FUSE67 : SpringOUT Pride in the Capital.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU NOV / DEC 2023

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LIFE LOVE EQUALITY 2023 SPRINGOUT FESTIVAL GUIDE

Venus Mantrap BRIDGING THE GAPS BETWEEN FEMININE AND MASCULINE LYNNE O’BRIEN PROUD AND FABULOUS IN THE CITY US RIGHTS ROLLBACK CANBERRA QWIRE TURNS 30

WHY CREATIVITY MATTERS

QUEER BUDDHISTS HIDING UNDER THE RAINBOW

QUEERING OF KING LEAR

> SPRINGOUT : PRIDE IN THE CAPITAL

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FUSE MAGAZINE MADE IN AUSTRALIA NOV / DEC 2023

02 Editor’s Rant 04 What’s On : Movies 07 What’s On : Events & Shows

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alexander Thatcher CREATIVE DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE EDITOR Christopher Powell

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ASSISTANT EDITOR Maxwell Elliff

FUSE FEATURES

CONTRIBUTORS David Blanco Dwayne Lennox Rose Pappalardo Scott Malcolm Bella Insch Stephen Kerry

14 Has the United States, home of the brave, thrown freedom out of the proverbial window?

PHOTOGRAPHERS Nathan J Lester Cassie Abraham Jenny Wu 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.

2023 SPRINGOUT FESTIVAL GUIDE P25

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09 09 Round Up : News & Politics 16 Health & Wellbeing : Art Therapy 20 Community : Becoming a Foster Carer

19 19 Horrifically brutal and a little bit camp, Echo Theatre shakes up gender norms in King Lear.

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25 36 38 45

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SpringOUT 2023 Festival Guide Community : Qwire Turns 30!

Ear Candy : Folk Pioneer Judy Small Couch Potato : Queer Streaming

22 From Mardi Gras to SpringOUT, we catch up with Lynne OBrien.

47 41 41 Venus Mantrap from Valley of the Molls talks grit and substance.

47 53 55 56

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Spirit : Queer Buddhists Out & About : Kaleidoscope II Opening Stargazer : Your Horoscope Dear Rose FUSECONTENTS

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HAVING GRATITUDE WHILE YOUR HEART’S BREAKING WHILE IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY, HAVING GRATITUDE FOR THE GOOD THINGS IN YOUR LIFE CAN HAVE A PROFOUND IMPACT ON YOUR MOOD AND OVERALL WELLBEING. The 2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing by the ABS found that one in thirteen people in Australia experience depression. A Beyond Blue study reported that three in ten people who identify as LGB are currently experiencing depression, which is four times the rate of heterosexual people in Australia.

FUSE ONLINE 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!

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Mental health is certainly a serious problem in today’s world, and finding ways to get through the day can be a difficult slog for some folk. Experts tell us that practising gratitude can help alleviate depression symptoms and the aching discontent with life. But so often with these things, it’s easier said than done, especially considering the past few years as we’ve seen the world unravel. It seems humans are behaving badly and without compassion wherever you look. It’s heartbreaking.

FUSE MAGAZINE ONLINE ISSUES Read FUSE Magazine on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Gratitude is certainly not a solution alone, but research shows that it can help us cope with traumatic events, regulate negative emotions and improve our general wellbeing. It can have a positive effect on our family and friends, too. It’s a small way to have a meaningful impact.

SPRINGOUT 2023 FESTIVAL GUIDE

In a world where so much is out of our control, being thankful for the small joys in life is a good place to start. Maybe it’s the ice cream you had today, a text from a friend who cares, a warm bed, your morning coffee, or that you can hold hands with the person you love without fear of authoritarian persecution.

View online or download our special 2023 FUSE SpringOUT Festival Guide

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For me personally, I believe that what separates my privilege from entitlement is measured by my gratitude and awareness for what I have; and truth be told, I have so much.

Having said that, I’m going to be blatantly opportunistic and use the pages of this issue of FUSE to show just a few things I’m appreciative of, and maybe you might be too.

Every time I sit to write, I find myself extremely appreciative for a free press and that, in Australia, we can express our opinions even though they may not align with others or the government. You’ll find our News Round Up on p09 and a special Op.Ed about the systematic rollback of queer rights in the US, p14.

I’m certainly happy we can celebrate pride and all things LGBTIQ+ with glory and joy here in Australia. In Canberra, we celebrate in November each year, and you’ll find the SpringOUT Festival Guide on p25. While we’re loving pride, I’ll draw your attention to one of our LGBTIQ+ heroes, Lynne O’Brien.

Lynne is an impressive community member, proud lesbian, queer activist, and currently president of Canberra SpringOUT, p22.

To be able to express ourselves authentically through art is incredibly empowering, and studies show that it can also improve our mental health.

On p16, therapist Bella Insch talks about creativity and the power it can have in your life. On p41, you’ll find our interview with Canberra’s very own Venus Mantrap, who expresses theirself through a unique type of art drag.

And finally, I’m thankful for all the talented LGBTIQ+ artists who created work for this year’s Kaleidoscope II exhibition at Belconnen Arts, p53.

Canberra is indeed a wonderful city to live in, and I’d like to finish up the year by extending my gratitude to everyone who supports FUSE, to my partner Christopher, who works incredibly hard behind the scenes, and to our awesome FUSE team, Max, David, Rose, Scott, Dwayne and Nathan.

With my heart full, I wish everyone a safe and joyous SpringOUT festival, Christmas and holiday season. Warmly, Alexander 2

EDITOR’SRANT

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FIND WHAT YOU WANT EASILY WWW.LGBTIQ.DIRECTORY The FUSE 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.

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MOVIES

DID YOU KNOW? Research by Monash University (analysing 4126 films) found that LGBT-inclusive movies earned a staggering 29% more revenue at the box office than movies with no LGBT content.

SALTBURN BRIDESHEAD REVISITED MEETS THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY Oscar nominee for her debut feature, Promising Young Woman, actor-turneddirector Emerald Fennell (Call the Midwife ) announced herself as a filmmaker to watch; her second film, Saltburn, looks to be just as impressive and divisive.

A Brideshead Revisited meets The Talented Mr Ripley tale — described as a perverse, psychosexual thriller — follows Oxford student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) as he becomes infatuated with fellow student Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi, Euphoria ), and ingratiates himself into his aristocratic family over the summer.

MAESTRO A FUSION OF MUSIC, MARRIAGE AND BISEXUALITY After the success of A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper returns to the director’s chair for his sophomore effort, a biopic of composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein (Cooper) and his wife, Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), whose marriage was a complex one, not just because of Bernstein’s artistic temperament but his bisexuality. While the film doesn’t skimp on Bernstein’s relationships with men, the film is very much concerned with the relationship between the composer and his wife; Mulligan is given top billing, and her performance has received raves.

POOR THINGS FRANKENSTEIN-LIKE BLACK-COMIC HORROR A hit at film festivals and a favourite for the Oscars, Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things is a Frankenstein-like tale. Rescued from near-death, Bella (Emma Stone) becomes the scientific plaything of anatomist Dr Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe).

Eager to learn, Bella is literally and figuratively stolen away by the caddish lawyer Duncan Wadderburn (Mark Ruffalo). Much has been made of the sexual content of Poor Things, but it’s likely to be the demented humour and distinct style of Lanthimos and Stone’s powerhouse performance, that leaves audiences buzzing.

ALL OF US STRANGERS MYSTERIOUS, BEAUTIFUL AND SENTIMENTAL More than a decade after Weekend, Andrew Haigh returns with a gay romance that is also somewhat of a ghost story. When screenwriter Adam (Andrew Scott, Fleabag) begins a relationship with Harry (Paul Mescal, Aftersun), a mysterious neighbour, Adam finds himself drawn back to his hometown and memories of his long-dead parents. The Guardian calls All Of Us Strangers “mysterious, beautiful and sentimental” and “a fantasy-supernatural romance about loneliness and love”. And by all accounts, tissues will be required by film’s end.

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By Dwayne Lennox

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WHAT’SON

Follow Dwayne on Twitter @TheLennoXFiles

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THIS ROUGH MAGIC

BY HELEN MACHALIAS INSPIRED BY SHAKESPEARE’S THE TEMPEST

10 – 19 NOV

HER INFINITE VARIETY

MARIEDL, SELFIES WITH A GIANTESS

23 NOV

24 – 26 NOV

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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

NOVEMBER IS PRIDE IN THE CAPITAL

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SPRINGOUT CANBERRA 3 NOVEMBER — 3 DECEMBER ________________________ SpringOUT has set the stage for an unforgettable month-long festival during November, which puts the spotlight on the strength, love and support of the Canberra LGBTIQ+ community friends. SpringOUT President Lynne O’Brien says this year’s festival has over 30 fabulous events and promises a few surprises as well for festival goers. Be sure to check out the full Festival Guide on page 25, follow the QR code or visit springout.com.au

FRANK-N-FURTER FRIDAYS @ DENDY

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ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW DENDY CANBERRA FRIDAY 12 JANUARY @ 9:00PM _______________________ “I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey.”

With hidden meanings about the glam rock movement and gender expression, there is plenty to love with each viewing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Join us for a spectacular Frank-N-Furter Friday screening hosted by Canberra drag icon Toni Kola at Dendy Canberra. Toni Kola will also offer each attendee a fun kit, complete with props and guides to participating in the fan-made antics of this cult classic.

ITGD EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

_______________________ A GENDER AGENDA CANBERRA QR CODE FOR CALENDAR _______________________

A DRAMA WITH GLOBAL RESONANCE

_______________________ KING LEAR THE Q THEATRE 29 NOV — 3 DEC _______________________

Events and activities for intersex, transgender and gender diverse communities of Canberra and the surrounding region.

A bold, contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, King Lear — expect a spectacle of otherworldly proportions.

CANBERRA FRONTRUNNERS

AUSTRALIANS AND HOLLYWOOD

_______________________ SPORTING GROUP CANBERRA TUESDAY EVENINGS _______________________

Building inclusion and diversity through safe and welcoming walks and runs for LGBTIQ+ people and allies in Canberra.

_______________________ EXHIBITION NFSA CANBERRA OPEN UNTIL 31 DEC _______________________

Celebrate iconic moments in contemporary Australian film, and the people and stories that brought them to life.

WHAT’SON

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ROUND UP

DID YOU KNOW? For hundreds of years, it was acceptable for Roman men to have both male and female sexual partners. It was not until 313AD, when Emperor Constantine decriminalised Christianity and the religion began to surge, that homophobia started to occur.

BORN THIS WAY :-) “I’ve got something to say about trans rights in this country,” declared Lady Gaga during the opening of her new show.

The popular queer icon, who is a longtime supporter of the LGBTIQ+ community, has shown her support for transgender rights in a powerful “Born This Way” performance.

“When you’ve got something to say, you’ve got to speak up, all right,” said Gaga before performing the queer anthem at her Lady Gaga: Jazz & Piano residency in Las Vegas.

Lady Gaga’s support comes as other musicians, such as Carlos Santana and Alice Cooper, have come under fire for their hurtful anti-trans remarks.

It’s been a year of ups and downs for LGBTIQ+ rights in the US. Republican legislators have introduced nearly 500 bills targeting the LGBTIQ+ community this year, while in contrast, 13 states in the US have signed into law affirmative LGBTIQ+ legislation, and another 23 states have introduced similar queer protection bills.

US PASTOR SMASHES ‘EVIL’ BARBIE HOUSE WITH BIBLE TAPED TO BASEBALL BAT Tennessee Pastor Greg Locke recently went into a holy frenzy while preaching to his congregation at the Global Vision Bible Church as he smashed up a Barbie Dream House on stage with a Bible taped to a baseball bat (yep).

Citing 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds”, the anti-gay Trump-supporting pastor claimed that using “weapons of our warfare” (eg. Bibles and baseball bats) was justified so followers of God could demolish houses that held evil spirits (eg. Barbie houses).

The Barbie movie has faced a backlash in the US by far-right Christians and staunch conservative pundits who have claimed the film is woke, anti-heterosexual, man-hating and pushes an ungodly LGBTIQ+ agenda.

