Like the film-within-the-film, Their Finest is a dramatic, comic and romantic treat.

Ethan (Benson Jack Anthony) is an Emo, and after he is expelled from private school, he enrols in the dilapidated Seymour High where he joins the alternative rock band, Worst Day Ever. He also meets Trinity (Jordan Hare), a totally naive but cute Christian girl who is desperate to convert him to Jesus. If having to choose between his head and his heart wasn’t tough enough, Ethan will also have to face-off with Trinity in the looming annual State School Rock Competition.

Aussie movie musicals are a rarity, but director Neil Triffet has successfully adapted his short film into a pitch-black comedy about growing up and embracing the weirdo inside you.

SPIDER-MAN : HOMECOMING

20TH CENTURY WOMEN

After debuting in last year’s Captain America: Civil War, Tom Holland (The Impossible) makes a successful first solo outing in the red and blue suit and looking very much like the 15-year-old Peter Parker that he plays. Holland has both the charm and the vulnerability to make this Spider-Man his own; preoccupied as much with adolescent concerns (like girls, guardians (Marisa Tomei as Aunt May), and the Homecoming dance) as he is with the emergence of a new villain, Vulture (ironically played by Birdman’s Michael Keaton). Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jnr) is on-hand to offer advice, but it’s up to Peter to navigate his way through.

After helping Christopher Plummer to an Oscar win for portraying his coming out late-in-life father (in 2011’s Beginners), writer-director Mike Mills couldn’t quite achieve the same feat for Annette Bening. Although overlooked by the Academy (she wasn’t even nominated), Bening gives one of her best performances as Dorothea, a single parent in 1979 Santa Barbra who calls upon two other women — photographer lodger, Abbie (Greta Gerwig), and adolescent neighbour, Julie (Elle Fanning) — to help guide her teenage son, Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann), into becoming a good man. Like Beginners, 20th Century Women is whimsical, heartfelt and truly original.

TRANSMISSION HOME ENTERTAINMENT

USPHE

By Dwayne Lennox

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FILM&TV

MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT ONE

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

BIG GAY CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST 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.

You’ll find us on the undercover terrace. Complimentary Champagne, buy your own breakfast.

SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER @ 9AM TIL 12 NOON SERVING YOU BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS Monday to Saturday 7.30am – 10.30pm • Sundays & Public Holidays 8.00am – 5.00pm

CORNER WATTLE AND BRIGALOW STREETS, LYNEHAM 41

At Relationships Australia we strive to support the mental health and wellbeing of people of diverse bodies, genders and sexualities, as well as those questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Our services can help you with: • Relationship difficulties • Communication issues • Parenting • Family violence • Trust issues • Sexual difficulties • Grief and loss • Managing conflict • Gambling issues

We can also support anyone experiencing emotional distress around the debate surrounding marriage equality.

To find our more about our services call 1300 364 277 or visit www.racr.relationships.org.au

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WE ARE IN DIFFICULT TIMES, AND SADLY, SOME PEOPLE FEEL THE NEED TO POST OR MAKE HATEFUL, HOMOPHOBIC, RACIST OR SEXIST COMMENTS ON THE INTERNET. IT CAN BE A DIFFICULT THING TO DEAL WITH EMOTIONALLY. THIS LITTLE ARTICLE HAS A FEW THOUGHTS ON WHAT CAN YOU DO.

DEALING with hate speech online REPORT THE MESSAGE

BAN SPECIFIC KEYWORDS

According to their ‘Terms of Service’, content that attacks people based on their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or disease is not allowed on Facebook or Twitter.

Not many people know that Facebook allows you to add keywords that are banned from being used on your page.

By default, profanities are already suppressed on business Facebook pages, so you don’t need to worry about those unless you turn off the Profanity Filter for some reason.

Facebook and Twitter only remove messages after they have been reported by a user. It is therefore important for you to report hateful or discriminatory messages. Reporting is completely anonymous. Based on your report, they can decide to take messages offline or even block an account temporarily or permanently.

