Tas Pride Starts this Weekend

The TasPride Festival, Tasmania’s arts and cultural celebration for the GLBTIQ community, kicks off this Saturday with a Halloween opening party at Flamingos Dance Bar in Hobart.

The festival’s two-week program is a diverse mix of live music, picnics, stand-up, drag shows, bingo and film screenings. The opening party’s Halloween theme is The Bear, The Bitch and The Wardrobe. In keeping with the Narnia-esque theme, partygoers will enter the venue via a giant wardrobe filled with coats. Entertainment will be provided by Dolly Diamond, a host of DJs, and surprise special guests.

Revellers who come dressed as their favourite fantasy character will be in with the chance to win a swag of prizes.

For more information goto: www.taspride.com.au

American Icon Amanda Lepore to visit Sydney

Oxford Street will never be the same with the launch of Saturday F*cking Nights. And who better to kick things off than the inimitable Amanda Lepore.

The new weekly Saturday event at Nevermind joins the hugely successful Friday club night Disgraceland and sees the birth of the first new gay venue on Oxford Street for several years.

To help christen the night, pop culture icon Amanda Lepore will be jetting into Australia from New York City to perform at the launch of Saturday F*cking Nights on Saturday November 7.

Behind Saturday Fucking Nights are Tim Duggan and Shane Jenek, (better known as the man behind Fag Tag and the man behind Courtney Act). Shane and Tim started working together on Disgraceland at Nevermind six months ago. The instant success of the weekly Friday night showed them that, despite constant reports of doom and gloom, the faint pulse of the Sydney scene had life in it yet.

The most famous transsexual in the world. Amanda Lepore, will be performing on opening night. She’s been New York’s it girl since the early 1990s, appearing in countless magazines and as the face of Heatherette, MAC Cosmetic, Swatch and more. As the muse and model for photographer David LaChapelle, Lepore’s signature looks epitomize Hollywood bombshell glamour.

She lived through Michael Alig’s Club Kids of the 90s, has starred in music videos for Elton John, Dandy Warhols, and Tiga, toured the US with Cyndi Lauper, Gossip, Rufus Wainwright and Debbie Harry, and her “Time Tranny” Swatch watch became the fastest selling limited edition Swatch watch in history. Put simply, Amanda Lepore is a full-time living work of art.

Imperial Opening Nears with Increased Capacity

The Land and Environment Court has granted the Imperial Hotel a 12-month trial for more than 700 patrons on a Friday and Saturday night. The ruling, handed down last Wednesday, brings to an end a long-running court battle between Imperial owner Shadd Danesi and the City of Sydney.

Commissioner Brown approved an additional 236 patrons, increasing total patronage allowed into entertainment areas within the hotel to 778 for Friday and Saturday nights only as part of a 12-month trial. On other nights throughout the week the City’s ruling of 442 will apply to these areas.

The city had limited Danesi to a maximum 400-plus patrons at the refurbished Erskineville Rd hotel. Danesi has already publicly stated he intends on opening the Imperial next month – with or without the increase in numbers.

As part of the approved 12-month trial, the Court imposed a Plan of Management which includes;
* progressive shutting down of bars to provide for staggered departures;
* discouraging large groups leaving at once;
* having security direct patrons to the taxi stand and bus pick-up point, with security guards at each of these points;
* a reduction in queuing on the footpath and consequent reduction in potential noise impacts.

The City refused the application for increased patron numbers in entertainment areas in November 2008 and the owner appealed to the Court in June 2009.

Peeling off the Foam

Some of the biggest clubs from around the world run foam parties, from Ibiza to London, Los Angeles to Mykonos. The Peel's ‘Foam-a-Sexual’ parties attract guys into a bit of sudsy fun.

Foam-a-Sexual also boasts the DJ's Jay-Z and Mike Evans and the Surge Water Polo team lifeguards will be standing by to rescue those in need of mouth to mouth.

Foam-a-Sexual is the longest running all male foam party in Australia. Foam-a-Sexual is boys only – so no drag performances. Gay Traveller recommends that you head to Melbourne's clubs on the south side for a bit of gender illusion, if you are so inclined.