INCREASE IN THREATS OF VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION DIRECTED TOWARD THE SYDNEY LGBTIQ+ COMMUNITY A recent ‘Wear It Purple’ event in Sydney was abruptly shut down after a group of men started tearing down pride flags, shouting abuse and causing trouble. The event in Bankstown featured a pop-up stall offering support and advice for queer youth, a drag story time event, and performances by a local comedian and drag queen.

In response to concerns, police presence has been increased at Sydney queer community events and on Oxford Street during Friday and Saturday nights to enhance safety for the LGBTIQ+ community. While incidents mainly involve verbal abuse and harassment, there has also been a reported uptick in anti-LGBTIQ+ actions and violence this year.

NEWS&POLITICS

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ROUND UP

DID YOU KNOW? A 2023 survey of 2,000 American adults by dating app Pure showed that 37% of participants believe that, unlike being gay or straight, bisexuality is a choice, with 3% saying they believed that bisexuality was ‘not a real thing’.

DICTIONARY.COM EMBRACES GENDER-NEUTRAL TERMS

POLAND’S FAR-RIGHT ‘GAY REGISTER’ PLAN EXPOSED

In a move for greater inclusivity, Dictionary.com have announced that they will now be using gender-neutral terms like“they” or “their” instead of “he or she” or “his or her” in entries where there’s no reason to be specific about gender, or where the language can be streamlined. In some cases, pronouns will be omitted altogether if they’re unnecessary.

A video from a 2014 rally has resurfaced where campaign chief of the far-right Polish Confederation (Konfederacja) party, Witold Tumanowicz, told the crowd, “After the National Movement comes to power, we will register not only [homosexual] relationships but also individual f****ts so that none of them has the right to raise a child, be a school teacher or even come close to any child”.

As well as terms like they/them, the online dictionary also added 566 new entries, including words that you might be less familiar with like, woke, greenwashing, atmospheric river, nepo baby, generative AI, GPT, shower orange, and NIL (the abbreviation of name, image, likeness). Grant Barrett, head of lexicography said that some word trends flame out fast, so new words aren’t added to until they’ve “proven” themselves.

Despite this and a slew of crazy conspiracy theories, the party’s popularity has risen sharply — they are currently third in the polls and could play a role in forming Poland’s next government. A spokeswoman for Confederation said the remarks in the 2014 video do not represent the party’s current policy and that they have been “misunderstood”.

HOT PINK BARBIE-THEMED COFFINS: DEATH IN PLASTIC, IT’S FANTASTIC! Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie has inspired a massive worldwide cultural and fashion trend dubbed “Barbiecore”. This latest phenomenon is reportedly contributing to a pink paint shortage and a surge in sales of anything Barbie-related.

Even funeral homes are getting in on the action, offering hot pink Barbie coffins for fans who hope to take their love for the Mattel doll to the grave.

A promotional advertisement for the themed caskets saying, “This coffin, with its striking bright pink colour, represents the spark and energy of those unforgettable moments. It’s a reminder that our stories deserve to be remembered and celebrated with colour and vibrancy.”

On smaller matters, tiny pink toy coffins are also now available for when your Barbie or Ken doll comes to an unfortunate end. Death in plastic truly is fantastic!

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NEWS&POLITICS

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

DID YOU KNOW? Recent trials with MDMA and psilocybin assisted therapy have overwhelmingly demonstrated safety and efficacy for treating PTSD, depression and anxiety disorders. There have also been positive results for MDMA assisted couples therapy, which can help clients with empathy, communication and an openness to discuss difficult feelings.

UNDEMOCRATIC: FEDERAL LIBERALS LOOK TO OVERTURN CANBERRA LAWS Once again, the federal opposition is trying to override ACT legislation, this time seeking to overturn the decriminalisation of small amounts of some illicit drugs.

Changes to the capital’s Drugs of Dependence legislation came into effect on 28 October 2023. The changes mean maximum penalties for possessing small amounts of some illegal drugs for personal use have been reduced. The reforms by the ACT Government aim to divert people who use drugs away from the criminal justice system and encourage them to access health services.

In a statement, federal Liberal opposition leader Peter Dutton said the new laws “beggar belief”, saying, “...this crazy government legislation gives a green light to drug use and drug importation to Canberra”.

When asked for his views about the new laws and federal interference with Canberra’s democratic rights, Greens MLA Johnathan Davis told FUSE: “I served on the Assembly committee that spent almost a year inquiring into this policy change when it was first proposed. We spoke with police, lawyers, clinicians, academics, advocates, family and friends of people we’ve lost to drugs and drug users themselves. The overwhelming view was that we needed a new approach. Drug decriminalisation is progressive, evidence-based reform focussed on supporting people, reducing harm and reducing crime.

“The ACT Greens are proud to have a history of championing progressive, evidence-based drug law reform, including securing a commitment in Government to establish Australia’s first permanent drug checking service (CanTEST).

“I am disappointed that the federal Liberals continue to attack the rights of Canberrans to govern themselves. Canberrans made it clear at the last federal election that we don’t need or want to be represented by the federal Liberals.”

In a statement, ACT Labor senator and former ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said the new drug laws were a “matter for the ACT Assembly”.

“The ACT Assembly is a mature parliament, democratically elected by ACT voters,” she noted in the statement.

“I have spent my career in public life supporting the rights of Canberrans to determine the laws, policies and programs under which they are governed, and I will continue to do so despite the attempts by the federal opposition to try to undermine them.”

TRANS-OWNED SOCK DRAWER HEROES SCORES $60K Sock Drawer Heroes, a new Australian retailer specialising in clothing, underwear and other accessories for the trans and non-binary community, took the spotlight in the finale of Channel 10 series Shark Tank Australia by scoring $60,000 in funding.

Led by partners Bec Cerio and Erin Spencer, the venture focuses on products that affirm the wearer’s gender identity, helping them feel more comfortable in their own bodies.

Appearing before the Shark Tank panel, Spencer, who is trans and non-binary, said they were inspired to start the business partly due to their own difficulties finding suitable products in the local market.

Explaining her decision to invest, Shark, Dr Catriona Wallace said, “I have been a long-time supporter and ally of the LGBTQ+ community so my attention peaked as Erin and Bec entered the Tank. The pitch from Erin and Bec was very compelling with Sock Drawer Heroes being one of the best companies we had seen on the show”.

Founded in 2018 and located in Petersham in Sydney’s inner west, Sock Drawer Heroes now carries over 800 distinct products sourced from trusted and queer-owned brands.

Products can also be purchased at sockdrawerheroes.com NEWS&POLITICS

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ROUND UP

DID YOU KNOW? LGBT people were accepted, loved and revered in native American communities because it was believed they embodied two spirits, male and female. It was during the 1900s that evangelists from the US Cavalry sought to change this belief through forced assimilation.

LAKE WORTH BEACH IN FLORIDA HAS BECOME A LGBTIQ+ SANCTUARY CITY After a wave of legislation that targets American LGBTIQ+ people, the Florida city of Lake Worth Beach announced that it will be a welcoming safe place and sanctuary for all LGBTIQ+ people and their families to live in peace and comfort.

Over the past year, nearly 500 bills threatening to roll back the rights of queer people have been introduced by US lawmakers in more than 40 states and at least 84 became law, more than doubling last year’s total.

While Lake Worth Beach is the first Florida city to officially declare itself a sanctuary, it is not the first in the state to champion LGBTIQ-friendly policies.

A 2016 report from Equality Florida found that at least 40 cities had passed local ordinances strengthening sexual orientation and gender identity protections.

Lake Worth Beach is also famous for its popular annual pride parade that attracts thousands for a weekend full of live performances and pride activities.

TWO SPIRIT PRIDE In the ever-expanding glorious world of the queer community, you may have noticed some folk adding ‘2S’ to the end of the LGBTIQA+ group of letters.

2S stands for Two-Spirit, which is a person who identifies as both male and female or somewhere between. They can be queer, gay, lesbian, intersex or transgender people, or a glorious mix.

The term has been adopted from Canadian and American indigenous Indian tribes. The Navajo tribe referred to 2S individuals as Nádleehí, or one who is transformed; while the Lakota tribe used Winkté, a term indicative of a man who wants to behave as a woman; and the Cheyenne tribe used Hemaneh, or half man, half woman. As a blanket term in English, Two-Spirit is used.

NO THANKS! GRINDR’S STAFF ULTIMATUM BACKFIRES After years of a seven-day work-from-home policy, the popular gay dating app Grindr recently made headlines when it delivered an abrupt return-to-office ultimatum to all its remote staff. The new rules require Grindr employees to pledge to work in the office for at least two days a week or face job termination.

This sudden move has upset many long-term workers and led to the layoff of approximately half of Grindr’s workforce, totalling 82 out of 178 employees who declined to comply with the mandate.

The purge has dealt a blow to Grindr’s unique queer-friendly workplace culture, which employees say was a rarity in the tech industry.

Despite the conflict with staff and mass departures, Erick Cortez, a knowledge specialist on Grindr’s customer experience team, said many workers still at the company hope to salvage the Grindr they came to love, and that the union is hoping to reverse the return-to-office policy.

“Grindr is not your typical workplace,” he says. “It has given me and many of my coworkers a space where we can be ourselves without needing to hide who we are. I want to protect what Grindr stands for.”

NEWS&POLITICS

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THE US RIGHTS

ROLLBACK AMERICA. THE SELF-PROCLAIMED ‘LAND OF THE FREE’ AND ‘HOME OF THE BRAVE’. BUT IF YOU HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO US POLITICS THIS YEAR, YOU’D BE FORGIVEN FOR THINKING THAT FREEDOM AND BRAVERY HAD BEEN THROWN OUT OF THE PROVERBIAL WINDOW.

The USA, a global superpower, has long paved the way forward for LGBTIQ+ people. It is the birthplace of everything from the Stonewall riots and Harvey Milk to Brokeback Mountain and RuPaul’s Drag Race.

In 2015, same-sex marriage was legalised in all fifty states. The upcoming WorldPride 2025 will be hosted by none other than the nation’s capital of Washington DC. Despite all this, 2023 has been — to put it bluntly — disastrous. The conservative far right has for decades pushed anti-LGBTIQ+ sentiment and used fear-mongering tactics to weaponise the belief that queerness poses a direct threat to the all-American family. And this has been their most successful year yet.

So successful, in fact, that the Human Rights Campaign (America’s largest LGBTIQ+ advocacy and lobby group) declared its first ever ‘national state of emergency’. The governments of Canada, New Zealand and Mexico have all warned their queer citizens against travelling to some parts of the US. But what has led to this? Which battles have begun? Where do we go from here?

Since the onset of the 2020s, anti-LGBTIQ+ legislation has shifted away from the general queer population towards specific targeting of transgender and gender non-conforming youth. In 2022, Florida began the wave of hate when conservative Republican governor Ron DeSantis signed the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law — effectively banning any conversation about sexual orientation or gender identity in public schools.

This created a snowball effect, as conservative state governments across the US raced to propose their own versions of these draconian laws. 2023 has seen over 525 bills proposed across 41 states (compared to 115 in 2015) and

by June, seventy-seven of these had been signed into law — making this year the worst on record for the equality movement in the US. As it stands, a crushing blow has been dealt to the wellbeing and safety of transgender and non-binary youth and their families. Some 33.8% of trans high schoolers (an estimated 101,500 students) are unable to play sport with their classmates, as 23 states adopted laws banning trans athletes participating in sports.

Life-saving best practice healthcare is now unavailable to 30.9% of trans 13-17 year olds (an estimated 92,700 teens) after 20 states enacted bans on gender-affirming care. 15.1% of trans people aged 13 and over (some 247,000 people) are unable to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity due to new laws in 10 states.

Another 12.3% of trans students (almost 274,000) live in the six states that have adopted Don’t Say Gay policies — meaning they won’t learn about sexual orientation, gender identity or queer history and people in the classroom.

