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culture
Feeling lost? Confused? Need a little advice? Your sister and local drag superstar Veronica Jean Jones is here to give you a helping (or, perhaps not so helpful) hand. I waited until it was 3 months into my new relationship to have sex with my boyfriend but when it came to the big day his big reveal was not so big… How do I break it off without seeming like a size queen? - Looking For More, 32, Midland. You’re not a size queen if you’ve waited 3 months to see that D. I suggest a “size screening” prior to the first date, that way you know what you’re in for. Step 1 to being a size queen is admitting it- why not make your soon-to-be ex your test subject? Is it considered poor form to eat chillis before giving a blow job? Annoyed At My Husband, 42, Baldivis. POOR FORM! That’s like eating garlic then kissing a vampire! Why are you eating chillis by themselves in the first place? I just got messaged on Grindr asking if i’m prepared for anal intercourse tonight… but I had a burrito for dinner last night...what should I reply? Hungover, 18, Swanbourne.
Did you add guac and sour cream to your burrito? if not you should be fine... My milkshake seems to bring a lot of boys to the yard but my girlfriend feels she has land rights to my milk and any other dairy products I produce. What should I do? Concerned about Copyright, 37, Gosnells. Start an ABN and go into a partnership with your girlfriend - Double Income No Kids! I tried to tell my partner that she needed to up her feminine hygiene by using interpretive dance… it didn’t go well. Can you suggest any other methods to get the message across? Sick Of The Stink, 23, Cannington. Google “How to douche your pussy” and send her the link via Facebook Messenger. Alternatively - Take her on a date to Elizabeth Quay and have “You Stink” written in the sky by airplane! If you have any questions about love, sex, life & relationships, our VJJ can answer yours… just send them to editor@outinperth.com Photo credit: Claire Alexander 1 June 1987 George Michael releases I Want Your Sex, the video sparks controversy 5 June 1981 The United States Centre for Disease Control receives the first reports of what would later be identified as HIV/AIDS 12 June 2016 49 people are killed, and 53 injured by a gunman at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida 18 June 1992 Singer Peter Allen died of an AIDS related illness 19 June 2013 ‘gay cure’ proponents Exodus International closed, 24 June 1973 The Upstairs Lounge in New Orleans is attacked by an arsonist, killing 32 people 24 June 1978 53 people are arrested in Sydney during a gay rights march, today that march is the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 25 June 1978 The rainbow flag is flown for the first time 25 June 2011 WA Labor changes policy to support marriage equality 26 June 2015 United States Supreme Court rules in favour of marriage equality 28 June 1969 The Stonewall riots begin, an event seen as a catalyst in the LGBTI rights movement 29 June 2015 homosexuality is decriminalised in Mozambique 30 June 2015 Russian president Vladimir Putin signs bill enacting strict anti-gay laws
Hear the beat of dancing feet
If you’ve been to Connections Nightclub in the past 20 years you’ve probably been sweating on the dance floor while DJ Milly aka Amanda Reynolds provided the tunes. For many of us she’s provided the soundtrack of our youth and many happy memories. Now Milly’s friends are coming together as she takes on the battle of breast cancer. Head down to Connections on Saturday June 17th for a very special night that will raise funds to help Milly through her challenge. If you can’t make it on the night, head to the fundraising page on Chuffed. org and search for ‘There’s Something About Milly’.
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The West Australian Academy of Performing Arts is putting on one of the best musicals of all time. Filled with memorable songs and some spectacular tap dancing this is a show you won’t want to miss. 42nd Street is at The Regal Theatre from 17-24 June and we’ve got five doubles passes up for grabs.
Get ready for some giggles The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is on its way (possibly hitch-hiking) to give Perth one big belly full of laughs. It’ll be taking over His Majesty’s Theatre from 22-24 June and there’s some great comedian on the line up including Bob Franklin (MC), Gillian Cosgriff, Guy Montgomery (NZ), Adam Hess (UK) and Ivan Aristeguieta (VEN). Head to the giveaway page for your chance to win a double pass.
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OUTinPerth
June 2017
3
inside out
How the world has changed, and how it hasn’t This month OUTinPerth celebrates it’s 15th birthday. Our very first issue came out in June 2002 featuring Sydney DJ Kate Monroe on the cover. Looking back over the previous 190 issues that have preceded this one is an adventure in nostalgia. A quick turn to the photo pages in any issue reveals some outrageous haircuts and questionable fashion choices.
That honour by the way is actually held by Octavio Guillan and Adriana Martinez. They finally took the plunge after 67 years in June 1969 in Mexico City. Both were then aged 82. I’m not sure what the greatest casualty of the never-ending marriage equality debate is. Is it the many other important issues in our community that get drowned out by the debate, or the growing level of absurdity as we scrape hard at the bottom of the discussion barrel?
Some community groups have disappeared and others are still going strong, while brand new organisations have risen to fill the voids.
Over the last few weeks the news cycle has been filled with comments from Perth based church leader Margaret Court, who has complained that her right to voice her opinion about LGBTIQA+ people and our families is being silenced.
People who years ago were taking their first steps as community advocates, are now elected representatives walking the corridors of powers, except for The Greens - who I am reliably informed - skip through the corridors of power.
On a succession of television and radio interviews Reverend Court has shared her views with Australia. Views which the large majority of Australia has fairly labeled as balderdash and poppycock.
Our community history reveals a long list of successful campaigns for recognition, and as we enjoy the benefits of rights that people fought long and hard for, it’s almost always impossible to appreciate just how hard people had to fight for them.
Margaret and her ilk would probably say that ‘the silent majority’ support their view. Well, as we mark our 15th birthday let’s just note that the silent majority have been silent for a really long time.
For all of our history, people have been talking about relationships being recognised, and for many years that call has rightly focused on marriage equality. Years ago we published an article describing it as ‘The Long Engagement’, but we never thought we’d be going for a world record.
While the landscape for LGBTI rights in Australia is moving at the pace of a banana slug (seriously that’s the slowest creature in the world, google it, they look just like a banana), the world of media is moving like a peregrine falcon.
Over a decade and a half, OUTinPerth has evolved from a monthly newspaper, where the ink came off in your hands, to a glossy magazine. Five years ago very little was published on our website, today there’s at least 30 articles a week. What was once a fortnightly e-newsletter, now goes out each weekday afternoon. How media is funded is also changing rapidly, no longer can we rely on the world of advertising. Community focussed publications like OUTinPerth will need grants, alternative revenue streams and your support. As we turn 15 we launch two new projects. Firstly a way for you the reader to ensure independent queer voices remain in the media. Head to our Patreon account and you can sign up to make a monthly contribution, we’ve got a stack of rewards to make it worth your while. Secondly we’re pleased to announce the creation of The OUTPost, a collaborative workspace especially for the LGBTIQAA+ community. If you’re looking for an affordable space to work in, whether it be for a day, a week or longer, or a spot for your organisations monthly meeting, maybe our space is what you’re looking for. Thank you for reading OUTinPerth, thank you for being the most important part of our journey. Graeme Watson and Leigh Andrew Hill editor@outinperth.com
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Grab a ticket to our 15th Birthday celebration at Connections on Saturday 10th June. 15 years, 190 issues, an unbelievable amount of coffee consumed.
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Managing Editor: Graeme Watson graeme@outinperth.com Creative and Content Editor: Leigh Andrew Hill leigh@outinperth.com Advertising: sales@outinperth.com Graphic Design:Haze Koelmeyer Contributors: Lezly Herbert, Zac Gower, Clinton Little, Veronica Jean Jones, Bella Broadway, Anthony K J Smith, Kyle Kash, Nikki-Marie Rogers, Terry Larder Photographers: Leigh Andrew Hill, Graeme Watson, Joel Blakeley, Aaron McPolin, Arran Morton Disclaimer: Copyright on contributions to any ads published in OUTinPerth is retained by the author/advertiser respectively. Permission to reprint should be sought via the creative team. The views of this publication are contained in editorials. Opinions expressed in columns or articles are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Publication of the name, image or likeness of anyone herein does not indicate the sexuality or behaviour of that person. Advertisers are advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act. The appearance of any advert/advertorial herein does not imply endorsement by OUTinPerth. Contact Ph: 9227 0360 or 0402 549 811 Web: www.outinperth.com Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram Mail: 3/ 337 Newcastle Street, Northbridge, 6003 Publisher: Speirins Media Pty Ltd Printed By: Fairfax Printing ISSN: 1447-2678 Issue: #191 June 2017. Cover: It’s Not Just Me ( Simon, Jonathan and David.) Photos by Joel Blakeley Secret Message: Why isn’t there a drag queen called Joyce Pieman?
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OUTinPerth
June 2017
The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
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news
Marriage equality push in Rockingham
Margaret Court sees the devil and conspiracies Perth based religious leader Margaret Court has been at the centre of Australia’s long running marriage equality debate for the last fortnight. The founder of pentecostal church Victory Life published an open letter announcing she’d be boycotting QANTAS airlines because of CEO Alan Joyce’s support for marriage equality. Reverend Court then undertook a wide range of media interviews claiming that the religious view on traditional marriage was being silenced. During an interview with Christian station Vision Radio Reverend Court appeared to suggested that with the literature that is available in schools today children would be encouraged to become transgender, and cited poor parenting as a factor in the growing number of transgender youth. “The stuff that’s put out today into children’s minds… If you haven’t got parents that bring you up that way, and you’ve got parents that don’t care… a child can just start to think ‘well maybe I’m a girl when I’m a boy’ or maybe ‘I’m a boy when I’m a girl’”. “If you start to think ‘my Mummy and Daddy think I’m a actually a boy, or they think I’m a girl’, That will affect you whole life.” Reverend Court said. Reverend Court said people had to be aware of how their thoughts affected their behaviour. “You can think ‘Oh, I’m a boy’ and it’ll affect your ‘motions [sic] and feelings and everything else. That’s all the devil.” “That’s what Hitler did, and that what’s communism did, got the minds of the children. It’s a whole plot in our nation and the nations of the world to get the minds of the children.” Reverend Court said. The pastor’s outspoken views on marriage equality and transgender children have been widely condemned with many people arguing it’s problematic to continue to have Court’s name on Melbourne’s Margaret Court Stadium. Prior to founding her church Court had a successful international tennis career, she holds the record for the most Grand Slam wins.
A new campaign in support of marriage equality has emerged in the City of Rockingham, following local government support recently from the councils of Bayswater and Fremantle. Mmerit (Motion for Marriage Equality in Rockingham - It’s Time) co-convenor Jordon Steele-John explains that community support is on the rise. “The Mmerit campaign was kicked off less than a month ago now, with the aim of urging and convincing the City of Rockingham to follow the 50 other local councils across Australia and the local government peak body in supporting a motion for marriage equality.” “This came up because a friend of mine who’s new to the community found an article that Fremantle and Bayswater had recently passed such a motion and she was worried that she might get a bad reaction if she shared it.” “I urged her to share the article because people really do support marriage equality here and she had a wonderful reaction… and someone even tagged a local councillor in the post. He expressed concern that it wasn’t a local government issue, and although he supported marriage equality he didn’t believe it was something a local government should do.” “I was keen to get involved because when she was worried about sharing the article, what was really being said was ‘Do I belong in this community? Am I welcome? and having lived in Rocko for several years, I absolutely believe that the community does and if you’re an LGBTI resident and you live in a local government that hasn’t passed one of these motions, you deserve to know that the community through your local government - support you.” Steele-John says the campaign is an opportunity for councils to promote community inclusion and tell LGBTQIA+ people they belong in their city or town, and implores Rockingham residents to get involved. “You can contact us through our Facebook page (Mmerit) and if you live in the city you can send us a picture with one of our signs to share on social media, we’ve had a wonderful community reaction that way. “You can also sign our petition online and if you are a resident, we really need people to email their councillors and let them know you are supportive of this issue. We’ve gone out to the community and taken our petition around and we’ve gathered nearly 500 signatures… so the community reaction from locals and local businesses has been overwhelming.” Steele-John urges those who don’t live in the City of Fremantle, Bayswater, Vincent or the Town of Port Hedland to contact their local councillor and make their voice heard on marriage equality. Leigh Andrew Hill
Reverend Court later told Melbourne radio station 3AW that the marriage equality lobby was funded by Americans and criticism of her was part of a conspiracy.
