Boom Boom Boom let's go back to... SLEAZEBALL!

This year’s Sleaze Ball will be the Australian premiere of the Godskitchen Boombox, which is described as 'a spectacular fusion of dance music, architecture, multimedia, and stunning visuals.'

Boombox will be firing up at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on Sunday October 4, (that’s the night after Sleaze Ball).

The focal point of Boombox is a massive rectangular structure, houseing state-of-the-art DJ equipment, which acts as a giant screen from which a dazzling combination of lighting and visuals is synchronised with the music. At over 16 meters wide, 8 metres high and 6 metres deep, the structure is hyped as the ultimate marriage of architecture with art, made possible by a truckload of technology of course.

Here's to a new dimension in Sleaze.

Oxford St Turned Straight?

This week an article in the Daily Telegraph declared that ‘Oxford Street is straight’, with ‘straight’ venues outnumbering the gay ones. The strip, once the 'glitter mile' has certainly changed in recent years.

The internet is blamed for taking away some of the 'oomph' of the strip. This has been compounded by the scene, now with straight girls aplenty, attracting the straight boys, and homophobic violence and aggression on Oxford Street on the increase

New gay pockets have emerged from the ashes. with the opening of the Clarence Hotel in the inner west and alternative nights occering in the region also, such as BadDog, Kooky or Scooter.

Whilst the internet has had an impact on Gay Sydney, the scene continues to evolve.

Many beg for the return to a 'community feel' to the scene, with a cold shoulder given to the corporatisation of Mardi Gras and a more community-minded approach.

Maybe the GFC will have a positive effect on the scene after all. Maybe something good can come of the recent downturn. Here's hoping.

It's Time to Get QueerDoc

Catch some fabulous non-fiction films during queerDoc 2009.

Queerscreen - the Sydney-based queer film collective that brings us the sensational Mardi Gras Film Festival each year is preparing for its second largest annual programme - Queerdoc. This ten-day festival features a stunning array of films based on real queer lives, this year under the theme ‘Satisfy Your Qriosity'.

Ten stand-out queer documentaries will grace the Dendy Newtown from opening night on 3 September until the 13 September. The festival opens with Fig Trees, a short by Canadian director John Greyson presented in the unusual form of a documentary opera, based on the history of AIDS activism. This film blends staged and filmed arias with confronting testimonies of AIDS activists, and is this year's Teddy Award winner for best documentary.

The programme is largely based on the concept of voyeurism, which makes American director George O'Donnell's offering - College Boys Live – a perfect fit. The film is a behind-the-scenes look at life in a gay webcam house, which, judging by the runaway success of porn sites such as seancody.com and randyblue.com, is sure to be festival favourite here in dirty old Sydney.

As always it's great to see a local film make the grade and this year's powerful contender is Holding Hands – the story behind the highly publicised 2007 gay-bashing of Sydney couple Craig Gee and Shane Brennen, which brought much-needed attention to the issue of homophobic violence on Oxford Street.

Lex Lindsay and the team behind Queerscreen have put yet another stellar Queerdoc program together for 2009 that requires the support of filmgoers to ensure this fine tradition of presenting stories or real queer lives continues well into the future. So get behind this outstanding queer documentary festival and see some fabulous docos along the way.

queerDoc runs 3-13 Sep at the Dendy Cinema, Newtown. For a full programme log on to www.queerscreen.com.au.

New Mardi Gras Seeks to Protect Naming Rights

As Mardi Gras is Australia’s premier gay and lesbian celebration, New Mardi Gras has taken steps to ensure that it stays that way.

Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is approaching its 32nd year, and what began as an act of defiance for gay equality and ended as a violent riot in 1978 has evolved into a powerhouse celebration of Australia’s colourful gay and lesbian culture.

New Mardi Gras (NMG) is to investigate establishing a separate organisation in order to protect its intellectual property which include the use of the name ‘Mardi Gras’.

The move was voted on by its members at its annual general meeting held on Wednesday at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Kensington.

It was one of two motions brought before the members. The second, a constitutional amendment that would legally bind the board to consult its members and hold a general meeting before implementing changes such as splitting the parade and party on separate weekends, was defeated.

It is hoped that the changes will result in a more colsultative stance to be taken by the new board of the NMG board.

Here's to a better year of Mardi Gras Celebrations!

New Mardi Gras admits mistake and elects new board

New Mardi Gras (NMG) has conceded that the reason for splitting the Parade and Party to separate weekends was due to a scheduling error with commercial partners and sponsors. The admission was made during the organisation's annual general meeting on Wednesday, held at Kensington, where a new board was elected.

Under intense questioning by members, the board said the split behind the two events was because of conflicting arrangements.

All members of the board were re-elected at the meeting, along with two new candidates: Lynne O'Brien and Michael Douglas. The election brings to eight the total number of board members. The re-elected board members include Joshua Keech, Tony Knight, Kirk Muddle, Rob Partos, Nicholas Parker and Steph Sands.

