63 MADE IN FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AUAUSTRALIASEP/OCT2022 EQUALITYLOVELIFE > BE WHO YOU ARE, LOVE WHO YOU WANT FREE GETSCANBERRAFAIRDAYAFRESHMAKEOVER! REBEL WILSON & COMING OUT ON YOUR TERMS QUEERLY ART LGBTIQ TURNINGARTISTSHEADS 10 WAYS TO FEEL HAPPIER MARDI MEDITATIONMOMENTSHISTORICGRASMEETSART MOSSPHILIPPA FORWARDFEMINIST&ENTREPRENEURPROFESSIONALFORGING SPRINGOUT2022CANBERRA FAILCENSUSAUSSIESTREAMINGQUEERISBUSHDANCEBACK!
1 FUSE EXECUTIVESEPMADEMAGAZINEINAUSTRALIA/OCT2022EDITOR Alexander Thatcher CREATIVE DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE EDITOR Christopher Powell ASSISTANT EDITOR Maxwell Elliff CONTRIBUTORS Dwayne Lennox Scott Malcolm Rose Pappalardo Phil JackEliseJayaMcAuliffeDantasStephensonHayes PHOTOGRAPHERS Nathan J Lester Kristian JamesDonZakLisaBrendonDowlingThorneMareeWilliamsKaczmarekArnoldDMorgan CONTACT FUSE 0412 309 hello@fusemagazine.com.au992 fusemagazine.com.au PO Box Belconnen844ACT 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. Some articles in this publication may have first appeared on theconversation.com. Submissions of text, photographs or any other material will be taken as consent to publish said material. FUSE REGULARS 02 Editor’s Rant 04 What’s On : Movies 07 What’s On : Events & Shows 63 MADE IN FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AUAUSTRALIA EQUALITYLOVELIFE > BE WHO YOU ARE, LOVE WHO YOU WANT FREE FAILCENSUSAUSSIESTREAMINGQUEERISBUSHDANCEBACK! GETSCANBERRAFAIRDAYAFRESHMAKEOVER! REBEL WILSON & COMING OUT ON YOUR TERMS QUEERLY ART LGBTIQ TURNINGARTISTSHEADS 10 WAYS TO FEEL HAPPIER MARDI MEDITATIONMOMENTSHISTORICGRASMEETSART DAVISJOHNATHANMLA ONTRAILBLAZERMILLENNIALAMISSION SPRINGOUT2022CANBERRA 63 MADE IN FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AUAUSTRALIASEPOCT2022 EQUALITYLOVELIFE > BE WHO YOU ARE, LOVE WHO YOU WANT FREE GETSCANBERRAFAIRDAYAFRESHMAKEOVER! REBEL WILSON & COMING OUT ON YOUR TERMS QUEERLY ART LGBTIQ TURNINGARTISTSHEADS 10 WAYS TO FEEL HAPPIER MARDI MEDITATIONMOMENTSHISTORICGRASMEETSART MOSSPHILIPPA FORWARDFEMINIST&ENTREPRENEURPROFESSIONALFORGING SPRINGOUT2022CANBERRA FAILCENSUSAUSSIESTREAMINGQUEERISBUSHDANCEBACK! 63 FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU FUSE CONTENTS 09 Round Up : News & Politics 19 Op.Ed : Rebel Wilson’s Forced Outing 21 Op.Ed : Is Your Loneliness a Gift? 28 Queer local artists and makers share their thoughts about art and what it means to create. FUSE FEATURES 14 FUSE chats with two local trailblazers on a mission to improve the lives of their communities. 10 13 23 Op.Ed : Why the Census Failed Us 27 Health & Wellbeing : Art Meets Meditation 39 Health & Wellbeing : Feel Happier 41 Health & Wellbeing : Monkeypox Facts 3919 43 Couch Potato : Queer Streaming 45 Community : Bushdance is Back! 47 Stargazer : Your Horoscope 48 Dear Rose 43 45 247 24 We look at ten extraordinary and historic Sydney Mardi Gras moments dating back to 1988. 313329 35
We all know by now that the pandemic is the gift that keeps giving, as we all learn to live with a ‘new normal’. It has been a tough couple of years for us all, but as FUSE enters our 13th lucky year as Canberra’s LGBTIQ magazine, it’s great to be back!
The LGBTIQ DIRECTORY has been created in response to the identification that LGBTIQ people in Canberra and surrounding regions need a central place to find support, community and business pathways. It is our aim to encourage and promote rich and fulfilling lives in our community through this resource. Visit our new website at: lgbtiq.directory FUSE WEBSITE Keep up with local and happeningsLGBTIQinternationalnews,opinions,andmore!
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As we enter spring, I hope you enjoy this issue of FUSE Magazine made by our talented, dedicated team of writers, storytellers, photographers and creators as we celebrate some awesome humans in our community. With hope in my heart, Alexander.
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Read FUSE Magazine on your smartphone, tablet or computer. FRESH OUT @ GLEBE PARK A fresh vision of Fair Day, Canberra’s largest pride LGBTIQ community event.
The hard truth is we may be headed for even more challenging times, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still thrive and find happiness.
So as I digest the news, see people acting crazy or have my fragile ego attacked by others, I remind myself: I can only control how I react. I am not bound by what happens around me. Nothing lasts; change is inevitable.
Over the past few years with COVID, environmental disasters, war and various egomaniacs, life can feel out of control and not as cosy as it once did. It is more important than ever that we do more than post social media memes and actually really care for one another and be the best humans we can be.
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU2 EDITOR’S RANT YOU WERE NEVER IN CONTROL ANYWAY
Although it sucks, there is a great opportunity for human growth in these times of difficulty. It seems that everything happening right now points to a single and most important message: you (we) are not in control!
Check out the FUSE Magazine website and our social media sites for daily news, videos, special online features, what’s on listings, the latest community updates on our popular message board, the LGBTIQ business & community directory and more!
We use control as a tool against fear, but for centuries the Buddhists have been telling us that our obsession with it brings only suffering and trouble.
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When we let go of control and accept life as it is, it is possible to liberate ourselves from negative emotions and actions, and that can change the world.
Adverse negative reactions based on fear and a perceived loss of control are responsible for most of humanity’s suffering — even our environmental and virus woes can be linked back to this. Our troubles may seem insurmountable at times, but I believe we can make huge differences to our happiness and the world around us by learning to let go of things we cannot control and being mindful of our reactions to fear.
The good news for us all is that all though we actually have no control over other people or what happens around us, we can control how we react.
I think if we can understand and act on this, it can make for a better and happier world.
The single most significant decision I make daily is how I’ll react to something or someone. It’s a powerful tool for change. Emotions can be tricky to hold, and although it’s not something I’ve mastered (that would make me Buddha, ha!), when I do practice this I see significant improvements in my happiness and those around me.
Below you’ll find some mystery QR codes if you’re interested in learning more about letting go and living a happier life.
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THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING
One thing moviegoers have been missing on the big screen, even before COVID, are bona fide movie stars in top notch romcoms. Lost City (with Bullock and Tatum) recently filled that void and now Ticket to Paradise promises to do the same. The film reteams Hollywood royalty Julia Roberts and George Clooney in a romcom (of sorts) as bitterly divorced parents who team up to sabotage their daughter’s island wedding — a scenario which recalls Roberts’ My Best Friend’s Wedding (released 25 years ago this year!).
MONTH!OFMOVIEFUSEPICKTHE
SEE HOW THEY RUN Big screen whodunits are as popular as ever thanks to Kenneth Branagh’s Agathie Christie adaptations and Rian Johnson’s Knives Out (2019). This original mystery sees murderous intrigue take place behind the scenes of stage-to-screen Hollywood adaptation when the film’s producer (Adrian Brody) meets an untimely end. Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) must determine who, among a cast of many — including David Oyelowo (Selma), Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones’s Diary) and Harris Dickinson (Beach Rats)— is the culprit.
DID YOU KNOW? When George Clooney was asked if he would play a gay character, he said, “I’ve already played a gay character. I made ‘Batman’ gay. I was in a rubber suit, and I had rubber nipples”.
MOVIES
Follow Dwayne on Twitter @TheLennoXFiles 4
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU4 WHAT’SON FREE MOVIE PASSES KINDLY SUPPLIED BY DENDY CINEMAS CANBERRA LEVEL 2, NORTH QUARTER, CANBERRA CENTRE, 148 BUNDA STREET, CANBERRA CITY 261-263 KING STREET, NEWTOWN • OLD CLEVELAND & CAVENDISH ROADS, COORPAROO PORTSIDE WHARF, REMORA ROAD, HAMILTON • QUEEN STREET VILLAGE, SOUTHPORT DENDY.COM.AU
Hilarity and mishaps ensue, and perhaps a second chance at love?
What would you do with three wishes? Seven years after the critical, commercial and Oscar-winning success of Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller returns with a visually inventive film about the magic of storytelling. When academic Alithea (Tilda Swinton) picks up an ornate bottle at an Istanbul market, she inadvertently takes possession of a Djinn (Idris Elba), an ancient, wish-granting being who offers to grant her three wishes. But Alithea knows all too well the fate that befalls those who wish in haste, so to persuade her the Djinn must recount tales from his long, fantastical life.
YOU WON’T BE ALONE
TICKET TO PARADISE
Macedonian-Australian director Goran Stolevski’s second feature, Of An Age, recently premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival and has already been called a “modern queer classic” (The Guardian) But before that film arrives in cinemas, we get Stolevski’s debut feature. Inspired by Macedonian folklore, You Won’t Be Alone explores what it is to be human via a young witch who, in 19th-century Macedonia, assumes other people’s identities in an attempt to experience the gamut of human existence. Noomi Rapace (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) stars.
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. hey@fusemagazine.com.au
5 30 SEPT - 8 OCTOBER CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU6 TICKETS 02 6285 THEQ.NET.AU6290 7 SEPTEMBER ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC ARTISTS IN AUSTRALIAN MUSIC’S HISTORY AND 70’S POP ICON JOHN PAUL YOUNG IS COMING TO THE Q. JOHN PAUL YOUNG 24 SEPTEMBER DON’T MISS AUSTRALIA’S NEW NO.1 ABBA TRIBUTE SHOW. HEAR THE SONGS, ENJOY THE ENERGY AND GET READY FOR A FABULOUS NIGHT OF ABBA! ABBASBACK 14 - 23 OCTOBER JOIN IN ALL THE FUN WITH ONE OF THE WORLDS MOST LOVED MUSICALS! MISTAKEN IDENTITY, STAR-CROSSED LOVERS, SISTERS, SAILORS AND THE TRICKIEST OF TONGUE TWISTERS ABOUND IN THIS SEA FAIRING CAPER. GILBERT & SULLIVAN’S H.M.S PINAFORE 2 - 5 NOVEMBER EVONNE GOOLAGONG’S HEARTWARMING STORY IS A CELEBRATION OF SPIRIT AND PASSION OVER ADVERSITY, AND A TRIBUTE TO A WOMAN WHOSE SPORTING PROWESS CONTINUES TO INSPIRE A NATION, GIVING HOPE TO THOUSANDS OF YOUNG GIRLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. SUNSHINE SUPER GIRL
AGA DROP-IN WITH ART GROUP
GLEBE PARK, CANBERRA CITY FUSE Magazine is proud to be the media sponsor of a brand new event brought to you by Meridian and SpringOUT. Fresh Out will be a fun day in Glebe Park filled with first-class entertainment. Drag, bands and talent like Glitoris, Ellen Reed, Garret Lyon, Ethan, Tiptoe Giants, to name just a few. Hang out with friends, do some shopping in the village of market stalls, and feast on some of Canberra’s finest food and wine.
