FUSE65 : We’re all born naked & the rest is drag!

LIFE LOVE EQUALITY

DOS & DON’TS DATING IN THE WORKPLACE

LGBTIQ+ COMEDIANS YOU CAN’T MISS!

QUEER BURLESQUE THE POWER OF MISBEHAVING

DIRTY LAUNDRY

THERE’S NO SHRINKAGE ON THIS CYCLE

A beautiful, seductive and subversive exhibition

...

SASHA GRISHIN, The Canberra Times

GODDESS OF PASSION VENUS

NOW SHOWING, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA CANBERRA nma.gov.au

The presentation of this exhibition is a collaboration between the British Museum and the National Museum of Australia. Statue of Venus, Rome, Italy, 100–150 CE . ©Trustees of the British Museum, 2022.

Major Partners

FUSE MAGAZINE MADE IN AUSTRALIA MAR / APR 2023

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Alexander Thatcher

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Christopher Powell

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Maxwell Elliff

CONTRIBUTORS

Dwayne Lennox

Scott Malcolm

Rose Pappalardo

David Blanco

Nicky Green

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nathan J Lester

Joel Devereux

Etphemera Photography

Magnus Hastings

Douglas J Robinson

CONTACT FUSE 0412 309 992 hello@fusemagazine.com.au fusemagazine.com.au

PO Box 844

Belconnen ACT 2616

PUBLISHER

Published + designed by Lithium Innovation Pty Ltd lithium.net.au

ISSN 1836-8387

All rights reserved. No part of the magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. The appearance, mention or likeness of any person or organisation in editorial or advertising in no way suggests sexual or political orientation. Photographs used to illustrate editorial do not depict the real lives, behaviour or sexuality of the models. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the FUSE publisher, editor or staff. Any health, fitness or dietary advice contained in this magazine is for informational purposes only. Consult your physician and a fitness/health professional before changing your diet, doing any exercise program, or taking any supplements or remedies of any kind. 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.

PRIDE: THE WORD THAT WENT FROM VICE TO GLORY

ONE OF THE MOST GLORIOUS AND FRIGHTFUL THINGS ABOUT THE UNIVERSE IS THAT NOTHING EVER REMAINS THE SAME.

Fighting against change is like trying to swim up a raging river. It’s a small piece of wisdom that always comforts me when I see institutions, political parties, and conservatives trying desperately to hold on to the status quo.

Even when cruelty is employed, or gains may seem to appear, in the end, the river of change always wins. Always.

With this in mind, it seems like an opportune time to write about the word ‘pride’ and how its meaning has gone from vice to glory. It fills my heart with glittery butterflies just thinking about it.

The word pride has had both a functional shift and semantic drift over the years, driven mainly by the LGBTIQ+ community and its inspiring fight for recognition, and the right to exist peacefully and without discrimination. Used as far back as the 13th century, pride was hardly something to be proud of, as it carried the meaning of excessive self-esteem or an unreasonable sense of superiority. In early use, pride was also often capitalised, referring to one of the seven deadly sins, but that’s probably another article entirely.

Although the concept of pride may still sometimes move between positive and negative connotations, it has most certainly gone from a murky grey word to full-on f*cking rainbow.

Pride possibly took its most significant shift with the queer protests in the 1960s and ‘70s as organisers started incorporating the words ‘Gay Pride’ on flyers, posters and placards. As you’ll read over on p35 in our article ‘Don’t Rain on Our Parade’ by Maxwell Elliff, the shift in the concept of pride has come with much pain and struggle, but setbacks aside, has moved consistently in a positive direction — now being coveted by Mark Latham!

As many countries still struggle with LGBTIQ+ human rights, I feel incredibly blessed and privileged to be in one of the countries where LGBTIQ+ pride has been embraced and has flourished. Even the Pope has recently told the world that, although sinful, I’m no longer a walking-talking crime (p13).

So as we celebrate, hold our heads up high, and champion the art of being our authentic selves, it’s an exciting time to remember that ‘pride’ travels with us as the glorious, every changing, glitter-covered word we love today.

Talking about glamour and being proud, you may notice that FUSE is heavier than previous issues — that would be because of the eight additional pages we have added to this issue to celebrate WorldPride and FUSE turning 14 years. It’s been a long time since our very first issue in 2009, and it’s been an ongoing privilege to contribute to our amazing Canberra community and LGBTIQ+ media in Australia — a huge thank you to everyone that has worked with us along our journey. The future looks bright... and a bit sparkly.

The next few months continue to be packed with pride, as you will notice when you start turning these pages. This issue is jam-packed with exciting LGBTIQ+ events, theatre, film and music, along with our regular FUSE columns, opinions, community photos and features — it’s an issue we can all be proud of.

I’d like to finish up by sending out my personal gratitude to Peter and Celia, who, over the past few years, have provided a safe space for the LGBTIQ+ community at The Boardwalk Bar. They hosted many fabulous parties and events, and it was sad to see them close recently; they will be missed. Stay safe and be kind, Alexander.

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FRESH OUT @ GLEBE PARK

A fresh vision of Fair Day, Canberra’s largest pride LGBTIQ community event.

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FIND WHAT YOU WANT EASILY WWW.LGBTIQ.DIRECTORY

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The soul-stirring, gospel-inspired Broadway hit

Canberra Theatre Centre presents Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta’s

By Tarell Alvin McCraney

Directed by Dino Dimitriadis and Zindzi Okenyo

See the premiere season of the Broadway hit from the Academy award-winning writer of Moonlight – a moving play about sexuality, race, hope, gospel music and a young gay man finding his voice.

MOVIES

DID YOU KNOW?

Bill Nighy never watches any of his films because he can’t bear to see himself on screen, once saying “all my fears about my inadequacies are confirmed when I watch myself”.

TILL A PROFOUNDLY EMOTIONAL FILM

One of the biggest surprises when the 2022 Oscar nominations were announced was the omission of Danielle Deadwyler from the Best Actress line-up; Deadwyler, a SAG and BAFTA nominee, was considered a shoo-in. Deadwyler plays Mamie Till Mobley, the mother of 14-year-old Emmett Till who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955, and the film follows her relentless pursuit of justice. Till is directed by Chinonye Chukwu (Clemency). An exceptional film, Till — based on true events — is a profoundly emotionally wrenching drama not to be missed.

THE BLUE CAFTAN A VISUALLY BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY

With her exploration of mortality and sexuality in a small Moroccan town, writer-director Maryam Touzani takes the premise of a love triangle and imbues it with rare emotional nuance and complexity. When a closeted gay tailor (Saleh Bakri) and his wife (Lubna Azabal) take on a handsome new apprentice (Ayoub Missioui), they find their relationship turned upside down. The Playlist calls The Blue Caftan “...a rich, vibrant ode to love in all its many forms”. The acting and film work is superb, and the story is wonderfully sensitive and poignant.

LIVING A TENDER FILM ABOUT HUMAN CONNECTION

It’s somewhat hard to believe that it has taken until this year for veteran British actor Bill Nighy (of Love,Actually fame) to receive his first-ever Oscar nomination. Less surprising is that Nighy gives a career-best performance in this period drama by queer filmmaker Oliver Hermanus (Beauty; Moffie), written by novelist Kazuo Ishiguro and adapted from the 1952 Akira Kurosawa film Ikiru. Bill Nighy plays a bureaucrat in 1953 London who up-ends his quiet, staid existence when he’s diagnosed with a terminal illness.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONG THIEVES A STAR-STUDDED FANTASY WITH A COMIC SPIN

Although long considered the domain of geeks and nerds, the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons has persisted in popular culture for almost 50 years, which means Hollywood has taken its sweet time in adapting this property for the big screen. D&D’s first film outing stars Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, Michelle Rodriguez and Regé-Jean Page (of Bridgerton fame), and sees a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, only for things to go dangerously awry.

CHECK OUT ALL THESE GREAT FILMS, LGBTIQ+ MOVIE REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS AND MORE ON THE FUSE WEBSITE

By Dwayne Lennox Follow Dwayne on Twitter @TheLennoXFiles

SIGN UP TO THE FUSE ENEWS FOR OUR REGUALR DENDY TICKET GIVEAWAYS!

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

ENLIGHTEN FESTIVAL IS BACK AND THIS YEAR WILL FEATURE A SPECIAL PRIDE WEEKEND CELEBRATION!

ENLIGHTEN FESTIVAL

3 — 19 MARCH

PRIDE WEEKEND

10 — 12 MARCH

FRESHOUT GLEBE PARK

SATURDAY 11 MARCH

LIGHTS!

BALLOON SPECTACULAR PATRICK WHITE LAWN 11 — 19 MARCH

SYMPHONY IN THE PARK COMMONWEALTH PARK

SUNDAY 12 MARCH

The Canberra Enlighten Festival is back for 2023 and will again light up the nation’s capital. This year’s event will also be celebrating Australia hosting WorldPride in Sydney — the first time the global pride event has been staged in Australia and the first time in the southern hemisphere.

Pride Weekend will include FreshOut in Glebe Park, showcasing entertainment from Australia’s finest performing artists and a village of market stalls representing diverse LGBTIQ+ community organisations, local businesses and Canberra’s finest food and wines produced in the region.

A short film festival Lights! Canberra! Action! on 10 March will feature local filmmakers sharing their perspectives and interpretation of Pride.

As part of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, a special Pride Flight will take off on the opening morning featuring hot air balloons flying rainbow flags.