Joyce pie man in court The man charged over the incident involving Alan Joyce and a lemon meringue pie has briefly appeared in court. Sixty seven year old Tony Overheu appeared in Perth’s magistrate court on Wednesday 7 June charged with common assault, trespass and damage. It is alleged that he hid behind a stage at a business breakfast and waited until QANTAS boss Alan Joyce delivered a speech. He then took to the stage and pressed a pie into the CEO’s face. The charges were read to the defendant but he was not required to enter a plea. The case was adjourned until next month. In media interviews Overheu has said that he took the action in protest of corporate organisations like QANTAS promoting marriage equality. Following the incident Overheu was given a lifetime ban by QANTAS and their affiliate airlines.
Man charged over ACL explosion The man accused of causing an explosion in front of the Canberra headquarters of the Australian Christian Lobby has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty. Jaden Duong, 36, has been charged with causing arson and damage after he allegedly blew up gas cylinders in front of the building destroying the van and causing extensive damage to the building and car park. Duong, who was badly burned in the incident, has pleased not guilty on the grounds of mental impairment. The accused did not make an appearance in court on Wednesday 7 June, but was represented by his lawyers. The case will return to court in August. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin told a Senate estimates hearing in February that police believed Duong’s primary motivation was suicide, not political action against the ACL.
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OUTinPerth
June 2017
world Malaysian government competition under fire MALAYSIA
Indonesia creates task force to stamp out ‘gay parties’ INDONESIA
The Malaysian government has been criticised by LGBT advocates after it launched a competition encouraging people to create videos promoting ways to avoid becoming gay or transgender. The competition has been welcomed by local non-profit group Pertubuhan Ikatan Pengamal Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan Muslim Malaysia (I-Medik), which argues that LGBT people are responsible Malaysia‘s increasing levels of HIV/AIDS. Local LGBT rights activists argue the move creates discrimination and stigma.
A police chief in West Java as set up a dedicated task force to tackle ‘secret gay parties’. West Java police chief Anton Charliyan told reporters that LGBT people suffered a “disease of the body and soul,” as he confirmed that his new anti-LGBT taskforce would include intelligence specialists focused on disrupting “secret parties.” Charliyan said LGBT people would not be accepted in West Javanese society. Homosexuality is legal in Indonesia with the exception of the province of Aceh.
Israeli teachers told to report gay sex between students, even though it’s not illegal. ISRAEL Teachers in Israel are being reportedly being told that they must report consensual gay sex that occurs between students, even when the students are above the age of consent. Civil rights advocates have called on the Ministry of Education to update their policies to be in line with the laws. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has petitioned Education Ministry Director Shmuel Abuhab to take action. The age of consent in Israel is 16.
Leo Varadkar to become Prime Minister of Ireland
Aspiring British politican suggests tap water makes people gay UK During the UK’s general election campaign Susan King, the Liberal Democrat’s candidate for the seat of Telford in Shropshire shared her views on what makes people same sex attracted, blaming hormones in the drinking water. “There are a lot of feminising hormones getting into the environment and that has to be taken into consideration. It’s affecting people’s sexuality basically.” King said. The aspiring MP said people were free to be gay if they wanted to, but she’s blaming the tap water.
IRELAND
Madrid gets same sex crosswalks for World Pride
Leo Varadkar has been elected as the leader of ruling Irish political party Fine Gael, and will take over as Irish Prime Minister following the resignation of current PM Enda Kenny. Varadkar will be the country’s first Prime Minister who has publicly shared that they are same-sex attracted. “If my election today shows anything, it is that prejudice has no hold in this Republic,” Varadkar said following the announcement of his success. The conservative politician was at the forefront of Ireland’s successful campaign for marriage equality.
Madrid will receive some traffic lights depicting same-sex couples as part of the city’s Pride festivities this month. The World Pride Festival is being held in Madrid from 23 June until 2 July, the event’s expected to bring a huge influx of visitors to the Spanish city. The pride parade which is the highlight of the festival is expected to attract over 3 million people. Seventy two crosswalk lights will be transformed to gay and lesbian couples during the festival, and the city is also considering putting in some rainbow cross walks.
MADRID
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OUTinPerth
June 2017
7
It might be a while before Kylie Minogue is back playing live shows, so in the meantime the next best thing is coming to town. Tribute act 100% Kylie is playing Crown Theatre on Saturday June 10th and we had a quick chat with Lucy Holmes the singer who dons the famous hot pants. For 15 years Lucy has toured the world and entertained audiences with her faithful recreations of Kylie’s show, her performances have even got the tick of approval from Kylie herself. As part of the USA’s Pride month celebrations Taylor Dayne wrote a love letter to the LGBT community thanking us for our support of her career. Published in Billboard magazine, the letter outlines how queer people got behind the singer from her very first release. Later this year Taylor will mark the 30th anniversary of her first single Tell it to my Heart, and she tells OUTinPerth that none of it would have happened without gay clubs giving her support and queer people shaping her look. “I’m in the distinction business, “ Taylor said, “My voice is incredibly distinctive, and that’s the business I’m in.” but the singer said it wasn’t until she started working with make-up artists and hair stylists that she got a distinctive look. “They saw in me, things in me that I didn’t see in myself. ‘Put this hair’ and ‘do this’, and ‘do that’, ‘this make-up’”. Taylor said it helped her take more risks and helped her feel beautiful, “and they love their creation, let me tell you.” she laughed. To mark three decades in the business Taylor will releasing her autobiography and have a new album of music to share with fans.
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OUTinPerth
June 2017
The first step in her new journey began last year when she delivered a TED talk when she spoke about finding your voice. While the video of her talk has been a huge success, Taylor says agreeing to deliver one of the high profile speeches was a daunting experience. “It’s a very daunting, time consuming, very long process and it came on the heels of me starting to write my memoir.” Taylor said she had to shift her mindset to transfer what she was talking about into a spoken word performance, and it took months of preparation. In her TED talk Taylor jokes that despite almost every song she’s had a hit with containing the word’s ‘love’ or ‘heart’, she’s never been married. She rattles off the song titles ‘Tell it to My Heart’, ‘With Every Beat of my Heart’, ‘Love Will Lead You Back’, ‘Prove Your Love’, ‘Can’t Get Enough of Your Love’ and “I’ll Always Love You”. Fans will get the chance to see Taylor Dayne perform live when she visits Perth in November as part of the ‘80s Mania tour alongside Cutting Crew, Wang Chung and Go West. Graeme Watson
“She actually sent a film crew to film our show for her.” Lucy said, noting that ever since then Minogue has been one of the shows biggest supporters often tweeting about the tribute show and sending messages of support. Lucy said there was a special mix of ingredients needed to successfully emulate the singer. “It’s a combination of having the right amount of glitter, the right amount of feathers and the right mix of being sweet and a little bit coy. It’s a lot of fun” Lucy said. Recreating all of Kylie’s famous costumes is one of Lucy’s favourite part of the production process, and she admits when she sees the singer debut a new number on tour she’s eye-balling the outfits. “I love it when she does a new tour and we get to see the new costumes, my favourite part of the experience is dressing up.” “Its great to see what the audience loves, especially during the show, and then after the show you see what people post...and you can pretty much work out what the greatest moment of the show was, and that’s what we aim to recreate.” Lucy said. When it comes to choosing a favourite Kylie tune to perform Lucy nominates Better the Devil the Know. During the show the team perform the tune as Kylie did on her Aphrodite tour turning it into a big Brazilian samba. 100% Kylie’s Greatest Hits tour is at Crown Theatre on Saturday June 10th.
feature
The teachers sipped sugar-laden coffee in their first-floor common room. It had the best vantage point of the school assembly yard and yet their cold indifference to the fights that took place in the quad was disturbing; for Glen was openly gay and was the constant target of the school kids wolf-pack brutality. Many a time I came to his aid and I too bore the brunt of closed fists and punches, such was the fear and hatred of difference. The time was 1969; the school, Crow’s Nest Boys High School in Sydney. 16,000 kilometres away in Greenwich Village, New York City the same parallels were being played out. It was illegal to be gay; there were no protections under the law. Stonewall Inn was no Hilton. It had no air-conditioning; glasses were rinsed out in cold water barrels but it was a safe sanctuary where gay men and women could gather and one of the few bars in NYC where men could dance with men. Run by the Mafia, Stonewall did not have a liquor licence and was a frequent target of police brutality towards its patrons. Sydney in the 1960s was no different; the Bottom’s Up Bar at the Rex Hotel, in Kings Cross was also a target, as police would regularly go there to ‘rough up the queens’, in
a city and a time when poofter bashing was considered a rite of passage for some. The same was happening in Greenwich Village. In accordance with the NYC State law, you could be arrested at any time for not wearing three articles of genderappropriate clothing. This law made the drag queen a principal target and many were beaten up and arrested. It was a ticking time bomb! In the early hours of Saturday, 28 June 1969, nine policemen raided Stonewall. Patrons were roughed up and many refused to show ID. They were marshalled outside to be taken away in cop cars, only this time things did not go the way it had before. Fierce resistance particularly from trans women and drag queens, who famously they did a Rockette-inspired chorus line, singing; ‘We are the Stonewall girls, we wear our hair in curls, we wear our dungarees, above our Nellie knees.’ Infuriated, the cops attacked them with their fists and batons. The crowd also witnessed a lesbian who was handcuffed and being ‘roughed up’ by the cops, but when she yelled ‘Aren’t you going to do something?’, that’s when the crowd started to riot, overturning police cars and throwing bottles and debris. Police reinforcements were called and the nine
officers barricaded themselves in the bar as a crowd now numbering around 400 rioted. The police barricade was continually breached and the bar was set alight. More riot police were assigned and put out the fire. As dawn approached, the crowd dispersed. Jerry Hoose, founding member of the US Gay Liberation Front and Stonewall rioter remarked “In one year, we went from a bunch of hidden people who fought back in the dark, to being thousands of people marching in the sunlight to Central Park, on the first USA Gay Pride parade”. To help promote the 1978 National Homosexual Conference, the Gay Solidarity Group organised the first march in Sydney, on Saturday 24th June at 10pm. Stonewall and Sydney were now linked, both survivors of police brutality. Last year, the NSW Government and NSW Police publicly apologised to the participants of Sydney’s first gay rights march (78ers); and in that same year, former President Obama declared that Stonewall Inn be America’s first National Monument dedicated to LGBTI+ rights. Terry Larder
Two Years On: We Have No Champion On June 26th, 2015 I was climbing the steps of my West 28th Street subway stop on the 1 Line in New York City, ready for another day at Stella Adler’s Studio of Acting. I loved the flood of warm light mixed with summer morning breeze that I’d be hit with while exiting the station, and the waft of all the flowers from the city market gardens in the Chelsea area. Only a few weeks earlier and a smattering of blocks down I had celebrated my 24th birthday in Greenwich Village at the legendary Stonewall Inn – the uterus of LGBTI+ rights. My phone buzzed with an ABC News update as I surfaced back into reception, filling me with an immense surge of joy and pride: The Supreme Court of the United States had abolished DOMA in the Obergefell v. Hodges case in a 5-4 decision declaring that the U.S constitution supported same-sex couples the right to marry. Uniting America as a nation that, as conservative Justice Kennedy put it, gives these couples “legal dignity in the eyes of the law”. I reached into the pocket of my bag and attached the HRC rainbow equality wristbands I purchased in Morganstown, D.C only two years earlier. That day I finally felt the shroud of second-class citizen begin to wear off. It’s been two years since the White House and Empire State building were lit up in rainbows just like our Facebook profiles. Orange is the new black in the oval office and down under instead of Peter Bonsall-Boone
celebrating the marriage he spent his life fighting for he lies six feet under whilst we ogle at which airline Margaret Court refuses to fly. In the first year of marriage equality in the U.S LGBTI+ marriages increased by 22% and then by 3% since, a surge and drop expected with a decidedly young LGBTI+ population. Despite the event of Trump becoming President, American’s are increasingly approving of samesex marriage with the population in favour at 64%. 47% of the Republican house also approve of marriage equality, the highest in GOP history. 760 million people belong to 23 countries that support marriage equality, including Taiwan and Bermuda. If you live in Australia, you are still not one of them. In response to the SCOTUS decision backlash attempts are at best trying to undermine the ruling with religious liberty bills. However, Justice Kennedy, conservative but liberal on LGBTI+ rights, has yet to retire and it is speculated other Justices are delaying cases until he is gone. The mayor of Greenville, Mississippi, has called failed measures introduced by anti-LGBTI+ legislation and bathroom-bills to be worse than the Jim Crow era for civil rights. This is a boon and a bane: in America the tides have turned in favour of the LGBTI+ community, but they must be vigilant to ensure protections remain.
