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thenextrush · 5 years ago

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1. American Express Open Air Cinema

American Express Openair Cinemas takes place from February 6 to March 15. Card Members purchasing a ticket to the American Express Lounge receive their own bean bag, cushion and blanket as well as some tasty treats (fresh popcorn, ice cream, wine).

This year’s program will kick off with a screening of the hotly anticipated Little Women (6.2). In addition, an exciting mix of new releases such as Jojo Rabbit (7.2), The Gentlemen (10.02), Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (09.02), Bombshell (26.02 and 08.03. Hustlers (19.2) Joker (24.2) and Knives Out (15.2, 9.3). Family flicks will include Jumanji: The Next Level (9.2, 20.2), Dolittle (22.2, 5.3), Spies in Disguise (15.02). Cult classic, Magic Mike heats up Valentine’s Day.

2. Totti’s by Merivale

The Royal has been an iconic watering hole in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs since 1907. Merivale reopened the hotel’s much-loved front bar in September, preserving the classic local as a place to grab a quick drink and game of pool, and just opened Totti’s last month.

It’s a casual Italian eatery of woodfired meats, hand-crafted pastas and classic Italian cocktails in a relaxed, 185-seater restaurant and courtyard – an evolution of Eggert’s Dirty Italian Disco pop-up that won over the hearts and taste buds of Sydneysiders at the Tennyson Hotel last year.

3. Bondi to Manly Walk

It’s the new walking track that links all coastal and harbourside walking tracks and paths between Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. It’s an 80km urban walks that’s a joint initiative between the City of Sydney, Mosman Council, North Sydney Council, Northern Beaches Council, Waverley Council, Woollahra Council, Property New South Wales, the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, and Bondi to Manly Walk Supporters.

4. Sydney Mardi Gras in Bondi

Many forget that Sydney Mardi Gras parade is the last event of a15 day program of over 100 events – from live performance, sport, social activities, workshops and more. From February 24 to March 10, Bondi Pavilion Gallery will be the home of Rhys Jones’ newest exhibition, Male Man. A free event, it’s an exploration drawings, photography and installation, the artist captures a flawed push for perfection at a time in which masculinity itself appears to be crumbling.

In the words of the artist: “Masculinity is in flux. The effects of traditional masculinity on the male psyche have revealed the extent to which men are both the jailors and prisoners of their own emotional wellbeing. Gender stereotypes are being questioned

Photography: Daisy Ridley / Silvia Elizabeth Pangaro Knives Out / Kathy Hutchins

4 things to do in Bondi #sydneymardigras #bondi #bondibeach #manlybeach #bonditomanly #magicmike #starwars #americanexpress #merivale #tottis #malemen #rhysjones #bondipavilion #art #cityofsydney 1. American Express Open Air Cinema American Express Openair Cinemas takes place from February 6 to March 15.

#american express open air cinema bondi #bondi pavilion #bondi pavilion cinema #bondi to manly walk map #male man rhys jones #sydney mardi gras event program bondi #sydney mardi gras free events #tottis restaurant bondi

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thecourtneychronicles · 5 years ago

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“Courtney Act says she’s enjoying an endless “hot girl summer”. Which, for those not initiated into American rap memes, basically means she’s having a damn good time.

“I’m kind of lubed up and ready for Mardi Gras, so to speak,” she says. As Australia’s most famous drag queen, active since the turn of the century, Courtney helped lead the mainstreaming of queer culture in this country along with figures such as Carlotta and Bob Downe.

But being a leader or pioneer doesn’t guarantee being comfortable in your own skin. Courtney says that until recently her understanding of sexuality and gender was actually quite limited. When she was performing, she was a woman, but when she stripped off her make-up, she went back to being Shane Jenek, a man.

“Although I did drag, my masculinity and femininity were compartmentalised in the binary,” Courtney says.

But over the past few years, as public discussion of gender, sexuality and identity has grown, she has discovered things are more complex than your genitals, clothes and hair.