Forced ‘outing’ laws in six states mean that 4.4% of trans youth aged 13-17 (some 13,100 students) could be outed to their parents as teachers, administrators and other school staff are now legally required to report if a student adopts new chosen names or pronouns. The list goes on and on.

Consequences resulting from such laws are widespread and severe. The Trevor Project crisis hotline saw a 150% rise in calls in 2021 (compared to 2020) after Texan lawmakers began targeting queer youth. A 2022 survey found two-thirds of young people reported a worsening of mental health after “hearing about potential state or local laws banning people from discussing LGBTQ people at school”. Another survey of 113 LGBTIQ+ adults in Florida found 56% had considered moving interstate after the Don’t Say Gay bill passed — and 17% had already taken steps to do so.

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FEATUREOP.ED

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

By Maxwell Elliff

State of Emergency Research has been clear that queer students in schools that have an inclusive curriculum and teach about queer history and issues feel safer, are safer and do better in school. They are more likely to attend college and less afraid that their identity would hinder future education and employment prospects.

The benefits of sports participation for young people are well documented and include lower levels of anxiety and depression, and improved self-esteem and academic performance.

FROM JUNE 2022 TO APRIL 2023, GLAAD (THE GAY AND LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION) TRACKED AT LEAST 356 INCIDENTS OF ANTI-LGBTIQ+ HATE AND EXTREMISM IN THE UNITED STATES. In spite of the tidal wave of discrimination felt in America this year, it isn’t all doom and gloom. While many laws have passed, many more have failed. Sitting commander-in-chief, President Joe Biden, has made it clear that the White House will continue to do what it can to minimise the attacks on the LGBTIQ+ community at the state level.

When extremist groups and governments spread fear and hatred, the queer community and its allies are mobilised into action, as we have done so many times before. Complacency does nothing to further the march towards equality.

The United States is a vast and colourful nation — that in many ways mirrors Australia — with a history deep-rooted in the fight for equal rights for all. If history is anything to go on, freedom and bravery tend to prevail.

WORLDPRIDE IN 2025, WASHINGTON DC IS SET TO HOST WORLDPRIDE, THE LARGEST LGBTIQ+ CELEBRATION ON THE PLANET. UNLIKE SOME OTHER CITIES IN AMERICA, WASHINGTON PROCLAIMS IT’S AN INCLUSIVE, QUEER-WELCOMING LOCATION WITH A CELEBRATED AND LOVED LGBTIQ+ COMMUNITY. Rich in culture and history, the city says it’s so much more than the political landscape it’s famous for, from inclusive nightlife spaces to a vibrant array of activities for all people within the LGBTIQ+ community. The American capital also boasts the highest queer population percentage in the whole of the US, making it a diverse and exciting place to explore.

When it was announced that the city had won its bid to host the world-renowned pride event, Gay Times , one of Europe’s largest LGBTIQ+ magazines, told its readers, “Washington DC is a surprising but incredibly worthy host of WorldPride 2025.”

If you want to find out more about WorldPride 2025 you can visit the official website at: worldpridedc.org FEATUREOP.ED

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Why Creativity Matters AN ART THERAPY PERSPECTIVE “ART IS WHY I GET UP IN THE MORNING, BUT MY DEFINITION ENDS THERE...

YOU KNOW, IT REALLY DOESN’T SEEM FAIR TO BE LIVING FOR SOMETHING I CAN’T EVEN DEFINE, BUT THERE WE ARE, RIGHT HERE IN THE MEANTIME.”

It is true that I was blessed with a uniquely creative beginning.

My father, an accomplished visual artist, encouraged us to build, forage, upcycle, make do or mend. I didn’t realise other families didn’t work this way until a neighbourhood kid came over to play one day. My father rolled out a sheet of butcher’s paper and gave us his collection of dinky cars, along with an invitation to “draw the roads”. My friend looked up in awe and said, “We don’t do art at my house”.

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This experience was formative in lots of ways because, even at that early age, I saw that providing a few tools to unleash imagination is where the magic happens.

SO, WHAT IS ART THERAPY? Art Therapy seeks to tap into our human capacity for creative flow.

It’s a state that offers respite from the overthinking analytical mind, increases redemptive healing and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

This inspired Thomas Merton to conclude that “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”.

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Artwork by Bella Insch • Darkest Hour

It’s something that has been on my mind lately: why do people create things? Why, in the face of the world descending into despair, would one get up every single day and do something as complex, messy and unpredictable as making art? I can’t say why creativity matters to you or even that it should. I can only share why art helps me get out of bed in the mornings (most days) and my experience as a practising artist and registered art therapist.

By Bella Insch

So, if “Art Therapy” is a marriage between two vital forces, “Art” and “Therapy”, please let it be a queer one. Let them have a big sparkling camp union with all the colourful and flamboyant guests in attendance.

Because both vital forces, Art and Therapy, are places where we need to show up unapologetically as ourselves, and never have we needed raw authenticity and healing as much as we do right now.

In art, like fashion, let there be no rules. Let us explore, get it wrong and try again. Let our creative endeavours be a place for telling personal narratives because I want to hear all the queer stories of redemption, sorrow, tenderness, love and taking risks.

There is no better container for this. Art has the capacity to hold it all and offer solace, even if it is unseen by others. However, when we can be brave enough to share what we have made and what it means to us, and when that is received with validation and appreciation, there’s so much healing in that — a sense of truly being seen and understood.

Back in the 1990s when Ani De Franco (unofficial Patron Saint of Baby Dykes) was on high rotation, it struck me that pursuing a career in the visual arts might not be the easiest path, and yet it’s as good a reason as any to get out of bed in the morning.

Essentially, Art Therapy is a unique form of counselling that uses art supplies within a therapeutic relationship to explore current issues. Creative arts therapists in Australia are required to hold postgraduate qualifications in Art Therapy and membership with ANZACATA. I use visual arts with clients to help them find their way back to a forgotten part of themselves, heal traumas and find personal narratives.

I often start with reassurance that it’s about the process rather than the product and that it’s an opportunity to externalise what is on the inside.

This can be useful when words have failed us or when we can’t easily talk about experiences (such as when the trauma occurs at a preverbal age). Art Therapy is suitable for people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds.

It has the potential to transcend language and other barriers.

Sometimes, we just need to throw another person into the mix to help sort through the confusion of false beliefs and inaccurate narratives we believe about a situation or relationship. Just shifting gears when big feelings threaten to engulf us can offer a whole new perspective, but Art Therapy offers more than that, primarily because it occurs within the scope of a therapeutic relationship.

CREATIVITY IS A MUSCLE THAT WE ALL HAVE AND MUST USE Our capacity for creatively showing ourselves is our most important legacy. Brene Brown says,”The only unique contribution that we will ever make in this world will be born of our creativity”.

So, in the spirit of Frida Khalo (beloved icon of Art Therapy), here are a few tricks to park your inner critic and let your inner artist out.

1. Start where you are and use what you have. If you find a white wall, canvas or screen intimidating, make a mark or write a word and see what happens.

2. Explore and experiment. Sign up for a class or creative activity, but try to find one that’s not too prescriptive.

3. Invite your inner child to play. You might need to mentally park the inner critic outside the room (I like to think of mine as perfectionism in a gold sequined suit; sometimes I pick her up on my way out but mostly she’s happy to sit outside the studio on her special chair).

4. Carve out a little bit of time each day for your chosen creative pursuit — draw or write for five minutes.

5. Remember your work is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea; that’s OK. Don’t try to make the kind of work you think others will like or buy. Make the kind of art you want to make and then make more of it.

I hope that trying some of these things might help you embrace your inner artist. I know for myself that making art is the best tool I have for calming internal and external storms.

I know that a life without the relentless pursuit of the creative would feel far too vanilla and disconnected from myself. I have come to know that art is why I get up in the morning because it matters.

If you would like to explore more deeply with a therapeutic focus, you can find a registered Art Therapist in your area at anzacata.org

Bella Insch (she/her) has been a registered Arts Therapist for ten years. She is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Bella works primarily online and offers DBT informed creative arts therapy. She works in queer spaces, especially with trans and gender diverse young people, neurodiversity and navigating queer identities.

Bella is a member of the DBT Canberra team. She has an ongoing studio-based art practice, working on Yuin Lands, predominantly in clay. She is currently exhibiting at the Kaleidoscope II exhibition at Belconnen Arts Centre, Precinct Gallery and Mechanics Warehouse. She can be found on Instagram @InkandBrush

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By Alexander Thatcher

THE SUBTLE QUEERING OF

KING LEAR A KINGDOM RULED BY AN AGEING, AUTHORITARIAN MONARCH IS FRACTURED

BY PRIDE, FOLLY AND AVARICE IN SHAKESPEARE’S EPIC TRAGEDY, KING LEAR. When the deteriorating King Lear misjudges the loyalty of their children, the struggle for power becomes unflinchingly violent and callous, and ultimately leads to devastating consequences. Prepare to see Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before, as Echo Theatre’s electrifying new production promises to be a spectacle of otherworldly proportions.

We had a quick chat with the show’s Director, Joel Horwood (they/them), about Echo’s upcoming production of King Lear at The Q. We find out what to expect and how it has been shaped to fit modern-day audiences.

For those readers that don’t know, can you tell us about the essence of King Lear?

It’s a family drama at its core. King Lear forces us to confront our own humanity and dismantle our preconceptions of power. Approaching the play, I was really fascinated by the dynamic between parents and children. From the outset, I knew that I wanted to cast a female in the role of Lear, and that opened up some fascinating conversations around mother/daughter dynamics, and the heightened pressure that often arises from parental expectations of their same-gendered offspring. Along with a female Lear I have also altered the gender of several other characters. Shakespeare’s plays are notoriously lopsided in terms of gender. It was really important to me that we reached parity within the cast, without needing to alter the text too heavily.

You often ‘queer up’ the shows you direct. How have you done that with this production?

I’ve adopted a more subtle queering of King Lear than my last show, Hay Fever, where basically everyone was fluid, and heteronormativity went out the window!

King Lear is operating within a fairly strict feudal system, at least until Lear decides to dismantle that by splitting the kingdom between their three daughters. I’m taking that dismantling of the system a step further and exploring what it would mean for one of those daughters to marry a woman. How might that affect their lineage and, thus, their claim to power? I’m also sprinkling in some queer moments between other characters, but you’ll have to pay close attention to find those!

With King Lear played by a female actor, how has that changed the play?

I had a number of discussions early on with Karen Vickery, who plays Lear, about whether we should keep Lear as a male King, played by a female actor, or completely shift the role to a Queen. In the end, I found the latter choice more interesting.

There are unique dynamics that arise in relationships between mothers and daughters (fathers and sons, too — daddy issues? I’ve got plenty!) and having a female Queen with three daughters gifted us with some beautifully fertile ground for exploring these complex familial dynamics. Taking a character that is written as male and translating their actions through the body and worldview of someone female-presenting is fascinating. There’s one speech in particular where Lear essentially curses the eldest daughter, Goneril, with sterility. This coming from a mother rather than a father somehow feels so much more cruel and poignant.

We’re still quite early in the rehearsal process, but there are some gorgeous moments unfolding between Lear and her Fool, played by the luminescent Petronella van Tienen.

Both Karen and Petronella are such emotionally intelligent actors, and watching the way they intuitively respond to one another on stage is a joy to behold. On the other hand, I’m really looking forward to working on the eye-gouging scene in Act Three.

It’s horrifically brutal and a little bit camp, two of my favourite things! I encourage everyone to come along and experience Shakespeare in a fresh new way.

Photo by Jenny Wu

What’s your favourite moment?

Echo Theatre’s production of King Lear opens on 29 November, for six performances only. Don’t miss this inventive rendering of Shakespeare’s familiar story when it arrives at The Q. For tickets and more information, head to theq.net.au FUSEFEATURE

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Can you share what motivated you to become a foster parent?

About 15 years ago, I met a foster carer who piqued my curiosity.

I peppered them with questions, and it got me thinking about whether I might make a difference in the life of a child who’d had similar experiences to my own.

Do you believe that there are any misconceptions about foster care?