In Australia, we will have no champion from the political class for marriage equality. With every death from our community that went unwed and unfulfilled in their human right for dignity under the law, political inaction lies redhanded. We will win marriage equality here but we will not be used as political pawns for any party on this issue. To treat us like scouring pads is base and vile and we have seen too many young people commit suicide in response to repeated and reinforced actions against the community in which they belong: The Australian LGBTI+ community. If politicians are ever to champion us again they will have to help us fight beyond marriage equality, they will have to help us combat discrimination, homelessness and suicide rates. They will have to take on the ugly truth of what it means to be part of our community. Kyle Kash
OUTinPerth
June 2017
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health
The Future of HIV Leadership Ren Adams is an openly HIV positive gay man who is the founding Chair of the new Positive Organisation Western Australia (POWA). Living with HIV for 16 years, with an array of skills including strategic communications, Government, and consultancy work, and having recently completed a retreat with the Positive Leadership Development Institute (PLDI), Ren is a powerhouse of enthusiasm, passion, and confidence. I sat down with Ren to discuss his vision for the future of leadership in the HIV sector. Can you tell me about yourself? Who are you? And what’s your relationship to HIV? I’m Perth born and bred. I moved to Melbourne when I was in my mid-twenties, around 19-20 years ago. I really kind of felt that Perth was a bit small for me at the time, and I needed something more. Melbourne opened up a whole new world for me – it made me feel like I was part of something bigger. Along the way, I fell in love with a beautiful man and we had a whirlwind romance. About 16 years ago I became HIV positive. I was diagnosed when I was on a working holiday in London, and I became involved in a clinical trial at St. Mary’s hospital there. This was back in the days when we were using early drugs like AZT, Saquinavir and DDI… and while they were relatively effective they did have some pretty severe side effects. The clinical trial was one of the first trials trying to understand the benefits of getting people recently diagnosed with HIV straight onto medication, as it was theorised that there would be better outcomes for people’s health later on which we now know is true. In retrospect, I’m very proud to know that I was involved in contributing to our current understanding and knowledge about HIV. I don’t have any shame or regret about being HIV positive, it’s something that I live with day to day, and while it was very difficult in the early days, I had a partner to support me through that so I was very lucky in that respect. I feel like a regular person who happens to have HIV, and I don’t really define myself as a HIV-positive person - I‘m the person, not the virus. However, I think it’s a really powerful and unique perspective to be HIV positive and it really assists me in advocating for people with HIV. The lived experience is really important and it’s something that can’t be replaced. Although I told myself I would never move back to Perth, the community, connection, vibrancy, and natural beauty of WA drew me back here about 2 years ago. Right from the outset I decided I wanted to get involved in the HIV sector. I had been thinking about it for a long time, and although back in Melbourne I was a member of Living Positive Victoria, I hadn’t really involved myself directly, so I started volunteering with the WA AIDS Council (WAAC) and very quickly decided that I wanted to do more. I was elected deputy chair of WAAC in September last year, which was a fantastic experience, and where I started to feel like a real leader in the HIV sector. I recently resigned from WAAC in order to take up the role as Chair of Positive Organisation Western Australia (POWA), which is the only dedicated peer-led HIV organisation in WA. It’s really exciting, and I’m very inspired, although we’ve got a lot of work to do! You spoke about the importance of lived experience – is that what made you want to start taking a leadership role in this area? Yeah, I think I’ve always had an interest in giving back to the community, going back to social research I’ve been involved with,
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as well as work that I did with the Government, particularly in areas around social services such as family relationships, child protection, and social housing. I now work as a consultant, currently with a workplace rehabilitation provider in Perth. I think I have a natural tendency to want to support vulnerable people. And I guess living with HIV and having supported some people who have become HIV positive over the years, I kind of realised we needed more peer-led support and it was something I wanted to do. So yeah, absolutely, the lived experience has made me want to be involved. What challenges do you see emerging in Australia’s HIV response in the next 5 years? What role can clear leadership provide? I think some of the main challenges are still stigma, discrimination, and criminalisation of HIV. This includes both internalised stigma for people living with HIV and stigma against people living with HIV. I think they’re massive problems and we are not really making strong inroads towards tackling and overcoming those issues. I think it’s stigma and discrimination that prevents open discussion about HIV. When you mention HIV to people these days there are some people who are very comfortable and open in that discussion. But others don’t know how to deal with it, and it’s because of this stigma. HIV can be this kind of untouchable topic, which I think is a real problem, particularly in high risk groups like men who have sex with men, but also in the general population – people who have sex need to be able to talk about HIV, they need to know the facts about HIV, it can’t be a taboo topic. Making it taboo prevents people from getting tested, they’re scared to know, they don’t want to be seen testing, and they’re afraid to ask their doctor for a HIV test. Everyone has a status and people should know their status by getting a test. We know that people living with HIV these days who are on medications and maintain an undetectable viral load are the safest people around in terms of HIV transmission they can’t pass it on. Undetectable is Untransmittable, or U=U. It’s really important that we get that message out there and educate the broader public about what it means to be HIV positive, and ensure that more people get tested. I also think that Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a really important part of this mix. PrEP is a preventative tool for people who are HIV negative that prevents them from becoming HIV positive. I think the greater uptake of PrEP is an absolute priority for WA, and for the country in general. At last we are getting a PrEP trial in WA which has taken a lot longer than most of the community had hoped. It is planned to be available in July this year and I hope to see that happen. The 2000 places that are going to be made available in the trial – where the medication is fully funded by the trial - will go a long way to preventing new infections, and rolling that out to the right people, including regional and remote participants, which is a challenge in a big state like WA, is a really crucial aspect of it. Access to PrEP, getting PrEP on the PBS so that it’s readily available
to more people in Australia is vital in actually reaching an end to this epidemic. I understand that you don’t represent all people living with HIV, but you would have a greater sense people’s attitudes in the PLHIV community - what’s the general vibe around PrEP from the perspectives of people living with HIV? Huge support. While people living with HIV like me who are undetectable can’t pass it onto anyone else – it doesn’t matter if I have sex with someone and they’re on PrEP, we’re protected from my undetectable status - but I think it’s the peace of mind for people. It’s also about having that broader discussion about HIV and what it means and the fact that it is still prevalent in our community. We have 20 new infections in Australia every week, and it’s something that’s a reality. It’s not going away, and rates of infection have not reduced in the last decade or so. Community members that I’ve spoken to understand that it’s a major tool to prevent new HIV transmissions, and that it will prevent that fear of HIV for a lot of people. Through ongoing discussions with doctors, health professionals, people living with HIV, and people on PrEP, I think it’s really going to contribute to lessening the discrimination and stigma towards people living with HIV. So, it’s a really, really important tool. It’s also important to note that it’s not just about one agency doing it, and this is one of the things I think that is really good about the trial: it’s a partnership, and while it’s being led by WAAC, it’s not possible without other partners. The trial will rely on getting the word out there, and it’s going to be a collaborative approach, which is vital to tackling the epidemic. What do you think it means to be an effective leader? Leaders all have different strengths, skills, attributes, and approaches. Leaders can take many different forms – it’s about trying to identify what your strengths are and where you’re best placed as a leader, and then taking on the skills and opinions of others. I think leadership is by example and by being open to other ideas. I’ve worked with some really amazing people over the years, and it’s those leaders that lead by example and allow others to thrive that really make a difference. That’s certainly what I hope to bring to the PLHIV community in WA through POWA. For more information on Positive Organisation Western Australia, please contact Ren on 0422 146 680. You can read more of this interview at OUTinPerth.com Anthony K J Smith
health
The idea of including Lived Experience/Peer Perspectives (LEPP) in formal mental health care supports has grown in popularity in recent times. The benefits for the person being supported include reduced isolation, a developed sense of empowerment and the chance to create real connections with people who may have had experiences similar to their own. There is a particular type of safe space that can only be created by a peer exchange which can help people to express what they may be thinking and feeling. Peers volunteering or working in formal LGBTIQ+ support report that the satisfaction they gain from working in these spaces, far outshines that of any other role. The positivity of this exchange is dependent not only on the peer and the person that they are engaging with, but also on a complex and thorough system of supports to ensure that the peer is safely supported and that both parties have an experience that helps them grow. These amazing humans are often volunteering their time, energy and selves to help support LGBTIQ+ people. But formal supports are not the only type of peer exchanges that we see in the queer community. Hands up if you’re reading this and have “accidentally” been providing informal queer peer support. For those of you with your hand still by your side, let me clarify what I mean. Have you ever; spent till all hours of the morning listening on the phone to an LGBTIQ+ friend, been asked for advice by a newly out or recently exploring LGBTIQ+ person, let someone stay on your couch for the night (or a lot longer) because you knew they couldn’t go home, stood up for someone when you have witnessed trans/bi/homo phobia and they weren’t able to stand up for themselves, told an a LGBTIQ+ person you’re coming out story/first relationship/ dating stories/how you have dealt with an incident of discrimination, or generally shared details that are connected to your experiences of your sex, sexuality or gender identity- because you know it would help someone feel better? If you answered yes to any of these then you may just be an “accidental queer peer”. These are the informal helping situations that most LGBTIQ+ people find ourselves in weekly, sometimes daily. Finding that traditional supports, family and non LGBTIQ+ friends are not always places of safety or informed advice, many LGBTIQ+ people turn to our queer tribe in ways that far surpass traditional friendship. Sharing knowledge, wisdoms and helping build the resilience of our community is something that LGBTIQ+ people have always seemed to do. Pooling our resources and helping each other shine our armour as protection from the outside world. These informal peer support spaces can be life altering, life changing and sometimes even life saving.
Some of the challenges of providing informal peer support in the LGBTIQ+ community include; · Triggers and identifying too closely with the experiences of others · Emotional exhaustion, burnout and compassion fatigue · Unrealistic expectations that may have come from intense connection · Dependence on you (or by you) as being seen as “the only one who understands” · Maintaining confidentiality. Especially in a small-ish community and when you are talking about a group of people who may have complex history and many connections to one another So what can we do to respond to these challenges? · Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries: Establish safe sharing, what you will tell others depending who they may be and set firm boundaries of what you will and will not do when it comes to helping others · Debrief: without betraying confidentiality, find ways to download. If you have a counselor you could talk to them, if not you could contact the friendly folk at QLife (or any other free mental health service). Don’t let the worries of others take up all the space in your brain. · Set up some self care systems: Self Care is made up of all the intentional things we do that make us feel good. Practicing self care helps us restore our health, reduces stress and increases our resilience and general wellbeing · Know how when and where to refer: Find out what all the amazing local LGBTIQ+ services, groups and resources are and use them. Remember; you don’t always need to solve everything. Sometimes you can make the most difference by listening and then helping guide someone to the support they need. Finally… learn to say no! Sometimes your own health and wellbeing needs to take priority and you won’t able to give the support to someone that you would like to. This is ok. It doesn’t mean you don’t care, it just means that you know that at this minute you are not the right person to give them what they need right now. As we look after one another, make sure we take some time to look after ourselves. Thank you to all the “accidental queer peers” past, present and future. Bella Broadway
I am proud to be part of a culture in which I have benefitted from both providing and receiving peer support and mentoring, but I also know that this exchange can come at personal cost. As with formal settings, we need to set up a similar system of support structures to ensure the givers in our community do not give at their own cost.