To wrap up the weekend, Symphony in the Park will be held on 12 March. Canberrans are encouraged to bring a picnic, enjoy a free evening of modern and classical performances, and watch as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra takes to the stage to perform with award-winning pop, soul and electronica band Electric Fields.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said a dedicated Pride Weekend during the Enlighten Festival would honour Australia’s hosting WorldPride and boost tourism to the National Capital.

“It is the first time the global event has been staged in Australia, and it is fitting that the national capital will honour that achievement. It is also the 50th anniversary of the first Australian Gay Pride Week and the fifth anniversary of Marriage Equality in Australia.”

“The ACT Government will continue to invest in community events that encourage visitors to our city, deliver a strong economic return, and provide quality visitor experiences.”

Tara Cheyne, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, said the Pride Weekend celebrations would make the already popular Enlighten Festival even bigger and better this year.

“Enlighten Festival is a gem in the Canberra events calendar, and the focus on Pride Weekend highlights our community’s culture and inclusivity. I’m excited by the entertainment that will be on offer, in addition to the amazing illuminations. From incredible music and the opportunity to view short films from talented local filmmakers, there really is something for everyone. I encourage all Canberrans to come out to Enlighten and enjoy the spectacle while supporting our small businesses who will be there providing delicious food and drink.”

PRIDE WEEKEND ENLIGHTEN FESTIVAL GUIDE

CANBERRA FRESHOUT WEBSITE

Not your average cinema

Head to the National Film & Sound Archive for an experience like no other. From films up on the big screen, to in-depth in person conversations, from trivia nights for cinephiles, to celebrations in the courtyard. Screenings, festivals, storytelling.

Explore and book at NFSA.GOV.AU/EVENTS

NFSA is open daily 10am-4pm Or visit our Australians & Hollywood exhibition late on Fridays (8pm) McCoy Circuit, Acton

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

CANBERRA’S 2023 COMEDY FESTIVAL FEATURES A SLEW OF QUEER ACTS

COMEDY FESTIVAL THROUGHOUT CANBERRA

16 — 19 MARCH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

TRANSGENDER COMEDIAN JORDAN GRAY HAS A SECRET!

After several years of not-so-funny COVID lockdowns, the Canberra Comedy Festival will be back again this March with the biggest festival yet, sporting a line-up of the world’s best comedians, including fabulous queer acts like Geraldine Hickey, Tom Ballard, Kirsty Webeck, Jordan Gray and more. Head over to page 31 to read about our favourite LGBTIQ+ comedians coming to a stage near you.

CHOIR BOY EXPLORES THE TENSION BETWEEN LIVING UP TO EXPECTATIONS AND HONOURING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

Choir Boy, the acclaimed and Tony Award nominated play, is coming to Canberra! Threaded throughout with soul-stirring acappella gospel hymns, Choir Boy is a wonderfully moving story about sexuality, race, hope, gospel music, and a young gay man finding his voice. With rave reviews, the play premiered in 2012 at London’s Royal Court Theatre, before seasons across the USA and a successful Broadway production. Choir Boy blends the language of high school hallways with the soulful sounds of gospel for an unforgettable night at the theatre.

QUEER FILMS HIT THE NATIONAL FILM & SOUND ARCHIVE THIS MARCH

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

MGFF FESTIVAL ON TOUR

NATIONAL FILM & SOUND ARCHIVE

24 — 25 MARCH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

FUSE is absolutely thrilled to be this year’s media sponsor for the 2023 Mardi Gras Film Festival On Tour, which will be showing at the National Fim and Sound Archive in Acton. This year’s film lineup will include In from the Side, a captivating drama exploring an illicit affair between two partnered members of a South London gay rugby club; The Venus Effect, which tells the story of Liv, who thinks she has everything figured out; Best of MGFF23 Shorts, which represent some of the best short films the 2023 festival has to offer; and a special showing of Stephen Cummins Retrospective Gala. Head over to page 39 for more details and film reviews.

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

THREE WEIRD SISTERS AND THE SLEEPING DESIRES OF A WICKED MAN

MACBETH CANBERRA, SYDNEY, MELBOURNE ON TOUR : 25 FEBRUARY — 14 MAY _

Bell Shakespeare are touring with Macbeth, Shakespeare’s most haunting thriller. A terrifying portrayal of moral collapse, Peter Evans’ Macbeth, with Logie award-winning Hazem Shammas (The Twelve, Safe Harbour) as Macbeth and Jessica Tovey (The Miser, The Merchant of Venice) as Lady Macbeth, will take you on an intense and compelling journey into the dark heart of humanity.

THE

ALL MALE BURLESQUE PARTY YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE INVITED TO!

BRIEFS — DIRTY LAUNDRY CANBERRA THEATRE 10 — 13 MAY

After selling out shows worldwide, the Briefs boys are coming to Canberra with their hills hoist poised, ready to air their dirty laundry. With more glitter stains and attitude than you could ever want these misfits deliver a night of intoxicating physicality, gob-smacking comedy, unapologetic truths, and ridiculous showmanship. Turn your cycle to hot as you watch these boys tumble dry in this must-see cabaret show.

TRANS HISTORY & TRANSFEMINISM _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

SOPHIE LABELLE TUGGERANONG ARTS

FRIDAY 17 MARCH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Diversity ACT brings you an evening with Canadian trans activist, cartoonist and public speaker Sophie Labelle.

A STORY OF LIFE, LOVE AND TRAGEDY

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

HOLDING THE MAN

ACT HUB

22 MARCH — 1 APRIL

Teenage love rarely runs smoothly, especially if it’s the 1970s and you’re a boy with a crush on the captain of the football team.

LGBTIQ+ DANCE PARTY

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

UNTAMED ’23

GREENWAY

SATURDAY 1 APRIL _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Come and celebrate pride in Tugggeranong! Get dressed up, or just come as you are! All welcome. Extra points for sparkles!

WHO’S THE FIERCEST OF THEM ALL?

QUEER CRASH

TRASIT BAR

FRIDAY 14 APRIL

Channel your inner princess, evil stepmother, loveable animal sidekick, or pretty boy at Queer Crash Disney after Dark.

ROUND UP DID YOU KNOW?

In 2022 the American midterm elections created history; the good kind. For the first time, the elections had LGBTIQ+ candidates running from all 50 US states and the capital Washington.

US CONGRESS PROTECTS MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN LANDMARK BILL

The US Congress has passed landmark legislation to protect marriage equality, just over 25 years after defining marriage as the union between only one man and one woman. In a vote of 258 to 169, 39 Republicans joined every Democrat in the House to pass the Respect for Marriage Act

The law requires federal and state governments to recognise same-sex and interracial marriages and prohibits them from denying the validity of a marriage performed in another state on the basis of sex, race or ethnicity. President Joe Biden announced he would sign the legislation “promptly and proudly”. Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who was visibly emotional at the announcement, declared, “Not only are we on the right side of history, we’re on the right side of the future: expanding freedom in America”. Pelosi recently stepped down as House Speaker in January this year following the 2022 midterm elections.

CONGRESSWOMAN’S HATE FUELLED RALLY FIZZLES OUT

US Republican Congresswoman and conspiracy theorist Marjorie Taylor Greene held an anti-trans rally at the Capital — but failed to amass more than a dozen or so attendees. The dismal assembly included members of both the right-wing Christian anti-LGBTIQ+ lobby group ‘Moms for Liberty’ and homophobic and transphobic conservative think tank ‘Heritage Foundation’. Protesters donned signs reading “Gender ideology does not belong in schools” and “There are 2 genders: male and female. Trust the science”. The protest is just another all-too-common instance of right-wing conservatives using fear mongering tactics to marginalise queer and transgender communities. The harmful and medically inaccurate rhetoric pedalled by conservatives in power such as Greene has contributed to some hospitals that provide gender affirming health care receiving death threats.

NETFLIX AXES QUEER ROM-COM UNCOUPLED

Streaming giant Netflix has announced that it won’t be renewing its Neil Patrick Harris-led romantic comedy series Uncoupled, just six months after the first season premiered. The show followed gay New York City real estate agent Michael Lawson, who must navigate the world of dating in his 40s after being dumped by his boyfriend of 17 years. The series managed to reach number 6 on the Netflix Top 10 chart for just one week, but had still developed a passionate (if small) fanbase. It became the latest queer show to be axed by Netflix. German mystery thriller 1899, horror-comedy Dead End: Paranormal and lesbian vampire drama First Kill have each previously been chopped after failing to pull in enough traffic on the streaming platform. Uncoupled has since been picked up for a second season by Showtime.

“Today, Congress took a critical step to ensure that Americans have the right to marry the person they love.”

US President Joe Biden

By Maxwell Elliff

DID YOU KNOW?

Virgin Atlantic have announced that employment applications have doubled since launching their ‘See the World Differently’ campaign last year, which saw gendered uniform rules scrapped and gender-neutral pronouns adopted.

SLOVENIA FINALLY SAYS YES TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

The small Balkan country of Slovenia has joined the growing number of nations worldwide to legalise same-sex marriage. In July of 2022, the country’s Constitutional Court found that the ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Following this, the court ordered the National Assembly (lower house of parliament) to amend the Slovenian Family Code within six months. The government, led by liberal green Freedom Movement PM Robert Golob, drafted an amendment bill that was voted on last October — where it passed by a vote of 48-29 (with one abstaining). The news came after two prior referendums for equality in 2012 and 2015 both failed due to propaganda and fear-mongering campaigns from conservative movement ‘Children Are At Stake’.

