FROM THE EDITOR

FIGHT CLUB FROM T HE EDI T OR

GET OUTTA HERE!

It’s time to pack those holiday bags.

One of the ongoing effects of the covid pandemic has been when and where we take our holidays.

Pre-covid, we in the LGBTQIA+ community were impressive travellers. A DNA readers’ survey discovered that most of you travelled at least once to another country, and twice domestically, in an average (pre-covid) year.

Overwhelmingly, we like to travel to destinations, and go to events, where we know other gays will be. Planning a trip to London, New York or Madrid? It makes sense to go during their Pride festivals. Gay ski weeks were another popular choice. Others planned their trips around sports events like The Gay Games and international gay sports tournaments like The Bingham Cup because they were competing or travelling with a partner.

Covid has disrupted those regular travel patterns. Many of us are still avoiding international travel because of the uncertainty around exit and entry rules into other countries – which seem to still be in f lux. The pandemic has also seen many events simply cancelled or postponed. The Gay Games, for example, were scheduled for this year but have been put back to 2023. Worldwide, most gay ski weeks have been cancelled for the last two years.

This has led to an uptake in domestic travel. Unable to travel overseas in 2020-21, Australians spent more on local trips than international holidays and, without expensive overseas airfares, saved money into the bargain. With some state borders also being closed, regional holiday destinations have been booming – great news for those badly impacted by the 2019 bushfires.

Many off my friends have started ticking off their “backyard bucket lists”. Now is the time to see Uluru, Kakadu or trek The Great Ocean Road. The other positive is that many of our LGBTQIA+ communities have begun hosting their own Pride festivals, no matter how modest – hello Broome! And existing events are flourishing with the support of domestic travellers.

This month, DNA presents 22 Fabulous Aussie Gay-Cations. No matter what state or territory you’re in, there’s something for you. Go hippy in Gembrook at the Gaytimes Festival, get arty in Hobart at Dark MoFo, or just hot and sweaty at a Pride pool party in Darwin. We’ve included the big-ticket events – Mardi Gras in Sydney, Midsumma in Melbourne, Feast in Adelaide, Big Gay Day in Brisbane, and Pride Fest in Perth. But there are a couple of events that deserve special mention…

P&O have announced two Pride Cruises, leaving Sydney and Melbourne, at the end of this year, and a further three Pride Cruises in 2023. This is a fantastic opportunity for Aussies to enjoy an all-LGBTQIA+ cruise without having to trek to the northern hemisphere to board a ship. It’s a long overdue option and the response so far has been outstanding, with tickets selling fast.

Summer Camp is an ambitious local touring festival that kicks off in Darwin and makes its way to Sydney then Melbourne. Its headliners are international queer superstars Years And Years (aka Olly Alexander) from the UK, and New Orleans hip-hop and electronic queen, Big Freedia. They’ll be supported by local darlings Cub Sport, Ladyhawke and The Veronicas, plus Summer Camp drag “counsellors” and a hot line-up of DJs.

If, like many, you are simply not taking holidays at this time, I hope this story and these suggestions help inspire you to start planning. We’ve all been living with a crazy, unprecedented level of stress and uncertainty over the last couple of years. Taking time out, having new experiences and meeting new people is good for the mind, body and soul. Let’s make 2022 a time to explore and discover.

Also in this issue is a time-capsule story taking us back to the ’80s when the world of pop exploded with sexy and political gay bands. We also speak with the Chief Minister of The ACT, the first openly gay Australian state or territory leader. And we catch up with cover star Simon Dunn, P&O Cruises ambassador.

As always, stay safe, be kind and love yourself.

Let’s make 2022 a time to explore and discover.

Andrew Creagh Founding Editor