BLOCK OR UNFRIEND THEM

ASK THE PAGE ADMINISTRATOR TO REMOVE THE MESSAGE Most internet forums, including Facebook pages, have a moderator. The moderator has the power to take a message offline and can send users a warning or ban them. So shoot off a quick message to let them know what’s been posted.

HIDE OR DELETE BAD COMMENTS If the hate speech appears on your own Facebook page, click to “Hide” a negative comment, you can then opt to delete it completely. The “Delete” option link will appear under the comment area.

Once you “Hide” a negative comment from someone, the “Ban” user option link also appears under the hidden comment. Click that to completely bannish the user from your page.

REACT TO THE HATE SPEECH MINDFULLY Sometimes you just can’t ignore it, and even if you are not personally the victim, you need to make it clear that you do not agree with a post. The following tips may be helpful.

Do not target the author, but rather the content of the statement.

Refute false claims with facts and refer to credible sources.

React in a respectful and clear manner. Express your disbelief and displeasure, but do not get involved in pointless ‘is-not’/’is-so’ arguments and mutual mudslinging and insults.

Be aware that certain messages are published with the intention to provoke people. So don’t let yourself get carried away in an emotional and hateful tirade and know when to stop.

You can also react in a non-direct way by publishing your own positive posts about the same topic or about the group being attacked. This is a subtle way of combating hate speech.

FUSECOMMUNITY

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Canberra Sexual Health Centre Canberra Hospital campus in Garran, ACT

Knowing your STI, hepatitis and HIV status allows you to get treatment early, stay well and reduce risk to your partners.

Our walk-in clinics (no appointment needed) offer free, friendly, non-judgemental and confidential specialist sexual health care for STI’s and HIV.

SAFEAY STAYO LID H THIS ASON & SE GRAS MARDI

Canberra Sexual Health Centre welcomes members from the transgender, intersex and gender diverse community for sexual health care. For clients requiring transition care please call us for more details.

YOUR H KNOW HEALT L A U X E S STATUS r HIV ents e cli isk fo s r r y e e v er di the k W! ex us is O gend t a d t N nal s n s a a K n d i x e a OU tect cert terse npro or un er, in u d n l DO Y n a w e g casu nkno rans Is y had r of u me t e e o v d ST n c r t l e Su V an par c I i a H d f We w o h no Peri x wit issio nity al se m u n s m a n s a m s y Co he tr omle ing t ra Ga r p Cond e p b o n of st e Ca way in th s e ex n v i e t onth nal s fm fec m a f o 3 e d % t e y 30 tect mos ever p to npro l the u u l i t r t s e s e t are to t e af oms ssibl aged r o u p o s c Cond a e en soon en ar P as m E h P t i IV ex w uss H ave s h Disc o h en w er m h t o and Gay

Call 6244 2184 or check our website for opening hours: health.act.gov.au/sexualhealth

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ITS ALL IN THE NUMBERS

“When moral posturing is replaced by an honest assessment of the data, the result is often a new, surprising insight.”

Steven D. Levitt

21

40%

A number of times Harvard University says men should ejaculate per month to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. This number comes form a recent study which suggests men can reduce their risk of getting prostate cancer by masturbating regularly.

The percentage of transgender adults that have reported having made a suicide attempt. 92% of these individuals reported having attempted suicide before the age of 25.

1M The number of plastic bottles that are bought around the world every minute, or approximately 16,000 bottles every second, according to a recent study.

8.4M The amount the US military spends annually on supporting transgender personel. In 2014 the military spent $84.24 million on erectile dysfunction prescriptions and $41.6M on Viagra.

Photo above: This is active duty Air Force Staff Sergeant Logan Ireland.

This is who Donald Trump wants to kick out of the military.

760M

63%

The number of people that now live in countries where same-sex marriage is firmly legal.

Same-sex marriage remains a contentious political issue in Australia, but for 22 countries around the world it’s already a right — and in several countries for more than a decade.

A Sensis survey of 1,000 business owners has shown 63% would support marriage equality, an increase of 8% from last year. Only 2% said same-sex marriage would have a negative impact on their business.