As part of this year’s SpringOUT Festival, you’re invited to a special art exhibition showcasing the talents of local LGBTIQ+ ceramicists and clay workers, which will be shown at the Canberra Potters Gallery.
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Details: freshout.au 29 OCT NOT THE ONLY CLAY IN THE VILLAGE
170 HAYDON DRIVE, BRUCE
WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER
THE BOARDWALK BAR 114 EMU BANK, BELCONNEN
CANBERRA POTTERS GALLERY, WATSON
13 OCTOBER – 6 NOVEMBER
Details: Arthritis ACT 02 6251 2055
Try new ways of expressing yourself at this free art group run by A Gender Agenda for trans and gender diverse people. This drop in group will be held monthly. No experience or materials are necessary.
Details: fusemagazine.com.au ALL IN! EXERCISE SPACE WEEKDAY EVENINGS 5.30PM – 6.30PM
PHISH + PHREAK DRAG
Details: genderrights.org.au
FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER Drag Take Over brings you a bevy of local talent and stunning guest performers all night long.
4:00PM – 6:00PM
FRESH OUT SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER 11.00AM – 5.00PM
WHAT’S ON LGBTIQ Directory Head to the FUSE LGBTIQ Directory where you’ll find LGBTIQ friendly and owned businesses, support pathways, community groups, sporting, social & support services. lgbtiq.directory
BIG GAY BREAKFAST SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 9.00AM UNTIL NOON TILLEY’S CAFÉ, LYNEHAM After two long years of lockdowns, it’s great to be back! Join us for our spring FUSE Big Gay Champagne Breakfast. It’s an LGBTIQ and everyone-in-between event! Eat, drink and be merry on a beautiful Spring morning with all your fabulous friends at Tilley’s in Lyneham.
Details: fusemagazine.com.au 11 SEP
WHAT’S ON
SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER Come see Canberra’s local ghouls and ghosts throw the spookiest drag show in town.
FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH Drag Trivia is a fun night of games, giveaways, fabulous fun and plenty of drag surprises!
Do you find it difficult to access mainstream exercise services? All In! is an inclusive exercise space for LGBTIQA+ and/or gender diverse people with personalised programs catering for your health goals.
(02)northside.asn.au61718000 A safe and welcoming space for LGBTIQ+ Canberrans. We’re committed to being a welcoming and safe space for all. If you’re looking for support, or want to find out more about roles with Northside, visit us at northside.asn.au.
NSW LEADING CHARGE TO ZERO
Just.Equal Australia is leading the national push for change, with its Let Us Give campaign launching on World Blood Donor Day (14th June). Of the current restrictions, campaign member Rodney Croome stated, “It stigmatises gay men as a threat to public health, and that kind of stigma really belongs in the past”. The campaign aims to replace the abstinence rule with an individual risk-assessment of potential donors, with those taking no new sexual partners in the previous 3 months being allowed to give blood.
SAUDI RAINBOW CRACKDOWN
ANGLICAN CHURCH SPLINTERS OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
LET US GIVE With blood donation shortages an ever looming currentlooseningisCrossAustralianthreat,RedLifebloodconsideringthenationwide limitations on gay donors. As it stands, men who have sex with men can only donate blood if they have remained celibate for 3 months — meaning gay men in committed, monogamous relationships are unable to donate.
Commerce ministry officials are reported to have confiscated rainbow toys, clothing and stationery from shops in the nation’s capital city Riyadh, because, as one official stated, the items “contradict the Islamic faith and public morals, and promote homosexual colours targeting the younger generation”. The Sunni-Muslim ruled nation has no specific laws regarding sexuality or gender identity but under the interpretation of Islamic law, extramarital sex (including homosexual sex) is a serious crime punishable by flogging or even death. It is also illegal for men to behave like women or dress in women’s clothing — highlighting the broader concern that any person in Saudi Arabia outwardly expressing a queer identity does so at their peril.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have seized a variety of rainbow coloured children’s products for their perceived promotion of homosexuality.
9 By Maxwell Elliff NEWS &POLITICS
The global race to zero new HIV transmissions by 2030 is looking on track for NSW. Data released by NSW Health showed just 178 new infections last year, representing a 36% drop over the past 5-year average. Also seen was a sharp decline in transmission among Australian-born gay men in urban areas; but other groups remained high, including heterosexuals, migrants and international students. Professor Andrew Grulich, head of the HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program at the UNSW’s Kirby Institute, praised the news stating, “What we are seeing in NSW is unique on a global scale”. The recent COVID-19 lockdowns are seen as playing a role in lowering new transmissions, but regular HIV testing is still crucial as the world opens up again.
Australia’s Anglican church faces a bitter division after an internal clash over same-sex marriage. In the church’s first general meeting since the global pandemic, both the laity and the clergy voted with the powerful Sydney diocese to reject same-sex unions, but the bishops utilised their veto power to block the statement. There is a fear that if the church cannot come to an agreement, the division could lead to a struggle over valuable assets such as historic churches and school grounds, and lead to a dismantled Anglican church where each clergyman relates only to his local bishop. The Sydney diocese is part of GAFCON, a conservative global movement to restore the bible to the centre of Anglican teachings.
ROUND UP DID YOU KNOW? New research from Just Like Us has revealed that 82% of UK parents are in favour of their children learning about LGBTIQ+ families at schools.
LIGHTYEAR’S LESBIAN KISS CAUSES A STIR
Disney’s first ever ‘groundbreaking’ same-sex married couple in an animated film was Bucky and Pronk Oryx-Antlerson in ‘Zootopia’ released in 2016.
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU10
Disney’s latest Toy Story adventure Lightyear has landed itself at the hands of censors for depicting a kiss between two female characters. In the film, supporting character and Buzz Lightyear’s best friend Alisha Hawthorne shares a kiss with her wife, but this brief scene has been the reason for the film’s ban in 14 countries in Asia and the Middle East; and China is likely to follow suit. Homosexuality is still criminalised in many Muslim countries, and the promotion of queer lifestyles faces severe punishment. Currently, Disney has refused to alter the film — which is surprising considering the corporation’s precarious history with the LGBTIQ+ community and queer representation. Disney has recently faced backlash for its slow response to condemning Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, with workers staging a protest until CEO Bob Chapek eventually denounced the law.
A recent petition in Ukraine to legalise same-sex marriage has garnered enough support for it to be brought before the president. The petition received 28,000 signatures (needing only 25,000) — meaning current president Volodymyr Zelensky now has 10 days to respond. While Zelensky can choose to do nothing, there has been mounting pressure of late for Ukraine to expand marriage rights amidst the country’s ongoing military conflict with Russia. At present, same-sex partners cannot collect their partner’s body from the morgue if they are killed in the line of duty — and also have no grounds for burial or compensation rights. Despite holding a pride march annually in capital city Kyiv since 2013 and the passing of an anti-discrimination law in 2015, LGBTIQ+ Ukrainians still face widespread intolerance and violence.
ROUND UP DID YOU KNOW?
NEWS &POLITICS
UKRAINE LOOKS TO LEGALISE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
NETFLIX SPARKS FAN PRAISE FOR AFFIRMING THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY STAR Streaming juggernaut Netflix has gained widespread online praise for its decision to integrate its star actor Elliot Page’s trans identity into their hit show The Umbrella Academy. Page, who plays introverted violinist Viktor Hargreaves on the comic book adaptation, came out in December 2020 as a trans man — and at the time two seasons of the show had been aired. Not only did Netflix and the show’s creators integrate Page’s trans identity tactfully into the storyline of the third season, but also went back and edited the credits of all past episodes to reflect Page’s true self. One fan took to Twitter to declare: “SEEING VIKTOR BEING VALIDATED AND RESPECTED BY EVERYONE, WITH EVERYBODY BEING JUST FINE WITH HIM BEING… HIM! THAT GAVE ME HOPE FOR MY LIFE”.
Netflix has recently faced questions about its commitment to trans rights, with A-List comedians including Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais using their stand-up specials on the platform to make controversial jokes about the trans community. “I FEEL A WAY THAT I REALLY NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE FOR A LONG, LONG TIME. ... BUT OF COURSE, MOMENTS CAN BE OVERWHELMING...” Elliot Page
An Osaka court has ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage is not in violation of the Japanese constitution, and rejected demands from three couples for compensation. The couples had argued that their right to freedom and equality had been violated and comes after a court in Sapporo last year had found the ban to be unconstitutional. The opposing rulings highlight the divisive nature of equality in Japan, where support has gained traction in recent years and current public opinion favours making marriage legal to all. Queer citizens still lack legal protections and face discrimination at schools, the workplace and home. In the lead up to the Tokyo Olympics, rights groups had pushed for marriage equality while the eyes of the world were focused on Japan — but the conservative government quashed any progress. Taiwan is at present the only Asian country to have legalised same-sex marriage.
US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO SAFEGUARD LGBTIQ+ RIGHTS
The US President announced an executive order to protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ citizens despite the raft of recent state-level attacks. On the same day the White House hosted a Pride Month reception, Biden issued the order aimed at tackling healthcare, education, homelessness, foster care and conversion therapy, amongst other issues currently facing queer Americans. The news comes after 2022 has already seen over 300 anti LGBTIQ+ bills passed into state legislation. These include an Alabama law criminalising the provision of gender-affirming care to trans youth; Texan lawmakers directing child welfare agencies to investigate parents seeking care for their trans children; and Florida’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill which censors the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation to younger schoolchildren. Since coming into office, the Biden administration has been very focused on fighting for queer rights.
DOUBLING DOWN: RUSSIAN LAWMAKERS SET SIGHTS ON EXPANDING GAY “PROPAGANDA” BANS
DID YOU KNOW? Sao Paulo, Brazil holds the Guinness world record for the number of attendees at a LGBTIQ pride event, with a staggering three to five million people turning up at the event every year — and we thought Sydney Mardi Gras was busy!
LGBTIQ+ CITIZENS
Biden’s Equality Act, which bans all forms of discrimination, has passed through the House of Representatives but is being blocked by Republicans in the Senate.
Former Wallabies player David Pocock has ousted conservative Liberal Zed Seselja to gain a seat in the Senate. After a hotly contested race, Pocock triumphed, becoming the ACT’s first independent candidate to gain one of two seats in the Senate — with Labor’s Katy Gallagher securing the other. Pocock has been a long time queer-ally, supporting initiatives to tackle homophobia on and off the field, and is also passionate for environmental causes (having been arrested in 2014 for protesting against a NSW coal mine), which was at the forefront of his election campaign. Of his victory, Pocock stated, “There is a push to do politics differently, and do it better, and have an independent voice for the ACT”. The ousted Seselja, a member of the Liberal Party’s National Right faction, opposed same-sex marriage (even abstaining from the Senate vote despite promising to honour the result of the 2017 postal survey), supported cutting penalty rates and was against assisted suicide for terminally ill hospital patients.
Russian lawmakers are looking to further entrench their anti-gay crackdown by introducing stricter penalties for the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations. The current law, signed by President Vladimir Putin in 2013, makes it illegal to promote homosexuality in any form to minors and carries penalties of up to 1 million roubles (AUD $23,000) and 15 days in prison. However, in a statement from Aleksandr Khinshtein (committee chairman of the lower house of the Russian Parliament) they want to “fully extend the ban on that sort of propaganda among audiences of all ages”, and across all platforms including all media, social media and cinema. Since coming into effect, global human rights groups and queer advocates have universally condemned Russia’s treatment of its gay citizens — but it appears the Kremlin isn’t backing off any time soon. Harsher penalties could be coming later this year.