CONGRATS SLOVENIA

UK BAN ON DAMAGING CONVERSION THERAPY EDGES CLOSER

POPE’S GROUNDBREAKING DECLARATION

Pope Francis has made landmark statements on the topic of homosexuality that are being hailed as a significant milestone in LGBTIQ+ human rights. Speaking to the Associated Press, the Pope stated that laws criminalising homosexuality were “unjust” and that while homosexuality is a sin, it is not a crime. He also said that the Catholic Church should work to end these laws, saying, “It must do this”. Francis later clarified his comments, noting that he should have said, “It is a sin, as is any sexual act outside of marriage”, and added, “I would tell whoever wants to criminalise homosexuality that they are wrong”, sparking a tremendous response from queer activists globally. Consensual homosexual activity is still illegal in 67 countries worldwide, 11 of which routinely enforce the death penalty. Since becoming Pope in 2013, Francis has made consistent strides in LGBTIQ+ acceptance and emphasised a more merciful approach to applying Catholic doctrine.

The UK has announced plans to ban all forms of conversion therapy, including practices aimed at trans people. Previous plans had failed to include trans individuals, with the issue being allegedly too complex and requiring further investigation. Speaking on behalf of the British Psychological Society, Dr. Adam Jowett said, “Clinicians can still help people fully explore their gender identity… but it’s time for this unacceptable and harmful practice to end”. A report commissioned by the NHS found that some medical professionals were feeling pressured to ‘take a purely affirmative approach’ when treating young people wanting to transition. The proposal has come after Scotland committed to banning all forms of conversion therapy by the end of 2023.

COUNTRIES CONVERSION THERAPY IS STILL LEGAL

Source: International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.

By Maxwell Elliff

ROUND UP DID YOU KNOW?

The recent US National Crime Victimisation Survey has revealed that LGBTIQ+ Americans are 9 times more likely to be victims of a hate crime than cisgender and straight people.

IS INDIA THE NEXT COUNTRY TO ADOPT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE?

The push for same-sex marriage in India has gained momentum after two same-sex couples filed petitions to the New Delhi Court. The petitions argue that prohibiting couples from marriage is a violation of constitutional rights. Currently, same-sex couples in India only have rights to ‘unregistered cohabitation’, meaning partners have no rights to assets or adoption and have limited hospital visitation rights. The Indian government will pose a major roadblock to any chance at equality after declaring in 2021 that couples “cannot claim a fundamental right to same-sex marriage”, due to not deserving the same rights as traditional heterosexual couples. Despite clear political opposition, the petition could positively impact public perception in a similar vein to 2018, which saw same-sex relationships decriminalised for the first time.

SCOTLAND GENDER BILL FACES WESTMINSTER VETO

The UK Government is planning to block a Scottish bill that would give transgender people an easier road to legally changing their gender. The bill, passed by the Scottish National Party-led government in December of 2022, allows people to self-identify their gender, instead of first needing a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. It also lowers the age for changing one’s gender from 18 to 16 years old. However, Scottish secretary Alister Jack is predicted to utilise Section 35 of the Scotland Act — which grants Britain discretionary veto powers. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reacted by saying, “in my view there are no grounds to challenge this legislation. It will be using trans people… as a political weapon”.

KANSAS LAWMAKERS TAKE AIM AT DRAG SHOWS

Republican legislators in Arkansas have drafted a bill that seeks to place serious restrictions on drag performances. The bill would see drag classified as “adult entertainment” on par with pornography or escort services — meaning it would be banned from all public spaces or anywhere accessible to a person under 18 years old. It would affect pride festivals and other queer events, and even impact actors performing in drag for theatre shows. A key sponsor of the bill, Senator Gary Stubblefield, stated that drag shows are “destroying these kids’ innocence”. Despite vocal pushback from LGBTIQ+ activists, the bill is expected to pass as both chambers of government in Arkansas have a Republican majority.

Kansas Drag Queen Sarah Jessica Darker

ROUND UP DID YOU KNOW?

According to the World Bank, anti-LGBTIQ+ policies could be costing the UK 53 billion Euros. In Italy it’s about 36 billion, and in Russia and Spain it’s bit lower due to their smaller GDPs.

KING CHARLES III CORONATION TO INCLUDE QUEER CHOIR

Buckingham Palace has announced the inclusion of LGBTIQ+ singers in the upcoming coronation for King Charles III this May. A Coronation Concert, held by the BBC at Windsor Castle, will feature the Coronation Choir consisting of diverse singing groups including queer, refugee and deaf performers. While Charles, like his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, has never publicly commented on queer rights, the monarchy has ushered in significant laws for the LGBTIQ+ community. Most notably being the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967 and the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act in 2014. Elton John has voiced his support of King Charles, believing that he and son Harry would use their influence to ensure homosexuality is decriminalised throughout all nations of the Commonwealth.

FRANCE REVOLUTIONISING HEALTHCARE TO TACKLE STD’S WITH FREE CONDOMS

Under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron, the French government has introduced several sexual health reforms to counter the rising STD rates among young people. The changes have come after health authorities estimated that STD transmission rose 30% in 2020 and 2021. As of 1 January 2023, young people can access free condoms as well as free contraception for all women, including consultations with doctors and midwives as well as associated medical procedures. Macron stated, “It’s a small revolution in preventative healthcare. It’s essential so that our young people protect themselves during sexual intercourse”.

AMSTERDAM TRIALS QUEER NIGHTLIFE SAFE SPACE

A new project is being trialled in Amsterdam to provide a safe space for queer partygoers to get ready before a night out. Named ‘Dress and Dance’, the project has transformed a hair salon into a place where queer people can get hair and makeup styling from a team of professionals before jumping in a free taxi to their chosen nightclub. ‘Dress and Dance’ has been spearheaded by students from Inholland University and coordinated by Maud Gussenhoven, the manager of central Reguliersdwarsstraat Street. While most Dutch citizens are accepting of diversity, a 2018 report by the Dutch Government found that queer people still face discrimination, intimidation, harassment and violence in public spaces, with the government committed to “prevent and tackle them”.

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE DIRECTOR PETER EVANS

By Maxwell Elliff

ROUND UP DID YOU KNOW?

A new study from Galop — UK’s leading anti-abuse charity for LGBTIQ+ people — has found that nearly one in five LGBTIQ+ people have experienced so-called ‘conversion’ practices in the UK.

ALL MEXICANS GRANTED MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Mexico has officially granted marriage equality to all its citizens, regardless of where they live. Tamaulipas became the last state out of 32 to implement same-sex marriage after an amendment to the Civil Code passed by a vote of 23-12 (with 2 abstaining). The president of Mexico’s federal high court Arturo Zaldivar celebrated the news by tweeting, “The whole country shines with a huge rainbow. Long live the dignity and rights of all people. Love is love.” The nation’s supreme court ruled in 2015 that prohibiting same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, but some states took several years to act. The first Mexican locale to implement marriage equality was capital Mexico City in 2009.

MESSAGE OF LOVE SPARKS POLITICAL WRATH

US pop group The Black Eyed Peas have angered Polish politicians after wearing rainbow armbands onstage. Frontman Will.i.am said during the performance, “LGBTIQ+ community, we love you. The song that we’re going to do… it’s dedicated to unity”. An estimated 8.3 million people watched the concert across Poland but it quickly drew backlash from Polish politicians. Deputy agriculture minister Janusz Kowalski called the performance “homopropaganda”. Marcin Warchol, of Poland’s anti-queer Law and Justice Party (PiS) called it a “New Years Eve of Deviance”. Since 2020, the PiS has declared regions across Poland as “LGBT-free zones”, leading to condemnation by the US and EU for violating human rights.

RUSSIA DOUBLES DOWN ON ANTI-LGBT RESTRICTIONS

Russian authorities have expanded existing restrictions on so-called “LGBTIQ+ propaganda”, making it virtually illegal to express any form of queerness. Heavy fines of up to almost AUD$10,000 for individuals and AUD$100,000 for companies apply for any promotion in public, in media or online of LGBTIQ+ lifestyles. Previous laws, which banned the promotion of homosexuality to minors, had been deployed to stop pride marches and detain queer activists. The new ones drive any form of queerness out of public life entirely — with the aim of safeguarding traditional Russian values from the perceived threat of Western ideology. Same-sex couples could face losing their children on the grounds that they are exposing them to homosexual deviancy.

FLOGGINGS CONTINUE AS INDONESIA BANS SEX

In December last year, Indonesia’s government landed another major blow to its queer community with the passing of a new criminal code. The code includes the punishment of extramarital sex with up to a year imprisonment — and with same-sex marriage illegal, all homosexual intercourse is therefore technically punishable. There is also a ban on cohabitation outside of marriage, as well as punishment for expressing beliefs that defy state ideology or speaking ill of the president. The code applies to all Indonesians as well as foreigners — meaning Australians may have to think twice before booking that next holiday to Bali. Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. Arrests and floggings of LGBTIQ+ people still happen regularly.

Jazida

“BURLESQUE IS ACTUALLY EXTREMELY QUEER.” JAZIDA

Photo by Joel Devereux

By Alexander Thatcher

BURLESQUE IS CHANGING LIVES AND THRIVING IN OUR COMMUNITY

THE QUEEN OF GLITTER, JAZIDA, HAS DISCOVERED THE POWER OF MISBEHAVING.*

*MISBEHAVING IS, OF COURSE, A HIGHLY PERSONAL CONCEPT, ESPECIALLY REGARDING BURLESQUE AND THE ART OF THE TEASE, WHEN BEING BAD BECOMES NOT ONLY EMPOWERING BUT ALSO TANTALISINGLY FUN.

A lot of people think that burlesque is mainly the domain of rowdy heterosexual men, but this misconception was quickly set straight (ha!) by queer burlesque performer Jazida, who told me that, contrary to popular belief, the art of burlesque is actually extremely queer.