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people
Gay women universally, are predominantly represented in the media and through popular perception by the butch, more masculine, “blue” women. The handsome beauties are stereotypically the image that comes to mind when the majority visualise the lesbian community. Nikki-Marie Rogers, of Perth, has longed to represent another side of the lesbian community, the women who are slowly becoming more recognised but remain an urban myth to most. “The intent was to source a group of the most feminine lesbians in Perth to present to the public, and provide them with a fresh visual of the women comprising the lesbian community.” The photoshoot involves five of Perths most femme “pinks”, including a burlesque dancer, private investigator and body artist herself, Nikki-Marie. The vision was to make a statement, to focus largely on just how feminine women of the LGBTIQ+ community can be, to show the general public that gay women are of all looks, both masculine and also extremely feminine and to not remain stagnant in the long withstanding stereotypes. Rogers’ goal was to broaden the perception of what a lesbian looks like in 2017. “All huddled together, the images are a tastefully sexy and empowering image of women universally. Glamorous hair, makeup and lingerie all assisted in highlighting the more feminine appearance,” Rogers describes the imagery. “Finding femme lesbians to be involved was no issue and all who participated felt strongly about the overall vision, wanting to make a stand for themselves.” “Where previous generations of gay women may have felt more of a need to identify themselves with a masculine appearance, the lesbians of our era are not confined to the constructs of society.” It is the hope of Nikki and her West Coast honeys that the lesbian community continues to thrive in its diversity and that young women still finding their feet, never feel a need to alter their appearance to conform to any societal expectations, of what a gay woman looks like.
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Back Left: ALEX TURRELL Back Right: NIKKI-MARIE ROGERS Front Left: MADDI FOSTER Middle: MADAILEIN DONNELLY Front Right: LOUISA WALLENBURG Photographer: Aaron McPolin Makeup: Shannon Murphy Hair: Liam Thompson
film
A documentary exploring the lives of four Perth based trans men will be making its debut at this year’s Revelation Film Festival. Director Jonathan Messer, who is currently completing his PhD at WAAPA, followed the lives of four very different young men who were willing to share their lives and stories with the world for his latest work It’s Not Just Me. The Western Australian Director sat down with OUTinPerth to explain how the film came to fruition, and why visibility for trans men is so important. “Initially I was going to follow a man’s journey to becoming a woman but when I was undertaking my literature review I realised that there’s no trans men in popular culture, you don’t see them, and I couldn’t work out why that was. In film, we’ve only really got Boys Don’t Cry and there was an Australian film called 52 Tuesdays but the trans character was incidental… so I wanted to explore why trans men were invisible in popular culture but also why trans women are treated as a spectacle by comparison.” Messer explains his basic concept was to follow a trans man’s journey from their first injection to a year later and see what effect in had on their lives, until he was approached by his four stars; Simon, David, Max and Logan. “Logan had a GoPro camera so we decided he could film his own story. What I found interesting by giving Logan the camera was not only that he could tell his own story and defy expectations of the male gaze.” Messer said that while each of the four stars of the film identify as trans men, that is where most of their similarities end. “One couple begun their relationship as lesbians, then one partner transitioned… and their relationship became heterosexual. I think for a lot of people its very difficult to lose your queer identity because your sexuality and your gender can be so tied together… but when your partner transitions, you’re forced to “transition” in your mindset. “In another story, they begin in a heterosexual relationship and his partner found it very difficult to transition into a homosexual relationship because he never saw himself as gay, he lived as a straight man. Messer said he was surprised to find not one, but four people who were willing to share such intimate details of their lives. “I’m really thankful that the guys shared their stories with me but it’s about agency, it’s not my film, it’s their film. I ask a lot of questions but they got final edit, two edits each. They all sat down together and watched the film and made final decisions together. I worked with an editor who was also taking notes from the guys so that everyone felt their story was represented truthfully, faithfully and that nothing was manipulated. There are so many transphobic people in the
world and I couldn’t have asked for better participants and these guys have just shared everything.” Messer says he hopes to contribute to greater trans visibility for trans people who identify as male, after noticing a remarkable absence from popular culture. “Trans visibility is so important, especially male visibility. I think the reason we don’t see trans guys in popular culture is because it’s easier to “go stealth”. They may not mean to, they just happen to “pass” and so they disappear.” “One of the guys, he said to me that as he was growing up he always felt like he was in drag then suddenly when he was able to live as a man he felt released, and that for me was really interesting. I knew there was a shift, but it was so much more profound and a lot more deep than I could imagine.”
My whole teenage life I wore men’s cologne or deodorant. I’ve always gone about wanting to use items labelled as “MAN” because that’s what I’ve always known I am! I guess it was a little frowned upon at the start because I wasn’t being the individual people perceived me to be… but once I started to smell like a man and hair was appearing on my body I thought, Finally! It may sound silly to some people but it really made me feel so confident. It’s Not Just Me debuts at Revelation Film Festival, which runs from July 6th - 19th. For screening times and more information, head to revelationfilmfest.org Leigh Andrew Hill Photo credit: Joel Blakeley
David, who shares his story in the documentary, told OUTinPerth he approached Jonathan about the film after noticing a disparity between wider understanding of trans women and trans men. “When I first came out, before I started medically transitioning, I was very open about it because I realised that no one knew anything about trans men. It was such a foreign concept for so many who asked “why don’t you want to be a girl?” “When it came time to have my first injection someone told me there was a guy who was looking to do a documentary on trans men but couldn’t find us, I thought it was a great opportunity to help someone else out! David explains that he thinks trans women appear in the media more often because they are more likely to align with societal expectations of beauty. “They see an image of a trans woman as a tall, gorgeous being and look at the transformation and say ‘wow look at them now!’ meanwhile, when it comes to trans men, the question is always ‘why do you want to leave femininity behind?’ or ‘why do you want to be manly?’ and quite often people get so confused about that… Simon, whose story is also featured, said he wanted to be a part of the film to help others. “From quite a young age I always knew that I needed to transition, that I needed to be true to myself. I thought it was something that couldn’t happen in reality though, I thought it just wasn’t possible. When I realised it was possible I wanted to share my story so that people similar to me would have a little bit of hope. If my story could help even one individual I’d be happy with that. Simon shares that it’s the little things, like noticing a change in body odour that really surprised him in his journey.
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ION ois T A N G - D R A a r ve s t D u B h t 6 1 J u n e e ( N T ) , H g u est a re y a d i r F tchm l suprise u D yo u a D o n n d a s p e c i a n s t o s h ow g io an ra ( WA ) n g C o n n e c t N a t i o n a l D h i t t i t m a ke s a n n e r ! w h a C o m p Wi 1 7 t h T M I L LY e n u J day NG ABOU ted to S a t u rE T H I y a re i nv i u t M i l l y ’ M O S Abo amil E'S T H E Ri e n d s a n d fS o m e t h i ntgo s u p p o r te s Fr T h e r e’s ve n t e c h a l l e n g e ‘ g d n i n s i a t t e a f u n d ra e e d a s s h o n . H YS C T n d E n a K di he EV U E - DR S R t s a frien cancer E 1 L 2 L L MsAo n a t y June A a S d s A e We d n h - D IsVe l l o u t s e a! t 4 2 e y J u ne ! Af t e r a S a r e b a c k a d r u t Sa d e l h e D I VA A & s d a r 3 e 2 E M I N E M d Pe r t h t n u J y Fr i d a S t a r i n g Fr i n g e Wo r l F BA L L S H ! ! H C T O O Fm A I D C W I I S N I A AW d t h i s t i e 1 st n ig ht! W K y l u t J s 1 n ay he J u l y 2a r e b a c k at c u t e ! y S a t u redn d e r f o r t a d i Fr g O O Fe p l a y i n g i D F O Sw i t c h PO t h ey ' r ect "Conn
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Get YA Words Out! A new initiative has emerged in Australia, helping to amplify the voices of young LGBTQIA+ writers and authors.
Own Voices is a movement to support writers who identify in the same way as their main character/s. In terms of Get YA Words Out, this means highlighting, supporting, and encouraging Queer writers who are writing Queer characters, and recognising that these are more important stories than Queer stories written by non-Queer authors.
Get YA Words Out is a new platform for up-and-coming queer authors and readers to come together and carve a space where our own words can be read, and our #OwnVoices can be heard. We caught up with the mind behind the movement, Stacey Malacari, to find out more about the project.
It basically calls for people to stop taking up space that is not rightfully theirs. Own Voices is an incredibly powerful movement that extends across multiple genres, forms of art and minority groups. It’s about giving power back to those groups who have been historically silenced, censored and spoken for by the patriarchal majority.
Tell us what the project is all about! Get YA Words Out is a platform supporting the writing, reading and publishing of Australian Queer Young Adult fiction (Australian in this case includes Australian authors based overseas).
What inspired you to start Get YA Words Out?
Our primary goal is to create a better environment for Queer (LGBTQIA+) writers, in terms of representation, visibility and recognition. This entails finding and creating safe spaces for Queer writers, bridging the gap of privilege between non-Queer and Queer writers and building up confidence in emerging writers. We do this through workshops, mentorships, and connecting emerging writers with editors and publishers.
The motivation for Get YA Words Out was two-fold. Firstly, I was at the time slogging through my second draft of an AusQueerYA novel (which is now near completion), and found it incredibly frustrating trying to find a network of support, information about Queer-friendly publication options and advice for writing Queer stories written by Queer people. After many hours spent trawling the net for information, I figured it was only right to share what I’d learnt with other writers out there who were struggling like I was.
The project also aims to create an understanding amongst nonQueer authors publishing Queer books/characters about how to respectfully and authentically do that. We do this by publishing articles on topics such as sex, gender identity and Queer culture, and critically analysing novels, rather than just reviewing them.
Secondly, I am tired of seeing non-Queer authors being celebrated for adding ‘diversity’ to their novels, for being ‘daring’ and ‘brave’ for writing a Queer novel, while Queer writers are told their stories are ‘too gay’ or ‘too political’ and therefor denied publication. I am tired of seeing Queer writers lose out on grants, literary prizes, speaking opportunities and residencies because they are being judged on their sexuality and not their artistic merit.
Tell us about how it ties in to #AusQueerYA and OwnVoices. AusQueerYA is the main hashtag for our industry. It stands for Australian Queer (LGBTQIA+) Young Adult fiction. It was created to help readers find books with Queer characters (While AusQueerYA is used to mark YA books with secondary Queer characters too, Get YA Words Out only recognises Queer main characters).
It takes so much emotional labour to defend yourself day in and day out, so I wanted to take that weight off the backs of my fellow writers and make a stand. There is a massive problem of heteronormative privilege in the Australian literary world and the
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aim of this project is to tear it down, piece by piece, until Queer writers are afforded the respect and opportunities that non-Queer authors are. All of my Queer friends, swimming against the current in their myriad of ways. Will Kostakis, who manages to retain his humour even after facing such blatant homophobia in his professional career. Every Queer artist, activist and human being who gets up every morning and does their thing, despite how incredibly hard it is sometimes just to make it through the day. Why do you think writing is an important tool for expression (especially in the LGBTIQ+ community)? Being Queer is often associated with invisibility, with hiding ourselves away, staying in the closet or denying our identities completely. Writing is an important way not only for people to express themselves, but for readers to see they are not alone. Get YA Words Out is focused on Young Adult literature, because this is such a vital time in the development of our identities. For young adults to see themselves in stories, to have their identities recognised and normalised is the most important outcome of this project. For more information on Get YA Words Out visit getyawordsout.com, and follow on Instagram @ getyawordsout, Twitter@getyawordsout & Facebook at Get YA Words Out. The team welcome submissions of fiction and non-fiction work by Queer writers at all times, so check their website for details and get writing! Read more of this interview at OUTinPerth.com Leigh Andrew Hill
The OUTPost a collaborative workspace www. outinperth.com OUTinPerth
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so much more well known online and people might have seen my other work because of Overwatch. Ravassa: Well no it’s not like that on the street yet for me, it’s been promoted that Sombra’s coming. With over 30 million users the level of fandom that Overwatch has generated can be put into perspective like this; if it were the 1990’s the characters in the game would be all conquering super powered Spice Girls. Since its 2016 release it’s become an online phenomenon with more depth than its simple shoot ‘em up premise would have you suspect - becoming the biggest franchise to include LGBTIQ+ characters in the video gaming world. Two of the actors who give voice to the characters Symmetra and Sombra spoke to OUTinPerth. Anjali Bhimani and Carolina Ravassa have been successful working actors for many years. Bhimani is best known for her role as the Type A Alpha mom Nina Patel on Modern Family and Ravassa has appeared in The Affair and the teen dance drama Step Up 3D. You’ve both been working successfully in Theatre TV and Film for a while now, were you surprised when the voice over role for a video game became your “big break”? Bhimani: As an actor you never know what’s going to be the thing, sometimes your favourite project isn’t so popular but I’m just so happy that something I’m so proud of has also been the thing that has blown up all over the world. The folks at Blizzard have created a beautiful world with this game where people defend each other and we need to see more of that nowadays.