The 2010 Mardi Gras has a new format for 2010, lasting two weeks and punctuated by major events on three successive weekends – Launch at Fair Day, Parade and Party.

The key dates for the Mardi Gras Season are:
Launch/Fair Day - 21st February
Parade and post-Parade Event - 27th February
Harbour '10- 10 - 28th February
Party - 6th March

Gold for Aussies at Outgames Copenhagen

Sydney’s gay and lesbian hockey club, the Sydney Bentstix, was awarded a gold medal at the Copenhagen 2009 World Outgames.

The club fought off rivals from The Netherlands and Britain to score gold under what Bentstix General Manager Danny Caretti said was the strongest team in the club’s history.

The Bentstix’s medal win is among a total 118 brought home by Australia, including 50 gold, putting it in seventh place overall.

Swimming and rowing accounted for the majority of Australia’s medals, with 52 and 19 medals respectively, and track and field accounted for 27. Australia also recorded medals for badminton, bowling, dancing, roller racing, running, softball and triathlon.

The United States finished with 506 medals overall, followed by Germany (274) and the Netherlands (243).

Host nation Denmark scored 202 medals.

Thirty-five countries participated in the Outgames, which were held from July 25 to August 2.

Australia’s northern neighbour Indonesia scored two medals, while New Zealanders took home 16.

This is Oz campaign Continues with Wallabies

No, the 'This is Oz' campaign has not enlisted marsupials for the cause. In the new images released, the Australian Rugby Union team, the Wallabies, have come good on their word and posed for photos for ACON’s This Is Oz anti-homophobia campaign.

Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock has joined forces with players Dave Pocock, Al Baxter and Steve Moore to be part of the campaign, which involves participants contributing pictures of themselves at the This Is Oz website – www.thisisoz.com.au – with messages that challenge homophobia or celebrate diversity and social inclusion.

ACON CEO Stevie Clayton expressed her delight at having members of the Wallabies making a contribution to This Is Oz.

Hopefully, GLBT visibility will be improved and help change some attitudes amongst rugby supporters, some of whom may not otherwise be thinking about equality for GLBT people.

Visit the This is Oz website:
www.thisisoz.com.au

Special Gay Games Award to be presented to Sydney

The Federation of Gay Games has announced that a special award will be given to Sydney (and all presvious host cities) of the Gay Games over the past 27 years.

Former hosts, including Sydney, and cities who have bid are invited to send representatives to the Gay Games 2010 in Cologne, Germany, where they will receive a Medal of Honour.

In an open letter to all hosts and cities who have bid in the past, Emy Ritt & Kurt Dahl co-presidents of FGG wrote: “Although it is a joyous occasion for the organisation selected to host the Gay Games, we recognise the disappointment felt by those not chosen, and heartily applaud all candidates for having believed in the Gay Games with the strength and passion required to bid and host this life-changing event.”

The Gay Games are held once every four years. Conceived by Dr Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, the first Games were held in San Francisco in 1982, attracting 1,350 participants. By the time the Games were held in Sydney in 2002, that had swelled to 11,000 participants.

“Without the support of bidders, the Gay Games would not be the premier LGBT international multisport and cultural festival that we know today,” Ritt and Dahl wrote. “Therefore, it seems only fitting to pay tribute to all Gay Games Bidders and to salute them for being key contributors to the almost 30-year Gay Games movement.”

The host city for the 2014 Games will be decided on September 29 in Cologne.

New Mardi Gras Releases Annual Report Election for Vacant Roles to Take Place

The recently released 2009 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras annual report, hailed the 2008-2009 period as a platform for future growth.

The report revealed the organisation to be in good financial health, making a profit of $389,900 for 2008-2009 period, or eight per cent of revenue.

Outgoing Chair, David Imrie, confirmed that the 2009 season had further strengthened Mardi Gras’ place as one of Sydney’s key events. “This year saw Mardi Gras further cement its place as one of Sydney’s major cultural forces, adding major partnerships and generating even greater enthusiasm within our community and outside,” he said.

Imrie pointed to new partnerships with the NSW State Government, Foxtel and Atlantis Events as examples of Mardi Gras' strong position.

Meanwhile the report revealed the nominees for the new directors of the company. The twelve nominees vying for the eight vacancies are – in ballot order – Mohamed Duar, Joshua Keech, Joshua Crouthamel, Tony Knight, Kirk Muddle, Adam Atkin, Lynne O’Brien, Rob Partos, Nicholas Parker, Stephanie Sands, Michael Douglas and Adam Bratt.

The election for the vacancies will be held at the NMG AGM on Wednesday, August 19.

Time to Go Hell for Leather for Inquisition Week

Saddle up, as there is plenty to do for the Sydney Leather Pride Inquisition Week Events. There's a diverse range of workshops, dinners and parties happening during Inquisition Week.