“I think sometimes people think identity has something to do with the wrapping, but really it’s the gift underneath,” she says. “It’s about how you feel. For me, I definitely feel like I occupy masculine and feminine qualities.”

Courtney explores this journey in her pop-cabaret show, Fluid, showing this week at the Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival. It’s a change of pace for her after focusing on television in recent years; first by winning Britain’s Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, then as the runner-up (with Joshua Keefe) on last year’s Australian Dancing with the Stars.

It’s also a far cry from her humble beginnings in the DIY world of drag, which has never been regarded as high art but remains a staple of gay bars and culture worldwide.

“There’s a lot less hot glue and sticky tape in this show, which makes it feel a lot more professional,” Courtney says of Fluid. “I don’t know if that will hold until opening night.”

Set to original music, Fluid was written by Shane and American comedian Brad Loekle. For the most part it’s a one-woman show, with some help from a ballroom dancer in the second half. (“It’d be weird doing a ballroom dance by yourself,” she says.)

The show acknowledges that, more than ever, people are being flooded with “ever-changing and flowing ideas of who we are, what we are and what we might become”.

This is something we should embrace, says Courtney. “We change our clothes every day – we change our hairstyles, we change our jobs. Everything is constantly in motion and constantly fluid. But we have this idea that our identities are fixed. When we look at our lives they’re actually a lot more fluid than we think.”

Courtney, or Shane, doesn’t identify as trans but has said that seeing more transgender people represented in the media was liberating and allowed her to explore her own doubts about gender. She’s previously been described as “gender fluid, pansexual and polyamorous”, although she no longer embraces those labels as she once did.

“They all work,” says Courtney, who prefers to identify as “just generally queer” these days. “It’s funny … so many of our groups identify so strongly with labels and they’re so important to us. I kind of feel less attached to those labels.”

She also understands why some people might feel confused, or even confronted, by the politics of queer identification. The acronym LGBTQIA+, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and others, has expanded over the years to the point that some critics deride it as “alphabet soup”. Even those who are part of the community can be intolerant.

“I get that LGBTIQA+ is a little cumbersome from a marketing standpoint,” says Courtney. “But if you find yourself with the time to complain and be confused by a few extra letters, then you’re one of the lucky ones. If there are people that get to understand themselves more because of a letter in an acronym, I’m all for it.”

“I definitely feel like I occupy masculine and feminine qualities.”

Courtney casts a sceptical eye over everything, including the rise of cancel culture, a predominantly left-wing phenomenon which argues that anyone who says or does something deemed to be racist, sexist, homophobic or in any way offensive should be called out, shamed and, preferably, silenced.

Lamenting the state of political discourse while appearing on the ABC’s Matter of Fact program last year, she said: “The volume’s too loud now and everybody’s yelling.” While history showed that people sometimes need to raise their voices, “when you actually sit down opposite someone and have a conversation with them, you get so much further”.

How, then, does Courtney view the debate over religious freedom that has raged ever since Australians voted to legalise same-sex marriage in 2017? She says it’s clear that sometimes people, especially older white males, perceive other people gaining rights as a threat to their own. She says religion can be a lost cause because it is, by definition, about faith rather than rational argument. Still, queer people have to make the effort to engage.

“The way to do that is to get people to picture themselves in other people’s experiences. That’s the only way you can foster that empathy.

“Rather than yelling aggressively back at the people trying to oppress us, I think the most important thing to do is to share our stories.”

Another thing you can do, of course, is march. This weekend, Mardi Gras culminates in the annual parade up Oxford Street, which will feature more than 200 floats and 10,000 marchers. For the first time, Courtney will co-host the coverage on SBS with comedians Joel Creasey and Zoe Coombs Marr, and Studio 10 presenter Narelda Jacobs.

She had something of a practice run hosting the coverage on Foxtel some years ago. “I saw a clip of it the other day,” she says. “And I’m definitely hoping to redeem myself.”