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OUTinPerth
June 2017
Ravassa: it was quite surprising, I didn’t think What is it about the Overwatch universe that has something like this was going to happen but with forged such a strong connection with the fans? the gaming world being so big and the fans being Bhimani: I guess it comes down to two things, hope and so devoted it’s exciting and kind of crazy. inclusivity, I think the folks at Blizzard did such a beautiful Social media has broken down the job of creating this universe, where yes there are forces barriers between fans and artists, what of evil and bad things are happening but there are people kind of interactions do you have with rising up against it. Overwatch fans? In terms of inclusivity there are so many representations Bhimani: Having started in the theatre I’m used of people of different races, sexual preferences, different to a certain level of interaction between actor and abilities, you name it. Symmetra is on the Autism audience so now social media has taken that to a spectrum but the creators didn’t focus in on that as a new level. As an artist I’m not interested in doing defining characteristic rather it is just part of who she is. something that disappears into a vacuum and the There are people from all walks of life in this game who fans are so creative and so prolific with their art are heroes and that hopefully helps people who play it and their fan fiction that it’s a blessing that we are to see the heroes in themselves and see themselves so accessible and I have a lot of contact with fans represented in a positive way. So all of those factors on Twitter and Instagram. together just make for the perfect storm. Ravassa: Mostly fans will ask me to “Boop” What can fans expect to see at the Supanova them (Sombra’s catchphrase) via Twitter or in convention? Do you get any unusual requests person at the conventions and most of them from fans? pretend to faint, but aside from friends and family all of the interactions I have on social media is Ravassa: One time a girl got me to record a video asking with gaming fans, sometimes they want to know a boy to the prom which was more romantic so nothing about Sombra and sometimes they want to get to weird or unusual yet. We do some Q & A panels, sign know me so I direct them to my youtube channel autographs and take pictures, and just get to know the fans so it’s pretty social. hispanglosaxon. Both Bhimani and Rivassa are coming to the Supanova Comic Con and Gaming Expo June 23 Bhimani: I’m actually surprised by how often that 25 at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre. does happen, people will call me Symmetra Tickets and more info at supanova.com.au down the street, I think it’s because we’ve become Clinton Little Do you get recognised by fans in the street?
They also need to be scary, fierce, and fearless, but campy and fun at the same time. It’s a tall order to fill! It was so refreshing to see alternative drag artists being rewarded for taking risks on your show - do you think drag has become to homogeneous with the success of RuPaul’s Drag Race?
Super monsters and reality hosts the Boulet Brothers are making their Australian debut next month along with RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 contestant Kimora Blac. The drag duo and power couple are already icons on the US drag scene, making their mark on the international circuit with their highly successful web series Dragula where they sought out America’s first Drag Supermonster - celebrating the ghoulish, the monstrous and the beautiful diversity of drag artistry. We caught up with the pair to find out what will be emerging from the crypt in the recently announced second season of Dragula, and what kind of antics they will bring to the Perth stage. Dragula was such an incredible web-series - what characteristics make for the best drag monster? What do you look for in a drag artist? Thank you! We look for several things in a drag supermonster, and they are all dualistic. For example we like them to have star quality and be professional and finished, but still retain a rebellious, punk attitude. We also want them to be self starters and ambitious, but remain loyal to us and the brand as a whole over themselves.
Drag Race is a pioneering show that has elevated drag and broken a lot of boundaries, and Rupaul is an icon. We are friends with a lot of the guys who make the show, and we love them. They are just trying to make their show work and make money doing what they love. It’s a business. It’s not some master plan to warp drag, it’s just getting bigger and of course the by product of that is that it’s going to change the game. Now that being said, we as the Boulet Brothers grew up in pure, expressive alternative gay nightlife - the kind of places where drag was born. It was not safe, it was not made for children, and it was gay as hell. That is the sort of drag we are interested in and want to elevate. We want to bring the drag skeletons out of the closet and put them in front of the world loud and proud, and we want to entertain our queer community. We want to have fun, and we want our homo brothers and sisters to have a good laugh and have a good time watching their peers. Money and acceptance are not our ultimate goals in life. Also, it would be a mistake to put the responsibility of representing an entire art form on the shoulders of one company or one TV show. When you are defining a culture, it’s important to have multiple voices. No one voice can own or define drag drag belongs to the community as a whole.
You’ve just announced season 2 of Dragula - what can we expect from the second round? A wider casting net, a bigger budget, a longer season, and much more mayhem and insanity. We are so excited to share it with you all! Who are your personal drag inspirations/icons? So a lot of our drag inspiration comes from fantasy characters. Villains from cartoons in the 1980’s, comic book villainesses, and video game bosses. We draw some inspiration from classic gay movies like Sunset Boulevard, The Wizard of Oz, and Mommie Dearest too. I mean when it comes down to it, we are just two evil, rich white ladies hellbent on corrupting the world (and looking exquisite while doing it). Do you have any other projects on the horizon? Sherry, the last thing we need is another project. Between producing and hosting your own reality show, having a huge weekly event in Los Angeles, and traveling / performing around the world, we are pretty occupied at the moment. (Our weekly homo party palace and eight show Queer Spectacular “Queen Kong” was voted the best gay club in Los Angeles this year by the LA Weekly). What can Aussie audiences expect from a Boulet Bros show? We are so excited to come and play with you all! They can expect to laugh and have a good time at our show. We’re going to bring some magic and camp from Dragula, and just get to know everyone and party with them all. I hope they like to drink! The Boulet Brothers and Kimora Blac will be appearing at The Court Hotel on Thursday July 6th. Tickets and more information available from kweer.eventbrite.com.au You can also check out season one of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula on YouTube on the Hey Qween channel. Leigh Andrew Hill
Presents
FREMANTLE WINTER
MUSIC FESTIVAL SATURDAY 17 JUNE 2017
MOJOS BAR // NORTH FREMANTLE BOWLS CLUB RAILWAY HOTEL // SWAN BASEMENT // SWAN HOTEL
ABORTED TORTOISE // BAMBUSEAE RHYTHM SECTION BECKON // BELLE HARVEY // BIG ORANGE BILLIE ROGERS AND THE COUNTRY GENTLEMEN BLACK STONE FROM THE SUN // BLINDSPOT BRASSIKA // CATHERINE TRACOIS // CLOUDWAVES DJS CONSCIOUS DREAMERS DUO // DAN HOWLS DELILAH ROSE AND THE GUNSLINGERS // DEMON DAYS FEELS // FLOSSY // KING OF THE TRAVELLERS // KUZICH MAX BLACK // NEW NAUSEA // PAT CHOW RUBY MAY AND THE CHAKRA KHANS // SALARY SOUTHERN RIVER BAND // THE CHLORINES // THE LIMBS THE U-NITES // ZIGGY
#FWMF2017
TICKETS: RTRFM.COM.AU • LICENSED 18+ EVENT • PHOTO ID REQUIRED • FREE ENTRY FOR GOLD/PLATINUM RTRFM SUBSCRIBERS
Dr. Patrick Briggs F.R.C.S Eng, F.R.C.S.I, F.R.C.S.I. PlaS. SuRg.
PlaStIC & CoSmEtIC SuRgEon “By the time patients come to see me, they have been through enough emotional turmoil and it has been a long and challenging journey with many highs and lows. As a Plastic and Cosmetic surgeon it is not only my responsibility to offer an understanding of this journey but with surgery assist patients to achieve the optimal outcome in a non-judgemental environment” – Dr Patrick Briggs
Specialist in gender re-assignment surgery with over 20 years experience GENDER RE-ASSIGNMENT PRocEDuRES: • MTF – Breast Implants • FTM – Breast Removal ADDITIoNAL SERVIcES: • Cosmetic Injections • Wrinkle Relaxers • Hair Removal (Medical Grade)
MEMBER OF: Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
P. 9381 9300 15 Railway Rd., Subiaco, WA 6008
www.cosmetic-plastic-surgery.com.au admin@drbriggs.com.au
OUTinPerth
June 2017
17
events
CLUBS
COMMUNITY
PUBS
Drag Nation
Donna Dutchme from the Northern Territory is joining Harvest Dubois and a special guest to show what it takes to be the winner of a national drag competition. Friday June 16th, Connections Nightclub, 81 James St, Northbridge
There’s Something About Milly
A fundraiser for one of community’s favourite DJs and she tackles the challenges of cancer head on. Saturday June 17th, Connections Nightclub, 81 James St, Northbridge
Beauty Shop 2: Back In The Salon
One of Connies’ most popular stage shows returns this April, transforming the main room into a camp salon of whimsy and lip-syncing with all your favourite local drag stars. Saturday June 17th, Connections Nightclub, 81 James St, Northbridge
POP!
Nothing but bright, bubbly, sugar coated pop tunes at this popular mid-week get together hosted by our very own BarbieQ. Drag shows at 1am, or even try your own wig on the stage for Dragathon!
Alliance Fundraiser for Living Proud
Leather Night
Saturday June 25th from 6:30pm, The Rosemount Hotel, 459 Fitzgerald St, North Perth
Saturday June 23rd, Nelson’s Pop Up Bar, Peninsula Tavern, 223 Railway Parade, Maylands
Love All
3rd Wednesdays
Saturday June 17th from 8pm, The Court Hotel, 50 Beaufort St, Perth
Wednesday May 17th from 6pm – 8pm, Brisbane Hotel, Cnr Beaufort & Brisbane St, Perth
Head down for a gig featuring Leoh, Soapy Cactus, ABACAXUVA, Lionizer, Mt Cleverest and Hussy.
Come and joined The Court’s tennis themed event for marriage equality. Filled with games to play and ball boys/
The Court’s Annual Cosplay Party
This is a night where you get to be whoever or whatever you want to be! Saturday June 24th from 8pm, The Court Hotel, 50 Beaufort St, Perth
The Boulet Bros & Kimora Blac - Creature of the Dark Tour The Boulet Bros from the acclaimed web series Dragula and RuPaul’s Drag Race season 9 winner are heading to The Court. Thursday July 6 from 8pm, The Court Hotel, 50 Beaufort St, Perth
Drag Factory
Every Thursday from 10pm - Late, Connections Nightclub, 81 James St, Northbridge
Throw on a frock, slip on a wig, pick out a tune and give drag a whirl. Wannabe drag queens, kings and performers can lip-sync the house down and compete for cash prizes!
Lesbian Mud Wrestling
Every Wednesday from 9pm, The Court Hotel, 50 Beaufort St, Perth
For over ten years Lesbian Mud Wrestling has been the biggest event on a Wednesday night, it’s people wrestling in mud! Although not always lesbians, sometimes there are dirty boys too. Every Wednesday from 8pm, Connections Nightclub, 81 James St, Northbridge
Karaoke Sundays
Warm up those pipes! The Court has a brand new tradition with Karaoke Sundays. With performances from host Feminem and $20 pizza & jug deals, it’ll be a perfect end to the week. Every Sunday from 5:30pm, The Court Hotel, 50 Beaufort St, Perth
Must Be The Music
Each week Connections DJ’s play with you and tease you and they lead you through a journey through disco, house, progressive and even a touch of techno. Every Friday from 10pm - 5am, Connections Nightclub, 81 James St, Northbridge
BARS
Book in for a special evening at Nedlands Library as WA Opera celebrates 50 years. This free event provides an introduction to opera with spoken word performances and live singing to provide an intimate insight into the operatic world.
Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs
Every Sunday from 4pm, Swallow Bar, 198 Whatley Cres, Maylands
Wednesday June 13, 19:30, The Astor Theatre. 659 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley
Enjoy live music in a relaxed dining environment and have a drink while you’re there.
