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Point of Difference

Gay Ski event gets Frostier and Higher in 2010

The Frosty Fruits Ski Trip offers a uniquely Australian Gay Ski experience, only 90
minutes from Sydney.

Following the success of its first year in 2009 at the Thredbo Resort, the event has bigger
and higher plans in 2010. Planned as a Gay & Lesbian Ski Short Week in August, key
developments include moving the event to the Hotham Alpine Resort, developing a
women’s speciality program and direct flights from Sydney on QantasLink!

Organiser Adam Bold from Points of Difference Events, a Gay & Lesbian event
company based in Sydney, said whilst the 2009 event was fantastic, the 6 hour drive was
a deterrent for some people.

“So we researched the best ski fields in Australia, and particularly those you could fly
direct to,” said Bold. “We came up with the Hotham Alpine Resort. Not only can we fly
direct from Sydney to the Hotham airport, the village is located right slap bang on the
snow, on the top of the mountain: It’s Fly In and Ski Out Accommodation! Just walk out
your room, slap on your skis and swoosh off!”

The Hotham Alpine Report has arguably the best ski fields in Australia, and boasts the
only alpine resort within Australia where the village is located ON TOP of the mountain!
The ultimate in ski in-ski out alpine environment; Not to mention the 360 views!

“The Hotham Ski Company are so keen to support us this year, they have come on board
as official Accommodation Supplier and a Presenting Partner”, reports Bold. “This means
we have some great priced accommodation for our members and guests. And great
views to go with them!”

In addition, currently, Mt. Hotham holds the record for the highest annual snowfall of any
Victorian resort over the past decade.

The Hotham Alpine Resort staff are reportedly all very excited about the arrival of the
Frosty Fruits Ski Trippers. They are working hand-in-hand with the PoDE team to create
a wonderfully wintery warm and welcoming event. A 4-day event program of exciting ski
and non-ski events are being scheduled for guests. Included in this development is a
planned women’s only program.

With support from the luscious lesbians at Avalon Media, publishers of BOUND Magazine,
the organisers plan to run a 3-day specialty program, just for the girls!

In addition, as part of the social philosophy of the event, there are group meals and
social events each day, giving everyone a chance to mix, mingle and make new friends.
Special events include the “Groomed Welcome Party”, presented by Hotham
Alpine Resort; the DNA Dinner Party @ Dinner Plain; and the final night “Disco
Snowball” presented by Gaydar.com.au.

Participants at the 2009 event where overwhelmed by the level of hospitality, superb
catering and general organisation of the event. Brian & Tom, a gay couple from Bondi,
commented “thank you for creating a wonderful weekend for us both. We got to meet
such lovely people and we felt spoilt the whole time..."

On snow prices starting from $1,384 for four days of frosty fun!

Frosty Fruits Ski Trip 2010 - On snow at the Hotham Alpine Resort.

Thursday August 19 to Sunday August 22, 2010.

For details and to register go to pointsofdifference.com or call +612 8011 3298.

and mention gaytraveller.com.au

Happy Skying

BRAZIL

Revelwood Rainforest Retreat

Revelwood Rainforest Retreat is Byron’s only exclusively gay getaway.
For many guys, this alone would be enough to see them signing the guest book. But Revelwood is so much more.

As its name suggests, this piece of paradise in the Byron Bay hinterland is nestled in rainforest on the banks of crystal clear Byron Creek.

Tumbling out of the car, you’ll immediately feel a thousand miles from care. Yet Revelwood is just minutes from beautiful, historic Bangalow and a short drive from Byron Bay, Lismore and Kings Beach.

As well as its proximity to all the local attractions, there’s plenty to see and do right on the property.

For the more adventurous there is canoeing on the river, the forest to explore and walks to take through the bamboo and lemon myrtle plantation. Take a plunge in the salt water pool or just lounge around the edge. Some people never feel the need to stroll much further than the deck overlooking Byron Creek.

You could wake up late and hang out here all day - literally. Given the whole area is clothing optional, you don’t even need to get dressed!

When it comes time for bed, Revelwood offers the best of all possible worlds. The exotically decorated bedrooms feature super-comfy Sealy mattresses and luxurious 100 percale pure cotton sheets. Choose from ensuite or shared-bathroom options. Each bedroom has its own veranda, day bed and outdoor table setting.

On many public holiday weekends, they also offer camping by the creek.
Revelwood’s owners, Wayne and Chris, have created a magical atmosphere that will have you never wanting to leave. Not only will you wake up to a scrumptious cooked country breakfast, if you ask nicely (and with reasonable notice), they’ll also include you in their dinner plans.

But Wayne’s talents aren’t confined to the kitchen. His previous career as a professional photographer means you and your partner can have some memorable images of your holiday to look back on way into the future.

Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic holiday, or a single guy looking to meet others and sick of staying in soulless motel rooms, Revelwood Retreat comes highly recommended.

Visit their website - www.revelwoodretreat.com.au - or give them a call on (02) 6687 2614 for further information.

Big Bro tells you where you can't surf...

The Great Firewall of Australia

The freshly elected Australian government of Rudd in 2008 promised to improve the Internet in Australia and has put 44 million dollars aside to create better broadband for all. Broadband minister Stephen Conroy now has reserved 43 million dollars to make Internet safer for Australia’s children. A mandatory filter, to be installed by all Internet service providers, would block websites that are flagged as “inappropriate”. The senator wants to refuse Australians Internet access to child pornography, sexual violence and other content that has been refused classification (RC). Nobody in their right mind would approve of the first two, and since they are illegal anyway they should be taken off the net, no problem. But a lot of things are illegal in Australia that are legal in other countries, like euthanasia and cannabis. Websites with info on these topics or where they are simply being discussed will become inaccessible and will take Australia back to the dark ages and it will the laughing stock of other democracies.