Perhaps “all foster children are wild and uncontrolled”. I also wonder if some people think these kids can’t heal from the trauma they have experienced. Maybe some can’t or will only partly heal, but they all deserve love.

What qualities or attributes do you think people need to have to become successful carers?

Endless, bottomless patience and unconditional love, and a willingness to keep learning and consider other or better ways of doing things.

Foster carer Dina Grey

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT BECOMING A FOSTER CARER? FOSTER CARERS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS, INCLUDING THOSE OF ANY ETHNIC OR CULTURAL BACKGROUND AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION. THEY ARE SINGLE, MARRIED OR IN A DE-FACTO RELATIONSHIP, RENTING OR OWNING A HOME, WORKING FULL-TIME, PART-TIME OR EVEN NOT WORKING, WITH OR WITHOUT CHILDREN, YOUNG OR OLD. Whatever their background, what all foster carers have in common is an ability and a desire to provide safe, nurturing homes that can make a huge difference to a vulnerable child’s life.

Foster care requires flexibility, commitment, patience and, yes, some hard work. It can be challenging, but it’s also extremely rewarding.

As a foster parent, you can make an important difference to a child’s life at a time when they need it the most. You can experience the joy of offering children a safe, nurturing environment.

You can watch them grow and develop their self-esteem and confidence.

And nearly anyone can make a difference.

With the support of people just like you, children and young people who are vulnerable or at risk have a chance at a new future.

We chatted directly to Dina Grey (Ms/she/her) in Canberra about her experiences as a foster carer, who hopes to encourage others to also open their homes to children in need.

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Foster parenting can be emotionally challenging. How do you get support as a single person, and do you have any advice for other single folk considering foster parenting?

Yes, it sure can. My main support is my eldest, J. There are other foster carers in my workplace, and having them around to debrief after a tough week or bounce ideas off has been wonderful. I can talk to friends who have children, but while many of the challenges are the same or similar, the challenges that come with fostering can be particularly tough. I have found attending relevant training helpful and also speaking with other carers. Make time for yourself to relax and think about your experience in a calm environment; it helps bring perspective while recharging the emotional and mental batteries.

Do you think it’s harder to be a foster carer as a single person?

Yes. I know it would be even harder if I didn’t have J as that circuit breaker, especially after helping the little one through a tough period of dysregulation. Like any single parent, it can be tough not having someone around to lean on or take over when you are exhausted or at your wit’s end. The additional needs of kids in care and the expectations placed on foster carers can make parenting on your own a bit more complex.

What would you say to anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer?

There’s a lot to consider when taking on this role. Do you have the mental and emotional space to dedicate to a child with particular needs, in addition to any existing children, caring responsibilities, work, education or anything else? Can you balance the (legitimate) needs of your partner, children and self? Are you willing and able to love unconditionally? Can you see a child or young person through a lens of non-judgment and unconditional positive regard? Can you take the hits without taking it personally? Do you know what you are willing to sacrifice and what you are not? Once you have considered all of this, and if you think you can or think you do, don’t hesitate. Do it. They need you.

Finally, what would you say to encourage other couples to become foster carers?

What are you waiting for?

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BECOMING A FOSTER CARER, CALL 1300 WE FOSTER OR VISIT ACTTOGETHER.ORG.AU FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

You can step up for children by becoming a foster carer.

ACT Together is looking for people who can provide a safe and stable home for children in the Canberra region.

We offer: • Extensive training • Generous allowance • 24hr support

Become a carer today.

1300 WEFOSTER

acttogether.org.au

ACT Together is a consortium of: • Barnardos Australia • Australian Childhood Foundation • Oz Child

A Step Up for Our Kids - Out of Home Care Strategy 2015-2020 is an ACT Government funded initiative

ABN 18 068 557 906 I A Company Limited by Guarantee I Registered Charity | Models used to protect privacy | ACTT_20_00126

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LOCALHEROES FUSEFEATURE

LYNNE’S RAINBOW FOOTSTEPS AND ECHOES CAN BE FOUND IN QUEER SPACES FROM CANBERRA TO SYDNEY, THE COAST AND BEYOND.

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Photo by Nathan J Lester

LOCAL HEROES Lynne O’Brien

LYNNE O’BRIEN HAS UNDOUBTEDLY EARNED THIS ISSUE’S COVER TITLE OF LOCAL HERO! HER INVOLVEMENT AND VOLUNTEER WORK WITH LGBTIQ+ COMMUNITY PROJECTS, BUSINESSES AND PRIDE ORGANISATIONS OVER THE PAST 38+ YEARS IS AWE-INSPIRING. She is a proud lesbian, feminist, provocateur, activist, wife, mother of three, ovarian cancer survivor and grandmother of five! Having worked to create many fabulous queer events and pride celebrations over the years, Lynne is currently the President of Canberra SpringOUT. With the 2023 festival happening in November, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to chat with her about her many years of queer antics in the LGBTIQ+ community and what we can expect at this year’s ‘Pride in the Capital’ festivities.

Thanks for taking some time to chat with us, can you tell us a bit about the history of SpringOUT and your involvement?

SpringOUT started in 1999, and I had heard about it from Canberra friends. At the time, I was working in Sydney with Capital Q News and the Sydney Pride Centre. Creating pride festivals was a labour of love back then — I think we should all be grateful to those who have gone before us.

In 2015, SpringOUT was incorporated and was able to apply for government funding, so I came back to Canberra and joined the committee, becoming President in 2019.

We had an amazing 20th Anniversary, and then COVID hit.

How do you feel the community has changed over the years?

I think there are many different issues today: the impacts of climate change, social media, the pandemic fallout, and the trans and gender-diverse backlash in some parts of our world.

We have come a long way, but we still have a way to go.

Marriage equality had a huge impact on lives, as did the rescinding of convictions for gay men and lesbians who were persecuted, jailed and lost their children in the 60s, 70s and 80s. I think Canberra is doing a great job with equality and inclusivity compared to some other jurisdictions. We have an out and proud Chief Minister, politicians, and government support through the Office of LGBTIQ+ Affairs.

I feel we need to keep moving forward and fostering change in whatever way we can. I like to do this through art and events, music and theatre, sharing ideas and expression.

What has been your favourite pride or community event?

Oh my, there have been so many. Impossible to choose.

I really enjoyed working to bring the Gay Gaymes to Sydney, and I loved producing Mardi Gras Fair Day in Sydney.

For me, it’s the small moments when I see tears in the eyes of a community elder at a dance party, feeling totally accepted and in awe of how far we have come or meeting a young trans person smiling and covered in rainbows feeling comfortable to be in their own authentic skin.

You’ve been associated with many community projects; what inspired you to become involved with SpringOUT? I’m a sucker for a cause, and I love producing, making things happen. I have many years of experience and skills in producing events of all types, shapes and sizes so it was a no-brainer for me to put my hat in the ring.

By Alexander Thatcher

Tell is about the theme of this year’s festival?

We have Shawnah Cady (Mumma MadB @madbdiva) to thank for this year’s theme, ‘Pride in the Capital’.

We want to make sure that everyone knows what Canberra SpringOUT is all about, from the sold-out Pink Tennis Bushdance to the queer chocolate decorating sessions. This year’s festival will have many ways to show your pride in our marvellous capital city.

Can you share any memorable moments from past pride festivals that have left a lasting impression?

Ahh, I remember standing on the dance floor with my Mardi Gras Board mates in 2003, shedding tears of relief and joy, knowing that we had rallied the community and saved the organisation. Feeling a sense of excitement and pride at SpringOUT 2019 while watching the rainbow heart being painted on the Glebe Park lawns and attending many rainbow flag-raising ceremonies in places like Sydney, Denver and Canberra. So many lovely moments.

What event are you most excited about this year?

It’s hard to choose. I want to go to everything!

The Madonna 40 exhibition at CMAG sounds amazing, and the Queer Elder Speak series will be loads of fun.

I’m also really looking forward to the Pride Community Picnic as I love browsing markets and catching up with my mates.

Readers may be wondering why there is no Fair Day or FreshOut this year. Can you tell us about that?

There is no Fair Day in November this year. As you may recall, we had ‘FreshOut’ in March this year (after cancellations due to COVID-19 and flooding) to celebrate with WorldPride. We don’t have the capacity or finances to produce two Fair Days in the one year, so we will be holding an extra special Fair Day in 2024.

What other plans does SpringOUT have for 2024?

It’s going to be a big year with SpringOUT celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2024. Fair Day returns, and we are already planning lots of amazing events and surprises.

And finally, how can people get involved with SpringOUT, whether as volunteers, sponsors or participants?

Head to springout.com.au, sign up as a member, volunteer or join our mailing list, attend the festival and catch up with our committee and wonderful event stakeholders. If you have an idea for an event or if you already run a queer event, get in touch, and we can work on making something special happen.

SPRINGOUT 2023 ‘PRIDE IN THE CAPITAL’ RUNS FROM 3 NOVEMBER UNTIL 3 DECEMBER. THE FUSE FESTIVAL GUIDE STARTS ON P25 AND BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE SPRINGOUT WEBSITE > SPRINGOUT.COM.AU LOCALHEROES

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A safe and welcoming space for LGBTIQ+ Canberrans.

northside.asn.au (02) 6171 8000 24

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POSITIVITY /// DIVERSITY /// ACCEPTANCE

3 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER 2023

FESTIVAL GUIDE PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

MEDIA PARTNER

THE OFFICE OF LGBTIQ+ AFFAIRS

springout.com.au #springoutcbr

SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

25

OVER 30 FABULOUS EVENTS

FREE EVENT

FREE EVENT

MADONNA 40

SPRINGOUT FLAG RAISING

WHERE CANBERRA MUSEUM & GALLERY 176 LONDON CIRCUIT, CITY WHEN EXHIBITION : 14 OCTOBER — 3 MARCH COLLECTOR’S TALK : SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER AN OPEN MORE DETAILS EXHIBITION CMAG.COM.AU

WHERE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 196 LONDON CIRCUIT, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER

CELEBRATING

LGBTQI+ PRIDE International music icon, Madonna, celebrates 40 years in the music business in 2023. Canberran Jerry Kirbell, a long-time collector and major fan of all things Madonna, presents a small slice of his extensive collection of autographed pieces, tour merchandise, promotional items, clothing, posters, printer's proofs, theatre memorabilia, magazine covers and rare photographs. Wonder at her amazing four-decade-long career while enjoying her soundtrack in this astounding homage to the 'Queen of Pop'.

Keep an eye out if you are cruising through Civic on Friday 3 November. The rainbow pride flag shall be raised outside the ACT Legislative Assembly marking the commencement of the SpringOUT 'Pride in the Capital' month-long festival celebrating Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community.

FREE EVENT

I SHOULD BE SO KYLIE

KALEIDOSCOPE II EXHIBITION WHERE BELCONNEN ARTS CENTRE 118 EMU BANK, BELCONNEN WHEN 13 OCTOBER — 26 NOVEMBER MORE DETAILS BELCOARTS.COM.AU Image: Quilt by Cam Michael

Following the success of the inaugural Kaleidoscope exhibition in 2022, Kaleidoscope II has once again invited LGBTIQ+ artists in Canberra and Australia-wide to create and share what being queer means to them.

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SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

WHERE CUBE NIGHTCLUB 33 PETRIE PLAZA, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 3 NOVEMBER 8:30PM — MIDNIGHT TICKETS $15 SPRINGOUT.COM.AU Hosted by MC Hank-a-Lot, you can expect live acts, drag and DJ delinquents covering Kylie’s Magic-al career from Locomotion to Tension. On a Night Like This, lucky-lucky-lucky live bands Transista Groove and nonbinarycode will surprise you with their rockin’ Kylie covers while some of Canberra's best drag performers will have you Spinning Around all the way back to Ramsay Street. Dress up and arrive early because Your Disco Needs You! Presented by Stun & Cube.