Acclaimed actor, writer and cabaret performer delivers his show that has been a sensation around the globe.
For more information or to RSVP, call 0415 249 265
YOUTH Freespace
A safe social drop-in session for all people under 26 who are same sex attracted, intersex, trans* and/or gender diverse. Weekly on Wednesdays 5 - 8pm & Fridays 4pm-8pm, Freedom Centre, 93 Brisbane St, Perth
GenderQ
A free session for anyone who is intersex, transgender, and/or gender diverse and questioning their gender and/or sex assigned at birth. First Thursday of every month, 5 - 8pm, Freedom Centre, 93 Brisbane St, Perth
QCulture
A drop-in session for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth who identify as LGBTIQ.
A session for all people under 26 who are LGBTIQ. These sessions are activity-based so come along to try something new, get active and have fun! 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 12 - 5pm, Freedom Centre, 93 Brisbane St, Perth
Junior aGender
A drop in session for transgender and gender diverse youth under 18 and their families. Last Monday of the month, 5 - 8pm, Freedom Centre, 93 Brisbane St, Perth
COMING SOON Kawaii Doof! July 21st at Connections
Join LGBTIQA rights advocates calling for the federal government to fund the successful program which aims to stop youth being bullied. Saturday June 17th, 1pm Murray Street Mall, Perth
The social men’s walking group for gay guys and their friends meets every third Sunday of the month.
Switch Ball July 1st at Connections
COMMUNITY March for Safe Schools
Every Fri and Sat Night, 7pm - 9pm, Chapels on Whatley, 196 Whatley Cres, Maylands
WA Wanderers
Outspace
An Introduction to Opera
The food is first rate, the choice of wines is adventurous and on Sundays they have sublime live music. Relax with a Sunday Session at Swallow Bar.
Live Music at Chapels
A casual gathering of LGBTI friends and supporters for drinks, nibbles and meeting new people.
Third Thursday of the month, 5 - 8pm, Freedom Centre, 93 Brisbane St, Perth
CULTURE
Thursday June 14, 6:45pm - 8:30pm, Nedlands Library, 60 Stirling Highway, Nedlands. Bookings essential head online to: nedlands. evanced.info/signup.
Sundays at Swallow
A casual gathering of LGBTI friends and supporters for drinks, nibbles and meeting new people.
The Merry Widow from July 15th at The Maj Charlie Hides July 21st and 22nd at Connections STYLEAID, Friday August 4th at Crown Ballroom Gay Masquerade, 10th August, at Universal Bar
W
A
P
M RE
IE
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BLACK SWAN STATE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
THE
EISTEDDFOD Lally K atz
STUDIO UNDERGROUND
22 JUN - 09 JUL
STATE THEATRE CENTRE OF WA
B O O K AT TICKETEK GOVERNMENT PARTNER
BLACK SWAN LAB PARTNER Department of Culture and the Arts
18
OUTinPerth
June 2017
Sometimes make believe is the only way to make sense of the world. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP
TV
The Family Law is back Comedy series The Family Law returns to SBS for a second season this month. The dysfunctional family returns and kicks things off with a double episode. With the holidays over the Laws are turning a new leaf. Danny – having sold Happy Dragon – opens ‘Asian Alley’, an Asian grocery store and his first entrée into retail, while Jenny embarks on a quest of self-discovery. Resuming his role as family fixer, Benjamin helps his mother “find herself”, his father prove himself, and tries to stop his family from going off the rails – all while juggling his star-making turn in Sacred Heart High’s ground-breaking school production of a feel-good hit about infanticide, Medea.
Little Creatures The Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle has been an institution since it opened it’s doors in 2000 and it’s renowned for its brewed on the premises ales and beautiful harbourside location.
Catch the show from 8:30pm Thursday 15 June on SBS
In the past the food has never been nothing short of excellent but on this occasion the busy kitchen crew were probably in a rush to feed as many punters as possible and it showed. Netflix has announced the show Sense8 will not get a third series. News that the the sci-fi themed show won’t be returning has frustrated fans after the most recent series ended on a cliff-hanger. Sense8 is one of several shows axed by Netflix, Baz Luhrmann’s show The Get Down has also been given the chop.
Overcooked Kangaroo skewers, a sub-par steak sandwich and bog standard kids fish and chips made for an overpriced and underwhelming dining experience.
US series The Real O’Neals will also be disappearing from our screens. The comedy, which based on an idea from ‘It Gets Better’ founder Dan Savage, has been dropped after two seasons.
Little Creatures is at 40 Mews Rd, Fremantle
my repetoire is very dancy and this just sets a different tone for my shows, I’ve really enjoyed performing it so far!”
When it’s 2AM in Northbridge and you may be a few sheets to the breeze your go to hangover prevention food options are limited.
“Nobody knows if there is another season, or who would be asked back so it’s all up in the air at the moment! I know there was a rumour that they were looking at other people… I don’t know if that’s to add people or replace people… I honestly don’t know!”
It’s traditional Chinese food that is deliciously greasy and chocked full of next day regret in the best possible way.
“I love the girls from Melbourne! I won’t tell you my favourite because I love them all! They all add something and this is why the show is so popular, the combination of different characters is so entertaining.” Real Housewives of Sydney star and Australian pop sensation Melissa Tkautz has just launched her new single, The Key, here in Western Australia.
Recounting her experience marching at Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras with RHoS co-star Matty Samaei earlier this year, Tkautz says she is so grateful for her queer fans.
Speaking with OUTinPerth, the former E Street star says she loved her time in Perth.
“That was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done… I’ve even performed at the after party before but being on that float was a highlight of my career!
Having released her first smash hit, Read My Lips, in the early ‘90s, Tkautz says her new single is a much more contemporary sound. “A couple of DJs wrote it for me in the UK and I specifically said I wanted to do something a little different. When I perform live
Uncle Billy’s
Speaking of her turbulent time on the debut season of Sydney’s chapter in the Real Housewives franchise, Tkautz said she still hopes to return for a second run.
Tkautz said she got involved with the series after falling in love with the Real Housewives of Melbourne.
“I love people in Perth! You’re always really supportive and it was a really fun night at the Edison - I really enjoyed it!”
Clinton Little
“I’m very grateful to my gay fanbase because they love Aussie talent and they’re just so supportive and it’s so amazing.” Melissa Tkautz’s latest single The Key is available now on iTunes, and you can catch her on Real Housewives of Sydney on Foxtel’s Arena channel.
A quick stumble on your way home will lead you into Chinatown to Uncle Billy’s Chinese Restaurant.
The Yang Chow Fried Rice alone is worth doggy bagging but the real appeal is the drunken debris of end of night people watching that makes it worthy of it’s reputation as a Northbridge institution. Uncle Billy’s is at 9/66 Roe St, Northbridge
Clinton Little
Sedap Place This new Malaysian restaurant in Victoria Park is always packed out and that’s because the food in amazing. You’ll probably have to queue to get a table but it’s worth the wait. You must have the rotti, try the beef Rendang, they make a great Nasi Lemak and their Curry Laksa is first class. We recommend taking a bunch of friends so you can sample as much of the menu as possible. Sedap Place is at 876 Albany Hwy in Victoria Park
Graeme Watson
Siena’s Famous Pizza or Pasta
fax. (08) 9444 1779 115 Oxford Street Leederville WA
$14
(08) 9444 8844 www.sienas.com.au
Try our new Parmigiana
$18
CRU2951_MtLawley_OutinPerth_Ads.indd 2
5/1/17 1:38 pm
OUTinPerth
June 2017
19
music Closed Circuits: Australian Alternative Electronic Music of the 70’s and 80’s Various Artists This amazing collection of long forgotten tunes is brilliant. 24 artists, decades ago, who were pushing the boundaries and creating new sounds. The Metronomes kicks things off with A Circuit Like Me, a piece of computer love, The Reels early work sound as if they were a hipster band on JJJ last week, Wirlywird’s Window to the World is dark and grungy, And an A’s Affirmation is a glorious 7 minute long epic, Shower Scene from Psycho’s take on Johnny Young’s Cara-Lyn is glorious.
Pollinator Blondie Four decades of making music and Blondie are still firing on all cylinders. Their latest album features songs written by Blood Diamond’s Dev Hynes, David Sitek from TV on the Radio, Johnny Marr, Sia and Charli XCX. Get ready to sing-a-long, it’s almost power pop all the way, with only a few slower tracks to catch your breath. Blondie’s cover of the an Unkindness’ tune Fragments closes the album and it’s far superior to the original, Debbie Harry voice brings the melodramatic song to life.
Aldous Harding Party The second album from New Zealand’s Aldous Harding builds upon her first release. Produced by regular P.J Harvey collaborator John Parish it retains the folky, pastoral sound of her debut while adding unexpected backing vocals, and electronic flourishes. Standout tracks include Imagining My Man, Party, Horizon - which features trance inducing repetitive vocals, and the beautifully titled What If The Birds Aren’t Singing, They’re Screaming. Check out her debut album and enjoy them both.
What were people listening to in decades gone by?
10 years ago Rihanna S.O.S
20 years ago Hanson Mmmm Bop!
30 years ago Whitney Houston I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
40 years ago Julie Covington Don’t Cry for Me Argentina
50 years ago Petula Clark This Is My Song
Algiers The Underside of Power Algiers’ sound is a mix of punk, southern gospel and blues. It’s a dark, desolate sound than creates a foreboding atmosphere. The Underside of Power mixes sharp guitars riffs, with vocals that recall some of the soul greats. Plague Years has an epic sparse sound, with electronic tingles and droning percussion. As the album goes on things become more abstract Bury Me Standing is filled with ominous hums and a muffled saxaphone. Closing track The Cycle/The Spiral/Going Down Slowly is a psychedelic opus
Dua Lipa Self Titled Dua Lipa’s debut aims to put her alongside Katy Perry, Sia and Jessie J at the top of the pop charts, and there’s a good chance this album could do it. Seventeen tracks of catchy pop filled with the latest sounds including the already successful singles Be the One, Hotter Than Hell and Blong Your Mind (Mwah). Some of the tunes are a bit forgettable, but there’s a enough solid tunes here to make this a good pop album.
Sam Amidon The Falling Mountain Strumming a guitar, with a piano trickling in, Sam Amidon’s carefree album begin with peaceful and beguiling sound. Amidon, who is the husband of folkster Beth Orton, is an established artist with half a dozen albums under his belt, but this is his first album of original material. Juma Mountain is reminiscent of Nick Drake, while the percussive Blackbird is a charming tune. The final track April takes a massive journey into what could fairly be described as hillbilly jazz.
Benjamin Booker Witness RIght On You, the opening track is classic rock with extra psychedelic swirls, but Benjamin Booker traverses many sounds on his second release, Motivation is soulful mixing Bookers husky vocals with violins and laid back beats. Witness, which features the legendary Mavis Staples, is a civil rights song for the new century, The Slow Drag Under is sultry and funky, while Believe is like a soul standard. This is an album that deserves to be held in high regard.
Absolutely Not is a band that’s got our attention. The glam garage outfit from Chicago have just released Strictly Top. The tune features vocalist Donnie Moore provocatively chanting ‘You Got a Problem with Me?” throughout the song. Check out the video for the song, which celebrates diversity by featuring members of Chicago’s queer scene, including drag star Lucy Stoole. When they’re not making awesome punk records, band members Donnie Moore and his sister Madison run a monthly LGBT band night called ‘Glitter Creeps’. The band’s album Errors is released through No Trend Records at the end of July.