Foam-a-Sexual, takes plave at The Peel, cnr Peel and Wellington sts, Collingwood, 2pm-10pm, Sunday, October 25, 2009. Presale tickets: Hares & Hyenas, Bang Clothing and Mannhaus, limited available at door. Foam-a-Sexual is a men only event.

Divas Night of Nights

Get frocked up girls as the Drag Industry Variety Awards, the most talked-about topic and highlight of any showgirl’s calendar is coming soon.

In recent times the awards fell into financial trouble but this year Avid Events Limited took over and changed the event’s name to DIVA.

DIVA co-chair Dejay Toborek said the name was created to continue the legacy of a ceremony that rewards, recognises and celebrates the achievements of the drag community.

Founded in 1991 by David Wilkins, Penny Clifford and Ian Jopson, the Drag Industry Variety Awards was created to celebrate the work of Sydney drag queens and the many talents of the people who make up the local gay entertainment industry. The first awards were held at DCM nightclub.

While the very first awards were a big success, the founders discovered the event was too big for a small group of people to handle, and as a result created a not-for-profit company with a committee structure to help organise the annual night.

From the first ceremony, the awards travelled to a variety of venues including the Shangri-la Hotel, the Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Town Hall, Paddington Town Hall and the Showroom at Star City Casino.

While DIVA continues to move forward, the awards will be held this year at The Bourbon on Monday, October 26. Comedian Julia Morris will host.

In the awards tradition, the DIVA Public Voting Day is on Saturday, October 24 at Stonewall Hotel from noon. It’s the public’s chance to vote for their favourite drag queen.

While there has been a name change, the organisers promise that the essence of the night will be the same.

This year there are fewer awards, with a number of previous awards combined to reflect the changing nature of drag in Sydney. In a departure from previous years, this year the infamous Bitch or Boast after-party will be held at the same venue as the awards.

Love or pretend to hate it, drag has not only made an impact on the entertainment industry but helps shape a proud and diverse community.

The DIVA Awards take place Monday, October 26, at The Bourbon in Kings Cross. Free drinks and canapés for the first four hours. A Bitch or Boast after-party will kick off at the venue from midnight. Tickets are $100 + BF from www.divaawardsaustralia.com.au

Go South Young Man for Tas Pride

If you’ve been looking for an excuse for a quick break down south in Australia’s Apple Isle, Tasmania, now’s the perfect opportunity — the relatively young queer festival TasPride had a fantastic run in 2008, and is gearing up for an even bigger 2009.

The festival runs from October 31 to November 15, with a multitude of events on offer, from relaxed picnics to pumping all-night dance parties. Those from the mainland can head down for a long weekend to get a taste of what’s on offer, but with the festival so jam-packed with activities, it’s tempting to stay for the whole fortnight.

Festival coordinator Madi Peattie has been working hard for the past six months on this year’s festivities, and can’t wait to see the fruits of her labour.

The festival has been running for five years, although two years in its current format after rebranding. The festival encompasses a lot that Tasmania offers, including bushwalking.

The events include a pre-festival camping trip to picturesque Maria Island, several film screenings, a night of (costumed) life drawing for those with an artistic bent, and a relaxing meditation retreat.

Of course, it’s been a long road for Tasmania to become the inclusive state it is today. Only a decade or two ago, Tassie had a reputation as something of a backwater in terms of gay rights and acceptance.

The quiz night and drag bingo events are also always such a big hit, particularly for people in the community who aren’t as into dance parties. They were the two events we were turning people away from last year. Vonni, who was one of the original Les Girls, will be hosting, and we’ll be taking both events up to Launceston as well as Hobart.

TasPride runs from October 31 to November 15

For mor information, goto:
www.taspride.com

DJ and producer David Guetta for Mardi Gras 2010!

French superstar DJ and producer David Guetta will headline the Royal Hall of Industries at Mardi Gras party 2010.