BLOW TO JAPAN’S
11 By Maxwell Elliff NEWS &POLITICS
ACT WELCOMES FORMER RUGBY STAR DAVID POCOCK AND QUEER-ALLY AS IT’S FIRST INDEPENDENT SENATOR
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ROUND UP DID YOU KNOW? After numerous studies have shown that drug testing saves lives, testing sites have now been adopted internationally in over 20 European countries, parts of the USA and New Zealand.
CANBERRA DEBUTS NATION’S FIRST FIXED PILL TESTING SITE
WORLD FIRST: OLYMPIC CHAMPION REVEALS TRANS IDENTITY
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The site will be run by not-for-profit organisation Harm Reduction Australia and the Australian National University and be open 2 nights a week from July 21. People will be provided a safe environment in which to test illicit drugs for potentially harmful substances with the assistance of an on hand registered nurse, who will also be available to provide information on reducing the risks of drugs as well as sexual health advice. Speaking of the announcement, ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith noted it was an “important development” in the government’s harm reduction strategy, which aims to shift the treatment of recreational drug use from a criminal issue to a health issue. The opening of the site comes a month after the ACT government put forward plans to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of drugs, including cocaine and MDMA.
HOPELESSLY DEVOTED
VIETNAM LANDMARK DECISION
Vietnam has made some progress towards equality in recent years. In 2013 same-sex unions were removed from a list of prohibited relationships, while in 2015 the National Assembly granted trans people the right to change their first name and legal gender.
NEWS &POLITICS
By now, we all know that we have lost Australian national treasure and icon Dame Olivia Newton-John. She passed away in August at the age of 73. The much loved star died peacefully at her ranch in southern California following a thirty-year battle with breast cancer. Newton-John became a pop-culture and gay icon following her appearance as the sexually empowered ‘good girl gone bad’ Sandy in the hit musical film Grease (1978) opposite John Travolta. Her singing career included the hits “I Honestly Love You”, “Have You Never Been Mellow” and chart-topping 80’s anthem “Physical” — which was revolutionary at the time for featuring a video clip implying homosexual themes. The star cemented her place in the hearts of gay audiences by appearing at New York and Los Angeles Pride, as well performing at the Sydney Mardi Gras in 2008.
In a major win for the country’s queer community, Vietnam’s Health Ministry has announced that samesex attraction and transgender identity are no longer classified as mental illnesses. The announcement brings the Southeast Asian nation in line with WHO guidelines and represents a significant step towards ending inequality and discrimination. Kyle Knight, a senior researcher at not-for-profit organisation Human Rights Watch said, “LGBT people in Vietnam deserve access to health information and services without discrimination”.
Former Australian rugby sevens player Ellia Green has become the first Olympian to come out as a transgender man. In a pre-recorded video shown at a Canadian summit for ending discrimination in sport, Green made the announcement hoping his story would encourage young people who may be facing their own questions about their gender identity. Green, who won a gold medal in Rio 2016, retired from the sport after failing to secure a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Instead, he focused on his transition and raising his young daughter with partner Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts. Green said, “It is possible to find love, to have babies, to get married… even though there are laws out there and people saying you can and can’t do that”.
By Maxwell Elliff
The ACT is set to bolster its reputation as Australia’s fixedcountry’sbyjurisdictionforward-thinkingmostopeningtheveryfirstpill-testingsite.
All our groups are primarily facilitated by peers who are trained volunteers. We put a lot of time and energy into our volunteers, and this is such an important role that we benefit from and value so greatly.
The majority of LGBTIQ+ people lead happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. However, research and real-life experience has found that sexually and gender diverse people face increased depression and anxiety and up to twice as much abuse or violence (including physical, mental, sexual or emotional) than their heterosexual counterparts. This prejudice and discrimination adds an extra layer of risk on top of biological, social, environmental and psychological factors that can lead to depression, anxiety and minority stress.
Meridian facilities a face-to-face group for queer women, including cis, trans and non-binary people who identify as a woman or with the feminine. Many might remember it as ‘Stepping OUT’, now called the Wednesday Club. It’s very popular. We have a group called MAGNET — Mature Aged Gay Men’s Network, and we regularly run new diagnosis workshops for HIV positive people of all sexualities and genders.
I, too, attended a “coming out” group at the then AIDS Action Council about 25 years ago. It is incredible to think about that now, all these years later — I remember I was excited but also a little scared. Certainly, today there are so many sites, dating apps, online forums and technology for people to meet others and connect, discuss important issues and find community. But nothing replaces a face-to-face-style workshop. Meridian regularly facilitates workshops about online safety — because looking out for yourself and your safety should come before trying to get lucky.
WE’VE CERTAINLY COME A VERY LONG WAY OVER THE PAST FEW DECADES. WHAT AREAS OF EQUALITY DO YOU THINK NEED THE MOST ATTENTION NOW.
I REMEMBER (MANY YEARS AGO) ATTENDING A ‘COMING OUT’ GROUP FOR YOUNG GUYS AT THE AIDS ACTION COUNCIL. BY HAPPENSTANCE, I FOUND THE DETAILS ON A FLYER AT THE UNI. I REMEMBER FEELING DISCONNECTED, UNSURE OF MYSELF AND CONFUSED AT THE TIME. DO YOU THINK WITH TODAY’S TECHNOLOGIES, YOUNG PEOPLE FIND IT EASIER TO CONNECT WITH SERVICES, AND DO YOU STILL RUN THESE FACE-TO-FACE STYLE WORKSHOPS?
MERIDIAN HAS A LONG HISTORY IN CANBERRA; WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGES YOU’VE SEEN HAPPEN IN THE ORGANISATION?
FUSE COMMUNITY
PHILIPPA MOSS DESCRIBES HERSELF AS AN ENTREPRENEUR AND PROFESSIONAL FEMINIST; AS THE CEO OF MERIDIAN (FORMERLY AIDS ACTION COUNCIL), SHE’S PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR HER OUTSPOKEN VOICE PROMOTING LGBTIQ HEALTH AND WELLBEING HERE IN CANBERRA. In 2015 Philippa was awarded the ACT Telstra Business Women’s Award for Purpose and Social Enterprise, along with the Australian Institute of Management’s Not for Profit Manager of the Year (ACT) award. Over the past ten years, at the helm of Meridian, Philippa has ushered in and watched as change washed over our communities. We spent a little time chatting to Philippa to get her thoughts on how things have evolved over the years and where we might be heading in the future.
Without a doubt, the most significant change I’ve been involved in has been the rebranding of the AIDS Action Council to Meridian. So many people ask why we chose the name Meridian for the organisation. The word meridian has many different meanings, and all of them help tell the story of who we are and what we represent: community, health and action. Meridian lines show us when and where we are in the world — they give us a sense of place. Our vital energy travels along the meridian lines in our bodies. And a meridian achievement is performance at its peak. For us, this means establishing and maintaining balance and always striving for improvement in our bodies, minds and communities.
Our new name also pays homage to Canberra’s first and only communityowned, community-led social organisation for LGBTIQ+ communities — the Meridian Club. A friendly space that hosted many community events and activities, the Meridian Club lives on in spirit through our new identity.
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AND FINALLY, AFTER THE PAST TWO YEARS OF COVID DRAMAS, HEARTBREAKS AND RESTRICTIONS, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE AS THEY MOVE FORWARD?
This year is a game changer, and I am so excited. Meridian is partnering with SpringOUT to bring the community a fresh vision of Fair Day, Canberra’s largest LGBTIQA+ community event. It will be held on Saturday 29 October 2022 in Glebe Park.
At Meridian, we advocate strongly to government for increased support for our communities to address mental health, drugs and alcohol, and intimate partner violence — these are the three areas that need the most attention.
Interview by Alexander Thatcher
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COVID HAS HAD AN ENORMOUS EFFECT ON EVERYBODY. DO YOU THINK IT’S CHANGED HOW PEOPLE INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER AND WITH MERIDIAN AS AN ORGANISATION?
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the decriminalisation of sex work. This is absolutely on our agenda at Meridian, this needs attention now because it is a human rights issue. Removing criminal prosecution of sex work goes handin-hand with recognising sex work as work and protecting the rights of sex workers through workplace health and safety standards.
Meridian moved a lot of our work online during COVID, it took some adjustment, but we got there. It’s more difficult for counselling and psychological services, as many clients prefer the face to face when doing therapeutic work. We mostly couldn’t hold our workshops but did manage to do some online. However, the ongoing impacts of COVID have highlighted inequities experienced by LGBTIQA+ communities. Events and activities that celebrate community were not able to be held. And many in our community were isolated and lonely, which impacts health and wellbeing. So yes, COVID has taken its toll.
Fresh Out is a free event for LGBTIQA+ individuals, families and allies to express, affirm and celebrate pride. We want to highlight the contribution LGBTIQA+ individuals and groups make to the cultural fabric of Canberra and beyond.
We know that our communities are diverse — our health needs are not all the same. But despite our differences, we share a common fight against stigma, discrimination and minority stress that continue to affect our health and wellbeing. So my advice is to care for yourself and each other. If you’re feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, you can reach out to Meridian and get support. At Meridian we have your back!
HOW DO YOU THINK MERIDIAN MAY CHANGE IN ANOTHER DECADE OR MORE?
We want everyone who uses our services to feel part of a bigger community. A hub of community connection and service provision, Meridian is where people with diverse sexualities, genders, bodies and relationships get support and/or come together. It’s a place where everyone belongs, and we hope this grows and evolves into the future.
EXCITING NEWS, WITH SPRINGOUT COMING BACK AFTER TWO YEARS OF LOCKDOWNS, WE’VE HEARD YOU’RE GIVING CANBERRA’S FAIR DAY A MAKEOVER AND A NEW NAME ‘FRESH OUT’. TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT.
We plan to grow in the primary health care space because this is where we see the greatest need. Over time we have had more and more requests for tailor-made training and education programs, calling on our expertise to improve the broader community’s understanding of HIV, sexuality and gender diversity, stigma and discrimination, inclusivity, and sex work. This area will also grow and evolve over time.
Fresh Out launches the SpringOUT festival into the dynamic cultural landscape of the Canberra region, as well as appealing to the broader tourism market. Fresh Out welcomes back individuals and all groups who may have experienced a disconnect during the pandemic.
It will provide educational, cultural and creative spaces encouraging freedom of expression for all people of diverse genders, sexualities, bodies and relationships.
Meridian brings community together to celebrate and nurture the rich diversity within all our communities and to strengthen our collective resilience to the adverse effects of stigma and discrimination. We recognise that every individual is unique, and at Meridian, we create a safe space so everyone can bring their whole selves to our services. We want everyone who uses our services to feel part of a bigger community.
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I think there will always be a role for Meridian: it has changed significantly since its inception in the early 80s and it is likely to evolve and change even more. HIV prevention, treatment and support continue to be central to our mission. But with a new name, we’ve made space for the many other programs and services we now offer, and all the people who could benefit from them.