If you’ve not seen this issue’s cover girl, Jazida (aka Rachel Reid) perform yet, I suggest you jump onto YouTube immediately or get along to one of her fabulously tantalising shows. Jazida has been perfecting the art of misbehaving, performing burlesque, producing shows, hosting workshops and teaching classes for Canberra’s alternate performing arts community since 2016. She is proudly queer and, after only a few short years, is one of Australia’s most acclaimed burlesque performers. Listed as 32 in the top 50 most influential burlesque performers across the globe, Jazida has performed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, the Perth International Burlesque Festival, the Australian Burlesque Festival and the Australian Burlesque Cruise, as well as headlining at many other alternative clubs and festivals across the country.

I sat down with Jazida at her studio by the lake in Belconnen. We chatted about her journey of empowering herself and others, removing barriers and creating a safe space for non-binary and LGBTIQ+ people.

FUSE: Burlesque’s had a resurgence in recent years, have you seen the same enthusiasm from the queer community?

Jazida: Yeah, absolutely. Burlesque is thriving in our community, with both dancers and audiences. If you’ve ever been to a burlesque show — even someone iconic like Dita Von Teese — you’ll notice that most of the audience are usually women. It’s actually an art form that’s more targeted at the female than the male gaze, even though it is strip tease.

It was actually during the 80s that the neo-burlesque revival started in Australian queer spaces, with lesbian bars running underground burlesque nights that were extremely grungy and punk and very queer and very gay.

Burlesque has become a safe space for queer people, and where women can appreciate other women.

FUSE: Tell us a bit about Flazeda.

Jazida: Flazeda is a physical alternate performing arts hub, and it’s a social enterprise. A strong part of our ethos is elevating diverse and LGBTIQ+ artists, which has much to do with removing barriers. At the end of the day, I want to see all people, all bodies and all genders represented on stages everywhere. We also run dance classes and workshops, while producing vibrant burlesque shows that showcase and celebrate all kinds of people in a bawdy celebration of body positivity and diversity.

FUSE: And you also offer a scholarship program.

Jazida: Called ‘Flaze-Daddy Little Zaddy Scholarships’, we ask philanthropists (“Flaze-Daddies”) to help mentees (we’re calling them “Zaddies”) by providing free performance opportunities and training to budding artists who may otherwise not be able to access it. Flaze-Daddies get the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a difference.

FUSE: Is there anything else you’d like people to know?

Jazida: Burlesque and the act of misbehaving can change lives for the better. I would like to let people know that if you’re interested in developing burlesque or alternate performance skills, please connect with us; and remember, if you are under financial stress, we can connect you with our ‘’Flaze-Daddy’ program — we give priority to members of the LGBTQI+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour and those with disability. Flazeda is a safe, inclusive space.

Find out more information about shows, courses and other mischeivous activities at: flazedahub.com

Jazida and her partner Cherry.

By Maxwell Elliff

Dos & Don’ts DATING IN THE WORKPLACE

What might begin as harmless fun can quickly morph into a living nightmare. We’ve all heard the phrase, “don’t sh*t where you eat”, yet relationships continue to bloom between colleagues in significant numbers.

A 2021 survey from SEEK found nearly a quarter of responders had previously dated a co-worker, and an international poll by monster.com found that over almost half respondents said they would choose love over career when it came to dating in the workplace.

SO WHAT GIVES?

I have been working in bars and clubs on Sydney’s gay scene for over seven years. You may think I’d have dates lined out the door. However as you might guess, a ‘10’ quickly drops to a ‘3’ after that sixth vodka-lime-soda kicks in. At closing time the last thing I feel like doing is hanging with someone I’ve just witnessed get progressively messy by last call.

But, do you know who isn’t a sloppy drunken mess at the end of a night? Yep, it’s the guy working next to me (well, let’s hope).

I’ve dated my fair share of colleagues to varying success over the years, so you could say I’m something of a workplace dating expert by now. However, I will note that you should take all my advice here with a good spoonful of salt and know that I’m definitely not a professional relationship authority, that’s for sure.

Crushing on a Co-worker?

DO YOU GO FOR IT OR WALK AWAY?

When it comes to love and work, 46% of respondents said they would choose to date a co-worker even if some thought it might affect their career, according to a survey by global employment giant monster.com

39% 15% 19% 27%

opposed any workplace romance, saying that dating a colleague at work was a bad idea.

thought that a workplace romance would not harm their career, but they would still never date a colleague.

said that while an office romance might be challenging at work, they would still ‘go for it’ anyway!

said the workplace was a good place to find love, and they had no issues dating a colleague.

CROSSING THE FRIEND-ZONE INTO ROMANTIC TERRITORY WITH SOMEONE CAN BE CHALLENGING ENOUGH.

WHEN THAT PERSON IS A CO-WORKER, IT’S A DIFFERENT BEAST ENTIRELY.

DATING A CO-WORKER

Dos & Don’ts

Having said that, let me share my personal list of dos and dont’s for workplace dating.

DO keep it on the ‘down low’. The fewer people who know about it the better, at least in the early stages. There is nothing worse for your budding romance than becoming the hot gossip on everyone’s lips. Plus, what’s steamier than a secret fling?

DON’T do it if there’s a power imbalance. This is tricky but vital. If you’re seeing your superior and it turns sour, they have the power to gift you the most undesirable tasks (hello toilet-cleaning duty!) or impact your roster. If you’re seeing someone beneath you, they can formally complain which could affect your future prospects (#MeToo movement anyone?). It’s just not worth it.

DO lean on each other for support. You are blessed to be with someone that understands the pressures you face — because they face them too! You work the same hours, tackle the same problems and get the same down time. Listen to each other and be that beacon of light when the road gets rough.

DON’T cling on past the expiry date. Real talk — most relationships are destined to fail. If it reaches an end point, let it end. The sooner you each move on the less suffering long-term. Let time and space do its work.

DO set clear boundaries. Is it open or closed? Is it a casual tryst or are you committed to the long haul? Take time once it gets more serious to be upfront and honest about the terms of the relationship. You both just like hooking up? Keep it that way. If you can’t get on the same page now, don’t expect to in the future.

DON’T bad mouth the other party when you’re at odds. While it may be tempting to vent to your colleagues, you will only add fuel to the fire and, frankly, make yourself appear as the villain. Present yourself as the bigger person by keeping things professional and civil. Your actions can and will influence theirs.

DO find shared interests and hobbies outside of work. Like any successful coupling, discovering common ground is key. No one wants be with someone who is all work and no play. Explore external interests. Interests are hot.

Most importantly, keep in mind that combining your professional and private life is a gamble. In the words of George Costanza from Seinfeld — “worlds are colliding!”

Proceed with caution but enjoy the moment. Hitting a roadblock here and there does not mean fences can’t be mended in the future.

I met my current boyfriend on the job almost three years ago and we are still going strong today, despite our fair share of clashes. And have I always followed my own advice? Absolutely not.

A workplace romance is definitely not for faint hearts — but it can pay off in spades.

A FEW TRICKS OF THE TRADE TO MAKE YOUR NEXT WORKPLACE FLING A SUCCESS… OR AT LEAST NOT HURT SO MUCH IF IT COMES CRASHING DOWN.

NO SHRINKAGE ON THIS CYCLE BriefsTHERE’S

Captain Kidd (aka Mark Winmill)

Photo by Magnus Hastings

By David Blanco

BRIEFS — DIRTY LAUNDRY WHO KNEW JUGGLING IN TIGHTS COULD BE SO DAMN HOT!

AFTER SMASHING ALL EXPECTATIONS AND SELL-OUT SHOWS AROUND THE COUNTRY, THE BRIEFS BOYS HAVE THEIR HILLS HOISTS POISED AND ARE READY TO AIR THEIR DIRTY LAUNDRY!

Washing temperatures will be set to ‘hot’ when Briefs, Brisbane’s internationally-acclaimed burlesque troupe, comes to Canberra with their brand new party-cabaret event, Dirty Laundry

Led by the Shivanna, the formidable mistress of ceremonies, Dirty Laundry promises to be a not-so-squeaky clean night full of suds and studs, featuring acrobatic artistry, drag and boylesque brilliance.

Ahead of Dirty Laundry’s Canberra season, FUSE spoke with Briefs co-founder and award-winning burlesque performer Mark Winmill (aka Captain Kidd) about this unique group of performers and what audiences can expect when Dirty Laundry comes to town.

FUSE: Dirty Laundry is headed to the Canberra Theatre in May; can you tell our readers about the show and what’s in store for audiences?

MARK: Dirty Laundry is Briefs’ most ambitious show yet, and it features our entire troupe. It’s a celebratory show with something for everyone, including circus acrobatics, comedy, clowning, dance, sideshow and drag. I consider this production to be a return to Briefs party-vibe roots. It’s a banger of a show that will leave audiences smiling and uplifted. The response we’ve had so far has been amazing!

FUSE: How did you come up with the show’s concept?

MARK: We created this show in a rental house in Brisbane during lockdown. We managed to get all our performers together because, at the time, Queensland borders were open. The concept was to air our ‘dirty laundry’ using circus and burlesque. Each of the show’s acts is the performer’s way of ‘coming clean’, so to speak, using their particular performance practice. We also ask the audience to air their ‘dirty laundry’, but I won’t tell you any more about that. It’s a surprise.

FUSE: Can you tell our readers about the troupe?