Guetta’s track Sexy Bitch, featuring Akon, is currently Australia’s number one single having replaced the Guetta-produced Black Eye Peas track I Got a Feeling. Both follow on the heels of the worldwide hit When Love Takes Over, featuring Kelly Rowland, which hit number one in 10 countries.

Guetta got his first breaks in the gay clubs of Paris in the mid-’80s, but really made a name for himself in the mid-’90s promoting parties at such renowned Paris hot spots as Folies Pigalle, Queen, Bataclan, Palace and Les Bains. He continues to delight his gay audience at events like Paris Pride.

New Mardi Gras says that they will have more announcements to make about the party in the weeks to come, including a headliner for the Hordern.

NMG admits that given the split between Parade and Party this year they recognise the need to ensure that the Party holds its own This year’s party will have a truly world-class line-up to ensure its success.

For more information see:
http://www.mardigras.org.au/

Get your Kink On

Melbourne's kinkiest 10 days in a very long time is about to commence!

Ozkinkfest is a spectacular festival where everyone can safely explore their utmost fantasies and discover Melbourne’s vibrant ambiance. And it will give kinksters the opportunity to meet kinksters face to face.

In addition to the main events there will be workshops throughout the week by international and local presenters.

Whether you are a fetish fashionista, a pain slut, a slave in training, a seasoned player or a curious newbie OzKinkFest will have something for everyone. You can even purchase an Event Pass which gives you access to the 4 key events at a huge discount.

For more information visit:
www.OzKinkFest.com

Here's some of the events to look out for:

Provocation
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Blue Velvet Bar, 60 Smith Street, Collingwood

Provocation is the launch event for OzKinkFest. Provocation is a niche
play/social event for those kinksters who like a chic, classy and intimate
venue and the option to play or socialise.
Come along and check out who is in town for this fantastic festival.
Provocation will include a marquee to extend our play space beyond the 3
floors we already have.

It’s held at Blue Velvet, a boutique venue in the heart of Collingwood’s
energetic Smith St. There is space for suspension, flogging, needles and
spanking as well as a cage for those exhibitionists!
We will also be providing hot food to fuel this awesome night of fun and
debauchery.

Fetish Expo
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Fitzroy Town Hall, Corner of Napier and Moor Streets, Fitzroy

The Melbourne Fetish Expo launched in 2008 and this year promises to be even
better with over 40 stalls confirmed, shows and demonstrations every hour and the Grand Fetish Fashion Show.

It’s a great place to come and find out about alternative lifestyles and to
meet and socialise with those with similar interests.

Hellfire Resurrection
Friday, 23 October 2009
Billboard Nightclub, 170 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD

You don’t want to miss this one !
Hellfire Resurrection returns in 2009 and promises an amazing night at one of the best venues in Melbourne. The split levels at Billboard Nightclub ensure everyone has a great viewing perspective of the amazing performances throughout the night. With an incredible light and sound system this promises to be the biggest Fetish night Australia has ever seen! Lukas Zpira and Satomi will return to the Hellfire stage in a captivating performance along with performers from the UK and Melbourne. After these inspirational performances the crowd will get creative in the play areas or down and dirty on the dance floor with DJ Crossy on deck. Hellfire Resurrection is definitely a night you don’t want to miss!

Klub Kunst
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Vedette Nightclub, Corner Buckley and Nicholson Streets, Footscray

A night for hardcore players !

Klub Kunst will be a filthy dirty, dressed-up, messed-up hardcore players
night with 3 separate play areas, a boxing ring and outdoor wet areas.

Live performances by Satomi (Japan), Sado BJ & pepper and Master S and C will enthrall you throughout the night.

It will appeal to hardcore BDSM players who appreciate a night surrounded by
like-minded kinksters who know their boundaries and how to push them.

Basically it’s a night of unrestricted play where anything goes!

Hot food will be served throughout the night and DJ Kapitolina will turn up
the volume for a no holes barred night of kinky pleasure.