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

FREE EVENT

WHERE MERIDIAN 85 NORTHBOURNE AVE, TURNER WHEN SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 10:00AM — MIDDAY REGISTRATIONS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU Pride Grows is a Landcare ACT group for LGBTIQA+ people wanting to connect with community and with nature. Through Landcare ACT's Wellbeing through Nature program, Pride Grows offers a range of events and activities from tree planting to nature walks. Come along for morning tea at Meridian and find out more about our calendar of exciting events and how you can get involved.

SHE WHERE THE STREET THEATRE 15 CHILDERS STREET, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 7:30PM — 9:00PM TICKETS $30 | $25 CONCESSION THESTREET.ORG.AU The extraordinary journey of an ordinary trans woman. Direct from Sydney Fringe, join Katherine Wolfgramme as she journeys through the trials and triumphs of her remarkable experience living as an ordinary transgender woman over the last three decades.

QUEER ELDERS SPEAK 4 SPEAKER SERIES SHE SHAPES HISTORY LGBTQIA+ HISTORY WALKING TOURS WHERE GLEBE PARK, CITY WHEN EVERY SATURDAY 4, 11, 18 & 25 NOVEMBER 2:00PM — 4:00PM TICKETS $50 SHESHAPESHISTORY.COM.AU Canberra's secrets are out of the closet!

This walking tour around Canberra's inner north will visit historic sites where revolutions began, romances were sparked, and history was made. From the car parks where lesbians met under cover of darkness to the tennis court that became a key social hub for gay men, our capital is bustling with queer history.

WHERE CANBERRA MUSEUM & GALLERY 176 LONDON CIRCUIT, CITY SESSIONS TALES FROM THE LESBIAN SISTERHOOD SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 12:00PM MATESHIP AND MEMORIES: GAY GENTLEMEN'S CHRONICLE SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER 12:00PM BISEXUAL JOURNEYS: BETWEEN TWO WORLDS SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 12:00PM

3 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER

PRIDE GROWS MORNING TEA

FESTIVAL GUIDE

POSITIVITY /// DIVERSITY /// ACCEPTANCE

THE RAINBOW COLLECTIVE SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 12:00PM REGISTRATIONS LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE SPRINGOUT.COM.AU Join our MC Jenni Atkinson as we explore tales from elders and yelders (young elders) QUEER* past in four 90 minute panel discussions.

FREE EVENT

MORE DETAILS AND EVENT TICKETS VISIT SPRINGOUT.COM.AU SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

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OVER 30 FABULOUS EVENTS

FREE EVENT

FREE EVENT

THE SILVER TEA ROOM BALL

A BETTER TOMORROW : PLAY READING

WHERE AINSLIE ARTS CENTRE ELOUERA ST, BRADDON WHEN SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2:00PM — 5:00PM REGISTRATIONS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU

WHERE THE STREET THEATRE 15 CHILDERS, CITY WHEN THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER 7:00PM — 10:00PM REGISTRATIONS LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE THESTREET.ORG.AU

Delight in the soft rhythms of jazz, the classic steps of ballroom, the lively beats of swing, and the rhythmical allure of salsa. Be entertained by our master of ceremonies as you learn some new steps from accomplished local teachers and performers. Move gracefully or simply tap along, listen to dulcet jazz singers, and indulge in our curated teas and afternoon delicacies available for discovery and purchase.

A World War II love story with a 'queer' bent. Leading ACT-based gay playwright David Atfield explores forbidden history in a romantic, thought-provoking tale of same-sex love blossoming during the horrors of war.

INTO THE GROOVE MADONNA DANCE PARTY QUEER COMEDY COLLECTIVE WHERE THE STREET THEATRE 15 CHILDERS, CITY WHEN WEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 7:30PM — 9:00PM TICKETS $25 | $20 CONCESSION THESTREET.ORG.AU Get ready to celebrate love, laughter, and LGBTIQ+ pride at the most fabulous queer comedy event of the year, starring both local and national comedians. This will be a night that promises to be an uproarious celebration of diversity and inclusivity through humour.

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WHERE CANBERRA MUSEUM & GALLERY 176 LONDON CIRCUIT, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER 7:00PM — 10:00PM TICKETS $70 (INCLUDES ENTRY, DRINKS & FOOD) CMAG.COM.AU To celebrate CMAG’s exhibition of Jerry Kirbell’s extensive collection of Madonna memorabilia, dress up as your favourite era of the Material Girl and get ready for some serious voguing. Featuring a performance from local drag artist Venus Mantrap and an all-Madonna playlist, your ticket includes themed cocktails, wine and beer, a grazing table, and entry to the exhibition.

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

WHERE LEWELLYN HALL BUILDING 100, WILLIAM HERBERT PLACE, ANU CAMPUS WHEN SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER FROM 3:00PM TICKETS $40 ADULTS | $20 JUNIOR | $34 CONCESSION | $340 GROUP OF TEN CANBERRAQWIRE.ORG.AU Canberra’s proudly LGBTIQ+ choir is thrilled to announce its “Singing Out with Pride” concert. This milestone event marks their 30th anniversary and promises an unforgettable afternoon of uplifting music, heartwarming stories, and joyous performances.

ZUMBA WITH NAOMI WHERE CANBERRA DANCE THEATRE 1 KINGSLEY STREET, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER 6:00PM — 7:00PM TICKETS $16.50 SPRINGOUT.COM.AU Dance with pride to a queer filled playlist! Zumba is a fun, easy-to-follow dance-inspired fitness class that incorporates cardio, muscle conditioning, and balance with sass and silliness.

DRAG CABARET MYTHS AND LEGENDS WHERE SMITHS ALTERNATIVE 1 KINGSLEY STREET, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER 9:30PM — 11:30PM TICKETS $25 ADULTS | $20 CONCESSION SMITHSALTERNATIVE.COM See legendary drag monsters, goddess burlesque, pole sagas, sideshow sorcery, and so much more shenanigans through a fantastical drag cabaret.

3 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER

SINGING OUT WITH PRIDE QWIRE'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

FESTIVAL GUIDE

POSITIVITY /// DIVERSITY /// ACCEPTANCE

MORE DETAILS AND EVENT TICKETS VISIT SPRINGOUT.COM.AU SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

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OVER 30 FABULOUS EVENTS

FREE EVENT

CANBERRA FRONT RUNNERS COMMUNITY FUN RUN/WALK/RIDE WHERE PEACE PARK LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN BRIDGE TO BRIDGE WHEN SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 9:00AM — 11:00AM REGISTRATIONS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU Lace up your joggers, gather your friends and furbaby, as Canberra Frontrunners, an inclusive and diverse running and walking community for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies, invites you to join us for our annual Pride Run/Walk!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 18th for this FREE event as part of SpringOUT. We will be travelling around Lake Burley Griffin for a 5km clockwise loop, or for those who are up for it, follow it up with a second lap!

FREE EVENT

DIVERSITY ACT WELLBEING OPEN DAY WHERE DIVERSITY HUB 8 LAIDLAW PLACE, KAMBAH WHEN SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 11:00AM — 3:00PM REGISTRATIONS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU Diversity ACT opens its doors to showcase some of our events and programs, our library, and you can meet our awesome committee members. Come and have a cuppa and a chat and see how you can get involved in the Diversity community. The theme of this year's Open Day is Wellbeing. There will be art, market stalls and music at this family-friendly event.

FREE EVENT

QUEER DRAWING IN THE GALLERY WHERE CANBERRA MUSEUM & GALLERY 176 LONDON CIRCUIT, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 1:30PM — 3:30PM TICKETS $10 ADULTS | $7 CONCESSION SPRINGOUT.COM.AU Queer artists, Fox May and Gerald Jones, are queering up the galleries with a drawing session in the Guns and Flowers exhibition.

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CHARITY PRIDE RUGBY GAME WHERE PORTSEA OVAL ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE, DUNTROON WHEN SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER FROM 1:00PM MORE DETAILS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU The ACT Veterans Rugby Club would like to invite you to be part of their Inaugural Charity Pride Rugby game. This will be the first pride rugby game in ACT Rugby history, and serves as a clear message of inclusion and support for the LGBTQIA+ community in Canberra: “Rugby is for everyone”.

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

BUSHDANCE

OFA LGBTQIA+ HEROES

WHERE YARRALUMLA WOOLSHED WHEN SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 7:30PM — 1:00AM TICKETS SOLD OUT

WHERE HEALTH & WELLBEING CENTRE JOPLIN LANE, KAMBRI ANU WHEN WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 5:30PM — 7:30PM REGISTRATIONS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU

A night of crazy fun and non-stop dancing. Just ask the 600-odd people that come along every year from all around the country.

LGBTIQ+ THEMED CHOCOLATE DECORATING

Celebrate the Out For Australia 30 Under 30 ACT winners. Join local queer heroes, professionals, students, members and allies for drinks, snacks and storytelling.

QUEER COMEDY SPECIAL

WHERE SALTHOUSE CENTRE WHEN SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2:00PM — 3:00AM TICKETS $102 SPRINGOUT.COM.AU

WHERE TRANSIT BAR 143 LONDON CIRCUIT, CITY WHEN WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER 7.00PM — 9.00PM TICKETS $25 | $20 CONCESSION SPRINGOUT.COM.AU

Express your pride and creativity! This delicious event is open to everyone who wishes to celebrate the LGBTIQ+ community through chocolate.

Come out and have a laugh with the best of the best (of the best). This night promises to be full of laughter and mirth, and we're doing this for a good cause.

3 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER

FREE EVENT

FESTIVAL GUIDE

POSITIVITY /// DIVERSITY /// ACCEPTANCE

MORE DETAILS AND EVENT TICKETS VISIT SPRINGOUT.COM.AU SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

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FUSE MAGAZINE PRESENTS

Big Gay Breakfast springout

SUNDAY

AN LGBTIQ+ AND EVERYONE INBETWEEN EVENT!

3 DEC

TILLEY’S DEVINE CAFÉ PRIDE IN THE CAPITAL

9AM TIL 12 NOON BUY YOUR OWN BREAKFAST

Cnr Brigalow & Wattle Sts, Lyneham MORE DETAILS

AN ALL WEATHER EVENT!

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Eat, drink and be merry with all your fabulous friends.

NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED!

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THINK TANK WHERE 220 LONDON CIRCUIT WHEN THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 5:30PM REGISTRATIONS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU Join the ACT LGBTIQ+ Ministerial Advisory Council for a think tank-style event and the opportunity to share your opinions, ideas, and lived experiences about existing and proposed priorities by the ACT Government.

FREE EVENT

SPRINGOUT PRIDE COMMUNITY PICNIC WHERE SALTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE, HAIG PARK, BRADDON WHEN SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER 11:00AM — 4:00PM MORE DETAILS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU Grab a picnic rug and hang out with your rainbow buddies with some delicious street food. Plus roving performers, rainbow merch and more.

The SpringOUT Pride Community Picnic is proudly brought to you by Deloitte.

FREE EVENT

PLAYBACK THEATRE

CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP

WHERE GORMAN ARTS CENTRE 55 AINSLIE AVE, BRADDON WHEN SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 6.30PM — 9.00PM REGISTRATIONS LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE SPRINGOUT.COM.AU

WHERE SALTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE, HAIG PARK, BRADDON WHEN SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER 1:00PM — 4:00PM REGISTRATIONS LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE SPRINGOUT.COM.AU

Your stories around the theme “Pride in the Capital” played back to you in real time as improvisational theatre.

Presented by Rebus Theatre.

Held during the SpringOUT picnic, dive into the wonderful world of cyanotypes and contribute to our community quilt.

Brought to you by PhotoAccess.

3 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER

FREE EVENT

FESTIVAL GUIDE

POSITIVITY /// DIVERSITY /// ACCEPTANCE

MORE DETAILS AND EVENT TICKETS VISIT SPRINGOUT.COM.AU SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

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OVER 30 FABULOUS EVENTS

CAPTURING QUEER VOICES WHERE THE BOOK COW 47 JARDINE STREET, KINGSTON WHEN THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER 6:00PM — 8:00PM REGISTRATIONS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU

FREE EVENT

FREE EVENT

BUY YOUR OWN BREAKFAST

This literary event shines a spotlight on the contributions made by Queer* writers from Canberra and across Australia.