54% According to the Galaxy Research poll which questioned 1,000 people on the issue, 54 per cent of Australian Christians support marriage equality.

49% of Christians also opposed civil celebrants being able to refuse to services to same sex couples on the basis of “conscientious belief”.

3 ONLY Only three cases of PrEP failure have been documented thus far, both reported within the past year, involved rare drug-resistant strains of the virus that apparently evaded the two drugs in Truvada. Condoms are still the most effective way of avoiding HIV and other STI infections.

FUSEINTERVIEW FUSENUMBERS

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M CLINIC IS THE FIRST BUSINESS MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH

MON 4 SEPTEMBER • MON 9 OCTOBER • MON 6 NOVEMBER

A Little Laser

Cosmetic Laser Clinic Jennifer Dromgold is the owner of a boutique laser clinic A Little Laser in Manuka. She provides safe, fast, high end medical grade treatments at affordable prices. Hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments for people of all skin types.

Jennifer’s experience spans over 10 years.

Jennifer has clients ranging from gay boys and girls who want to be ultra smooth to people in the trans community who need a professional clinic that understands their needs.

“As somebody that supports and understands the needs of GLBTI people I’m very keen to offer my services and help individuals look and feel better.

I am excited and proud to be able to offer my clients individual treatment plans and give them the time they deserve in a boutique style clinic.

I enjoy building an honest relationship with my clients and love having the opportunity to help people achieve results with their individual concerns.”

We believe it’s about more than just beauty... it’s about you!

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02 6232 6629 | alittlelaser.com.au New Studio: 42 Geils Court, Deakin ACT

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

YOUR HOROSCOPE SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2017 The seeds we plant in life will shape our lives in the months and years to come. During this time we have the opportunity to see what it is we truly want. It’s also a good time to pull out any weeds that are choking up your garden and holding things back. The next two months are a good time to see where and how you may best utilise any new energy that may appear in your life journey.

Aquarius

January 21 – February 18 Romance is in the air dear Aquarius.

Unfortunately, you may find you don’t have the energy, or you’re just way too busy. It’s going to be important to take it a bit easy if you don’t want to miss out. Tip: It’s a good time to take a good look at your workflow practices.

Taurus

April 21 – May 21 This is an ideal time to get ahead on all those things that you have really needed to do over the past six months.

Smart thinking and decisiveness will help make things happen. Tip: Being more adventurous and following your heart should produce positive results.

Leo

July 23 – August 23 During the next few months, your creative thought and mental activity will be energised making for better communications and interactions with other people. Tip: Determined and sustained effort will bring the growth and happiness you’re looking for.

Scorpio

October 24 – November 22 Over the next couple of months use your intuition and heart to set yourself in a new direction if things just don’t feel right for you. Tip: Spending money on experiences instead of things will bring you fabulous memories and an enhanced feeling of joy and belonging.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20 It’s time to take charge. Over the next month, you will have greater power and influence over your own life. Be proactive in allowing positive transformations at home or work. Tip: Avoid getting into arguments, losing your temper or being unnecessarily abrupt.

Gemini

May 22 – June 21 There may be some tension with a lover or a friend if you don’t give back as much as you receive. If you’re feeling a bit selfish, it may indicate that things are not right in your heart.

Tip: Overspending could cause financial stress in the near future.

Virgo

August 24 – September 23

Aries

March 21 – April 20 September brings love, harmony, peace and possibly some extra money. This is a fabulous time for dating if you are single, or romantic interludes with your current partner to rejuvenate your relationship.

Tip: Pamper yourself with some of the special things you really love.

Cancer

June 22 – July 22 If you lead with your heart and are truly authentic, a prosperous and harmonious few months with plenty of opportunities is really possible for you. Tip: A friend or family member may need some extra support, listening with an open mind will be your best thing you can do.

Libra

September 24 – October 23

You may be feeling more loving and affectionate than usual. This is a time of peace, harmony, romance and fun, so embrace it and keep your eye out for those golden opportunities. Tip: Be very clear to yourself and others about your intentions and feelings.