WORKSHOPS and SKILLSHARES

Skill Share: Strap on Play
Mon, October 19, 7pm

KinkFest 09 sees an unusual and interesting array of skillshares being
presented as part of our program. Everything you wanted to know about
Strap-On play but were afraid to ask!

BDSM Workshop for Women
Wed, October 21, 7:30pm

This skill sharing workshop gives women the a chance to explore agreed
themes and topics and gain new skills in various aspects of erotic bondage,
in a private, supportive environment.

Skill Share: Electrical Play
Tue, October 20, 7pm

KinkFest 09 sees an unusual and interesting array of skillshares being
presented as part of our program. Everything you wanted to know about erotic adult electric sex toys to spark up your adult play.

Skill Share: Impact Play 101
Tue, October 20, 7pm

KinkFest 09 sees an unusual and interesting array of skillshares being
presented as part of our program. Skills that will be covered include
Flogging, Caning & Spanking.

Skill Share: Intro to Anal Play
Thu, October 22, 7pm

KinkFest 09 sees an unusual and interesting array of skillshares being
presented as part of our program. Learn the ways that women can enjoy anal
pleasure as well as that mysterious male (G) spot!

Daylesford ChillOut Festival Website Launched

ChillOut Festival Daylesford organisers have announced the theme for the 2010 festival — 2010: A Bush Odyssey.

The new theme is reflective of the journey of adventure coming to ChillOut is, and the journey of adventure and progress we’re taking as we go into future ChillOut festivals, according to president Adam Wright.

The festival has secured $30,000 cash and more than $7000 in-kind support from Hepburn Shire Council as part of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations. Tourism Victoria and Daylesford Macedon Ranges Tourism have also provided substantial funding for the 2010 festival.

For more information, refer to the official website: www.chilloutfestival.com.au

Bears Night

Hi All

Well Bears night is still here upon us back again at the oxford hotel .

So we hope to see you all there

Oxford Hotel Announces New Licencee

Given the demise of many gay venues in recent times, it is exciting to learn of the return of the Oxford Licencee.

Sydney gay scene identity Roger Z says Sydney needs a complete gay venue that is not offer a tokenistic acceptance of gays.

Z, who was appointed the venue’s licensee four weeks ago, comes to the job with impressive credentials. As licensee of the sorely missed Newtown Hotel from 2003 until the venue closed in 2007, few are in a better position to do implement the changes he wants to see at the Oxford.

He was also at the helm of the Colombian for its first year, and perhaps most significantly, at the Oxford from 1989 to 1998; years many people will say coincide with the venue’s heyday.

Z wants the Oxford to become a community hub with a real community feel again.
He cites getting involved with the community, supporting and hosting community events as the key focus here.

Z plans to re-establish the whole of the Oxford as a gay hotel. At the moment, it’s quite divided, with separate spaces – some gay and some mixed or straight.

As mentioned here on Gay Traveller before, Z agrees that Oxford Street has lost it. But with a lot of gay people in Sydney, he says that they have no where to go.

As for the NSW Government instituted lockouts, the other big problem facing a number of gay venues at the moment – including the Oxford – Z is optimistic. Z says that he doesn't think the lockouts are fair, but says that they are somethng that he will have to work with.

Let's celebrate the return to 'gay' of the Oxford Hotel with the return of Roger Z.

Big Scary Zombie Bingay

Big Bingay is back, and this time there's zombies!

Big Scary Zombie Bingay will be hosted by the multi DIVA award-winning drag queen, Mitzi Macintosh. Mitzi's barrel girl is the all-singing out there dyke Naomi Palmer. Expect weird rules, singalongs, penalties and hilarious stories with prizes that range from the silly and camp to great theatre tickets or restaurant vouchers.

Free snacks and food will be provided.

What, where, when?
What: Big Scary Zombie Bingay
When: Friday 30 October, 7.30pm sharp
Where: Paddo RSL
Cost: Tickets $37 for all games

Bookings: BOOKING NOW! Call David on 9206 2110 or events2009@acon.org.au. Full payment required at time of booking.