Sinichi Atobe - Regret chilled out ambient sweetness Courtney Barnett - How to Boil an Egg recently a friend wondered if Barnett would return with an unexpected electronic album, she hasn’t, this is filled with country charm Paul Weller - One Tear dub heavy duet with Boy George, quite magical LCD Soundsystem - Call the Police great to have them back, this will get indie kids dancing Mary Lambert - Know Your Name it’s a catchy ode to lady love Marnie - Electric Youth former Ladytron singer delivers tasty sounds Mugwisa International Xylophone Group - The Mugwaana of Mugwisa (Ishmael at the Controls) for your late night disco desires Radiohead - I Promise it’s two decades since ‘OK Computer’ came out, here’s one of the albums unreleased tunes Beth Ditto - Fire hallelujah the Gossip singer has returned and is sounding amazing Todd Terje feat Det Gylne Triangel funky bass, german lyrics and cool disco beats Pnau - Chameleon (Klue Remix) the band have just released four new mixes of the tune, the Klue mix is a bit more down-tempo Wavves - Welcome perfect mix of pop rock, distortion and throbbing drums Jlin - Black Origamai close your eyes and listen to this musical soundscape of odd noises Forest Swords - The Highest Flood go on a sonic adventure
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OUTinPerth
June 2017
music
Swing on This Some of Australia’s leading stage and screen stars will come together with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra for Swing on This, a showcase of swing-era hits presented as part of the WASO 2017 Pops Series. Michael Falzon (We Will Rock You, The War of the Worlds Arena Tour), Luke Kennedy (The Voice, The Ten Tenors), Rob Mills (Wicked, Ghost the Musical) and Ben Mingay (Wonderland, House of Bond) will deliver a modern and audacious take on alltime swing classics from Sinatra to Bublé. The show also features well-swung interpretations of hits from Oasis, John Farnham and The Proclaimers. Timeless swing staples like Ain’t that a Kick in the Head, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Mack the Knife, Have You Met Miss Jones and New York, New York are given a contemporary make-over while more recent hits like Wonderwall, Jump, Tainted Love and Crazy Little Thing Called Love are cleverly re-imagined with a swing feel. Tickets on sale now from www.waso.com.au
Piano virtuoso
Kristian Bezuidenhou to play with the ACO Kristian Bezuidenhout, the virtuoso pianist known as ‘Mozart reincarnated’, will reunite with the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) on a nationwide tour from 24 June to 9 July. The tour will be in Perth this month, performing at the Concert Hall on Wednesday, 28 June. Bezuidenhout will play alongside an intimate ensemble of ACO musicians, including Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, Principal Violin Helena Rathbone, Guest Principal Viola Florian Peelman and Principal Cello Timo-Veikko ‘Tipi’ Valve, who will together perform some of Mozart and Schumann’s most magnificent and moving music written for strings and piano. On the bill is Schumann’s String Quartet No.3 in A major, Motzart’s Piano Concerto No.13 in C major, and Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E-flat major. To purchase tickets visit www.aco.com.au
The Vamps are coming They’ve sold out London’s iconic O2 Arena five times, collaborated with pop idols Demi Lovato and Shawn Mendes, launched their own record label and now The Vamps are bringing their Middle of the Night World Tour to Australia. Britain’s favourite pop-rock quartet will be returning to Australian shores this September and October in celebration of their third studio album Night & Day, which will be out 14 July through EMI Music. The Vamps third album Night and Day will be a double album project. The first ten tunes will be released on The Night Edition, which will be out 14 July. The second half The Day Edition will be released before the end of the year. Perth will be the final stop on the tour on Friday October 3rd when the band play HBF Stadium. Tickets go on sale Thursday 15 June from ticketmaster.com.au
Party Pump Super Circuit! If you’re feeling run down and exhausted from a busy work week, you better give ONE Fitness Health Lifestyle’s Party Pump Super Circuit a go. Held on Saturday mornings at the Subiaco gym, this class is an awesome way to give you a fresh wave of energy for the best days of the week.
You will get sweaty during this workout, but you won’t realise how exhausted you are until it’s over. The class moves super quick from station to station, from upper body to lower, cardio to weights.
Good beats? Check. Adrenaline pumping? Check. Puppy cuddles? Also check. What more do you need for your Saturday morning sweat?
The point of difference for a class at ONE is the community. ONE-goers come from all different walks of life, but as soon as you step into the gym it’s like one big happy family. The welcoming environment has prospective members always coming back for more. It’s not just about breaking a sweat, it’s about breaking a sweat surrounded by your friends.
ONE FHL offers a range of group fitness classes from boxing, to yoga, HIIT to TRX workouts, a buffet of exercise options, if you will. Recently I tackled the infamous Party Pump Super Circuit. The class is held on Saturday mornings, aiming to help you get into the weekend spirit nice and early.
If you’re someone who needs that extra motivational push, get yourself to a class at ONE. Not only will you get your heart rate up, you’ll probably be inducted into the gym’s unofficial brunch club. Nothing better than bacon and eggs with mates on Subiaco’s coffee strip after class!
Walking into class I came face to face with bikes, dumbbells, kettlebells, ropes and weight plates, plus little grey and white dog Tex. If you’re an animal lover, this is the gym for you. After a quick rundown about the circuit, you pick a station, give Tex a few pats, and then the timer starts.
ONE Fitness Health and Lifestyle is located at 319 Hay St, Subiaco Zac Gower, Zac is a trainer with LA Fit
The circuit is a full body workout. Your abs, legs and arms will be burning by the time you’re through with it. In between weight stations, there’s some plyometrics thrown in (think burpees and jump squats), and any cardio bunnies out there will love the laps around the block and bike sprints.
OUTinPerth
June 2017
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community group listings ALCOHOL and DRUG INFORMATION SERVICE to ALCOHOL and DRUG SUPPORT LINE— ADIS is a 24 hour confidential telephone counselling, information and referral service. If you’re concerned about your own or somebody else’s drug or alcohol use call ADIS on 08 9442 5000 or Country Callers 1800 198 024 (toll free) — www.dao.health.wa.gov.au; email: ADIS@health. wa.gov.au ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS RAINBOW GROUP meets every Tuesday 7-8pm, in the hall next to St Lukes church, cnr George and Rowland Sts, Maylands. If alcohol is costing you more than the price of the drink, please join us for sharing and recovery in a 12 Step Program with proven results. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. For more information www. aaperthwa.org BEARS PERTH — BEARS PERTH - A Friendly men only social club for men with body and / or facial hair and their admirers. The dress code is masculine, and men of all shapes, sizes and amount of hairiness are welcome. Licensed Den Nights are on the 2nd Saturday and 4th Friday of each month 9pm till Late @ Loton Park Bulwer St (near Lord St) East Perth. There are also different events on the 2nd Sunday of each month, often at a members residence or alternative events as advised. Visitors welcome. Contact us via phone 0487 595 672, email: info@bearsperth.org, http://bearsperth.org or http://bit.ly/bpi-www CATHOLIC GLBT AND PARENT SUPPORT — This service provides pastoral support to all members of the Catholic GLBT community, including parents of GLBT children; giving an understanding & an opportunity for processing & healing feelings of confusion, hurt, anger exclusion or being marginalised. Individual consultation is provided as well as communal gatherings of the Catholic GLBT community for mutual & spiritual support. For more information, please call 6336-8602 (leave a message if unattended) or email cathgaysupport@gmail.com DYKES ON BIKES — A diverse, loosely-knit social group, occasional organised rides & gatherings plus annual appearance as the traditional lead float in the Pride Parade. If you are a female who rides a motorbike and loves women, then come along and check out dykes on bikes. General enquiries see our public group on facebook... Dykes on bikes WA or email dykesonbikeswa@hotmail.com FREEDOM CENTRE — Freedom Centre provides a safe space, peer support, information, and referrals for LGBTTIQ and Questioning young people (under 26).FC provides a range of services including an online Forum, trainings, workshops and our dropin centre sessions which are open for: Freespace – every Wednesday 5-8pm & Friday 4-8pm, Outspace – 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month 12pm-5pm, GenderQ – 1st Thurs of the month 5-8pm, 1st People’s Qspace – 3rd Thursday of the month 5-8pm, Junior aGender - last Monday of even months 5-8pm, QMovie – last Tuesday of odd months 5-8pm. 93 Brisbane St, Perth WA 6000 Ph: 9228 0354 Email: info@freedom.org.au Web: www.freedom.org.au www.fcyeah.tumblr.com GAY AND LESBIAN SINGERS OF WA (GALS WA) — GALSWA welcomes members from all shades of the sexuality and gender diversity rainbow and our allies. There are no auditions, singers of all abilities welcome. Rehearsals Thursdays 7 to 9 pm at the Royal Park Hall, 180 Charles St, West Perth (cnr of Vincent St). For more information see our website: www.galswa.org.au, Email info@galswa.org.au or contact Jackie on 0405 081 638. GAY & LESBIAN ARCHIVES OF WA — Located in the Murdoch University Library on the South Street Campus. For opening hours and access details, please contact the Library on 9360 2563. GRAI (GLBTI RIGHTS IN AGEING INC.) — works to improve the quality of life for older LGBTI people, both in care and in the community. Providing visibility and a voice for LGBTI elders is key to
this. Through research and advocacy we have achieved law reform to end discrimination for older LGBTI people. We work with the aged care sector, delivering training to achieve safe and inclusive aged care services. We hold community events to build better community supports and friendships. New members welcome. Interested? Contact June on 08 9383 7753. PO Box 514 North Perth WA 6906 or 54 Bickley Cres, Manning 6152. E: info@ grai.org.au or visit www.grai.org.au GOLF BAGS — Golf club play every Sat morning at a variety of courses north and south of the river. We are a group of friendly gals who love our golf and good company. New players are always welcome. For details contact us at golfbagswa@gmail.com HEADSPACE MIDLAND — headspace can help – headspace provides FREE information, confidential support and services for all young people 12-25 years and their families. Our experienced team includes LGBTIQ friendly Social Workers, GPs, Psychologists, Drug and alcohol workers and more. No referral is required and you can bring a friend for support. Drop in at 64 Morrison Rd, Midland (upstairs from the market) or call 08 9274 8860. www.headspace.org.au/midland HEPATITIS WA — providing information and support to people affected by hepatitis. If you would like to know more on hepatitis A, B or C, contact us on 9328 8538 (Metro) or 1800 800 070 (Country). 134 Aberdeen St Northbridge WA 6003 — www. hepatitiswa.com.au LESBIAN ELDERS’ TALKING GROUP — GRAI’s Meet n’ Muse (MnM) is a supportive social space where women (55+) who identify as lesbian or bisexual discuss a variety of topics (chosen by the group) and share past and present life experiences. Coffee afterwards. MnM Perth meets 2nd and 4th Weds at 1.30pm; MnM Mandurah meets on 1st and 3rd Weds at 7pm. For more details email Pam: graipamm@ gmail.com LESBIANS WHO LUNCH (LWL) — LWL is a monthly lunch club for older lesbians – meeting on 3rd Thursdays at different venues around Perth. It’s an opportunity to widen our friendship networks and stay involved in the community. Organised by GRAI, for info about up-coming lunches, contact June: chair@grai.org.au LIVING PROUD LGBTI COMMUNITY SERVICES OF WA — (formerly Gay & Lesbian Community Services of WA). Information, support, referrals and professional training. City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi St, West Perth WA 6005. Qlife counselling and referral Line: 1800 184 527 Admin/Fax: (08) 9486 9855 Email: admin@glcs.org.au Web: www.glcs.org.au LOTON PARK TENNIS CLUB — Diversity is our advantage. Come on down and try something new at Perth’s Other Gay & Lesbian venue. It’s not just about tennis. Open to all levels of players – social and competitive – with an emphasis on enjoyment for everyone. With the city skyline as our backdrop, sit back on the embankment or balcony and enjoy a drink in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. A full social calendar ahead ensures a summer of fun for everyone. Enquiries@lotonpark.com.au Ph: (08) 9328 5065 — www.lotonpark.com.au M CLINIC – FREE STI/HIV SCREENING CLINIC — For Men who have sex with men. Free, confidential, non-judgemental STI testing & Treatment. Please call (08) 9227 0734 for appointments. Central location. After hours options available. For more information email info@mclinic. org.au or visit mclinic.org.au OPEN ARMS FELLOWSHIP — Perth’s Only Welcoming & Affirming Pentecostal Church. “This is Church for those who’ve been told they don’t belong in church!” It doesn’t matter whether your Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans or Intersex, Young, Old, Or somewhere in-between Including their Family friends and supporters. Everyone is welcome meeting at UCIC hall, first floor, 97 William St, Perth.