TICKETS MUST BE PRE-PURCHASED
Anyone turning up at the Woolshed without a ticket will be refused entry! Tickets are available at the Turner Tennis Club the first four Mondays in August, 6:00-8:00pm or online through Eventbrite, scan QR code below. It’s a fun night of dancing with people of all flavours. There is a bar, BBQ and a live band to lead you through those dances that you might remember from primary school – like Strip the Willow, The Waves of Bondi, crazy polkas and some more genteel promenades. By the end of the night you’ll have danced with everyone, caught up with old friends, made some new ones and helped raise cash for the LGBTIQ+ community. Have fun with your Bushdance outfit. It’s a night of singlets, jeans, twirling dresses, chaps, check shirts, rhinestones, akubras, hats and boots.
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. Yarralumla Woolshed, Cotter Road Saturday 19 November 2022. 7:30pm – 1:00am
Please note: Tickets are limited and 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<<<TICKETSGETpermit.
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY UNEXPECTED SURPRISES?
IT SEEMS THAT YOUNG PEOPLE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH REPRESENTATION. DO YOU THINK THAT’S AN ISSUE?
‘From now on, housing is like birthday cake. Nobody gets seconds until everyone has had a slice’. AND LASTLY, DOES YOUR ALTER EGO PIXIE DARLING EVER GET OUT TO SING AND DANCE ANYMORE, OR HAS SHE BEEN BANISHED TO THE BACKBENCHES?
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When I was first elected, I had friends joke that I’d have to delete my online dating profiles. I haven’t. The issue isn’t online dating; it’s actually having the time to go on dates! I’m married to the people of Tuggeranong.
Interview by Alexander Thatcher
I felt proud of my achievement, and my community. Another candidate remarked during the election that I was a nice guy but that I probably wouldn’t win because I was ‘too camp for Tuggeranong’. My election showed that my community judges candidates based on their ideas, commitment and hard work, not on how ‘camp’ they are.
Performing as Pixie Darling was always fun. But I would never have time to apply 3 hours of makeup and perform! Pixie has retired, but Cher said the same thing.
I had a taste for affecting government decision making from the outside. Still, I knew I could do more for my community and the issues I care about on the inside.
Sometimes it can be a disadvantage being obviously different in an environment that has historically rewarded conformity. I’ve had to build a thicker skin because, for some, it’s easier to go for my youth or my queerness rather than any substantive policy argument. But sometimes, it’s an advantage. I can be underestimated, and that can be a superpower.
HAS BEING A YOUNGER GAY MAN BEEN AN ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE IN THE ACT LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY?
I did work experience with a few MLA’s, and I’ve been interested in politics ever since. The work experience came about after a long campaign fighting against a proposal to close my school.
FUSE COMMUNITY WHAT WENT THROUGH YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU WON YOUR SEAT?
WHEN DID YOU FIRST THINK, “I WANT TO BE A POLITICIAN WHEN I GROW UP?”
I FIRST MET JOHNATHAN DAVIS, OUR FUSE63 COVER MODEL, 13 YEARS AGO IN 2009; IT WAS THE FIRST YEAR WE PUBLISHED FUSE MAGAZINE. He was a bright, spirited young man with a clear plan of what he wanted. It’s not something you often see in someone so young.
For me, tackling the public housing waiting list and improving our public school system is high on my list. I’m a proud product of public education, and I grew up in public housing. I want to make sure the next generation is assured of a safe roof over their head and a great education too.
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Absolutely! Parliaments must be representative of the people that they serve. You have to have different people with a diversity of lived experiences if you’re to expect good policy outcomes.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FIRST DECREE IF YOU WERE KING FOR A DAY?
Mostly trying to maintain my social life and resisting the urge to read Facebook comments — it’s never good for one’s mental health.
HAS BEING AN MLA AFFECTED YOUR PERSONAL LIFE MUCH, AND WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T DO?
Since being elected, Johnathan Davis MLA has been super active in his electorate of Tuggeranong, always out and about with coffee in hand. He’s passionate about improving life for his local community and issues like housing, education, LGBTIQ rights, indigenous recognition and, of course, the environment.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR ISSUE THAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?
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A local Kambah boy, at only 20, Johnathan ran for office in the 2012 and 2016 ACT elections. It was at the 2020 ACT elections, however, that he won one of the five seats in Brindabella, making him the youngest Greens MLA to sit in the ACT Legislative Assembly. An impressive achievement. He is also most definitely the first Greens MLA singing drag queen in the Assembly, but that’s another story.
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU18 Canberra Sexual Health Centre health.act.gov.au | act.gov.au Enquiries: Canberra 13ACT1 or 132281 © Australian Capital Territory, Canberra Our NEW LOCATION at Building 8, Level 4, Canberra Hospital Call 5124 2184 or check our website for opening hours at health.act.gov.au/CSHC TEST >DOasbookdiscusshealthandCalltoashavethePleaseappointmentclinic,distancingTosexualconfidentialnon-judgementalWeCONFIDENCEFORareafree,friendly,andspecialisthealthcentre.helpmaintainsocialacrossthewenowhaveansystem.donotcometoclinicifyoudonotanappointmentyoumaynotbeablebeseen.0251242184oneofoursexualnurseswillyourneedsandanappointmentnecessary.YOUKNOW!YoucangetPrEPprescriptions at Canberra Sexual Health Centre > Condoms and PrEP are the most effective ways of stopping HIV > Syphilis and Gonorrhoea diagnoses are going up! > Condoms are still the best protection against most STIs > Sexually active men should consider STI checks every 3-6 months asPEPbeenIfEMERGENCYPEPINANyouthinkyouhaveexposedtoHIV,shouldbestartedsoonaspossible,butmaybetakenupto72hoursaftertheexposure.
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But the most important thing to me was being able to do it on my own terms and in my own time. Thankfully most people I told remained tight-lipped, so each time I shared my news with someone for the first time I got to experience their genuine reactions and acceptance. I was incredibly lucky — not a single response from friends and family was anything but positive.
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But as the old saying goes, if you play with fire, you might get burned. Taking the bull by the horns (pun intended), Wilson “gazumped” Hornery by sharing the news directly with her millions of online followers (11.3 million to be exact) and thus slaying the monster in one fell swoop. Hats off to Wilson for making this life-changing and self-affirming decision. Sharing your true self to the world is no easy feat. But it begs the question: was Rebel ready? Hornery’s ticking clock ultimatum surely forced the star’s hand in a way that was at best unethical and at worst pure evil. Hornery being an out gay man himself, should have known better. Coming out is a very private and personal journey with many winding paths and crossroads along the way. The repercussions of being ‘outed’ too soon can be detrimental to one’s psychological and emotional wellbeing.
Did Rebel Wilson get this chance? Did she have the time to pull long-time friends aside and experience them sharing in her joy? Did she get around to telling her relatives, the people who have known her since childhood, before she was forced to announce her coming out to the world? I hope so, but I am doubtful. Wilson posted on Twitter that “it was a very hard situation but trying to handle it with grace”. With grace, she surely has and like all good fairytales, I wish her a happy ever after.
COMING OUT CAN BE A HARD SLOG. There are a dizzying number of questions to consider. When is the right time? Who do I tell first? Will people think different of me? Will this decision affect the rest of my life?
The already frazzled mind can play tricks on you and make you start to imagine all of the worst-case scenarios. Trust me, I’ve been there. But if we add to that the additional pressures of being in the public eye, then gee-whizz, it is no wonder many people will choose the agonising comfort of staying firmly hidden in the closet.
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By Maxwell Elliff Rebel Wilson with her new RamonagirlfriendAgruma THOUGHT I WAS SEARCHING FOR A DISNEY PRINCE… BUT MAYBE WHAT I REALLY NEEDED ALL THIS TIME WAS A DISNEY PRINCESS.
So when a public figure makes the decision to come out, it is hard not to be impressed. Take Hollywood A-Lister and home-grown comedic star Rebel Wilson, who announced publicly in June that for the first time, she is in a relationship with a woman. Taking to Instagram, Wilson, 42, declared to the world, Accompanying the post was a photograph of Wilson and LA leisure-wear designer Ramona Agruma, who is indeed the spitting image of a ‘House of Mouse’ heroine. A fairy tale ending for sure — but the circumstances that led to Wilson’s joyful proclamation tell a darker story.
I came out at the age of 20. It was exciting. It was terrifying. It was everything in between… and it was slow. The first people I told was while backpacking in Thailand. Let me set the scene: New Year’s Eve… Full Moon Party… cheap vodka Redbull buckets. Maybe a cheeky mushroom shake thrown in the mix for good measure. Culminating in a messy and tearful confession to two girlfriends I had set out from Sydney with (as well as a lovely British guy I had met hours earlier and had, regrettably, attempted to smooch). Saying it out loud for the first time was like nothing I had ever felt before — and it made me want to do it again. Back home a few weeks later and I would slowly pull close friends aside (starting with my female friends) at parties and share the news. I told most of my guy friends (who were all straight) in one go after calling them to the pub I worked at and sitting them down, with beers in hand, at the end of my shift. Every reaction I got back was overwhelmingly positive and filled me with a mind-blowing wave of relief and sheer joy. Most people said they were surprised but not shocked, which I took as a compliment.
The sinister villain is no doubt SydneyMorning Herald columnist Andrew Hornery — who had landed the scoop and was ready to cash in. Hornery, having somehow discovered Wilson’s relationship news ahead of time, reached out to the Pitch Perfect star’s PR team stating his intention to run an article essentially outing Rebel in two days’ time and boldly asking for a comment from the star herself.
But what does loneliness feel like? My loneliness felt like I was living someone else’s life. I believed I was supposed to feel happy and ‘on’ all the time, but I felt empty and apathetic. I felt that I couldn’t tell anyone; I didn’t have the vocabulary, nor did I feel that society would allow it. We’re meant to be self-sufficient physical, mental and emotional islands, right? I internalised all this and, as a result, it took me years to realise I was lonely. I eventually got help. I did a lot of work within myself, and with support, I began engaging with the world as myself. It’s not been easy, but it’s been worth it.
To get that type of life-sustaining connection, we need to feel our loneliness and delve deep inside ourselves. This is hard, messy and beautiful.
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Loneliness has always been; it’s not the result of a global pandemic, social media, Grindr, or more people living alone. These things have just highlighted what’s already there.
Why do we answer truthfully in anonymous surveys but not talk about our loneliness and our need to connect with each other?
I suppose it’s part of the broader problem.
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Loneliness is tricky. A standard definition says loneliness is the absence of people or meaningful connections with others. I also think, ‘if you feel lonely, then you are lonely.’
When we ‘connect’ to cure our loneliness, we often rush into connection with those around us and our communities; however, I believe the cure to your loneliness starts with connecting to yourself and allowing your authentic self to be.
If you are looking for more guidance, Phil McAuliffe has two websites devoted to the issue of loneliness and authentic connection thelonelinessguy.com for gay men and thelonelydiplomat.com for diplomats. Need help? Support is available for anyone in distress by phoning 24 hours QLife 1800 184 527 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
STOP IGNORING IT YOUR LONELINESS CAN BE A Guy
In 2019, 61% of Americans surveyed admitted they’re lonely. But who’s talking about it?
I see evidence of loneliness everywhere: Substance abuse or dependence; numbing through shopping, gambling, sex, work, exercise, social media, the list is almost endless.
The loneliness you may be feeling right now can be your gift. It may not be the gift that you want, to be sure. I believe it’s your soul’s way of seeking your attention and inviting you to step into the world in a more authentic way. Is it an invitation you should accept?
There seems to be a more significant stigma to loneliness than there is about being gay. We’re all about ‘connection’, but there does not seem to be much talk about why we all need it.