Leather Care - Sunday, August 9, 3.30pm - 5:30pm
Leathers can be perceived as objects of worship, as the focus of lust, or simply as functional clothing. However you perceive them, one thing is for sure: you want them to last. Former Leather Person of the Year, Jo King – one of the most respected producers of leatherwear in Sydney – shows us all the tricks of the trade in this workshop on caring for your leathers.
Cost: $25 General, $20 SLPA & Kindred

DIY Kink - Sunday, August 9, 3.30pm - 5:30pm
Take a bag of oddments, a few hours of guidance and learn how to craft a set of toys ready for play. Participants are provided with all materials, you will be guided in how to assemble the items and you get to walk away with a new set of toys to try out on your playpals. These are all simple projects, so if you're a DIY novice have no fear! With smooth instruction from Ms Sometimes, a few giggles, and time for a cuppa, learn a set of skills that will defeat the need to ever import toys again. Bring nimble fingers and a sense of fun, and go home with some fabulous new toys! Please arrive on time so we may complete all the tasks together.
Cost: $25 General, $20 SLPA & Kindred

Inquisition 17 - Saturday, August 15, 9pm
Come party at Australia's premier party for the leather and fetish community. This annual event will feature 11 DJs playing music across 4 dance floors. With DJs Justin Scott, Chip, Sandi Hotrod, George Roussos, Mark Alsop, Murray Hood, Troy Cox, Kitty Glitter, Puppy, Sveta, Ben Drayton.
Cost: $50 SLPA members/$65 non-members +bf

SLPA Beer Bust - Thursday, August 20, 8pm
Leather Fetish gear night. Meet and greet the locals and friends from interstate and overseas in town for Inquisition. Dress to impress in your favourite leather/fetish gear.
Cost: Gold Coin donation (beer will be at day pub prices until 10pm and special prices for jugs of beer)
Venue: Midnight Shift, 85 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst.

Formal Leather Dinner - Friday, August 21, 7pm for 7.30pm dinner
Dine in an intimate and secluded space wearing your finest leather, rubber, uniform or fetish gear. Nothing is taboo for this extravagant three course dinner. Guest of honour and speaker will be Alan Norman, Sydney Mr Leather 2008. He will be telling tales of his year as Sydney Mr Leather and of his journey to Chicago to compete in International Mr Leather 2009.
Cost: $55 and bookings are essential.

Sydney Mr Leather Competition 2009 - Sunday, August 23 @ 4pm
Join in the fun and festivities as Sydney Mr Leather 2009 is crowned at The Midnight Shift. Prizes include becoming a representative of Mr Leather Australia and New Zealand, with return airfare to Melbourne and 3 nights accommodation at The Laird. With DJs and special guests. To enter the competition, go to www.sydneyleatherpride.org.
Cost: $10 at the door.

For more information, goto:
http://www.sydneyleatherpride.org/

Hello Dali in Melbourne

Whether or not Dali had a secret gay love affair, make any excuse to see the Dali exhibition in Melbourne,

Dalí was a skilled draftsman, best known for the striking and bizarre images in his surrealist work. His painterly skills are often attributed to the influence of Renaissance masters. His best-known work, The Persistence of Memory, was completed in 1931. Dalí’s expansive artistic repertoire includes film, sculpture, and photography, in collaboration with a range of artists in a variety of media.

Dalí attributed his “love of everything that is gilded and excessive, my passion for luxury and my love of oriental clothes”[3] to a self-styled “Arab lineage,” claiming that his ancestors were descended from the Moors.

Dalí was highly imaginative, and also had an affinity for partaking in unusual and grandiose behavior, in order to draw attention to himself. This sometimes irked those who loved his art as much as it annoyed his critics, since his eccentric manner sometimes drew more public attention than his artwork

Take a trip (literally) down Dali's memory lane.

The exhibition runs from: 13 June – 4 October 09 and is open daily 10am – 5pm. Open until 9pm every Wednesday. Ground Level, NGV International

Illegal Wedding Ceremony Takes Place in Melbourne

65 participants who bravely committed themselves to their life partners in front of thousands calling for same-sex marriage laws on Saturday on the steps of the Melbourne Registry Office.

Whilst a step in the right direction Australians are frustrated at the wait for legislative change.

As a participant at the rally said, "It just makes you feel like you're not accepted wholly by society."

The service followed a colourful rally at Federation Square in central Melbourne, as almost 4,000 people draped in rainbow colours waved banners and balloons that read "Equal Love".

Performances by pop singer Katie Underwood and vocal quartet The Nymphs punctuated the protesters' serious message.

A line-up of speakers declared Australia's position on same-sex marriage lagged far behind other developed countries that allow the union. These include Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Norway.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, a married mother-of-one, told the mostly young crowd the traditional view of marriage as only between a man and a woman was out of date. "We need to accept that there is diversity in our community and we should be celebrating that," she said. "I can't believe Australia is so far behind the rest of the world."