FEES include GST Annual (Unfunded) $110 Annual (Funded) $200
Sundays 6pm. For further information email: info@openarmsaustralia.org; or go to the website: www.openarmsaustralia.org; or call Pastor Graham on ph: 0405 285 233
SAINT ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH — Open door worship 6pm Sundays. Welcome and affirmation for all GLBTI people. 259 Barker Road, Subiaco. 9381 1130. standrewsubi@bigpond. com www.siriol.net/StAndrew
OUTDANCE — Same Sex Partner Ballroom & Latin American Dance Classes - Group Classes & Social Nights for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Dancers. Private Lessons by appointment. Group Class - 6.30pm Tuesday Mt Hawthorn Community Centre. Class Enquiries: Judy 0417 911 214 or Warwick 0450 041 023. OUTdance Studio Principals: Darryl Davenport & Tania McGuinness. P: 0414 666 034 F: 08 9403 2220 E: info@outdance.com.au
SECCA (SEXUALITY EDUCATION COUNSELLING CONSULTANCY AGENCY) — Counselling for people with a disability, their partners, carers & family about relationships & sexuality. Professional education & consultancy services available covering sexuality & disability. Fees may apply. Mon-Fri 9-5. City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi St West Perth WA 6005. Ph 9420 7226 / Fx 9420 7229. e: admin@secca. org.au — www.secca.org.au
PERTH INNER CITY YOUTH SERVICE—
SEX WORKERS — Magenta offers support, education, info & referral services for F, M & T/G sex workers (private, escort, parlours, street). Peer-based, worker-friendly staff for confidential & anonymous phone, inhouse & outreach help/advice. Free clinic for STI screenings. Stock at reduced price to workers. Mon–Thu 9am–4pm. 9328 1387. e: sexworker@fpwa.org.au
or PICYS as we are commonly known, we are a LGBTI inclusive organisation and welcome and celebrate each and every person. PICYS is available to assist young people between 16 – 25 who are experiencing homelessness; and 15 to 20 who are wanting to get support with their mental health and other life matters. Check our website for more service info www. picys.org.au or call on 08 9388 2791 Mondays to Fridays 9am - 5pm. PFLAG PERTH (PARENTS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS OF LESBIANS & GAYS — is a community group offering support and understanding for families and friends with loved ones who are GLBTI. Meetings are held every second month in Perth city (please call to register) Visit website for more information, news, events and meeting dates: www.pflagwa.org.au Email: info@pflagwa.org.au. Information Line: 0404 594 699. Facebook:www.facebook.com/pflagperth PRIDE WA INC. — To lead by example in creating a world where inclusion and diversity are embraced and celebrated. Pride WA encourages the cultural expression, celebration and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and all people of diverse sexuality and gender living in Western Australia. We recognise that our collective strength lies in our diversity and willingness to embrace and respect the differences that exist both within our Pride community and the broader communities in which we live, work, love and celebrate. PRIDE WA stages events through the year, including their annual Arts and Culture festival PrideFEST, Pride PARADE and FAIRDY. Information can be found on www.pridewa.com.au or contact us; E: pride@pridewa.com.au, P: 9427 0836 PRIMETIMERS WA — If you are a mature gay or bisexual man, we are keen to welcome you to Prime Timers. The group meets at 2pm on the second Sunday of each month, at Lotteries House: 2 Delhi St, West Perth. PO Box 829, Mt. Lawley 6929. For more info go to www.primetimerswa. com or email: primetimers@primtimerswa.com. QLIFE – COUNSELLING & REFERRAL — QLife is Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for people of diverse sex, genders and sexualities. QLife provides nation-wide, early intervention, peer supported telephone and web based services to support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people of all ages. Freecall: 1800 184 527 Time: 3pm to 12pm Web: www.qlife.org.au RAINBOW LABOR — This is a group of LBGTI and like-minded community members volunteering at a grass-roots level of the WA Labor Party. The branch meets monthly, has a direct link to State Executive and delegates at State Conference. Being involved in Rainbow Labor gives members the opportunity to have a direct influence on policies of the Australian Labor Party at both State and Federal levels. For further information or to join please contact Branch President, Andy Skinner on 0452 446 995, email rainbowlabor.branch@walabor.org.au or visit facebook.com/RainbowLaborWA
TEAMPERTH— TeamPerth is a hub for bringing together all the queer sporting and recreation groups here in Perth and WA. Our goal is to promote diversity and inclusion in all sports, as well as to provide support and to help connect groups together. If you’re looking to join a club, or if you’d like to start your own, go to our website at teamperth. info, check out our Facebook www.facebook.com/teamperth or email us at teamperthaus@gmail.com TRANSMEN OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA — A peer support network for FTM female assigned gender diverse people and their loved ones in Western Australia. P: Nick 0450 448 871 E:TransmenofWA@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/TransmenofWA W: www.transmenofwa.org WA AIDS COUNCIL — Strengthening our community’s health and quality of life. Provides a range of services for people living with HIV/AIDS, Counselling ( issues include HIV/AIDS, relationships, sexuality & gender) Needle and Syringe Exchange, Peer Education, workshops & STI screening for men who have sex with men. Other community education, prevention and training services offered. 664 Murray Street, West Perth, Admin: 08 9482 0000 AIDSline 9482 0044, Mensline 9322 8401 (Toll Free 1800 671 130) www.waaids.com email: waac@waaids.com WASUA (WA SUBSTANCE USER’S ASSOCIATION) — WASUA is WA’s state-wide, peer based Drug User Organisation that provides harm reduction, advocacy and peer education services to substance users. Services provided include a 7 day per week fixed site Needle Syringe Exchange Program, Health Clinic for STI/ BBV testing, pre and post test counselling, Hep A/B vaccinations, Hep C/HIV education, alcohol & other drug support and treatment referral, Drug user & Pharmacotherapy advocacy. Contact us 22/7 Aberdeen Street Perth, Phone 9325 83 87 Fax 9325 6152, email: info@wasua.com.au WA GAY LEAGUE — Tenpin Bowling. Everyone is welcome. Sun from 11:00am at Warwick Superbowl. 12 Dugdale St, Warwick Grove. e: rayjc@iinet.net.au — www.wagl.org.au WA WANDERERS MENS BUSHWALKING — are a social walking group for gay guys and gay friendly guys who are keen to get outside and enjoy Western Australia’s countryside with an easy going and friendly group. 0415 249 265 www.wawanderers.com.au
To list a community group or service in the paper and online ph: 08 9371 9877 email: community@outinperth.com web: www.outinperth.com
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There doesn’t seem to be a lot of options for Joey (Lolo Kirke) who has just graduated from high school in AWOL (), directed by Deb Shoval. Selling ice-creams at the local amusement park gives her some pocket money but this is a long way from fulfilling the ‘American Dream’ promised in all the good country songs. Her pregnant sister is living at home with her boyfriend and wants to turn her bedroom into a space for the baby. Good at fixing cars, Joey manages to be recruited by the army but just as she begins her training, she meets the older Rayna (Breeda Wool) who is married with two small children. The title gives away where the narrative is heading as the two women’s passion for each other leads them to plan an escape from the small country town. The big question is - how far can they get given the mounting obstacles? AWOL brilliantly portrays the naivety of first love even though Joey’s grandmother warns her against taking up with those ‘tomboy types’. Passion tries to defeat pragmatism in this superbly crafted film that shows the bleak choices that sometimes need to be made in order to survive.
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Now Broomfield is turning his attention to the life of Whitney Houston, co-directing Whitney - Can I Be Me. The film immediately challenges preconceived notions of who the late singer was, as a series of interviews with those closest to the singer separate myth and reality.
Highlighting racial discrimination and homophobia, the film explores if these were the seeds of Houston’s falling star and fading talents.
The film has a mountain of footage filmed during Houston’s 1999 world tour that’s never previously been seen before, and combined with archival footage from Houston’s childhood and early public performances, the storytellers weave an engrossing presentation.
The film rejects the assumption that Houston’s descent to a life filled with domestic violence, drug use and professional disasters began when she married R&B singer Bobby Brown, as confidants reveal that the couple didn’t really come from different worlds, but were in reality had a lot in common.
The record company reportedly worked hard to market the singer to a wide audience, especially a white audience. Kenneth Reynolds, who worked with the singer when her career began at Arista records, recalled “Her music was deliberately pop, anything that was ‘too black’ sounding was sent back to the studio”. Directed by Darren Thornton, A Date for Mad Mary () is a beautifully lyrical Irish film. ‘Mad’ Mary McArdle (Seána Kerslake) has anger issues and has just been released after 6 months in prison for losing her temper. While it’s quite a tough journey for Mary, who lives with her mother and grandmother, to come to terms with her demons there is plenty of dark humour. Mary’s best friend, who she has known since third grade, is getting married and she a bridesmaid. Mary desperately searches dating sites for a plus one (a nice fella to match her dress) for the wedding while trying to write her chief bridesmaid’s speech. As she fluctuates between getting her life together and raging out of control, it becomes obvious that she will not be able to flourish in the confines of her small provincial town. Meeting Jess (Tara Lee) at least confirms her sexuality but working in McDonald’s is not enough to give her any hope for the future.
affected her psyche for years. The film also discusses the intense speculation about Houston’s sexuality that arose in the early 1990s. From the beginning of her career Houston’s childhood friend Robyn Crawford was at her side, and some of those closest to the singer have suggested that the friends were in a relationship, and that pressures from Houston’s religious family took their toll.
Charting Houston’s early days as a teenager in New Jersey, to her breakout debut album that smashed records and won stacks of awards, the film is a revealing excursion into the singer’s career, relationships and values.
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Documentary director Nick Broomfield has an impressive track record, and his music documentaries are among his best work. His previous output includes the controversial films Biggie & Tupac and Kurt & Courtney.
Reynolds said the clear instruction was that Houston was to be molded to appeal to lovers of Joni Mitchell and Barbra Streisand, rather than listeners of George Clinton and Funkadelic. As time went on, black audiences began to react negatively to the singer, something which those closest to her, say
The second portion of this film covers the plethora of missed performances, rumoured drug overdoses and erratic behaviour that filled the singer’s final years. Given the revelations and insights shared in the first part of the movie, the journey into darkness is even more heartbreaking. Unlike his other work director Broomfield does not appear in the film, it’s not an investigative film, rather the story unfolds before us like a great tragedy. Whitney: Can I Be Me is screening exclusively at Cinema Paradiso from 1521 June. Graeme Watson
Darren Thornton takes the audience to his home town of Drogheda (just north of Dublin) in this love story with a twist. They will fall in love with Mad Mary as she struggles to find herself and there will be tears when she reveals the tenderness underneath her angry armour. It’s Not Just Me (), directed by Western Australian Jonathan Messer, documents the journeys of four young Perth people as they embark on the process of transitioning from female to male. This incredibly intimate film shares the lives of David (26), Max (25), Simon (25) and Logan (21) for between a day and a year. Struggling to find their places in the world, they all need to get out of the confines of their birth gender. Simon is just starting the process and Max transitioned 4 years ago. Logan, who decided to transition 3 years ago, actually filmed himself for 4 months using a GoPro. All the journeys are different in this brave and intimate film that shows rare insights into the challenges and rewards of transitioning genders – for the people involved as well as those surrounding them. Check out the interview with the director and some of the cast on page 13 These three LGBTI films are in the Revelation Perth International Film Festival which runs from 6th to 19th July. Go to www.revelationfilmfest.org for program details, locations and session times. Lezly Herbert
Feminem’s FRINGE WORLD smash DIVAS: All Male Revue is making a return to the stage this month, bringing your favourite divas to the Perth stage with some of our most talented local drag artists. Dame Edna, Tina, Janet, Adele, Liza and more will be returning to Connections Nightclub this month performing some of their iconic hits in a fabulous showcase hosted by the one and only Feminem. DIVAS: All Male Revue will be at Connections Nightclub on Friday June 23 and Saturday June 24 from 8pm. Tickets and more information available at facebook. com/divasallmalerevue
OUTinPerth
June 2017
23
We get what matters to you
Same Sex Family Law
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De Facto Relationships
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Surrogacy
Violence Restraining Orders
Contact/Custody
Address: 1/100 Terrace Road EAST PERTH WA 6004 W: kavlaw.com.au
T: (08) 9218 8422 E: reception@kavlaw.com.au