Realising that I was lonely was an uncomfortable truth. Indeed, coming out as lonely is harder for me than coming out as gay.
THE THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS THAT COME FROM BEING LONELY ARE AWFUL, BUT YOUR LONELINESS COULD ACTUALLY BE A GIFT. We can spend years running away from them. We spend so much time and energy hustling for the acceptance of others. We spend so much time numbing the pain or denying that there’s even a problem. Before I continue, I want to say how proud of you I am for simply reading these words. I know that it took courage for you to begin reading this. I see you. I’m proud of you.
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Longstanding structural racism and discrimination help explain the census’s historic incomplete data collection on First Nations people. Does the same hold true for the modern census’s approach to LGBTIQ+ communities?
Perhaps. Given there was strong evidence, arguments and testing around new questions on gender and sexuality in the census, it seems the ABS’s willful ignorance towards LGBTIQ+ people can only be justified by political conservatism and discrimination. Although LGBTIQ+ people have more reason than most to be wary of the quantitative collection of sensitive data, it still desperately needs to be collected.
The ABS even noted there are “no other suitable alternative data sources” to collect such crucial information. It also identified data on LGBTIQ+ communities as “of current national importance”.
Currently, we do not understand how many people identify as LGBTIQ+, where they are, or anything about their socioeconomic status, health, relationships and more. It is a matter of serious concern. As Amnesty International notes, the census’s lack of appropriate questions capturing LGBTIQ+ communities and experiences “will result in a service gap that constitutes discrimination of the LGBTIQ+ community”.
While the census has included questions around other identity categories including race, ethnic ancestry, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people living with a disability, LGBTIQ+ communities remain overlooked — and without good reason.
Ultimately, not only is the lack of recognition distressing for many LGBTIQ+ people, it is also bad public policy. Australia needs reliable, informed data on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. Without it, the census is too risk-averse to even be accurate.
ONCE AGAIN, THE CENSUS HAS FAILED TO ACCURATELY COLLECT DATA ON SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER DIVERSITY.
It’s also despite the fact that the majority of Australians voted for marriage equality, and Australia has generally taken more progressive steps towards gender and sexuality inclusion in the last few years.
So, nothing in the census asked specifically about sexuality.
In a submission to the Senate, questions around sexuality and gender identity were proposed for inclusion in the 2021 census. Unfortunately, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) decided to walk away from them due to perceived public backlash, even though in qualitative testing of census questions, those on gender and sexuality “performed well” with both target and non-target populations.
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By Elise Stephenson & Jack Hayes YOU KNOW HOW LIVELGBTIQ+MANYFOLKSINAUSTRALIA?
WELL KNOWN AUSTRALIAN DRAG QUEEN AND TELEVISION PERSONALITY COURTNEY ACT MADE THE ABOVE POINT AS PART OF EQUALITY AUSTRALIA’S PUSH TO HAVE LGBTIQ+ PEOPLE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS.
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The census ticks around every five years to provide a snapshot of who we are and how we are changing. It is not just about collecting statistics about where we live, who we live with, our work, lives, income and health, but it also provides crucial insights to inform the vital services that Australians need. We cannot effectively support all of Australia if we do not count all of Australia.
WHY THE CENSUS HAS FAILED US Determining whom and what is counted has always been part of census history — a history that has not always been neutral or fair. In fact, the census has often ignored or marginalised various communities for socio-political reasons.
SO, WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ASKED?
For instance, while population counts began with colonisation around 1788 and the first census (as we know it, of people in dwellings) occurred in 1828, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were only fully included in the census in 1971, almost two centuries later.
“ IT TURNS OUT NO ONE DOES, AND WE’RE NOT ABOUT TO FIND OUT IN THE CENSUS. ” — Courtney Act
CAPTURING THE SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS PARADE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SUCH A HIGHLIGHT FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, MANY OF WHOM (LIKE FUSE) HAVE BEEN PRIVILEGED ENOUGH TO COVER THE EVENT FOR MANY YEARS.
“Dykes on Bikes has been the first float to kick off the parade since 1988, so I thought it fitting to start the collection off with this image. This image was taken in 2008 and pictures two participants embracing before riding their motorbike in the parade.”
“1988 was also the first year the First Nations float appeared in the parade. The float served as a celebration of the 1988 bicentennial as well as a protest against the country’s overall lack of recognition of Indigenous history. This shot of the First Nations float in the 2020 parade is a poignant reminder of Mardi Gras’ origins as a platform for activism.”
“Here we have a very young Olympic gold medallist Matthew Mitcham posing with renowned Sydney entertainer and drag queen Joyce Maynge in the 2009 parade. Matthew was clearly a trailblazer throughout his sporting career. Not only did he break records at the 2008 Olympics, receiving the highest single-dive score in Olympic history, but he was also inspiring fellow athletes in the LGBTQIA+ community by being the first openly gay athlete to win an individual gold medal in the Olympic games.”
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Photo & words by Brendon Thorne
Photo & words by Brendon Thorne
Photo & words by Lisa Maree Williams PHOTOFEATURE
“I absolutely love this image of Arohi Chapman-Barber from the Haka For Life float greeting an Indigenous performer at the 2019 parade. This photo captures such a beautiful moment of stillness between two people, acknowledging and celebrating one another’s cultures.”
Getty Images recently released this limited collection of photos dating back from 1988. Each image captures an extraordinary moment in Mardi Gras history and a note from the photographer. These photos are also special because we know just how challenging it can be to capture the moving parade in all its glory. Photographers face the scenario of having to capture fabulous moments whilst on the go, gear in hand and navigating large crowds.
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Photo & words by Kristian Dowling
“Here’s Dua Lipa looking amazing on the Surf Life Savers float at the 2020 Mardi Gras parade, she has been such a huge ally for the LGBTQIA+ community, so having her march and perform was huge.”
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After a successful crowd funding campaign, a group of 30 transgender women from the remote Northern Territory Tiwi Islands travelled over 4,000 kilometres to Sydney to represent their community for the first time. This is an image that captures pure joy.”
Photo & words by Zak Kaczmarek
Photo & words by Brendon Thorne
“This photo of Gavin Haughain and partner Aiden Eric sharing a kiss in their full wedding attire in the middle of Oxford Street at the 2020 parade is a great encapsulation of how far the LGBTQIA+ community have come and what they’ve been fighting for.”
“This is an iconic image of Kylie Minogue on a float of Kylie impersonators at the 2019 parade. As the undisputed queen of Mardi Gras, Kylie’s JamesPhotonotnightperformanceappearancesurpriseandonthecertainlydiddisappoint!”&wordsbyD.Morgan
Photo & words by Lisa Maree Williams
“Here you can see two members of the Tiwi Islands transgender community marching in the 2017 parade.
Photo & words by Don Arnold
“Here we have a Drag Queen laughing along with police officers on duty at the 2020 parade. The officers pictured are donned in glitter whilst doing crowd control in the marshalling section of the parade at Hyde park.”
“This was the first time Sam Smith attended a Sydney Mardi Gras, and to have them marching in the parade was such a huge moment for the community. The 2020 Mardi Gras was actually Sam’s last big live performance of the year before COVID lockdowns meant that their world tour was cancelled.”
Photo & words by Brendon Thorne
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For those who do practice meditation, the benefits are undeniable. Studies show it can prevent disease and reduce inflammation, be an effective form of treating depression and increase happiness levels. It is even thought to prevent signs of aging in the brain. Lucky for my friend and contrary to popular belief, meditation doesn’t always mean sitting like Buddha with your eyes closed. In fact, most people are unaware that you can practice meditation virtually anywhere — sitting or being still is actually not a requirement. And that brings me back to mud and my story. It was a rainy day and I had been playing with clay all afternoon. I had been deep into a quiet creative space, but it was when I started cleaning up that I noticed that I had a real sense of calm, my mind was quiet, and I felt relaxed and centred. Without realising it, I had stumbled upon art meditation. Both sitting meditation and art meditation require you to be in the present moment. The practice of art meditation can happen quite naturally as you start to let go of any end goals and bring your focus onto your process, whatever that may be. The mind becomes quiet, and a relaxed state comes naturally and easy. For me, it’s all about working with the clay, but art meditation can take many forms, from painting to glass blowing to aimlessly doodling on a piece of paper.
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littletree.studioByAlexander Thatcher HEALTH&WELLBEING
When art &meditation meet
Although fun, running a magazine can also be challenging and stressful at times, and, like all things work, that stress can have adverse effects on wellbeing and happiness. Like many others, I sometimes struggle to live in this world, but I’m also incredibly fortunate to have my own personal antidote. I love playing with mud. Only recently, I was talking to a fellow potter about meditation and how it has made positive changes in my life. Her first response was, ‘Oh, I couldn’t possibly sit still for that long’. It’s a common objection, and being a bit of a fidget myself, I totally get it.
During lockdown, I found some peace creating ceramic street scenes of places we had visited while in Europe. If you’d like to find out more about my ceramics follow the all-too-common QR code or visit
WHEN MY PARTNER AND I STARTED FUSE MAGAZINE, IT WAS REALLY JUST ANOTHER EXTENSION OF OUR CREATIVE JOURNEY TOGETHER.
DOODLING OR EVEN JUST COLOURING IN IS GREAT AS YOU DON’T NEED ANY ARTISTIC SKILLS, JUST A PENCIL AND SOME PAPER. Similar to bemeditation,traditionalitmayhelpfultoremove any external stimuli from your surroundings, whether that means finding a quiet room in your home or taking advantage of noise-cancelling headphones. As you practice art meditation more, you’ll likely find it easier to sink into a calm state in all types of environments. But if you are just starting out, removing distractions can really make a difference. Any kind of art meditation can help improve the quality of your life; it’s easy to do at home, and it’s free. If you feel you need a little more guidance, just do a quick Google search for ‘art therapy’ and you’re bound to find something close to you.
Norton Fredericks is a queer sustainable fibre artist with Indigenous heritage living, he creates thoughtful slow clothing, wearable art and soft furnishings. Film, feathers and glitter
Digital artist Soph Cazabon, inspired by her four-year-old, is mesmerised by the patterns and colours of places she knows and loves.
No matter the reasons we create, art can be intensely personal for LGBTIQ people, meaning that it often pushes boundaries and challenges patrons.
Queerly Art
A lover of flamboyance and light, Nathan J Lester captures images of true self and alter ego.
Clay worker James Collier says his clay habit has been a wonderful antidote to the delights of being a public servant and helps him be a kinder human.
FUSEFEATURE
Art gives us immeasurable personal, social and financial benefits, and like the queer community, it is incredibly diverse.
Back to the basics
Art andwithloadedmeaningmessages
Digital love and homage
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU28
Megan Munro’s art reflects identity and is filled with documentation and stories about living with chronic illness, queerness and how they intersect in life.
Art can shape individual and collective ideas, and as humans, we have had a relationship with it since the first stone age folk carved images on cave walls.
Clay has no wrongpronounsgetsandgenderneveryour
There is certainly no shortage of exceptional art in our local arena, and after a successful LGBTIQ community art exhibition ‘Kaleidoscope’ at Belconnen Arts Centre in Canberra earlier this year, we chatted to five very different artists about their work and what it means to create.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT FASHION?
Retritus is a reworked name that was developed from ‘detritus’ (dead particulate organic matter that decomposes) while incorporating the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ ethos. It works perfectly for me because I collect leaves to use in my printing along with collecting the detritus (remnants, textile waste and discarded clothing) of the fashion industry.