As a character, Courtney has been on the gay scene for about 20 years. The person behind the facade, Shane, turned 38 last week. He grew up in Brisbane and remembers watching the parade on television as a teenager in the 1990s, huddled up close to the TV so he could quickly switch it off if his parents came downstairs.

Shane came to Sydney when he was 18 and attended his first Mardi Gras. “I just remember it was such a melting pot of people,” he says. “It was the first time I really understood what a community was: that there were all these different parts, and we all faced different challenges and struggles.”

But even then, Shane says he failed to really comprehend about what Mardi Gras was all about. Just like many heterosexual critics over the years, as a young man he gawked at the giant dancing penises, fetish-wear and nudity and wondered: why?

“I remember thinking: why can’t they just be normal?” Shane says. “Have your parade, but why does it have to be about sex and penises? Because I had shame about all of those things. I realise now that the parade’s brash display of sexuality liberates the shame … it’s a really radical way to shake people and say there’s nothing wrong with sexuality – not just homosexuality but sexuality in general.”

The queer community has given Shane a lot: acceptance, identity, a career and fame. It has taken him to Los Angeles, where he was based for some years until 2018, and now to his new home in London.

Love, on the other hand, remains elusive. He is “on the rebound” at the moment, though eternally optimistic. “It’s Mardi Gras time, it’s summer in Sydney, I think this is the perfect time to be single. Maybe I’ll find love under a disco ball at the after-party.”

Incredibly, at 38, Shane is about to attend his first ever wedding, straight or gay – his friend Tim is marrying his partner Ben. It is set to be a baptism of fire. “They have asked my ex-boyfriend and me to give the best man’s speech together, which could be slightly sadistic,” he says.

Shane is still adjusting to the relatively new world of same-sex marriage. It’s not for everyone – many queers still think of it as a conservative and unnecessary institution – but it’s growing on him. “Weirdly, seeing all these people get married, I feel like my cold heart has melted a bit,” he says. “I think there’s something really beautiful about marriage.”

It’s a reminder of why events like the Mardi Gras are still so important – a celebration of diversity at the same time as the old divisions between straight and gay are knocked down. As well as marriage, this can manifest in small shifts, like the politics of Bondi Beach.

“I was at North Bondi on Saturday [and] it was surprisingly unlike North Bondi,” Shane says. “It was all families and those banana umbrella things. I was like, ‘Oh, I remember when this used to be [gay nightclub] ARQ, but with more light.’"

“I guess that’s the progress we fought for – the families are happy occupying the gay beaches now.”

Fashion director Penny McCarthy. Photographer Steven Chee. Hair Benjamin Moir at Wigs By Vanity.

SBS’s Mardi Gras broadcast airs live from 7.30pm on February 29. Fluid will return for a tour of Australia and NZ in spring.

This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale February 23.”

Courtney’s interview for The Sydney Morning Herald - February 21, 2020

#ca interview #21.02.20 #courtney act #sydney mardi gras

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normanregg-blog · 5 years ago

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Looking for things to do in Sydney? Australia’s largest city has no shortage of fun, family-friendly activities throughout the year! Watch one of the world’s most incredible fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve, see the city light up like never before during Vivid Sydney, and indulge your tastebuds during Good Food Month.

These are the 10 best events and festivals in Sydney:

1. New Year’s Eve

December Join one of the world’s biggest parties at Sydney New Year’s Eve, famous for its spectacular fireworks display on Sydney Harbour. Many of the city’s hotels get into the spirit with festive New Year’s Eve events, special meals, and accommodation packages.

New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Sydney. Image: Destination New South Wales

2. Australia Day

January Celebrating Australia Day in Sydney is a can’t-miss event! It’s a day of fun for all, with much of the action taking place on and around Sydney Harbour. The day includes a range of performances taking place in the city’s finest outdoor locations, including Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, and the Sydney Opera House. Other highlights include the ever-popular Ferrython races and a fireworks extravaganza at Darling Harbour. And of course, you can celebrate with the locals at many of the pubs in town.