Love is in the air, and this is a great time for socialising and getting yourself out there. If you already have a partner, use this time to hang with friends and family. Tip: The best time for making a fresh start is during the months of September and October.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

November 23 – December 22 September brings love and harmony.

This is one of the best times for dating or reinvigorating your current relationship if it has felt a little stale.

Tip: October is the ideal time to revaluate your life and make sure you are going in the right direction.

December 23 – January 20 The next few months will bring renewed hope and optimism into your being. You may be feeling the urge to expand your horizons and explore the world in a new way. Tip: Be flexible and be ready to move on if you get signals that you are on the wrong path.

STARGAZER

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EMAIL DEAR ROSE WITH YOUR PROBLEM

By Rose Pappalardo

Dear Rose, My BF has always been a little on the softer side, like myself, but recently he has transformed his body and is totally ripped now. I should be over the moon, but all of a sudden he seems out of my league and is awfully popular. I think I may lose him.

Bear Cub

Dear Rose, My partner has been diagnosed with a life threatening disease. It will change our lives for ever. I’m terrified my fear and shortcomings will get in the way when it comes to tremendous amounts of support she is going to need. TJ

Dear Bear Cub, If your BF had worked hard to achieve a qualification, would you feel insecure about his achievement? Your BF has done something great for himself. I can tell you from my own experience when you lose weight, you feel more energised, confident and feel healthier. So it’s not surprising that people are naturally drawn to your man. This doesn’t mean he is going to walk out the door with someone else.

Dear TJ, There is nothing more heartbreaking than when someone you love has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness. It is normal to be very upset and overwhelmed asking yourself, “how will I cope?”, “what will I do?”

Communication is always the key, so you can say nothing and let your insecurities eat away at your relationship, or you can talk, support, celebrate and maybe even get in on the action!

Dear Rose, I feel so stuck and feel my life is going nowhere. A big part of me just wants to walk away and start again. I don’t, as it would affect so many people around me. What do I do?

Monica

Dear Monica, It sounds like it’s time to re-evaluate where you are and where you want to be. A new direction in life can make you much happier, more fulfilled and more successful.

There are lots of practical ways you can approach this process, bearing in mind that it’s entirely up to you how long this transformation can take. If you have responsibilities to others, find ways of either passing the ball to someone else or managing the situation from a different angle.

Getting away for a time by yourself can give you the space needed to reevaluate things and figure out how you want your life to look. Experts say that the ocean is a great place for this type of work. You might also consider a life coach or counsellor that help guide you to realise your dreams and any fears that may be holding you back. Remember, life is not a dress rehearsal.

The reality is, human beings have an enormous capacity to endure when we are faced with hardships. A little thing called survival instinct kicks in, and we instinctively put one foot in front of the other.

If you are feeling distressed and overwhelmed, it’s super important that you seek support from a counsellor and also open the vital communications lines with your partner, so she knows what you are feeling.

Luckily you have some time to organise yourself and put some things in place. Ask the doctors plenty of questions on how the disease will progress and what things you will need to prepare. Engage with a social worker who will be able to give you the best information, and in turn the best options, for you both.

“Same sex marriage isn’t gay privilege, its equal rights.

Privilege would be something like gay people not paying taxes.

Like churches don’t.”

Ricky Gervais

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

DON’T TURN YOUR BACK ON YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH

{

LESBIAN BISEXUAL TRANS QUEER STRAIGHT OR EVEN SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN?

SEXUAL HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING ACT

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.

• • • • • •

Cervical Screening and HPV Vaccine STI and HIV screening, checks and advice Reproductive and sexual health services Sexual difficulties and contraception services Canberra Menopause Centre Services for people with disabilities

FEMALE DOCTORS AND NURSES ARE AVAILABLE

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

THURSDAY TO SATURDAY

THE DICKSON TRADIES

AT THE TRADIES

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday you can catch some of Canberra’s best local artists performing Live at The Dickson Tradies!

Visit thetradies.com.au to find out who’s playing this week.

The Dickson Tradies

2 Badham Street, Dickson ACT, 2602

02 6162 5656

thetradies.com.au

facebook.com/TheDicksonTradies