DOES BEING A QUEER INDIGENOUS PERSON INFLUENCE YOUR WORK?
Using natural dyes helps us connect to our surroundings, and when we make a connection to the landscape around us we begin to care for the environment on a deeper level. When we connect with certain dye plants we are also connecting to different cultures and history. When we involve ourselves in the process of our clothing we also begin to make a deeper connection with what we put on our back; clothes gain meaning and we take care of them better — meaning we keep them for longer.
Six years ago I saw textile artist Jane Milburn give a talk about the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry and she spoke about microplastics released by synthetic materials. I knew immediately I had to change the way I was creating. Shortly after, I discovered the ancient crafts of wet felting and botanical dyes. My love for natural fibres deepened when I began working with them more, and researching the beautiful long history of textiles and the science behind natural dyes is deeply interesting.
The work that I create has helped me connect to my Indigenous heritage on a deeper level by developing my connection to country. My arts practice is centred around sustainability and having as little impact on the environment as possible. I believe as an Indigenous person we make commitments to caring for country and see this as a responsibility for future generations.
We had a few questions:
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING OF ‘RETRITUS’ AND HOW IT RELATES TO YOUR WORK?
Norton is passionate about art and sustainability, and loves to connect with other artists and makers. If you have any questions or want to connect, reach out. And lastly he says — be gay, do art! retritus.com
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DO YOU THINK THERE ARE CHANGES THE FASHION INDUSTRY NEEDS TO MAKE?
NORTON FREDERICKS
HOW IS BOTANICAL PRINTING BETTER THAN CURRENT METHODS OF FABRIC COLOURING AND PRINTING?
I enjoy clothing because it helps us express our identity. I actively try not to engage with ‘fashion’ too much these days because it’s such a problematic industry.
WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR LOVE OF CREATING WORK WITH NATURAL MATERIALS AND DYES?
The list is endless and I don’t see the fast fashion industry changing anytime soon. But what we can do is consume less and change our mindset about the clothing we wear. The most eco-friendly clothes are the ones you already own. Buy to replace items when they are worn out and opt for natural fibres. Try to buy ethically, support small slow sustainable businesses and remember to ask lots of questions.
AS SOMEONE WHO HAS STRUGGLED WITH MENTAL HEALTH, HAS YOUR WORK HELPED YOU, AND DO YOU THINK ART CAN IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OTHERS?
Norton is a queer Indigenous sustainable fibre artist and workshop facilitator based on Bullongin country on the Gold Coast. Norton, believes his craft should be accessible to everyone and has the power to help slow yourself down and reconnect with your spirit. Norton specialises in felt and botanical dyes, using only natural fibres in his craft, creating fashion and art pieces with as little impact on the environment as possible.
Craft has given me the space to slow down the pace of my life with plenty of time to reflect while creating. I am now a firm believer in being your own art therapist! Also, as a workshop facilitator I make sure my classes are a safe and inviting space for all. I fundraise money to make my workshops more accessible and have marginalised community members attend for free. I have also launched a Diverse Arts Group in Meanjin, Brisbane under the Queensland Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Arts banner to create a space for people to craft together and connect with community.
FUSEFEATURE
for artsACT Featuring the UC's "Upending | Mending " exhibition by Gravity & Other Myths a new kind of circus
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU30 see, experience, make and support the arts. visit Belco Arts for your next creative adventure belcoarts.com.au
Photo: Pew Pew Studio
I like spiders; they weave and play with threads as I do. The logo used for Arachne Art is inspired by a peacock spider. Sparklemuffin is the pet name of the peacock spider, Maratus Jactatus. The name was given to the spider by PhD student Maddie Girard, before it was given it’s full scientific name. Sparklemuffin was discovered in Queensland in 2015. Ironically peacock spiders don’t weave webs, but they do dance, which is where I got my performer name Sparklemuffin from.
I’ve been crocheting since I was eight. My grandmother was an amazing textile artist who worked in crochet, embroidery and knitting. She was legally blind and often only worked by candlelight. This set me up for a lifelong love of all things textiles. I love crochet and other textile techniques because they are often meditative, and I love the materials and textures. I crochet a lot these days, because I have limited energy due to chronic illness (ME/CFS) and I sit and crochet nearly every day as it is an activity I can do that doesn’t use too much energy.
Megan is a queer, disabled artist who works in a variety of mediums. Megan’s art reflects identity and is loaded with documentation and stories about living with chronic illness, queerness and how they intersect. Megan is also a celebrated local drag and burlesque performance artist. We had a few questions:
HOW MUCH OF YOUR LIFE IS REFLECTED IN YOUR WORK?
Art can definitely help with wellbeing and happiness. It saves me from living in constant depression. It gives me a way to process grief, and I simply enjoy the process of making and realising an idea or vision.
I have painted in the past, these paintings were of people’s auras, and there are a few of these on my website. In recent years I have also spent time doing digital drawings. I have a large and growing collection. They capture my daily life living with illness, juxtaposed against my occasional moments of being on stage. I create my drawings in layers and use images of gut bacteria, shadows, images of the inside of my home and what I see outside looking out the windows, and photos of me performing as a starting point. I like digital drawing because it’s something I can physically do. Some other types of art making are not possible for me anymore due to physical limitations/my illnesses.
You can see more of Megan Munro’s art at arachneart.com
31 Identity
My art is full of political statements. I don’t really think any of it is just about fun. If it ends up looking fun, that’s a bonus, but there are always many more meanings in my work than the aesthetic.
FUSEFEATURE
WHAT OTHER MEDIUMS DO YOU WORK WITH?
My art is all about my personal life in some way. One of the aims of my current work is to bring visibility to myself and other people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
DO YOU EVER INCORPORATE YOUR VISUAL ART WITH YOUR DRAG AND BURLESQUE?
MEGAN MUNRO
YOUR COLOURFUL AND OFTEN WHIMSICAL CROCHET PIECES ARE SO MUCH FUN. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CROCHET ART, AND HOW DID YOU START?
AS A QUEER PERSON, DOES YOUR ART EVER MAKE ‘POLITICAL COMMENT’ OR IS IT JUST FOR FUN?
DO YOU THINK ART IS SOMETHING THAT CAN HELP WITH WELLBEING AND GENERAL HAPPINESS?
I did crochet an entire costume for a drag/burlesque act. The show was about being at Woodstock in 1969. So having a ‘bad’ crocheted outfit suited the concepts. AND LASTLY, YOUR ARTIST LOGO IS A CUTE SPIDER, IS THERE A STORY BEHIND THAT?
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU32 EXPERIENCE success and be allowed to fail. LIVE the lifeACCESS all that our community has to offer. DEVELOP to become the greatest possible version of yourself. 02 6257 LEAD.ASN.AU7088 LEAD is a registered NDIS Provider MATTERSRECRUITMENTINDIVERSITYWHENYOUR Wayne Herbert Director Progress and Property Not the only Clay in the Village AN EXHIBITION OF LGBTIQ+ CLAY WORKERS IN THE ACT REGION As part of Canberra’s SpringOUT Festival, you are invited to a ceramics exhibition at Canberra Potters showcasing the talents of local LGBTIQ+ clay workers. Responding to how we engage with our rainbow and the broader community, this exhibition allows artists to explore issues of connection and engagement. When: Opening on Thursday 13 October, running til Sunday 6 November 2022 Where: Canberra Potters. The Gallery, Watson Arts Centre, 1 Aspinal Street Watson
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Experimenting has led me to some great photos being created and still does. You can see more of Nathan’s photos on Instagram @nathanjlester
Can I say my other cameras? Otherwise, my headphones and music. It’s a bit cliche, but I love to work with music playing. It helps me just get in the zone and smash out the work. It’s great to just tune the world out while you create.
The first time I had a camera in my hands was in high school. I was instantly hooked, and as they say, the rest is history. I love that photography allows me to express myself in images and gives the viewer a beautiful, provocative or challenging picture.
Nathan, our talented FUSE63 cover photographer, is a visual artist who loves (almost) nothing more than aiming his camera at other humans. A keen burlesque and drag fan, Nathan has been snapping Canberra LGBTIQ folk for over 30 years — he’s certainly seen his share of feathers and glitter.
DO YOU THINK PHOTOGRAPHY CAN IMPACT PEOPLE’S LIVES?
Guy Alias Ivy Ambrosia
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY TIP?
WHAT IS IT THAT DREW YOU TO PHOTOGRAPHY?
33 Flamboyance
NATHAN J LESTER
We had a few questions:
FUSEFEATURE
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHER?
I love some of the old and new masters. Ansel Adams and Edward Weston are classic masters who used simple cameras to create purely amazing images. These were the pioneers who refined their craft and created truly gorgeous work. When we talk more modernly, I love the early work of Annie Leibovitz as it is simple, pure and iconic. As is the work of Herb Ritts, his classic black and white imagery is just divine, and some absolutely delicious. Then there is Mapplethorpe, who inspired my work with flowers and my foray into nudes and erotic imagery.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF TAKING SOMEONE’S PHOTO?
WHAT IS IT YOU LOVE ABOUT SHOOTING BURLESQUE AND DRAG PERFORMERS?
Oh, that has to be the flamboyance! Capturing a unique character in a portrait is just pure joy for me. The personality and the outfits are always amazing and engaging. There is so much colour and movement. When shooting these performers, my studio is usually overrun with costumes, feathers, and so much glitter.
The biggest challenge you face when working with a person is to get the best ‘them’ in the shot. How you do this is intrinsically linked to how comfortable and at ease they feel with you and in the environment, regardless of where that is. I often encounter people who say, ‘I take bad photos,’ and right there is my challenge — to turn that around and get the shot that shows them how great they look.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ACCESSORY APART FROM YOUR CAMERA?
Oh, I have no doubt! A single photo can most definitely impact a person’s life, and even change the way think about something or someone. Both art and photojournalism imagery can be very provocative, emotive and powerful, especially when images tell a story or capture a moment in time.
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU34 NDIS Plan Managers who care. Acting with care and thought for the future. We’re NDIS Plan Management professionals backed by accounting experience. We care, we understand, we make a difference . As registered Plan Managers, Prudent Plan organisesManagementandmanages the financial administrativeandaspects of your NDIS plan. • Experts in managementplan • Choice and control • Budget management • Prompt processinginvoice • No out osf pocket expenses 02 6103 0388 3/28 Thynne St, Bruce ACT ndis@prudentplanmanagement.com.au Are you, or someone you love living with diabetes? If the answer is yes, Diabetes Australia is here to help and support you. We offer a range of services including: • Education • Community network • Clinical support from a Diabetes Educator or Dietitian If you’d like to know more about how we can help, call us on 02 6248 4501 or drop in to our office at Ground Floor 19-23 Moore St, Turner. diabetesaustralia.com.au
WHY DO YOU THINK POTTERY HAS BECOME SO POPULAR RECENTLY?
WHY DO YOU LOVE MAKING TEAPOTS SO MUCH?
35 Form & Function
Patience, grasshopper. You’ll make some very ugly pots before the ones your friends want to own.
I married into a family that included a well-known potter (which I didn’t appreciate until over a decade later), and then one of my kids couldn’t do a class. I did the course instead (in 2003) and have been hooked ever since.
SO WHAT MAKES A GOOD ONE?
I think some people are starting to see the value of having locally handmade and durable items in their everyday lives to celebrate our Anyonehuman-ness.whohaseaten homemade food from a hand-thrown bowl knows that it is pure aesthetics because we eat with our eyes. In my books, handmade crockery makes our food look and taste better.