MARK: We are an eclectic bunch! Each Briefs performer brings honesty and a high level of artistry to the stage. Each of us has had extensive training in our area of performance, be it circus, clowning, drag, contemporary dance or comedy. Our distinct personalities and personas, combined with our passion for performing make our productions unforgettable. The diversity of the troupe extends to the variety of audiences coming to Dirty Laundry, but they all have one thing in common, they like to party!

FUSE: Shivanna, Dirty Laundry’s mistress of ceremonies, has quite a reputation! Is she as much of a diva backstage as onstage?

MARK: Mistress of ceremonies? She is mistress of the world! But, jokes aside, she’s an amazing comedienne. She is witty, political, and very savvy. She takes the audience on a journey, and they always fall in love with her.

FUSE: What do you enjoy about being a performer with Briefs?

MARK: I love all we do, especially interacting with the audience. The Briefs boys always mingle with the audience before and after our shows. It’s part of the troupe’s ethos. For audiences, the opportunity to chat and interact with the cast makes the theatre going experience more real and intimate. Also, the adrenaline-rush of live performance is a super-cool part of what I do.

FUSE: Where do you think burlesque fits in queer cultural representation, and why is it an important art form?

MARK: As an art form, burlesque has traditionally been about the female form. So, as boys, I feel we are very privileged to be a part of this world. It’s been interesting for me to observe the way burlesque is evolving. It has always had ‘queer-heavy’ elements, but these days, different types of burlesque performers are using burlesque to explore queer sexuality and gender identity in sexy and entertaining ways. This feels inclusive and liberating to me.

FUSE: One last question, do you have any useful laundry tips for our FUSE readers?

MARK: Yes. Pre-soak. Always.

Briefs – Dirty Laundry is coming to the Canberra Theatre, 10 - 13 May 2023.

Your Hosts Your Hosts

Queer

EIGHT COMEDIANS YOU CAN’T MISS!

AFTER A NOT-SO-FUNNY FEW YEARS OF COVID LOCKDOWNS THE CANBERRA COMEDY FESTIVAL IS BACK, AND IN A BIG WAY!

FROM OLD FAVOURITES TO SOME GREAT NEW TALENT, THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL IS PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS.

We spoke with James Stevenson, one of the festival organisers, about this year’s exciting lineup of talent and are super excited to share our eight favourite LGBTIQ+ comedians headlining this year.

FUSE: How long has the festival been running in Canberra, and what changes have you seen over the years?

JAMES: We’ve been running the Comedy Festival since 2013 so this year is our tenth anniversary. Probably the biggest change we’ve seen is that in our first year we stuck to mainly stand-up, but now we bring all sorts of acts, and people take a chance on a much wider variety of shows. This year we’ve got stand-up (of course) alongside music, theatre, absurd, and sketch — we even have some (almost) Shakespeare!

FUSE: The lineup is awesome this year. Is there anyone in particular you’re super excited about?

JAMES: A really exciting show is Jordan Gray — Is it a Bird? The show sold out its entire run at the Edinburgh Fringe and was nominated for the world’s biggest comedy award, so it’s a real coup to have Jordan play intimate shows in Canberra. I’m also beyond pumped to have Larry Dean back, one of the best stand-ups bringing his multi-award nominated show Fudnut!

FUSE: It’s fantastic to see so many queer comedians heading to Canberra; what do you think they bring to the festival?

JAMES: We love having a diverse range of acts — they bring so much to the festival! Great creative approaches to shows and different sides of thinking, but most of all, they just bring flat-out hilarity to the festival.

Jordan Gray describers herself as an amazing, evil, incredible, disgusting, ground breaking, god-insulting transgender comic that once broke the internet.

By Alexander Thatcher

FUSE: Do you ever find that there is controversy with some of the acts, and what are your thoughts about that?

JAMES: We haven’t had too much controversy over the years! We don’t shy away from boundary pushers, we luckily got to host a few early performances of Nannette before it went global, and that definitely pushed the boundaries. I think most comedians sit on the same side of the fence when it comes to their views anyway, so I wouldn’t call them controversial. I suppose at the end of the day, we aren’t going to police anyone’s content (nor can we — it’s live entertainment!) — but if we can see pushback from our staff, audiences or the other comedians, we definitely listen to that.

FUSE: It’s certainly so great to see so much diversity. Is that something that has just happened naturally, or is it something you have purposely encouraged?

JAMES: We’re glad to foster a diverse community of shows, and I think they go hand in hand with each other. We are a curated festival and actively encourage and ensure LGBTIQ+ folk in our programming. At the end of the day, if the festival is a good place to bring a show — word gets out, and more diverse acts approach us about being involved, which helps us grow naturally, too!

See our fav queer comedians over the page.

The 2023 Canberra Comedy Festival is running from 16 - 26 March; with a slew of incredible LGBTIQ+ talent, it’s a must-see! Here are our favourites!

JORDAN GRAY

Following a sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, UK’s premier transgender comedian takes on babies, boobies, bigots and Batman in a blistering hour of music and comedy.

This hilarious, bold show will change lives.

GERALDINE HICKEY

Geraldine is a master of relaxed and friendly comedy with hilarious stories about getting married, cameras and birds.

Geraldine promisies a very joyful show with plenty of laughs!

STEPHEN K AMOS

UK funny man Stephen K Amos returns to Australia due to overwhelming popular demand with a collection of his best bits.

Don’t miss one of the most likeable gays in British comedy!

FRANKIE MCNAIR

A peek into the anxious brain of an aggressively optimistic dyslexic queer nightmare who was raised by TV and is trying their best.

Frankie’s mum still frequently asks if they need money. They do!

EIGHT COMEDIANS YOU CAN’T MISS! Queer

LARRY DEAN

Glaswegian Larry Dean is one of the blokiest gay men you’ll meet. He’s rude, hilarious and very sweet. But don’t take him home to meet your mother.

Don’t miss queer confessional story telling at its funniest.

NATH VALVO

There will be high kicks, twirls, an avalanche of jokes and a full gossip session about Nath’s recent big gay wedding. Exhausting for him, but unreal for you!

Nath is a very funny guy who’ll make you gag!

KIRSTY WEBECK

Fresh from her successful TV comedy special debut for Paramount+, Kirsty Webeck is up for a bit of fun and reckons you could benefit from some too.

A hilarious collection of joyful anecdotes about life.

TOM BALLARD

After writing a book, filming a TV show, becoming an uncle, surviving the plague and going slightly mad, Tom Ballard is back with a hot new show, just for you.

Tom is funny, brave and ballsy — just how you like a Grindr date!

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.

By Maxwell Elliff

Don’t rain on our parade

SYDNEY HAS JUST HOSTED ONE OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST EXCITING EVENTS ON THE GLOBAL CALENDAR: WORLDPRIDE!

It was the eighth iteration of the seismic LGBTIQ+ festival, following New York in 2019 and Copenhagen-Malmö in 2021. Think Mardi Gras but dialled up to a seventeen. Or the World Cup without the riots and way more glitter. But with the buzz comes the backlash (well, more background noise, really) and of late, some have asked the inevitable: why is there no ‘straight pride’?

On a surface level, this may seem like a valid question. If we celebrate one, why not the other? To answer this we need to understand what ‘pride’ is all about, where it came from and what it means to the queer community… and why the notion of pride doesn’t apply to the straight mainstream.

Pride is generally accepted as beginning with the Stonewall riots in New York City in 1969. Fed up with police intimidation, patrons of the Stonewall Inn and neighbouring Greenwich Village bars rioted against their oppressors, thus sparking the gay liberation movement. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was born out of similar circumstances less than a decade later, in 1978. These events, and many others, saw queer people standing up for their right to live openly and freely, not with fear but with pride.

An important component of pride is therefore fighting back against oppression. Against society hell-bent on punishing queer individuals for things out of our control. It’s saying, “I’m proud to be who I am and I don’t care that you think it’s wrong”.

Queer people all over the world share the challenges of being queer. Acts of harassment and violence against people based on their sexuality or gender identity is rampant — even in many places we consider safe and open. Many queer people risk losing their jobs, housing, family or life by living as their authentic selves.

Straight people don’t share any of these hardships. There’s not one country on earth where it is illegal to be straight. I’d challenge you to find a single culture in recorded history that persecuted straight people.

‘Straightness’ is in fact, celebrated everywhere, as it is the lifestyle seen as forming the traditional foundations of society. Straight people never had to protest against systems of oppression to get the right to marry or not be discriminated against. Nor did they have to ‘come out’ — because heterosexual is the default. There’s no unifying struggle that straight people around the world face. So what’s there to be proud of?

Recently on Twitter, One Nation NSW leader Mark Latham posted, “We love the gays, but it’s overdue to recognise the Heteros with our own flag, parade”. Firstly, how cute, just like an abusive spouse, he tells us he loves us! Secondly, pardon me, but overdue WHERE? If you’re stuck wondering why you don’t have a special day celebrating your hetero-privilege it just might be because EVERY day is your special day! When you think about it, isn’t a straight pride parade, just traffic on a busy morning commute?

ISN’T A STRAIGHT PRIDE PARADE JUST TRAFFIC?

In one of the final scenes from Sacha Baron Cohen’s film Bruno (2009), the titular character has seemingly transformed from the prissy fashionista into the full-blown macho (complete with handlebar moustache) ‘Straight Dave’. The host of a WWE-style wrestling showdown, he cajoles the unsuspecting audience with cries of “Are you 100% hetero like me?” and “STRAIGHT PRIDE!” before his former lover and assistant Lutz storms onstage. After a brief tussle, the two passionately embrace and kiss, to the outcry of the duped crowd.

It’s difficult not to draw comparisons here with the current calls for ‘straight pride’. After all, it’s hard to imagine straight pride being anything more than homophobia masked as a parade. And a parade without queerness doesn’t sound nearly as fun.