Panellists will share their personal writing journeys and how they authentically capture the voices of LGBTIQ+ Australians.

WORLD AIDS DAY WHERE AIDS GARDEN OF REFLECTION NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA WHEN FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER 8:00AM — 10:00AM REGISTRATIONS SPRINGOUT.COM.AU

FREE EVENT

An opportunity to show solidarity and remember those we have lost to an AIDS-related illness, and celebrate the progress that we have made in response to HIV.

FUSE BIG GAY BREAKFAST WHERE TILLEY’S DEVINE CAFÉ BRIGALOW & WATTLE STREETS, LYNEHAM WHEN SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER 9:00AM — NOON BOOKINGS NOT REQUIRED | BUY YOUR OWN BREAKFAST Join us for the last SpringOUT event of 2023... and the start of summer! The FUSE Big Gay Champagne Breakfast is now in it's 15th year. It's an LGBTIQ+ and everyone-in-between event. Eat, drink and be merry on a beautiful morning with all your fabulous friends (and make new ones) at Tilley's in Lyneham.

FUNDING PARTNERS MEDIA & LAUNCH PARTNERS COMMUNITY & EVENT PARTNERS FUNDING PARTNERS

ACT Government The Office of LGBTIQ+ Affairs

MEDIA & LAUNCH PARTNERS Agency 9 FUSE Magazine Star Observer Stun Questacon 34

SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

COMMUNITY & EVENT PARTNERS A Gender Agenda ACT Veterans Rugby Belconnen Arts The Book Cow Canberra Frontrunners Canberra Museum + Gallery Choc'd Full Deadly Deities Deloitte Diversity ACT FUSE Big Gay Breakfast Guy Alias Haig Park Village Markets Kaleidoscope II Katherine Wolfgramme Meridian

Northside Community Service Out For Australia Paladin Risk Management Photo Access Pink Tennis The Pinnacle Foundation Pride Grows Qwire Rainbow Mob Rebus Theatre She Shapes History Sitting Ducks Catering The Street Theatre Tilley's Devine Cafe Transit Bar Tranz Australia FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Triceratop

A re-imagining of pre-history A gay dinosaur climate change love story parable about loneliness and eco disaster.

Meet our hero. He’s the last dinosaur ever to live.

He wakes up alone (what’s new?) one morning in the bunker to discover that it’s just him. Everyone else is gone. And he’s never fallen in love!

24- 25 Nov

King Lear Shakespeare

A bold, contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s epic tragedy, King Lear.

Karen Vickery stars as the titular King alongside an extraordinary cast. Prepare to see The Q as you’ve never seen it before, as Echo Theatre’s electrifying new production promises to be a spectacle of otherworldly proportions.

29 Nov – 3 Dec

Queen

Bohemian Rhapsody ‘My God, Freddie Mercury is alive and well, he would have been very proud of that vocal performance.’ — Molly Meldrum Following the hugely successful celebratory tour, Thomas Crane and his band Bohemian Rhapsody return to The Q with a brand new show for 2023!

9 Dec TICKETS 02 6285 6290

THEQ.NET.AU

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CANBerRA Qwire turns 30

By Alexander Thatcher & David Blanco

2023

Many Voices All in Harmony THE QWIRE STORY BEGAN IN 1993 WHEN A SMALL GROUP MET IN A SUBURBAN GARAGE FILLED WITH TOOLS, GARDENING SUPPLIES AND A WHOLE LOT OF MUSICAL PROMISE. Their mission was to bring like minded LGBTIQ+ folk together and form a Canberra community choir where members could express their pride through the power of song.

It’s been 30 years since then, and Qwire has grown into one of Canberra’s largest LGBTIQ+ community groups, with a membership of over 120 singers. Over the years, Qwire has performed locally, nationally and internationally.

Leading up to their ‘Singing Out with Pride’ anniversary concert on 11 November, we asked the Qwire team a few questions about their love for singing, history and plans for the future.

Congratulations on your 30th anniversary. Can you tell us how many original founding members are still with the Qwire?

It sounds like they were exciting times during your first years. When was it that Qwire first performed on an international stage?

Our first overseas trip was to America. In June 1998, we performed at San Francisco Pride in California alongside other fantastic US LGBTIQ+ choruses. After that, we went to Oregon, where we were chorus guests performing concerts for the Portland queer community.

Apart from Judy Small, who you’re performing with at your anniversary concert, who are some other celebrities that Qwire has shared the stage with?

We have collaborated with many other famous artists, choirs and individuals, including the opera singer Deborah Cheetham, Moya Simpson, Canberra Union Voices, Peter J Casey, Strange Weather Gospel Choir and Justice Michael Kirby.

We have six founding members who have been with the Qwire for 30 years. They are mostly still active members, while others pop in and out for special occasions. You’ll get to see some of them at our upcoming anniversary concert.

Tell us a bit about your very first performances.

When we first started out in 1992, we had a number of smaller performances, including our very first World AIDS Day, which was held in Garema Place in the city centre. Our first ticketed concert was on 26 November 1994 at the Street Theatre; the show was aptly called ‘A Choir is Born.’

It was the next year we first performed on a national stage in February 1995, singing “Together Forever” with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir and the Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus in the Eugene Goossens Hall in Ultimo, Sydney.

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2006 Qwire performing at a AFP Gay & Lesbian Liaison Officers event in 2006 with Justice Michael Kirby in attendance.

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What do you feel has been Qwire’s most celebrated event, and what accolades has Qwire had over the years?

Probably our most celebrated moment was our organisation of the ‘Out and Loud’ Choral Festival back in 2019. We hosted nine national and international queer choirs in a major festival here in Canberra, which was held across our many iconic venues. With 300 singers over four days, we made Canberra very proud.

Can you share a standout moment that has happened during the past 30 years?

A really memorable moment was when Qwire was singing on the back deck of the ferry, crossing from Pacific North West USA to Canada, with Mt Olympus in the background. We included some fun choreography in this impromptu performance and astounded our fellow passengers. Yes, we will sing anywhere!

We heard that there have been some stories of love and friendship that have developed over the years.

Oh yes, several of our singers have formed relationships, sometimes even leading to marriage. Our current Musical Director Lachlan and his partner Roger, and Assistant Music Director Leanne and her wife Michelle are prime examples. Qwire has provided members with lifelong friendships. For many of us, Qwire is our chosen family.

2023 Lachlan Snow (musical director), Karen Wilden (assistant musical director), Leanne Lismore (assistant musical director) & Jessica Stewart (accompanist).

Are there roles in Qwire for folk who can’t sing?

Yes, we often rely on friends of Qwire who assist us with organising and managing events, and the wide range of tasks that go into running an organisation of our size. We have over 100 members at this time.

The partner of one of our long-term members has become our unofficial ‘bag lady’ looking after our belongings at events.

Does Qwire also perform for the wider community?

Absolutely, we have sung at Floriade, The National Folk Festival and Enlighten. We were also honoured to represent our community by singing at the Canberra Centenary Celebrations in 2013.

What are Qwire’s aspirations for the future?

2010

We hope to remain a thriving organisation for another 30 years, bringing people together from all parts of the LGBTIQ+ community. We want to challenge stereotypes and build bridges with the non-queer community. Qwire also intends to adapt to change and provide a joyful environment for young queer people and for the older, maybe wiser generations. Mainly, we hope the Qwire will continue to be huge fun for everyone involved.

Qwire in 2010 holding their large rainbow coloured musical notes.

Do you think Qwire members have a favourite song?

We have heaps of favourites. One we always enjoy singing is “Home” composed by Holden and Pearson. This song has a great beat, and when we sing “Home”, we celebrate the safe and loving place that Qwire provides, and our audiences love it!

In the Qwire’s early days, when we were much less certain of public acceptance, we used to sing “Keep on Walking Forward” at the end of our rehearsals. It gave us courage and lifted our hearts.

How do you choose the songs that you sing, and do they always have queer roots?

Our music team chooses our repertoire, often drawing on suggestions from Qwire members. We trust their expertise in selecting a range of songs, from the classical to the modern. The songs do not always have an obvious connection to the queer community, but they are about humanity and love, so they apply to us.

2002 ‘Coming Together’ concert with Deborah Cheetham.

SINGING OUT WITH PRIDE! Saturday 11 November 2023 @ 3:00pm Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music.

Visit canberraqwire.org.au for tickets and more details.

FUSECOMMUNITY

37

Judy Small

Folk Music Pioneer and LGBTIQ+ Advocate sings out with Pride!

By David Blanco

JUDY SMALL, HAILED AS THE GRANDE DAME OF AUSTRALIAN FOLK MUSIC, HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON THE MUSIC SCENE WITH HER POIGNANT AND POLITICALLY CHARGED SONGS. Hailing from Coffs Harbour, she found early inspiration in folk legends like Joan Baez and The Seekers, embarking on her musical career in the late 1970s. Her songs, acclaimed for their feminist and social justice themes, have been recorded by notable artists.

Judy’s live performances continue to resonate with local and international audiences. In 1990, she earned the Mo Award for Australian Folk Performer of the Year and was named the Port Fairy Folk Festival Artist of the Year in 1997. Beyond her musical achievements, her dedication to LGBTIQ+ causes underscore her significant impact on music and advocacy.

In the leadup to performing at the upcoming SpringOUT concert, David Blanco from FUSE spoke with Judy about community, music and her long relationship with Qwire.

Hello Judy, I’d love to start by asking about your connection with Qwire and how it came about?

I’m fairly sure I had friends in what was then the Canberra Gay & Lesbian Choir back in the early 90s. They knew my music (I had played at festivals and concerts in Canberra since the 70s) and that I had written some songs about being a lesbian and some other LGBTIQ+ issues, including “A Man Among Men” about the AIDS pandemic, “No Tears for the Widow” about marriage equality and “Turn Right, Go Straight” about the rigidity of some religious beliefs. They thought my music would be compatible with what Qwire were doing, and they were so right! I say “I’m fairly sure” because it was about 30 years ago, and my memory isn’t quite as sharp as it was then. I can’t remember exactly how many gigs I’ve done with them, but it does feel like a affiliation that I treasure.

Why do you think Qwire is an important part of our community?

Choirs are essential, especially those whose very existence has been historically under threat. They don’t just provide entertainment for audiences and get them thinking about the community they belong to; they also give their choristers the absolute joy of singing with others of similar political and musical tastes, all of which help to cement the community’s identity.

Have you ever been in a choir?

Oh yes, that’s where I learned to sing! I was in the school choir from kindergarten to year 12, as well as the madrigal group and the folk group at high school, because I have always loved to sing.

Singing with others can create such a feeling of belonging and send shivers up your spine at the sheer beauty of the harmonies.

Nowadays, I occasionally sing with a local Melbourne choir, although my solo schedule makes it a bit difficult to get to every rehearsal.

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FUSE COMMUNITY EARCANDY

What do you think are the differences between performing alone and with the backup?

When I’m alone on stage, I have total control over what happens. I have to hold the audience’s attention on my own, and the success of the whole gig is on me.

When I get the chance to share that whole experience with a choir, it becomes something greater than just the sum of the parts. When there’s a choir on three sides of me, I feel as though I’m in a kind of sonic bath that both thrills and rejuvenates me. Add an appreciative audience to that, and there is simply nothing like it!

Do you feel that folk and protest music is as relevant today as it was in the 1960s, 70s and 80s?

Of course, my answer to that is yes! Every political movement in history has had music form part of it.

Over the last couple of centuries, a diverse array of songs has emerged, reflecting historical events and societal movements, including those during the Industrial Revolution, Crimean and Boer Wars, suffragette movement, World Wars I and II, the Atomic Era’s peace songs, the US civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the feminist movement and the evolving dynamics between First Nations peoples and settlers. Music and songs can rouse people much more than words alone.

Again, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

It’s incredibly important that people feel part of a larger movement and that they are not alone in their beliefs.

That is true whether the songs are sad, celebratory or polemical.

Are you looking forward to ‘Singing Out with Pride’ and what can audiences expect?