The trickiest bit is the Refused Classification list. According to the minister this list would include bestiality, child sex abuse, depictions of drug use and sexual violence as well as content identified by an unspecified “public complaints mechanism”. And that means that anybody (e.g. Family First, gay haters) who complains about the content of a certain website can get it put on the list of forbidden sites… So far about 1300 sites are on that list, of a total of a zillion websites worldwide and more added every minute. Good job Conroy!

The next step towards the Ozzie Firewall will be the introduction of legislative amendments to the Broadcasting Service Act during the autumn 2010 parliamentary sittings, followed by a twelve month process of implementation…

A total waste of tax payers money: the filters are inaccurate, slow down the speed, it’s easy to work around them but most importantly: freedom of speech and freedom to get information are in terrible danger. So write to your MP!

More info: www.efa.org.au

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/

The Gay Amazing Race

Indelible in the minds of many members of the gay community is the appearance of muscle boys Chip and Reichen who famously won the fourth series of The Amazing Race.

Well it's back on again, and the fourteenth series is its gayest yet.

Mel and Mike are the father and son team. Mel came out to his family when Mike was 11-years-old and has now been married to his partner for 27 years. A proud gay-rights activist, he has worked as a writer, professor, filmmaker and a pastor. His bisexual son Mike is the screenwriter behind School of Rock. It's certainly great to see a senior gay man on prime time TV.

Twenty-two-year-old Luke is the first-ever deaf competitor on the show. Racing with his 50-year-old mother Margie, they will prove a formidable team. After the season ended, it emerged that Luke is also proudly gay, none of which is evident on air. He conceded that producers didn't want too overload the audience with the branding.

Amongst African-American sisters LaKisha and Jennifer, the former is openly-gay. Again, it doesn't rate a mention. And what of Asian siblings Tammy and Victor? While nothing has been mentioned about Victor anywhere, we await your judgment on the gay factor here.

So, time to get ready. This season shapes up to be the gayest ever. And I can't wait.

The Amazing Race airs 7:30pm Thursdays on Seven.

Iconic Gay Sydney store Pops Up once more

When the Pop Shop on Oxford St closed its doors in 2007, many said that this was the nail in the coffin of the once flourishing golden strip.

Good news - the quirly retailer is reborn just around the corner.

Business owners Robert Tait and partner Angelo Doulgeris re-opened their iconic store at a new location on Crown Street, Surry Hills. The couple have a distinctive take on pop culture and their range features unique cards and giftware that is well known to all sectors of the gay, and wider community.

Locals and visitors will love this reincarnation of the old Oxford St institution. Check it out at 330 Crown Street, Surry Hills.

Sleaze ball promotional photos released

Tickets to Sleaze Ball 2009: Game On went on sale last week as reported on the Gay Traveller Blog. As tickets went to sale, images from its promotional campaign were relased.

New Mardi Gras Chairman David Imrie hopes that this year's Sleaze will be “one of the sexiest and most exciting Sleaze Balls in a long time.”

The provocative images were captured by Melbourne-based photographers Travis De Jonk and Ross Brownsdon. De Jonk and Brownsdon are best known for their work on a series of Bad Behaviour calendars.

Looks like this is going to be one hell of a party.

Mark Saturday 3 October in your diary. Tickets available from:
http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/Show.aspx?sh=SLEAZEBA09

Bruno struts his stuff at film premiere at Sydney

Fashionista Bruno brought traffic to a halt in Sydney when he appeared at the premiere of his new movie.

Resplendent in an armour suit complete with full-metal codpiece, he yelled at screaming fans as he made his way to the 'Bruno' premiere.

Bruno, who appeared on the Rove talk show the day prior, described fellow Rove guest Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as 'uber-cute.'

Bruno said he hoped the movie, which depicts his efforts to find fame and fortune in the United States, 'realises its full global potential and doesn't peter out after a promising start like swine flu.'

Sydney One Way Street Party to Celebrate Pride

For the first time ever, Oxford Street will be coming together for a massive party to celebrate Sydney Pride. The One Way Street Party involves Slide, Gilligans, Stonewall, Columbian, Polo Lounge, Nevermind and the Oxford all combining to raise money for charity and throw a fun party up and down the strip. $10 entry direct to charity gets you a One Way Street Party wristband that gives you free entry and drinks specials at Oxford Street’s best gay venues on Friday June 26.

Arq presents Moist this fabulous Girls night will be raising money for the Lesbian Health project

Colombian Special price drinks for wristband wearers.

Bruno’s erection unveiled in Sydney

Bruno, AKA Sacha Baron Cohen, lived up to his reputation for making an impact yesterday in Taylor’s Square, Sydney. The fiancé of Australian actress Isla Fisher revealed an impressive "erection" in Taylor Square, Darlinghurst ahead of his arrival for the premiere of his new film, which follows the fictional Austrian fashion commentator.

Workers wearing barely more than hot pants and hot pink hard hats put up a billboard in Taylor Square.

Bruno flies into Sydney next week, and on Monday 29th June the Austrian fashion commentator will spend one day in character promoting his new film. Given Sacha Baron Cohen's past visits, his upcoming visit is eagerly awaited.