CELEBRATING AN AUSTRALIAN PIONEER OF GAY FILM STEPHEN

CUMMINS (1960-1994)

STEPHEN CUMMINS WAS AN AUSTRALIAN FILMMAKER, CURATOR, ARTIST AND CO-FOUNDER OF QUEER SCREEN. HE HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON GAY CINEMA.

To celebrate his influential career, The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) will feature all nine of Stephen Cummin’s short films that have been digitised, restored and remastered, including the award-winning Resonance, Elevation and Le Corps Imagé

Like so many others, Stephen’s life was cut way too short when he died of HIV-related lymphoma in 1994, but his legacy continues to be felt today.

Ahead of the screening, which will form part of the Mardi Gras Film Festival on tour, FUSE talked to Nick Henderson, the Assistant Curator from the NFSA.

FUSE: Why are queer film archives so important?

NICK: Film archives, and audiovisual archives more generally, are vitally important to the present and future, given that we’re living in an era in which audiovisual material is all-pervasive — dominating the various screens, speakers and devices that we increasingly use to interact with the world.

However, queer audiovisual material is often much harder to locate in mainstream archives, which haven’t always picked up on the queer subtext and made that discoverable through catalogue records; or, queer material is produced in an underground or experimental context, in which it is less likely to find its way into institutional collections, like the National Film and Sound Archive.

FUSE: What can the retrospective program of Stephen’s work teach us about Australian queer history?

NICK: Stephen Cummins’ work, from his first experimental Super 8 films through to the posthumous cinema advertisement addressing the AIDS industry, provides a unique snapshot of the issues and concerns that faced the gay community in Sydney, and particularly the gay male community, during the late 1980s and early 1990s — the height of the AIDS epidemic in Australia.

The AIDS epidemic arrived on the heels of gay liberation and gay law reform wins, which brought increasing public visibility on the gay and lesbian community. That visibility brought with it a heightened public fear with the advent of AIDS, fear of the gay male body and the spectre of the sex that gay men were having.

Stephen’s films explore the shifting politics of representation of the gay male body during the AIDS decade, from more formalist studies to more overtly political works.

Elevation (1989) directly examines the limitations placed on gay male sexuality in the public eye.

Developing a love for his Super 8 movie camera, Stephen quickly took to filmmaking, winning several international awards in the late ’80s for his short films.

After being severely bashed on his way home by a group of men, Stephen created the film Resonance (1991).

By David Blanco

FUSE: How did Stephen get into filmmaking?

NICK: Stephen got into filmmaking while a student at the Sydney College of the Arts, having enrolled soon after arriving in Sydney in the early 1980s from Armidale, where he grew up. Three of his student films are included in the retrospective, Breathbeat (1984), Blue Movie (1984) and Deadpan (1985).

Stephen’s films feature the human body, and particularly the gay male body, in movement, perhaps in part reflecting a sensibility drawn from the Sculpture Department in which filmmaking practice was housed.

FUSE: Can you tell us a bit about Stephen’s working relationship with Simon Hunt, and why was it important?

NICK: Stephen was a consummate collaborator, bringing together many of his creative colleagues, such as sound designer Simon Hunt and dancer Mathew Bergan, to produce works that were developed through the collaborative process rather than a singular directorial vision.

FUSE: Can you tell us about the restoration process of these films and why the NFSA has undertaken this project?

NICK: The process of bringing all of Stephen’s films back to the public view in digital format presented a range of challenges for the NFSA due to the variety of original formats, which included 35mm, 16mm and Super 8 film, as well as Betacam SP, cassette tape and slide film.

NFSA already held some master components, and working with Simon Hunt we were able to identify the location of the remaining master material to ensure we were working with the best source material.

Following the digitisation of the source material, Simon Hunt remastered almost all the audio tracks to accompany the films, and the NFSA undertook grading of a number of works in conjunction with Simon and cinematographer Brendan Young.

The NFSA saw an opportunity with both Sydney WorldPride and the 30th anniversary of Queer Screen to highlight Stephen’s body of work, which had largely remained out of public view for the last couple of decades.

As a filmmaker who produced experimental works, there are often less opportunities to showcase these works outside the festival circuit.

As Stephen was a co-founder of Queer Screen and a key figure in the queer film scene in Sydney in the 1980s and early 1990s, it was an opportune moment to showcase his work through digital restoration and remastering.

In Le Corps Imagé (1987) classical Greek male torsos merge into ambiguous gender zones as they are projected onto women’s bodies.

After winning Best Short Film at the Sydney Film Festival, Resonance went on to appear at over 100 international festivals, including the Sundance, New York and Toronto Film Festivals

Stephen Cummins Retrospective Gala will be showing at the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) Sunday 26 March at 5pm. More details on p39.

QUEER SCREEN

MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL ON TOUR

FUSE IS THRILLED TO BE THIS YEAR’S MEDIA SPONSOR FOR THE 2023 MARDI GRAS FILM FESTIVAL ON TOUR, WHICH WILL BE SHOWING AT THE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE 24 – 25 MARCH.

This year’s lineup will include In From the Side, The Venus Effect, seven of the festival’s best LGBTIQ+ short films and a special showing of nine films as part of the Stephen Cummins Retrospective Gala. Follow the QR code for trailers and screening details.

IN FROM THE SIDE

In From the Side is a captivating drama exploring an illicit affair between two partnered members of a South London gay rugby club. During a drunken encounter, newbie Stags rugby player Mark sleeps with the seasoned A-squad hottie Warren, whilst Warren’s boyfriend is also on the team. What follows is a passionate concealed love affair that takes them from the locker room to the bedroom, testing the emotional resolve of both men. Don’t miss this sizzling crowd pleaser.

BEST OF MGFF23 SHORTS

Representing some of the best short films the festival has to offer, this collection will warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

The Bower

THE VENUS EFFECT

Liv thinks she has everything figured out, until she’s swept off her feet by spontaneous free spirit Andrea in this feel good, award-winning Danish romantic dramedy. Liv works in a garden centre with her father (Lars Mikkelsen) and her overly-invested mother (Sofie Gråbøl, The Killing), she’s close with her gay brother, and has a sweet but unexciting boyfriend. Everything shifts when a pink-haired, vulva-dress-wearing, Sapphic goddess comes crashing into her life.

In 1991, Seb takes Terri to witness Derek Jarman’s camp canonisation. In 2021, Terri takes young Jude to the same spot amidst tough news.

First Date

Tina, a recently widowed farmer, doesn’t want to be left all alone when her adult daughter moves back to the city. So she intervenes.

A Fox in the Night

Whilst picking up something from a dealer before a night out, flamboyant and confident Lewis is confronted with an unexpected connection.

Lucky Fish

Two Asian-American teenagers meet in the bathroom of a Chinese restaurant while avoiding awkward dinners with their families.

Monsieur Le Butch

Jude wants top surgery. Mum wants an “old lady pass” on the whole pronouns thing. The two butt heads about gender, language and body image.

STEPHEN CUMMINS RETROSPECTIVE GALA

Stephen Cummins (1960-1994) was an Australian filmmaker, curator, artist and co-founder of Queer Screen who left an indelible mark on queer cinema. Celebrate his influential career with a presentation of his complete works featuring nine short films that have been digitised, restored and remastered.

Unicorn

A bisexual man meets an attractive couple to explore the possibilities of life as a unicorn: a drama-free, emotionally non-threatening third.

Warsha

Mohammad is a crane operator working in Beirut. He volunteers to take on one of the most dangerous cranes to live out his secret passion.

NDIS Plan Managers

If you have a cervix, are between 25 and 74 and have ever been sexually active you should have a regular Cervical Screening Test. This includes people who are same sex attracted, and people who identify as trans, non-binary or intersex.

The Cervical Screening Test can be done with a speculum examination, or can now be self-collected. Talk to a nurse or doctor about which option is suitable for you. MORE DETAILS SHFPACT.ORG.AU OR CALL US ON 02 6247 3077

IS YOUR HOUSEHOLD IN FINANCIAL STRESS?

Tips for financial wellness during tough times

FINANCIAL WELLNESS REFERS TO BEING IN CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE AND HAVING THE ABILITY TO MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS.

It includes aspects such as that dirty ‘B’ word (budgeting), saving, investing, managing debt, and planning for retirement. It also includes being able to handle unexpected life and financial events, such as job loss or unforeseen expenses.

As inflation continues to rise and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) moves us out of a low-interest rate environment — which we’ll unlikely see again — it’s no wonder households are feeling increased financial pressures on their day-to-day cash flow.

Not surprisingly, as we enter new territory, many marginalised communities, including LGBTIQ+ people, will become even more vulnerable to financial stress due to various factors.

Although most of us are lucky enough to live financially healthy lives, the recent Private Lives 3 study from Latrobe University discovered some worrying statistics regarding LGBTIQ+ homelessness and financial stress due to a range of factors, including discrimination in the workplace, higher and unique healthcare costs, and challenges around inheritances and retirement planning.

By Scott Malcolm Director of Money Mechanics

THE PRIVATE LIVES 3 STUDY REVEALED THE FOLLOWING ABOUT LGBTIQ+ HOMELESSNESS AND FINANCIAL STRESS

One fifth of LGBTIQ+ people (22.0%) reported having experienced homelessness.

Transgender and gender diverse participants reported higher rates of experiencing homelessness than cisgender participants.

34.3% of transgender men

33.8% of non-binary

31.9% of transgender women

19.8% of cisgender women

16.8% of cisgender men reported experiencing homelessness.