Yes, of course! We will be singing a few songs together, and I am so delighted about that. I’ll be performing some of my songs that celebrate pride and issues still faced by our community, while Qwire will be singing their own repertoire, which is certain to get people’s brains thinking and toes tapping. It will be a great afternoon of celebration, thoughtful reflection, and just plain fun!

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

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 39

Join ACT LGBTIQ+ Ministerial Advisory Council for a Think Tank to share your ideas how to improve LGBTIQ+ inclusion in Canberra.

LGBTIQ+ THINK TANK Thursday 23 November 5:30pm - 7:00pm 220 London Circuit, Canberra City Registrations: bit.ly/lgbtiq-think-tank

C E RVI CAL SC R E E N I N G INCLUSIVE AND CULTURALLY SENSITIVE TESTING FOR TRANSGENDER, NON-BINARY, AND INTERSEX PEOPLE

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

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LOCAL HEROES

Venus Mantrap Photo by Cassie Abraham

THIS EDITION OF FUSE, WE CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF A LOCAL HERO WITH A DIFFERENCE; YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF THEM, THE INIMITABLE VENUS MANTRAP. A self-described “androgynous construct”, Venus is a much-loved mainstay in Canberra’s LGBTIQ+ performance spaces. Their unique take on drag performance, merging elements of cabaret, performance art and comedy, has captivated Canberra audiences for over 15 years.

Among other things, Venus currently hosts ‘Fright Night’ — an eclectic program of edgy and nostalgic cult films at the National Film and Sound Archive’s Arc Cinema. David Blanco from FUSE spoke with Venus Mantrap about life in the suburbs, their performing career and latest incarnation as a cult movie emcee.

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So, who is Venus Mantrap?

Venus is like a suit of armour.

The character was developed almost subconsciously in my early 20s.

It’s taken years to comprehend why I busied myself crafting this figure, but I’ve realised that Venus Mantrap wasn’t just an extension of my art practice but of myself, and it gave me opportunities to stand a little taller, to find my voice and to reclaim power. For me, drag has become therapeutic — a lifeline that pushes me to unpack obstacles, to ask questions or untangle issues — personal, social, or political.

Growing up in the Tuggeranong Valley inspired your show ‘Valley of the Molls’. Has growing up in Canberra influenced other performances?

Venus Back then, my drag name was Fannii Minogue and people expected me to be a Minogue impersonator, which I wasn’t, but it meant I was expected to deliver a polished pop performance, and I had no interest in stepping into that role.

I remember in the early days being booked to perform at an 80s-themed birthday party. In frustration, I decided to abandon the expected Cyndi Lauper and Kylie Minogue repertoire and ended up doing a song by the Divinyls called “Boys in Town”, which is raw and caustic Aussie pub rock.

I came to life during that performance, and it flicked a switch in me to reflect on my reasons for doing drag. I realised the song mirrored my adolescent turmoil and helped me come to terms with it. After that, I started to seek out music with similar themes.

‘Valley of the Molls’ was a cathartic retelling of coming of age in the Tuggeranong Valley, which was not a great time for me. It was important for me to tell my story as a way of arriving at a place of peace about it whilst also acknowledging that good things can come out of challenging times. For me, it was a journey of light and dark.

Growing up in Canberra has coloured my performances.

Canberra influences my work because I make art here for local audiences. It’s a joy and privilege to cut your teeth in a safe space with a supportive community holding you as you fumble forward or fail while daring greatly.

You’ve spoken about your teenage years, the hostility you felt from your peers and the feeling that you didn’t quite fit in. Did this cement your desire to perform?

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Photo by Nathan J Lester

I’m not sure it cemented that desire, but it provoked me to step up. It took a long time to figure out why I was performing. When I was younger, I did drag, but I didn’t know what the driving force behind it was.

FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Mantrap

By David Blanco

What are your thoughts on Canberra’s LGBTIQ+ performance scene?

Canberra is populated with innovative artists, producers, events and performance spaces.

There’s also lots of humour and spirit. When I attend events and variety nights, I’m always left with a sense of joy and positivity. There’s an incredibly dynamic exchange of energy between local performers and audiences.

How have you been supported by Canberra’s LGBTIQ+ community?

As an artist, you step into vulnerable spaces. Being in front of an audience and doing your thing is not easy.

But if you’re held by a community that is there to hear and witness you, that’s a major support. Earlier, I referred to failing while daring greatly and I did that as a younger performer. To a certain extent I still do, but to be held by an audience that allows those opportunities is priceless.

Canberrans and the local LGBTIQ+ community are great supporters, but as a society, we don’t really value the arts in a sustainable way. Most artists aren’t paid well for what they do. I’m seeing way too many peers getting to a certain age and having to make very practical and often heartbreaking decisions about their art.

In Canberra, there are welcoming spaces and audiences that allow artists to find their voice, but people need to pay the bills too.

What does community mean to you?

Could you tell our readers about ‘Fright Night,’ the program of cinema you have curated for Arc Cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive.

I’m a total sucker for nostalgia! During lockdown, I revisited films from my adolescence and found real comfort in the craft of storytelling from 80s and 90s cinema. In a moment of brazen audacity, I pitched the ‘Fright Night’ program to the NFSA, who took a leap of faith and gave the proposal the go-ahead.

The idea was to present films in dynamic ways instead of watching them at home on my laptop.

It’s an opportunity to revisit films that look exquisite on the big screen and invite conversation and connection through different perspectives.

It’s all about connection — an ongoing dialogue where people are given opportunities to listen and be heard.

It’s about finding your people and being supported by networks. I’m fortunate enough to have found a sense of belonging in diverse communities where the common thread is that we show up for each other in a multitude of ways.

‘Fright Night’ has really taken off and I’ve just finished drafting the program for 2024. At a recent screening of the 80s vampire cult classic, The Lost Boys, parents came with their kids, and it really threw me! It was beautiful to see parents introducing this beloved film from their own adolescence to their teenage kids.

I sense that the art you love is embodied in Venus Mantrap.

“Hero” is an interesting term. Anyone with the will or drive to do their thing, whatever that may be, is hugely impressive to me. As I mentioned, there’s so little money in the art world and not much value ascribed to it by society, so anyone performing and striving to hone their craft, which often involves falling flat and getting back up — is heroic to me. I don’t think we sufficiently acknowledge or celebrate the resilience of artists and performers. If you add the unique experiences of LGBTQIA people — what we navigate and the loads we carry — the term really resounds. I won’t name names, but I can confidently say that Canberra is full of heroes!

As a performer, I feed off the energy I put out.

I don’t perform music that I don’t feel on a cellular level. In the rehearsal process, if the hair on my arms doesn’t stand up or I don’t get a shiver up my spine, the material is not doing the job and I scrap it. Lately, I’ve found the music and stories I’m drawn to are slower. The quiet spaces in my performance allow me to hold the audience with total confidence. If I present something that isn’t in possession of grit or substance, it’s a lost opportunity.

Who are your local heroes?

LOCALHEROES

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OGEE.NET.AU

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Canberra’s Best Bagels

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By Dwayne Lennox DID YOU KNOW? Cassandro (Saúl Armendáriz) was the first openly gay wrestling ‘exótico’ to ever win a championship at the Universal Wrestling Association, taking home the title of world lightweight.

WHILE THE MEN ARE AWAY QUEERNESS & DESIRE WILL SET YOU FREE

NYAD A REMARKABLE STORY OF SPIRT & TRIUMPH

When war breaks out in the 1940s, Australia’s menfolk head overseas to fight, leaving the women to fill the roles left vacant — like Frankie (Michela De Rossi), who assumes control of her husband’s orchard and enlists her domestic, Kathleen (Phoebe Grainer), and some Women’s Land Army recruits (Max McKenna and Jana Zvedeniuk) to help run it. If you enjoyed the recent A League Of Their Own TV series, you’ll likely enjoy this queer take on Aussie history, which mixes drama and comedy to cleverly explore how, in the absence of men, women step up, take charge and make all-new discoveries about themselves.

Nyad arrives at Netflix with positive buzz for its stars Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. They play real-life longtime friends and one-time lovers Diane Nyad and Bonnie Stoll; the latter supporting the former’s lifelong dream of swimming from Cuba to Key West, Florida, at age 64. Directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (Oscar winners for their documentary Free Solo about rock climber Alex Honnold), capture the arduous open water swim Diane undertakes, but it’s the friendship (and the performances of Bening and Foster) that is the heart of this feel-good story.

CASSANDRO LIBERACE OF LUCHA LIBRE

FELLOW TRAVELERS AN EPIC LOVE STORY & POLITICAL THRILLER

A gay wrestler from El Paso rises to stardom after he creates the character Cassandro. In a career spanning more than 20 years, Gael Garcia Bernal (Y Tu Mama Tambien ) gives arguably a career-best performance as Saúl Armendáriz, an openly gay wrestler who shot to fame in Mexico as an exótico in the early 1990s. A stereotypically gay wrestling character, an exótico is there for the derision of the crowd and to make the other (hetero) fighters look good — but Saúl, under the pseudonym Cassandro, decides he isn’t going to be a punching bag, literally or figuratively, and sets out to win everyone over with his unique style, becoming the Liberace of lucha libre.

Adapted from Thomas Mallon’s novel by Ron Nyswaner (an Oscar nominee for 1993’s Philadelphia, and who also adapted last year’s My Policeman ), Fellow Travelers tells of the decades-long relationship between Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer, The Boys in the Band ) and Tim Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey, Bridgerton ), from the 1950s, where they first meet in the halls of American politics during the McCarthy era, through to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

Epic yet intimate as it chronicles the men’s relationship and the wider gay history of America, Fellow Travelers, which releases week-to-week, promises to be powerful viewing.

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Queer Buddhists WHEN HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA SPEAKS ABOUT EQUALITY, FAIRNESS AND WORLD ISSUES, PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION. In 2014, during an interview with American talk show host Larry King, the Dalai Lama voiced his support for same-sex marriage and condemned homophobia, saying it was wrong and that gay sex was fine as long as it is consensual.

The Dalai Lama telling King that gay marriage was a personal matter and that “If two people, a couple, really feel that way, it’s more practical, more satisfaction, and both sides fully agree, then okay!” He also condemned bullying of LGBTIQ+ people and stressed that this type of behaviour was a violation of human rights.

Although the Nobel laureate’s comments were very much welcomed by LGBTIQ+ communities, when it came to being a queer ‘practising’ Buddhist, unfortunately, there was a catch.

quietly hiding under the rainbow

While talking about gay marriage equality as a “personal matter” the Dalai Lama also noted that if people followed specific traditions or religious beliefs, they should adhere to those values — including the Buddhist five precepts, or rules for behaving in a moral or ethical way.

Many leaders of the Buddhist faith believe that the precep “Refrain from the misuse of the senses or sexual misconduct” refers directly to homosexuality. Essentially, this means that only non-practitioners of faith are included in his rationale, meaning it was not quite the ringing endorsement that LGBTIQ+ practising Buddhists, novices and monks were hoping for.

That was almost ten years ago; and now, in 2023, LGBTIQ+ Buddhists in Australia are still struggling with discrimination and feel pressure to hide their authentic selves.

Worried about these and other issues within the Buddhist community, Stephen Kerry, a genderqueer researcher from Charles Darwin University, embarked on a study looking at the experiences of LGBTIQ+ Buddhists in Australia.

Recently published by The Conversation, here are his findings.

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Queer Buddhists MORE THAN HALF OF AUSTRALIA’S LGBTIQ+ BUDDHISTS FEEL RELUCTANT TO “COME OUT” TO THEIR BUDDHIST COMMUNITIES AND NEARLY ONE IN SIX HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT BEING LGBTIQ+ ISN’T IN KEEPING WITH THE BUDDHA’S TEACHINGS. These are some of the findings from my research looking at the experiences of LGBTIQ+ Buddhists in Australia.

I’m a genderqueer, non-binary Buddhist myself and I was curious about others’ experiences in Australia since there has been no research done on our community before.