DO YOU THINK CLAY HAS IMPROVED YOUR LIFE?
JAMES COLLIER James is a ceramic artist, gardener, home chef and, something that should most definitely go on his Grindr profile, chainsawing champion. He says clay is like a faithful friend. He loves to make all sorts of functional pieces, but especially enjoys the challenge of creating the perfect ceramic teapot that pours well and can transform your tea time. We had a few questions:
YOU’RE ORGANISING AN LGBTIQ CERAMICS EXHIBITION DURING SPRINGOUT THIS YEAR, ‘NOT THE ONLY CLAY IN THE VILLAGE’ CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT. I love SpringOUT, catching up with friends and meeting new members of the rainbow family. As Behrens, we welcome visitors who come to join in the fun — showcasing the beautiful work of local LGBTIQ clay workers seems like the perfect festival inclusion. The ‘Not the Only Clay in the Village’ exhibition runs from Thursday 13 October to Sunday 6 November 2022 at Canberra Potters Gallery. See more of James’ work on Instagram @purpleridgepotter
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO LEARN HOW TO WORK WITH CLAY?
I feel blessed as, so far, no one has asked me to knit them a tea cosy.
FUSEFEATURE
Clay is a relationship, and it’s my faithful friend. Clay has no gender and never gets my pronouns wrong. As a creative medium, it’s incredibly forgiving — no mistake is permanent because I can recycle experiments or ideas and start again. It’s really very wonderful. My clay habit has been an excellent antidote to the delights of being a public servant and helps me be a kinder human.
It turns out it’s a dark art. Making a teapot that works well and looks beautiful can be challenging. The lid should fit nicely, the pour needs to be smooth, and you obviously should not burn your hand as you use it. A good pot should be easy to clean out and keep your tea hot.
I enjoy the challenge of creating the perfect teapot, and I think teapots are bringers of calm and comfort.
HOW DID CLAY COME INTO YOUR LIFE?
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IS YOUR PERSONAL LIFE REFLECTED IN YOUR WORK?
I originally studied printmaking, and lino was my favourite medium. But these days I’m into drawing on my iPad using Procreate. Being able to pull out my iPad and my Apple Pencil makes sitting in front of the TV at night drawing an easy and relaxing activity. I love the fun of pop art and its boldness.
Yes, I have done a pro-vaccination picture. I have also done a picture called “Braddon”, where I comment on Australia saying yes to gay marriage and the love is love movement. I am very passionate about a lot of things and enjoy making fun positive statements in my art. See more of Soph’s art on Instagram @sophcazabon_art
Soph is a digital pop artist who is mesmerised by the patterns and colours of places she knows and loves. You may have recently seen her pieces at ‘Kaleidoscope’, an LGBTIQ art exhibition hosted by Belconnen Arts and FUSE Magazine. Her work sold out in minutes. I was not surprised as her bright pop art style, depicting her homage to Canberra, almost jumps off the canvas with gay delight. We had a few questions:
HOW DO YOU THINK TECHNOLOGY HAS AFFECTED POP ART? Massively, I think it’s made it more accessible. Being able to layer, having a huge amount of colours to choose from and easily make shapes.
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WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEDIUM, AND WHAT DREW YOU TO YOUR POP ART STYLE?
YOUR WORK OFTEN PAYS HOMAGE TO CANBERRA; TELL US ABOUT THAT.
SOPH CAZABON
Definitely, my rainbow baby that I never thought I would have. He inspires me and my art so much.
FINALLY, WHO ARE YOUR ARTISTIC IDOLS?
PopCBR
DO YOU USE YOUR ART TO MAKE SOCIAL COMMENT?
I have a four year old; through his eyes, I see Canberra all over again. Appreciating all the things that you stop noticing as much over time. Plus, I don’t think there is enough of Canberra reflected in art. I wanted it to be a fun representation.
I love Brett Whiteley and Obey Giant. Brett Whitely for his bold contrasting colours and whimsical figures, and Obey Giant for the collage style images that are so constructed.beautifully
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10RIGHTHAPPIERNOW
MANY THINGS CAN INFLUENCE YOUR HAPPINESS, MANY OF WHICH ARE
This seemingly simple practice can help rewire your brain to think more positively. Study results suggest that a conscious focus on blessings has both emotional and interpersonal benefits.
HEALTH&WELLBEING
39 WAYS TO FEEL
SLEEP MORE
When you’re rested up, you tend to have fewer negative thoughts. Studies show sleep-deprived people often fail to recall pleasant memories, yet recall gloomy memories fine. So a good night’s sleep or an afternoon nap is a vital part of staying positive.
TURN UP THE TUNES
VOLUNTEER
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Let’s work on that 40%; here are 10 tips to help you feel happier each day!
BE PATIENT Studies have found that older people tend to be happier. Experts believe this is because seniors trust more, worry less and are generally better at dealing with negative emotions and anxiety. So just be patient.
An effective way you can care for yourself and feel better is to care for others. According to the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, volunteers tend to have above average wellbeing and satisfaction levels.
GET OUTSIDE A recent study found that making time to go outside and connect with nature, as little as twenty minutes, not only boosted positive mood but broadened thinking and improved working memory.
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GET A PET Pets give unconditional love, and stroking your pet can actually help lower your blood pressure, and playing with them has shown to release feel-good chemicals in your brain, which are known to trigger pleasure, happiness and calmness.
STOP DOOMSCROLLING Doomscrolling, the act of spending excessive time absorbing negative news and social media, is killing your happiness. Turning off your phone and avoiding screens as little as an hour before bed is a simple intervention for enhancing happiness and wellbeing.
By Alexander Thatcher
TOTALLY OUTSIDE OF OUR CONTROL. Research suggests that 50% of happiness is determined by your genes, 10% by the circumstances in which you live, and 40% of happiness is defined by your actions, attitude and how you handle situations.
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BE ACTIVE Physical activity is one of the more effective ways to increase happiness and may have lasting positive effects. Even walking around the block can make a difference, as can dancing around your living room, stretching in your office, or even cleaning the house.
Your favourite tunes can hugely affect your emotions, and studies have found that people who intentionally listen to upbeat music have increased dopamine levels and generally feel happier.
MEDITATE Meditation improves wellbeing, and you don’t have to be sitting like Buddha necessarily. Meditation is about working on those constant negative thoughts, so any activity that helps you still your mind and slows down your thinking is a form of meditation and will help.
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU40 PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is a medication that can be used to prevent HIV negative people becoming infected with HIV. When taken correctly it is highly effective. PrEP needs to be prescribed by a doctor. Once you are taking PrEP you need to see your doctor every three months for routine checks. If you are interested in PrEP contact our team today. To find out more or to make an appointment call SHFPACT on 6247 3077. We are located at Level,1 28 University Avenue Canberra City. PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP) GET PrEP SHFPACT.ORG.AU
• If diagnosed with monkeypox, avoiding close physical contact, including sexual contact, with other people for the duration of the illness.
Vaccination within four days of exposure to someone who’s infectious with monkeypox will provide the highest chance of preventing disease. Avoiding close contact with people who have the infection can help prevent transmission. For more information on monkeypox visit health.act.gov.au/monkeypox
• Anyone with a high number of sexual partners or who participates in group sex.
• Considering avoiding skin-to-skin contact during large gatherings.
Monkeypox can affect anyone. But men who have sex with men are at higher risk. 98% of cases so far are among men who have sex with men. This outbreak is seeing cases spread via close, prolonged contact from sexual activity. Many from this group want to take proactive actions to keep safe and help their community.
Australia has secured supplies of smallpox vaccines, which provide protection against monkeypox. People who should consider vaccination are:
• Possible monkeypox contact in the past 14 days.
MPXMONKEYPOX The facts about
WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?
Related to smallpox, it was first found in humans in the 1970s. Endemic to Africa, in the past monkeypox has been transmitted through contact with infected animals, including rodents, monkeys and other primates. But in this outbreak human-to-human transmission is happening for the first time. There has been some misinformation about monkeypox, so it’s important to note it is not a ‘gay men’s disease’, nor is it a ‘sexually transmitted infection’. Monkeypox spreads through skin-to-skin contact between any two or more people. Over 23,000 cases have been reported since May 2022 in 80 countries, and there have been seven deaths. Most cases in Australia have been among returned travellers.
Article references: Jaya Dantas from Curtin University; The World Health Organisation; Centres for Disease Control & Prevention and ACT Health. Edited by Alexander Thatcher. HEALTH&WELLBEING
Monkeypox can be transmitted via respiratory droplets and direct contact with body fluids or the presenting rash, often through skin-on-skin contact or indirect contact such as through contaminated clothing or bedding. Transmission may occur from people without symptoms. Symptoms are similar to smallpox, though less severe, and begin 5-21 days after exposure. They can include:
TRANSMISSION AND SYMPTOMS
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION TOOK THE UNPRECEDENTED STEP AND DECLARED THE MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK A “PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY OF INTERNATIONAL CONCERN”.
SHOULD YOU VACCINATE?
• Anyone in the risk categories planning travel to a country experiencing an outbreak. Vaccination is recommended four to six weeks before leaving.
Transmission requires close contact with an infected person.
• Avoiding sex if you have a rash until you get tested.
• Maintain contact details of sexual partners in case of the need to follow up if you become infected.
• A body rash that usually looks like blisters, that go through several stages before eventually falling off. Symptoms last between two and four weeks, and the disease usually resolves independently. Most adults with a healthy immune system won’t have severe illness and won’t experience long-term harmful effects. There’s no specific treatment for monkeypox yet. People with the infection are given supportive treatments and light dressings for the rash. People with the infection should isolate immediately for the duration of the illness — usually two to four weeks until any rash heals.
• Sex workers.
• Use Healthcondoms.professionals say condoms may help lower the risk of spread if the lesions are confined to the genital and/or anal region, but they’re likely not enough to prevent transmission on their own.
• Sweats and chills, cough and sore throat.
So far there have been 45 cases in Australia. The good news is monkeypox doesn’t spread as easily as the coronavirus, with experts saying it can be kept under control if we are cautious.
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF AND OTHERS
• Fever, headache, aches and fatigue.
HIGHER RISK GROUPS
• Men who have sex with men.
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU42 CANBERRA MENOPAUSE CENTRE 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. Appointments call 02 6247 3077 SEXUAL HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING ACT shfpact.org.au Lucky Stars Sanctuary Incorporated is a non-profit organisation that aims to care for animals and alleviate animal suffering by providing refuge and treatment, and also deliver education to the community about animal welfare issues and care. For more information on how you can be involved, go on a tour, become a vounteer or donate, please visit our website. luckystarssanctuary.org facebook.com/luckystarssanctuary
ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE PRIME VIDEO
Best friends set out to have a legendary week-long summer vacation with the help of cheap rosé and a group of eclectic friends. Writer Joel Kim Booster takes Jane Austen’s most famous story, Pride and Prejudice, to the sunny boardwalks of New York’s infamous Fire Island where Noah (Booster) and his friends make their annual pilgrimage to stay with den mother Erin (Margaret Cho).
PARALLEL MOTHERS
FILM &TV
potato DID YOU KNOW? When the celebrated film ‘Call Me By Your Name’ was screened at the New York Film Festival in 2017, it received a 10-minute standing ovation, the longest recorded in the festival’s 55 years.