Even in the lucky country, things can get tough, with a 2022 Australian National University (ANU) study showing that one in four Australians are now finding it difficult to get by on their current income.

Money stresses affect us all in different ways and to varying degrees, but depending on your situation, making a few changes to how you use money can really help you weather difficult times. So what can you do?

HAVE HONEST AND OPEN CHATS ABOUT YOUR SITUATION

Money is all around us but is often a taboo subject! If you’re doing it tough, start by reaching out to friends, family, and financial support services. If you need help, check out your local community service providers. Many organisations and charities offer free financial counselling and assistance with budgeting. They can also help you with food, emergency accommodation and other resources.

For those of you who are in healthy financial situations, consider donating to organisations that assist others doing it tough.

CONTACT BANK AND SERVICE SUPPLIERS BEFORE YOU GET TOO BEHIND

Remember that banks, most prominent companies, and service providers (internet, power, utilities etc) have hardship teams that are there to help, so if you are not keeping on top of payments, call them early.

HAVE A CASH FLOW PLAN

Yep, that B word. A budget gives you a framework to manage your day-to-day spending habits. Mapping out your weekly needs can help you address cash shortfalls.

BUILD AN EMERGENCY FUND IF YOU CAN

Aim to have 3–6 months of expenses in a cash account. It might seem a lot; however, this will give you a buffer. Start small to build this up over time.

MINDFULNESS AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE

If you are trying to cut back costs, consider your spending habits. Are you buying a coffee or lunches out every day? Do you put unnecessary items in your shopping trolly? If you want to spend less, you might be surprised at the savings you can make by just changing a few habits.

SOME OTHER QUICK TIPS YOU MIGHT LIKE TO ALSO CONSIDER

• Go grocery shopping on a full stomach — you know why!

• Change to cheaper generic brands where you can.

• Download the Coles and Woollies apps to see their weekly specials on everyday items. Tracking sale items can save you hundreds of dollars over the year.

• Cancel automatic subscriptions and memberships that you don’t use.

• Skip the coffee shop and bring your own lunch to work.

• Have friends over for dinner instead of eating out.

• Set a strict budget if you go out on the town.

• Consider refinancing loans and ditching credit cards with high interest rates and fees.

• Try lowering your energy bill by turning off power sucking devices you’re not using.

• Renegotiate with your utility and service providers, or find cheaper ones.

• Check if you’re paying too much for private health coverage and cull any options you don’t need.

• Speak to an independent financial counsellor.

Scott Malcolm has been awarded the internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner designation from the Financial Planning Association of Australia and is Director of Money Mechanics. Money Mechanics is a fee for service financial advice firm who partner with clients in Melbourne, Canberra, Newcastle and Sydney to achieve their life and wealth outcomes. Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 336429) of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523. The information provided in this article is of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

DR DEANNE

1 Aspinall St Watson, ACT 2602 canberrapotters com au

By Nicky Green

Transista Groove

FROM PROGRESSIVE ROCK TO JAZZ AND BLUES, TRANSISTA GROOVE ARE BUSTING UP STEREOTYPES!

THIS IS A STORY ABOUT HOW TWO BEAUTIFUL HUMANS FOUND EACH OTHER, AND THROUGH THEIR SHARED LIVED EXPERIENCES AS TRANSWOMEN AND MUTUAL LOVE OF MUSIC, THEY FOUND A WAY TO SHARE THEIR VOICE WITH THE WORLD.

On a day that started like most others, Szusza received a text message saying, “I just saw a trans-women busking on the South Coast. She was amazing; I think you should meet her”.

That seemingly random event resulted in Szusza Ihasz and Glenda Harvey creating the band we now know as ‘Transista Groove’.

“IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BECOME WHO YOU ARE.”

SZUSZA IHASZ

Initially, Glenda and Szusza had set out to create an all-trans band, but one fateful weekend at the Canberra Blues Society Jam, a talented musician, David Twyman, asked if he could join them on stage.

The result was three experienced musicians coming together to fuse their mutual love of elements of rock, prog, jazz, blues, grunge and funk to create their own unique sound.

Initially starting as a cover rock/pub band, COVID gave Transista Groove the time and space to write and record their first album, Fantasy to Reality, produced by David Pendragon from Pendragon Studios in Canberra.

The launch party for the album was held at Canberra’s subterranean music venue, The Basement. The night sealed the band’s friendship and has become one of their most treasured memories, especially for Szusza, who’s trans-daughter Ashley joined them on stage for three tracks — including “Gladden Our Heart”, a song the band had written together about a trans-girl from Hungary, Szuszas’ country of origin.

Transista Groove has now finished their second album, titled Transmission Transition. Keep your eyes peeled, as both albums are set to hit streaming services in the next couple of months. Looking forward, Transista Groove is super excited to be part of the line-up performing on the Enlighten Illuminations Festival Hub Main Stage on Saturday 11 March from 6.00pm, showcasing material from their second album. There will also be a swag of other fantastic live music acts — it’s going to be an exciting weekend with plenty of ear candy.

“TRANSISTA GROOVE ARE ONE OF CANBERRA’S BEST… YEARS OF COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE, SLAMMING OUT RIFF DRIVEN SONGS ABOUT SUBJECTS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TODAY.” DAVID

PENDRAGON,

PENDRAGON STUDIOS

With euphonious vocals and blistering guitar solos, Transista Groove is a band you’ll want to check out! For upcoming gigs and album releases, follow them on Facebook. #transistagroove

Nicky Green from milestoneentertainment.com.au is a promoter of emerging artists in Canberra.

TEST FOR CONFIDENCE

We are a free, friendly, non-judgemental and confidential specialist sexual health centre.

To help maintain social distancing across the clinic, we now have an appointment system.

Please do not come to the clinic if you do not have an appointment as you may not be able to be seen.

and one of our sexual health nurses will discuss your needs and book an appointment as necessary.

DO YOU KNOW!

> You can get PrEP prescriptions 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

PEPINAN IfEMERGENCY beenyouthinkyouhave exposedtoHIV, asPEPshouldbestarted maysoonaspossible,but betakenupto72hoursafterthe exposure.

COMMUNITY VOICES LEAD IN DEVELOPING SEXUAL HEALTH CAMPAIGNS

MERIDIAN, WHICH PROVIDES HEALTH AND SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES IN CANBERRA, ARE REACHING OUT TO THE LGBTIQ+ COMMUNITY TO HAVE THEIR VOICES HEARD BY PARTICIPATING IN CO-DESIGN WORKSHOPS AND FOCUS GROUPS AS THEY PLAN THEIR UPCOMING SEXUAL HEALTH PROMOTION CAMPAIGNS, PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES.

They want to hear from you about your experiences accessing sexual health services, where you find sexual health information, and how Meridian can better support you. With support from ACT Health and community partner organisations, including A Gender Agenda, Women’s Health Matters!, EveryMan and Canberra Sexual Health Centre, Meridian aims to amplify voices and improve services for those who have historically been overlooked and underrepresented.

Meridian says they want to ensure your voices lead their projects and remain a core part of their work.

“Co-design will strengthen our commitment to our communities by prioritising their voices; increasing visibility of lived experiences; recognising the diversity within our communities; and promoting inclusion.”

This year Meridan is also celebrating its 40 year anniversary. Their story can be traced as far back as 1983, when a group of gay men living in Canberra formed the ACT AIDS Action Committee in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Not long after, they became the AIDS Action Council of the ACT. The organisation has continued to evolve and expand over the last four decades to include the wider LGBTIQ+ community, people living with HIV, sex workers and people who inject drugs.

To honour the legacy of community leaders who have worked tirelessly to advocate over many years, Meridian will commemorate ‘40 Years of Action’ commencing with a season of joy and celebration as we all gear up for FreshOut Fair Day, which is happening on Saturday, 11 March at Glebe Park.

FreshOut welcomes the whole community and will showcase LGBTIQ+ pride and diversity. This year FreshOut have partnered with Enlighten Festival, making the event more extensive and brighter than ever. The event will include themed spaces and non-stop entertainment for families, youth, adults and those young at heart. Meridian is also set to announce other events to celebrate 40 Years of Action over the next few months.

If you would like to express your interest in participating in community co-design workshops and focus groups, follow the QR code below or email Meridan at: contact@meridianact.org.au

MUSTANG RANCH

A SAFE PLACE FOR GUYS WHO LIKE GUYS

Meet new people or hangout with friends at The Ranch!

Our facilities include a comfortable lounge area, big screen TV, free tea and coffee and a cinema room.

In addition, there are private rooms, a sling room, plus a few more sexy play spaces.

Be sure to check our website for updates.

Fantasy Lane

Unit 19, Molonglo Mall, Fyshwick

Open 7 days 10am – 11pm

Email: clwhole@iCloud.com

Telephone: 02 6239 1600

By Dwayne Lennox

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DID YOU KNOW?

It was 10 years ago (2013) that Matt Damon and Michael Douglas starred in the Liberace biopic ‘Behind the Candelabra’ and 30 years ago (1993) that Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington graced our screens in the award-winning gay film ‘Philadelphia’.

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE A FILM ABOUT RADICAL LOVE & ACCEPTANCE NETFLIX

There is no better time than now to watch The Daniels’ multiverse-themed comedy-drama-sci-fi in the wake of its 11 Oscar nominations; by the time you read this, it may have won Best Picture and, hopefully, Best Actress for Michelle Yeoh. She plays Evelyn Wang, a laundromat proprietor, wife and mother who is about to have the craziest day of her life. Co-stars Ke Huy Quan and Stephanie Hsu also give Oscarworthy performances. This must-see film is brilliantly fun and exhilarating.