Over the past three years, I surveyed 82 LGBTIQ+ Buddhists and followed this up with 29 face-to-face interviews.

Some people may think Buddhism would be quite accepting of LGBTIQ+ people. There are, after all, no religious laws, commandments or punishments in Buddhism.

My research indicates, however, this is not always true.

Buddhism does have five precepts, or rules for behaving in a moral or ethical way, that monastics and some lay practitioners are meant to follow to have a morally good life. The precept of “sexual misconduct” has been interpreted as referring to homosexuality.

As a result, many LGBTIQ+ Buddhists here continue to experience discrimination. For example, some trans and non-binary Buddhists have been subjected to gender segregation at meditation retreats, while others have been forced to lie about being queer out of fear of being denied access to ordination.

DIFFICULTIES OF COMING OUT In my research, I found that many LGBTIQ+ Buddhists are reluctant to come out because, as Lang* (a pansexual, non-binary man) explained: “There is a profound lack of understanding of how heteronormative and puritan many Buddhist spaces are.”

Similarly, Helen (a pansexual transwoman) described the monastery she visits as “a male institution”, adding that: “Judgements and phobias do not disappear because of ordination.”

Traci (a lesbian woman) was told explicitly by monastics that being LGBTIQ+ is not in keeping with the Buddha’s teachings and, as a consequence, was not allowed to join the Tibetan sangha (community) in Australia because of her sexuality.

quietly hiding under the rainbow

By Stephen Kerry

And when Annie (a pansexual transwoman) came out to her Buddhist teacher, he gave her an hour and a half lecture that focused in part on the ‘evils of gay sex’, despite the fact she stressed she isn’t gay.

BARRIERS TO MEDITATION AND ORDINATION Meditation is one of the key elements of Buddhism and many Buddhist groups offer meditation retreats.

Some transgender and non-binary Buddhists I spoke to, however, have had difficulties attending retreats because they always segregate participants into two groups based on a binary view of gender.

Nano (a queer non-binary man) reflected on how it felt when they attended a retreat: “I remember going and sitting with the women, and all the old [local] ladies laughing at me and pushing me back into the midsection [next to the men].”

Gender segregation is meant to support practitioners by removing the distraction of “the opposite sex”, but this ignores the experiences of LGBTIQ+ people.

Raja (a polyamorous gay man) said: “I would have to potentially deal with my own possible lusts should they arise within the shared environment. Others who identify as heterosexuals would be in a slightly more advantageous setting.”

A common image associated with Buddhism is a monastic in robes. I found that some LGBTIQ+ celibate monastics who are “out” have, at times, been encouraged to keep their sexual and gender identities a secret so they would not be denied access to ordination.

When the Venerable Daiji (a queer man) lived in a monastery, he was approached by a woman who asked if he was gay and then said: “Then you can’t ordain.

You can’t be a monk.” He notes that in a monastery: “There was a lot of pressure to not identify with my sexuality […] which of course, no one else seemed to have to do that work on their sexuality.”

An ordained Buddhist priest, Daiden (a gay man), was told by his teacher to not say anything about his sexuality: “If somebody asks, of course, you’re not going to lie.

But don’t just say anything about it.”

When he is asked if he has a partner, he still says no: “That is lying I guess […] because I do have a partner.”

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MEMBERS OF RAINBODHI, WHICH IS A SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP GROUP FOR LGBTIQ+ BUDDHISTS Rainbodhi currently has chapters in Sydney and Melbourne and advocate for more inclusion and diversity in the broader Buddhist community. They offer meditation, Dhamma discussion and social events in a safe, supportive environment, as well as online resources for LGBTIQ+ Buddhists.

WAYS TO BUILD A MORE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY To build a more supportive and inclusive community, some LGBTIQ+ practitioners are forming groups to connect with others internationally, such as the Third International Queer Buddhist Conference, which brings together hundreds of LGBTIQ+ Buddhists every year.

This is happening within Australia, as well. Rainbodhi was founded in Sydney in 2019 as a “spiritual friendship group” for LGBTIQ+ Buddhists to organise and advocate for greater inclusion and acceptance within the broader Buddhist community. This has led to the formation of other Rainbodhi groups in Singapore, Spain, Poland, Canada and the US. In 2021, Rainbodhi published Welcoming the Rainbow, a booklet promoting awareness and understanding of diversity for use in Buddhist temples, organisations and retreat centres. It has now been translated into Dutch, French, Polish, Spanish and Thai, with a Portuguese translation on the way.

The Buddhist Precepts

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The five precepts are a code of conduct to help people act in a moral and ethical way. Buddhists are encouraged to follow the precepts to ensure they are living a morally good life, helping them to get rid of suffering and achieve enlightenment.

The five precepts are: 1. REFRAIN FROM TAKING LIFE Not killing any living being.

For Buddhists, this includes animals, so many Buddhists are vegetarian.

2. REFRAIN FROM TAKING WHAT IS NOT GIVEN Not stealing from anyone.

3. REFRAIN FROM THE MISUSE OF THE SENSES AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT Not overindulging in sensual pleasure, being lustful or committing adultery.

Homosexuality is not actually mentioned, but many Buddhist leaders think that gay sex is by nature is a misuse of the senses.

For many of my survey participants, these efforts have gone a long way to create a greater sense of belonging and community.

4. REFRAIN FROM WRONG SPEECH

Venerable Atid, another openly gay Buddhist monk, said he’s happy being part of a LGBTIQ+ Buddhist group: “Because people there are striving to lead authentic lives as faithful Buddhists, practicing Buddhists, and LGBTIQ+ Buddhists.”

5. REFRAIN FROM INTOXICANTS THAT CLOUD THE MIND

Not lying or gossiping about other people.

Not drinking alcohol or taking drugs that impede clear thought.

* All names in this article are pseudonyms.

This article has been republished from The Conversation under the Creative Commons license.

Written by Stephen Kerry (they/them) who is a lecturer in Sociology at Charles Darwin University.

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KALEIDOSCOPE II EXHIBITION OPENING Seeing so many people come along to the Kaleidoscope II opening at Belconnen Arts Centre was amazing. The exhibition is impressive and shows us just how much creative talent there is in the LGBTIQ+ community.

Photos by Alexander Thatcher

Kaleidoscope II will run all the way through the Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival from 13 October – 26 November 2023.

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YOUR HOROSCOPE NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 SURRENDER AND LET GO. IT’S TIME TO REST. Surrender will be the overarching theme over the next few months as we are encouraged to let go of unimportant things that are holding us back from enjoying happier lives. As the holiday season approaches, the cosmos is inclined to bring extra luck and joy to our lives. For those of you on a more spiritual path, the quieter times will bring opportunities for leaps forward.

Aquarius

January 21 – February 18 As your exciting, innovative and creative ideas shine through, you may find yourself gaining recognition as you are encouraged to embrace a new project. TIP: Be on the lookout for opportunities to meet new people and share your unique perspective.

Taurus

April 21 – May 21 Collaboration is in focus, especially at home and with family members; trusting your down-to-earth nature will help you navigate difficult situations. TIP: Creating a warm and harmonious environment over the holiday period will help to heal hearts.

Leo

July 23 – August 23 Home life is in the limelight, making it the perfect time to strengthen bonds with loved ones. TIP: As a highly compassionate sign, as the end of the year approaches, you may be feeling out of juice — the cosmos encourages you to take time to withdraw and recharge.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20 As changes may be arising in your financial situation, the universe will encourage you to explore new personal and professional horizons — consider being brave and stepping forward. TIP: Budget carefully for holiday expenses, as it’s easy to get carried away.

Gemini

May 22 – June 21 The cosmos will be inspiring you to grow, making it a great time to explore new ideas, skills and knowledge.

TIP: December may challenge some relationships, so clear communication is vital. Express your thoughts and feelings honestly and openly.

Virgo

August 24 – September 23

Aries

March 21 – April 20 November favours Aries’ hopes, dreams and ambitions, so take the lead, as assertive actions may well pay off as you enter the new year.

TIP: Whether you’re single, a duo or more, romantic holiday sparks will fly if you nurture your relationships.

Cancer

June 22 – July 22 The warmer days will enhance your charisma and intuitive abilities, so be mindful not to over-stretch yourself in highly charged environments that may arise. TIP: As your busy end-of-year social calendar fills up, make sure you leave space for yourself, dear Cancer.

Libra

September 24 – October 23

You may learn something surprising about someone close to you or feel ready to share a secret about yourself.

Step forward with no expectations and everything will be as it should. TIP: December fosters deep connections, so watch for unexpected encounters.

You may find yourself closing a chapter or letting something go that has been prominent in your life. Summer will bring more clarity on how to move forward. TIP: Retreating from all the busyness of life will help you create the balance and harmony you desire.

October 24 – November 22

November 23 – December 22

Sagittarius

Capricorn

A work or personal relationship that has been challenging for some time now could end. Deep down, you know it’s the best thing for everyone. TIP: This is an excellent time to project yourself out into the world and showcase your best qualities and talents.

As your free-spirit streak kicks in, you may be feeling the need to be adventurous and bold. Don’t hold back, as the universe is encouraging you to live life to its fullest. TIP: Take time to recharge and reflect on your journey so far, as next year will be big!

You’re in for a busy social season, which may leave you feeling sensitive and withdrawn, so take time to do some well-earned self-pampering.

TIP: December is a favourable time to stop, consider your year and decide if your life path needs amending.

Scorpio

December 23 – January 20

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EMAIL DEAR ROSE WITH YOUR PROBLEM

By Rose Pappalardo

Dear Rose, We’re considering starting a family through adoption, but we worry about bullying our child might face because of our LGBTIQ+ status. What advice can you offer for navigating this and creating a supportive and happy environment? FB

Dear FB, Sadly, many children experience bullying for a myriad of reasons, and there is often no sense to it. As a parent, the healthiest thing you can do is to prepare your child to be resilient to these forms of behaviour. Build their self-esteem and worth to a level where they can recognise the behaviour and make healthy decisions on how they act when faced with this issue throughout their life. Love them enough to give them the tools to be empathic to people who bully because it is usually the bully who has low self-worth.

Dear Rose, I recently came out as trans to my family, and while most of them have been supportive, my nana seems to be struggling with it. She continues to use my old name and pronouns, and it’s hurting me. How can I help her understand and accept my true identity without causing a rift in our relationship? Kiaya

Dear Kiaya, I can feel the hurt in your words and acknowledge that it’s brave to step forward to be who you are.

Dear Rose, I’m an out gay guy, and I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive family. However, my little brother recently also came out, and my parents are now struggling to accept having two sons who are gay.

How can I help my parents deal with this? Nate

Dear Nate, I can well imagine a sense of your parent’s feelings about “what they did wrong” to have two sons who are gay. Whilst we all like to believe that, as a society, we have evolved and made enormous strides, many parents still crave the idea of grandbabies and so-called “normal” family life.

In this situation, roles need to reverse. You and your brother need to become the parents, and they become the children. Have a conversation with them and talk to them about how they were supportive parents for you growing up.

Speak to them about how wonderful it is to be in a family where both your brother and yourself are actually able to be honest about who you are, knowing they would never make you both feel ashamed. Tell them that you love them and, most of all, be patient and supportive towards them. Time is a great healer, and with time comes a wiser perspective.

When it comes to our elderly, it’s hard not to empathise with a group that has witnessed enormous societal changes.

50 years ago, homosexuality was punishable by law and queer people lived in the closet. In today’s world, terms such as gender dysphoria, pan-sexual, and non-binary are words most of us are familiar with, however, this is not always the case for our very loved older family members.

I have always believed in being patient with the older generation and to conduct myself in a way that was relatable.

How you can make her understand who you are is to have conversations that begin with exploring and openly discussing some of the issues. These will be deeply personal and will open yourself to being vulnerable, however, the key is always to be patient and empathetic to their understanding of the world.

“ By responding

Brené Brown

with empathy and compassion, the healing results affect us all.”

A researcher and storyteller who’s spent two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy.

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

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

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AN OPEN EXHIBITION CELEBRATING LGBTQI+ PRIDE

Image: Quilt by Cam Michael