For More info contact: ACON's Events and Fundraising Team
Tel: (02) 9206 2110
Free Call: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088
Email: events2009@acon.org.au

Three Down, One Up. Imperial Sets Re-opening Date

The Imperial Hotel will be open by the end of November, owner Shadd Danesi has guaranteed — irrespective of the outcome of his court case against the City of Sydney.
Residents, City of Sydney representatives and officials from the Land and Environment Court met with Danesi yesterday morning at the Erskineville pub site to discuss its future.

Danesi has for months been petitioning for the council to increase his capacity limit from 442 to 788 patrons.

The Land and Environment Court will now deliberate on the matter, but Danesi has said the venue will have to open soon, irrespective of the verdict. Danesi hopes to reopen the iconic venue in late October/early November.

The meeting came as the gay and lesbian community loses a raft of other venues. The Flinders has been sold to a group of buyers who are expected to close the venue for renovations. The Midnight Shift has also closed its upstairs section for a series of renovations, and the owners of the Clarence last week announced an end to Manacle.

Rainbow Flag Set to Fly in Sydney

The GLBT Pride flag is set to fly above Sydney’s Town Hall during events of significance to the city’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities, the City of Sydney has announced.

In a first for Sydney, the pride flag – also known as the rainbow flag or the freedom flag – will be hoisted above Town Hall during queer community events such as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and the annual Sydney Pride festival.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the decision, which was endorsed unanimously by Council last Tuesday (September 22), reflected the city’s ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting its many GLBT residents, workers and tourists.

According to Clover Moore, the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival and Pride Week are two of Sydney’s most important community events.

The rainbow flag, which was initially created by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, has become a universally-recognised symbol of pride for queer communities worldwide.

The flag colours represent the diversity of GLBT people and were designed to symbolise life (red), healing (orange), sunlight (yellow), nature (green), harmony (blue) and spirit (purple).

ART AND ABOUT: "UNCOVER OXFORD STREET" SHOP YOURSELF STUPID & BIG BBQ - SATURDAY OCTOBER 3

So very exciting things happening for the month of October, with the City of Sydney's Art & About initiative kicking off October 1, continuing for the whole month of October.

This year's program has a great GLBT focus, as we're partnering up with the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation for the Uncover Oxford Street part of the program, with funds raised going to people living with HIV. As you've already aware, we're kicking off on Saturday October 3 with the infamous Shop Yourself Stupid and Big BBQ plus Bobby Goldsmith Foundation Art Tours (which will continue to take place every Saturday for the month). Hosted by local Drag Queens, Uncover Oxford Street kicks off the weekend of Sleaze Ball, so it will be a great initiative to raise some funds for BGF, and get the weekend off to a flying start!

Highlights of Uncover Oxford Street include:

Bobby Goldsmith Foundation Art Tours

When: 1-25 October, Saturdays at 2pm (meet at Taylor Square)

Join some of Sydney’s favourite celebrities and drag queens on a truly fabulous art tour through the galleries of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst or Paddington.

Bookings: www.bgf.org.au

Shop Yourself Stupid and Big BBQ

3 October, 11am-6pm (BBQ 11am – 1pm)

Support the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and enjoy an extravaganza of shopping, performance, art and indulgence, and a tasty lunchtime BBQ (part of the Sydney International Food Festival).

Get into the Locker Room

Kick off your Sydney Long Weekend at the Locker Room event at Arq.

Tonight - Friday 2nd October the ultimate warm up to Sleaze begins.

Get kitted out in your favourite selection of underwear, sports wear, swimwear or footy Shorts.

DJs Jake Kilby and Kitty Glitter will perform on the Arena Level.

Tickets are $15 at the door or $10 pre-sale (limited number available)
Ticket/Door price includes a $7 discount entry to Bodyline
Tickets available from Bang Clothing (Flinders St) & Bodyline
Buy your tickets from Bang and you’ll receive 10% off anything in store!
LOCKOUT APPLIES 2am-5am Get in early!!

This is a private function for MEN ONLY
16 Flinders Street Taylor Square