BEAUTY SEXUAL REPRESSION HAS CONSEQUENCES STAN

With the theatrical release of Living, now is a good time to revisit the earlier films by writer-director Oliver Hermanus. Unfortunately, Hermanus’s 2019 feature Moffie is unavailable for streaming in Australia but you can watch Beauty (2011). Set in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Beauty follows Francois (Deon Lotz), a closeted gay man who develops an unhealthy fixation on the adult son (Charlie Keegan) of a friend that ultimately leads to a brutal act.

WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY THE HILARIOUS POWER OF BEING YOU! PARAMOUNT+

Weird Al Yankovic hit big in the 1980s with his comic takes on Madonna (“Like A Surgeon”) and Michael Jackson (“Eat It” and “Fat”). And much like Weird Al himself, Eric Appel’s musical biopic takes that genre and lovingly makes fun of it; if you’re after facts, you’ve come to the wrong place. Daniel Radcliffe plays Yankovic as he hits it big, and yes, Madonna (Evan Rachel Wood) makes a cameo, with Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office US series) playing Al’s mentor Dr. Demento. The Hollywood Reporter calls the film “relentlessly silly, wholesome at heart”. Possibly the next cult classic!

MY POLICEMAN A FILM ABOUT FORBIDDEN LOVE PRIME VIDEO

With his recent Grammy win for Album of the Year, it would be easy to ask why Harry Styles doesn’t stick to his day job rather than pursue an acting career. But Styles acquits himself well in My Policeman, directed by Michael Grandage and adapted from the Bethan Roberts novel by Ron Nyswaner. Styles plays a 1950s English policeman who, happily married to a schoolteacher (Emma Corrin), pursues a romantic relationship with a man (David Dawson). Rupert Everett and Linus Roach (Priest) also star.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM : QUEER

In a dazzling display of diversity, the National Museum of Australia invited the Canberra LGBTIQ+ community and its allies to explore and celebrate our rich queer cultures and histories. It was a stunning evening filled with colour, fabulous drag shows, curious collection stories, a queer pop-up exhibition, dance workshops, and amazing people.

Photos by Nathan J Lester

NO MATTER YOUR

SEXUAL HEALTH MATTERS

FEMALE DOCTORSAND NURSESARE AVAILABLE

• Cervical Screening

• Breast checks and breast awareness education

• STI testing, treatment and advice

• HIV and blood borne virus testing

• Contraception including IUDs and other long acting options

• Canberra Menopause Centre

• Sexual & reproductive health services

• Services for people with disabilities

• Fertility issues and pre-conception advice

• Emergency contraception / Morning After Pill

QUEER FUN AT TRANSIT BAR

AFTER THE SUDDEN AND SAD CLOSURE OF THE BOARDWALK BAR, THE QUEER KIDS HAVE HEADED TO THE CITY CENTRE TO PLAY AT TRANSIT BAR.

Tranis Bar is now hosting a range of fabulous LGBTIQ+ events.

Queer Karaoke, Phish and Phreak Productions Drag, Queer Crash Pool Party, Holiday Hoes and more. Check them out on Facebook for upcoming events.

Photos by Douglas J Robinson

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.

MARCH & APRIL 2023 SATURN HELPS US REALISE OUR TRUE POTENTIAL

Hold on tight everyone, 2023 is going to be a crazy ride of extreme emotions, sudden change and financial pressures for some. The good news is the year is also shaping up to be a fantastic time for bringing new ideas and projects to fruition. During March and April, Saturn enters Pisces, which means big emotions and the opportunity to realise our true potential.

Aquarius

January 21 – February 18

You might be in for a few rocky days this month. Someone will show you some extra attention when you may need it most, so be open to accepting a little more help and advice. TIP: Avoid taking things personally if someone asks you to change your behaviour.

Taurus

April 21 – May 21

You may find life much more active over the next few months, especially regarding the additional time your family or friends may need from you.

TIP: Be open to new experiences and embrace the unknown as the universe is encouraging you to grow.

Leo

July 23 – August 23

As Saturn enters your partnership sector over the next few months, the universe will be encouraging you to connect on a deeper level with lovers, family and friends. TIP: Stepping out of your comfort zone will bring positive change and new opportunities.

Scorpio

October 24 – November 22

You may find yourself feeling reflective about your current life path. Taking a step back to focus on your own emotional and personal development will be necessary during this time. TIP: Be open to change and any new opportunities that may come your way.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

There is a possibility of some type of sudden change in your life over the next couple of months — this could be career, relationship or family related. TIP: Even though change can be challenging, focusing on the positives can help you manage your way forward.

Gemini

May 22 – June 21

Although this is an excellent time to start new projects or make changes in your life, you may experience some roadblocks as the universe brings unexpected challenges your way. TIP: Trust in your instincts, and you will be able to navigate this time with ease.

Virgo

August 24 – September 23

The next couple of months may be a significant period of discovery as the universe guides you to take a deeper look at who you are. TIP: March is an excellent time to make valuable new connections or possibly take on a leadership role in the community.

Sagittarius

November 23 – December 22

Saturn is asking you to explore any personal issues holding you back. Opportunities may arise to help you build better relationships with family or close friends. TIP: Your lucky colours for this year are purple and gold, so wear them proudly and regularly.

Aries

March 21 – April 20

You may feel the urge to push beyond your comfort zone and take on new challenges. When it comes to romance, this is a favourable time to meet someone new or spice up your current relationship. TIP: Keep an eye out for a unique opportunity during April.

Cancer

June 22 – July 22

You may find yourself at a crossroads as Jupiter encourages you to rethink some aspects of your life regarding relationships and family. TIP: During this time of uncertainty, put some extra effort into connecting with the people you care about in meaningful ways.

Libra

September 24 – October 23

It’s been a busy start to the year, and now is an excellent time to delve deeper into your creative talents and indulge in the things that bring you happiness. TIP: When challenges arise, approach any problematic situations with grace and balance.

Capricorn

December 23 – January 20

This month is quite favourable for you. Things should go smoothly, with opportunities and possible change coming your way. TIP: Prioritise a healthy diet and exercise. Consider incorporating meditation into your daily life to help reduce stress.

By Rose Pappalardo

Dear Rose,

After 20+ years my girlfriend and I are drifting apart. Do you think it is possible to get our spark back after so long? Kyle

Dear Rose, My girlfriend never says “I love you” and gets annoyed when I get upset about it. Should I be concerned? Lee

Dear Kyle, 20+ years together is pretty impressive — congratulations. Drifting and becoming complacent during a long-term relationship is something that is very common. In terms of getting your spark back, anything is possible. The question is whether you are both committed to working in bringing the WOW back into your relationship.

There are plenty of ways to find the magic again: start a new schedule of weekly date nights, make a wish list of things you both have always wanted to do, take dance classes together or plan a holiday for just the two of you, even a short weekend away. But most of all, remember the reasons why you both fell in love. It’s these memories that will lead you both back to each other. The key thing is to take time, be patient with the process and make it a point in your lives to put the effort in no matter what else is going on. Make the relationship one of your highest priorities.

Dear Rose,

I recently broke up with my partner. I was really happy, but apparently, he was not and has left me. How do I deal with the heartbreak, as it just won’t go away? TM

Dear TM,

Any heartbreak takes time to fade. There are many reasons why people break up, and it’s helpful to keep reminding yourself of those reasons. It will give you the strength to move forward when all you want to do is stay in bed under the covers. I suggest finding a professional counsellor to help you work through the stages of grief. Work on creating a sense of self again and spend time doing what makes you feel good. It’s also essential to rebuild your confidence and take the opportunity to get a new perspective on your life. Maybe do a course in something you have always wanted to study or take a trip to somewhere you have always dreamed of going to. Keep repeating to yourself, “this too shall pass” and time will heal.

Dear LJ,

I once heard, “it’s not that someone doesn’t love you enough; it’s just they love you as much as they know how”. Sometimes you need to accept that for some people, they can only love us as much as they know how to. Your girlfriend’s love for you may be very strong, it’s just that she doesn’t know how to tell you in the way you want her to. You need to teach her your love language, and you need to learn hers. Take some time to sit down with your girlfriend and explain to her how important it is to say “I love you” to each other. And ask her for ways that you can learn her love language better too. Saying “I love you” is a universal expression of human emotion that we show to each other about how we feel. Now, you might not get an I love you every morning and every night to begin with, but you might get an I love you once a week, and that’s a start!

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

ASK DEAR ROSE

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

Happy pride, everyone, stay safe and stay true. I hope from the bottom of my heart that you all have a fabulous time celebrating, and remember the bravest thing you can be is yourself.”

“

ALL IN!

Exercise for the LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

Do you identify under the umbrella and find it difficult to access mainstream exercise services?

All In! is an inclusive exercise space for LGBTQIA+ and/or Gender Diverse People with personalised programs catering for your health goals.

Led by two queer passionate Exercise Physiology Students from the University of Canberra, All In! aims to provide a safe exercise setting to assist some of our community’s most marginalised individuals.

We understand the barriers to accessing mainstream healthcare services for LGBTQIA+ and Gender Diverse people and thus our goal is to address these barriers to help you manage any acute/chronic health condition/s, rehabilitation after surgery or maintain general physical fitness.

FOR MORE INFO CALL US ON 6251 2055

ALL-INCLUSIVE, SAFE EXERCISE SPACE FOR LGBTQIA+ AND GENDER-DIVERSE PEOPLE

WEEKDAY EVENINGS

170 HAYDON DRIVE BRUCE ACT

Saturday 11 March Glebe Park