By Dwayne Lennox
FIRE ISLAND DISNEY +
Noah’s mission this year is to get best friend Howie (Bowen Yang) some summer lovin’, that is if he can avoid the distraction that is handsome but gruff Will (Conrad Ricamora). Andrew Ahn (Spa Night) directs.
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Best known for his Emmy-winning role in Pose, Billy Porter turns his attention behind the camera to make his directorial feature debut with this high school set teen romance story. Kelsa (Eva Reign) is a confident transwoman navigating her senior year when romance blossoms with classmate Khal (Abubakr Ali). Cue all the highs and lows that accompany any teen romance but with added Gen Z complications. Anything’s Possible is a romance that showcases the joy, tenderness, and pain of young love.
UNCOUPLED NETFLIX
Created by Darren Starr, the comparisons to Sex and the City were going to be inevitable for this great little series which follows forty-something real estate broker Michael (Neil Patrick Harris) back into New York City’s gay dating scene after the break-up of his 17-year relationship. Thankfully friends Stanley (Brooks Ashmanskas) and Billy (Emerson Brooks) have his back, as does work colleague Suzanne (Tisha Campbell). We loved it; it’s light, fun and witty. There are only eight easily binged episodes with no word yet on a second season as yet. Figures crossed.
BINGE Parallel Mothers follows the lives of two first-time single mums who meet in a hospital. Both about to deliver, they become entwined in ways only those in a Pedro Almodóvar film could. What unfolds next for Janis (Penélope Cruz) and Ana (Milena Smit) is best left for the viewer to discover; needless to say, it involves secrets and lies (and melodrama). Cruz is always excellent under Almodóvar’s direction, and she’s arguably doing career-best work here, fully deserving of her Best Actress Oscar nomination; Smit is equally as good at navigating the tricky emotional terrain.
FUSE FIND WHAT YOU NEED EASILY WWW.LGBTIQ.DIRECTORY SUPPORT PATHWAYSSUPPORT COMMUNITY SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY GROUPS BUSINESS ANDBUSINESSESSERVICES PARTNERS WORKING TOGETHER LGBTIQ DIRECTORY is a community focused project, proudly produced by FUSE Magazine in partnership with A Gender Agenda, Capital Region Community Services, Meridian, Northside Community Service, Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT and Uniting. LGBTIQ.DIRECTORY ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTING RICH AND FULFILLING LIVES IN OUR COMMUNITY
It is an event for our community put on by dedicated volunteers. Come and have a good time, be mindful of others and have fun.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR A BUSHDANCE GRANT, WHEN AND HOW?
SO, TOM, TELL US ABOUT HOW THE IDEA FOR BUSHDANCE HAPPENED?
I think it’s a lot to do with the Yarralumla Woolshed; it’s the perfect venue as it is a former shearing shed and located in the centre of Canberra.
Individuals and groups can apply, but the project must benefit the Canberra LGBTIQ+ community in some way. We usually ask for applications via Facebook in February if funds are available, and we provide a grant application form.
WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS HAS BUSHDANCE BEEN ABLE TO HELP WITH FUNDRAISING?
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WHAT IS IT ABOUT BUSHDANCE THAT YOU THINK MAKES IT SO POPULAR?
Bushdance has a great atmosphere that’s relaxed and fun. The aim is for everyone to have a good time without any unpleasant incidents, and these have been very rare over what is now nearly 40 years for this event.
We provide a safe venue for guests 18+ with a busy bar run by our tennis volunteers, and an outdoor area to cool off, and mingle and chat. The food stall is run by PFLAG and is also in the outdoor area. PFLAG is an organisation for parents of gay, lesbian, bi and trans children, so the volunteers that staff that stall are parents and it is great to see them supporting their children and our community.
DO YOU HAVE A BUSHDANCE MOMENT THAT WILL BE WITH YOU FOREVER?
The Monday night tennis group was started in 1978 and we wanted to raise money to subsidise the cost of tennis, pay for the courts and for tennis balls etc. The group had had a few social dances at Tharwa and at the Albert Hall, but the bushdance was the idea of my then partner Mike Howard in 1984. He was responsible for Bushdance until he left Canberra in 1999 but he still returns every year.
We also have a paramedic to provide first aid if needed and security guards who do their job well, but are friendly and understanding too.
There is something about flannel, big hats and crazy polkas that just keep them coming back every year.
A few years ago when the smoke from the BBQ set off the fire alarm and a number of hunky firemen turned up shortly after. They got a lot of attention and I think the event may have been an eyeopener for them too.
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING READERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CANBERRA BUSHDANCE?
BUSHDANCE IS ON SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER @ YARRALUMLA WOOLSHED TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! FUSE COMMUNITY
Bushdance, which is held in November each year at the Yarralumla Woolshed, is a super fun, wildly social event that always sells out and fast.
AS WELL AS COUNTRY MUSIC, WHAT ELSE DOES BUSHDANCE OFFER?
The brainchild of Mike Howard in 1984, Bushdance is run by Pink Tennis as a community fundraiser. After a few years locked down, Bushdance is back and tickets are on sale now. We thought we’d have a quick chat with Tom Hughes (pictured above left) about this year’s event and how it all came to be.
Since the early days of Bushdance we have used excess funds to provide financial grants to LGBTIQ+ community groups, and there have been many very varied groups and projects over that time. Taking 2019 as an example, we provided funds to a youth group, the gay squash group, the mature men’s group, some arts events and support for other community events. In the past we helped fund the setup of the Rainbow Ranters Toastmasters group, sponsored a youth prom evening, and supported Canberra Mardi Gras floats. The range of projects has been very diverse.
BUSHDANCE IS CERTAINLY ONE OF CANBERRA’S MOST POPULAR LGBTIQ SPRINGOUT EVENTS, DRAWING QUEER FOLK FROM ALL OVER AUSTRALIA.
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You may need to be willing to make some sacrifices so that you can get all that your heart desires. Tip: Don’t be stubborn when help is needed.
Aquarius January 21 – February 18 Pisces February 19 – March 20 Aries March 21 – April 20
Taurus April 21 – May 21 September is the month to ask yourself if you need to take a new direction and take stock of your life path. Things are coming to a head, and you may need to make some important changes.
Stars predict a month filled with success and luck in your endeavours as long as you work hard and trust your intuition.
The universe is conspiring to help you, Aries. If you trust in your abilities and can connect with your genuine, authentic self, you will be on a path to making your dreams come true. Tip: If you send passion out into the world this month, it will return in spaids.
Favourable outcomes are highlighted as the universe encourages personal growth and success. With confidence and determination, you can achieve a lot over the next few months. Tip: This month, do the things that make you happy and create the life you want.
Scorpio October 24 – November 22
Tip: Put yourself out there and let your imagination run wild because the next couple of months may bring new love or give your current relationship a boost.
Leo July 23 – August 23 Virgo August 24 – September 23 Libra September 24 – October 23
Tip: The last few months of this year are great for expanding your social circle if you’re feeling a bit stagnated. You may find yourself moving about more than usual over the next few months. With Mercury going retrograde and communication a bit scrambled, you’ll need to be flexible to create an easier path forward. Tip: Sometimes you have to look after number one — that’s you!
Gemini May 22 – June 21 September calls on you to stop holding back and to believe in yourself because you can do great things if you put your mind to it. Look deeply and trust your intuition. Tip: Some extra time spent with friends and people you love will help heal hearts.
47 YOUR HOROSCOPE SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2022 A TIME OF CHANGE AND REFLECTION
September stars will encourage you to finally let go of a past that has been holding you back. It’s an excellent time to reflect and start building new strong foundations for your future. Tip: Embrace and appreciate the love you receive from the people around you. Sagittarius November 23 – December 22
Tip: Try not to overwork; this is not the time to give your job all your energy. Capricorn December 23 – January 20 September marks a dynamic time as the universe focuses you on your life. An onslaught of challenges and opportunities may be persistent, so it will be important you are ready for anything. Tip: Keep an eye out for an unexpected romantic opportunity. From 9 September to 2 October, Mercury will be retrograde. Mercury retrograde can cause chaos in our lives as we experience difficulties with screwy technology, wonky communications and haywire travel plans. It’s not all doom, however. If we use this time to slow down, rest and reflect we can make significant changes in our lives that will affect us for years to come.
Cancer June 22 – July 22 Even though you can achieve things independently, you may need help from those who love and care about you with something bigger than you expected.
Tip: If things feel stale, walk with others and learn new ways of doing things.
Despite Mercury going retrograde in September, you are entering a calm month — this presents an opportunity for reflection, and the stars want you to be creative and try new activities.
If you lead with a positive mindset, you can expect some good outcomes with work, education, creativity and sport.
With Mercury going retrograde during September, be sure you take your time and don’t jump into any critical decision-making. Communication will be important over the next few months.
Tip: Keep a close eye on your finances as you may be tempted to overspend.
STAR
GAZER
If you need help or have a question email : dearrose@fusemagazine.com.au
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 Meridian’s counselling services on 02 6257 2855. If you require relationship support or services call Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277
Dear SJ, It’s more than OK for you to feel not ready to move in with your BF. Moving in with your boo is a big step; if your gut hesitates, it’s a sign you need to pay attention.
“ Dear Jay, COVID has been difficult, and if you were single during lockdown it might have also been lonely. COVID romances were common, and I, too, had a COVID fling. My romance was quick but intense because the only people we saw were each other.
Pablo Picasso Pablo Ruiz Picasso (1881–1973) was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and theatre designer who spent most of his adult life in France.
There are a few reasons why you might be on the fence. You are unsure about the relationship and not ready to commit, or you still have dreams that don’t fit into a relationship. Take some time to consider what it is you need before you take the plunge. Simple things like lifestyle habits can be smoothed out with a discussion, but other issues such as fulfilling your dreams are often non-negotiable. Living your life with the idea of ‘what if’ crowding your thoughts will probably end in resentment.
Dear Rose, My boyfriend keeps asking me to move in. I don’t want to, as things are great as they are. Do you think that’s OK? SJ Dear Rose, Over lockdown, I met this guy online from South Africa — he’s wonderful, and we’re in love. He recently asked for some money so he can come to Australia. We chat every night, and he seems genuine. Do you think I should be worried?
Dear Lee-Anne, It’s a hard truth, but no one ever seeks help or will listen until they are ready.
Addiction, whether it is alcohol, sex, drugs or even food, is often a coping mechanism for emotions that someone is unable to process or doesn’t know how to process.
WITHDEAREMAILROSEYOURPROBLEM
Armed with the information, my advice is to have a gentle talk with your GF. Remember, whatever direction the relationship moves is supportive of her journey. It’s a hard road to travel, looking at addictive behaviours and managing them.
In your case, the fact that this person has asked for money to come to Australia would be a red flag. I would not send money.
However, if you feel that this person is genuine and want to see if the relationship works, you can always purchase a refundable ticket on their behalf. If it turns out that the situation is not genuine, at least you have an option to recoup your finances.
You might want to consider how her drinking impacts your life. Knowing more about this issue is key to helping you work out how to move forward. Speak to your GP or a counsellor; they can provide some guidance for you.
ASK DEAR ROSE
It’s only since coming out of lockdown that I now have a better picture of this person. They aren’t bad, just different.
Jay Dear Rose, I think my GF is drinking in excess. She thinks I’m a killjoy, but I’m worried she won’t listen to me. Lee-Anne
Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
It’s also OK to take a break, do what you need, and then return to the relationship if that works for you.
By Rose Pappalardo
FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU48 DEAR ROSE
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