3. Sydney Festival

January The epic Sydney Festival comes alive for 3 weeks in January with city-wide performances taking place by over 1,000 artists, including international headliners. Performances are held all over the city, from Carriageworks to the Riverside Theatre to the Sydney Opera House itself. You may see burlesque dancers performing in a circus extravaganza one day and catch the Sydney Symphony delighting crowds the next.

4. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

March Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the world’s most joyous and spectacular celebration of LGBTQ+ pride. The event attracts over 20,000 visitors each year, who enjoy a diverse and exciting line-up of events culminating in a dazzling parade.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Image: Destination New South Wales

5. Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

March – April Each year, the iconic Sydney Opera House puts on a spectacular show outdoors at Sydney Harbour. Raise a glass as the sun sets and drink in the view as you share a meal in one of the 5 bars and restaurants onsite. Then sit back to enjoy the enthralling show, complete with live orchestra hidden beneath the dramatic stage and state-of-the-art sound design so you’ll hear every note.

“Aida” performed at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. Image: Destination New South Wales

6. Sydney Comedy Festival

April – May The Sydney Comedy Festival is Sydney’s biggest annual comedy event, featuring performances from the finest Australian acts, the biggest international stars, and the most promising emerging talent. Every April and May, hundreds of the world’s funniest comedians take to stages across Sydney to entertain an audience of more than 120,000 people.

7. Vivid Sydney

May – June Witness the city of Sydney transform into a canvas for brilliant light installations and projections during Vivid Sydney. The annual event attracts more than 2.3 million visitors, and sees historic sights—including the Sydney Opera House, Customs House, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Taronga Zoo—illuminated in brilliant color. The program also includes big-ticket music performances, creative conferences, talks, and workshops.

Vivid Sydney lights up the city. Image: Destination New South Wales

8. Good Food Month

October Good Food Month is the world’s largest food festival, with everything from fine dining to free, family-friendly outdoor gatherings. The much-loved Let’s Do Lunch portion of the festival serves up Sydney’s introduces fabulous prix fixe menus at Hatted restaurants (the equivalent of a Michelen star). Meanwhile, the Night Noodle Markets transform Hyde Park into a bustling Asian street food festival each evening.

9. Sculpture by the Sea

October – November Photographers and art lovers won’t want to miss this annual event featuring surrealistic sculptures and stunning ocean views! Each year, 2 km (1.2 miles) of the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is transformed into a public sculpture park. The park extends from Bondi to Tamarama Beach and is on display for 3 weeks, featuring 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world. A variety of walking routes are available for all mobility levels.

“Horizon” sculpture by Mu Boyan during Sculpture by the Sea. Image: Destination New South Wales

10. Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

December The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has become one of the most popular and exciting yacht racing events in the world. It kicks off each year on Boxing Day in Sydney and finishes in Hobart, Tasmania. Join the festivities and watch the impressive vessels in Sydney Harbour from the Opera House or Mrs. Maquerie’s Point.

The beginning of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Image: Destination New South Wales

Want to experience all that Sydney has to offer? Find inspiration with our Australia travel packages, or give our travel specialists a call at (888) 229-0082 to start planning your handcrafted trip of a lifetime!

The post Top 10 Events and Festivals in Sydney appeared first on Down Under Endeavours.

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qnewsau · 10 months ago

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Adam Lambert headlining Mardi Gras Party 2024

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Adam Lambert headlining Mardi Gras Party 2024

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras have announced Adam Lambert will lead their 2024 Party lineup on the Hordern Pavilion stage in March.

Adam will be supported by US headliner Ultra Naté (Free) on the Hordern stage as well as Finally singer CeCe Peniston and Aussie star Keiynan Lonsdale in The Forecourt.

The 10-hour, 10,000-capacity Party spans six venues and will follows the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, March 2.

Hordern will also host ONYX, Brett Austin, Patrick Mason (GER), DJ Monki (UK), and Mark Alsop, Mardi Gras announced.

The Forecourt will be for vocal house, pop, and nu-disco lovers. Alongside CeCe on that stage will be Keiynan Lonsdale, Miss Katalyna, Shigeki (JPN), Bobby Blanco (UK), SGT Slick, and Ebstar.

Liberty Hall will offer techno, tech-House, world Music and electronica. Watson’s will play classic divas, disco and retro hits, while The Big Top will play 90s and 00s club classics.

Mary’s EQ and The Entertainment Quarter will offer partygoers food trucks, bars and chill zones.

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The Mardi Gras Party lineup announcement comes after US electropop star Slayyyter was confirmed as a headliner of the official Mardi Gras Bondi Beach Party earlier in the festival.

Mardi Gras added a “final performer” will also drop on Feburary 14, a week before the February 23 party.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ program for 2024 comprises over 100 events across the city from February 16 until March 3.

Tickets to all the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 events are on sale now.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

#pop music #sydney

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qnewsau · 10 months ago

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Slayyyter headlining Mardi Gras Bondi Beach Party

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/slayyyter-headlining-mardi-gras-bondi-beach-party/

Slayyyter headlining Mardi Gras Bondi Beach Party

US electropop star Slayyyter has been announced as a headliner of the official Mardi Gras Bondi Beach Party.

Mardi Gras made the announcement on Monday afternoon, but added a “final performer” will also drop on Feburary 14, a week before the February 23 party.

Slayyyter released her second album Starf__ker in September, and she toured Australia in April and May last year.

The Bondi Beach Party was a new event for last year’s Sydney WorldPride, headlined by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

The party is now set to be a regular feature of Mardi Gras, returning this year for the festival, which runs from February 16 to March 3, 2024.

Other performers confirmed for the Bondi Beach Party include DJs Zooey Gleaves, Jay Jay Revlon, Corey Craig, Josh Harrison, Beth Yen, Tyoow and Mama de Leche.

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Mardi Gras 2024 lineup announcements

With Mardi Gras getting very close, lineup announcements for the biggest parties have finally started dropping.

Sydney singer-songwriter MAY-A will headline UltraViolet on Saturday, February 17. She’ll join a lineup of DJs as the LGBTQIA+ women’s party makes a Mardi Gras debut.

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Also, Brisbane alt-pop band Cub Sport are headlining Mardi Gras’ closing Laneway party on March 3.

Laneway is the day after the Mardi Gras Parade on Oxford Street and surrounds on Saturday night, March 2.

That night, the Mardi Gras Party will take over the Hordern Pavilion and other venues, with the Party lineup still to be officially confirmed.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ 2024 program comprises over 100 events across the city from February 16.

Tickets to all the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 events are on sale now.

#pop music #sydney

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qnewsau · 10 months ago

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Cub Sport headlining Mardi Gras Laneway 2024

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/cub-sport-headlining-mardi-gras-laneway-2024/

Cub Sport headlining Mardi Gras Laneway 2024

Brisbane band Cub Sport have been announced as the headliners for Mardi Gras’ closing Laneway party.

The 46th annual Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 festivities run from February 16 to March 3.

The day after the parade, the Mardi Gras’ Laneway closing street party will headline the big festival finisher, joined by a street party lineup of your fave DJs

Cub Sport comprises gay couple Tim Nelson and Sam Netterfield as well as their bandmates Zoe Davis and Dan Puusaari.

Last year, Cub Sport released their fifth album Jesus at the Gay Bar.

On Sunday, March 3rd, the Mardi Gras street party Laneway takes over The Beresford hotel and Hill Street for post-parade kick-ons.

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Laneway is the day after the Mardi Gras Parade on Oxford Street and surrounds on Saturday, March 2.

That night, the Mardi Gras Party will also take over the Hordern Pavilion and five other venues.

Both events will follow the 2024 program of over 100 Mardi Gras events which begins on February 16.

On February 24, Sydney WorldPride’s popular Bondi Beach Party will return for Mardi Gras with DJs and performances on the beach.

Tickets to all Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events are on sale now.

#sydney gay and lesbian mardi gras

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qnewsau · 11 months ago

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2023: The Australian queer year in review

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/2023-the-australian-queer-year-in-revew/

2023: The Australian queer year in review

As the year comes to an end, we look back at some of the Australian LGBTQIA+ news, events and queer moments that made up 2023.

January

Midsumma: Melbourne held its annual multi-week Midsumma Festival where former premier Daniel Andrews marched with pride goers.

Sam Stosur retires: Sam, who won the US Open singles titles plus seven Grand Slam doubles titles, retired at the Australian Open. Sam publicly came out later in her career in 2020.

February

WorldPride: Sydney became the epicentre of the queer universe when hosting WorldPride. The two-week extravaganza featured an opening night concert, the traditional Mardi Gras parade, a Human Rights Conference, a Bondi Beach party, a pride march over the Bridge and a closing party.

Big names like Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue, Sugababes, Agnes, Nicole Scherzinger, Kim Petras, Ava Max, Jessica Mauboy, Courtney Act and Casey Donovan featured throughout WorldPride. However, there was only one true icon of the event: Progress Shark.

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Queerstralia: ABC broadcasts the series Queerstralia. Hosted by Zoe Coombs Marr, it took a deep dive into the queer history of Australia.

March

Australian Idol: Queer First Nations singer Royston Sagigi-Baira won Australian Idol. Royston is a Thanakwith (Aboriginal) and Wagadagam (Torres Strait Islander) man from Mapoon in Far North Queensland.

Posie Parker rejected: Anti-trans activist Posie Parker was drowned out by counter-protesters during her tour of Australia. During her visit to Brisbane, hundreds rallied against her hateful views. While in Melbourne she was joined by neo-Nazis which saw widespread condemnation.

In Our Blood: The musical drama inspired by Australia’s radical response to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s was broadcast on ABC with many scenes shot at Brisbane’s Sportsman Hotel.

The Wickham reopens: After many months closed for renovations, Brisbane’s iconic LGBTQIA+ venue The Wickham reopened.

April

Censorship rejected: The Australian Classification Board rejected a call to ban or restrict a gender and sexuality memoir after a conservative activist complained to Queensland Police.

May

Archibald Prize: Artist Julia Gutman wins the Archibald Prize with a portrait of queer performer Montaigne. While queer musician and artist Zaachariaha Fielding (from Electric Fields) won the Wynne Prize for best landscape.

Kylie’s back: Long-time queer ally Kylie Minogue released Padam Padam. The song charted in the Top 10 in the UK and the Top 20 in Australia. The first time the singer had achieved this in more than a decade.

June

Queens Ball: The 62nd edition of the Queens Ball in Brisbane was held at City Hall. More than a dozen Queensland queer community advocates, performers and organisations were honoured in a ceremony hosted by Paul Wheeler and Chocolate Boxx.

Trans legal win: The Queensland government passed a new law allowing trans and gender-diverse people to change their gender on their birth certificates without having to undergo surgery.

July

Logies: Out actor Tim Draxl was nominated for the Silver Logie as most outstanding actor while RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under received two nominations for Best Entertainment Program and Best New Talent for Kween Kong.

Patricia Karvelas: Proudly out presenter Patricia Karvelas was named as the new host of one of ABC’s flagship programs Q&A.

Gymnast: Out Australian gymnast Heath Thorpe was controversially not selected for the World Championships despite winning the Australian All-Around title.

August

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Women’s World Cup: Australia and New Zealand hosted the Women’s World Cup with a record 96 publicly out players competing. The Matildas, who had 10 out players including superstar Sam Kerr, reached the semi-finals after a thrilling penalty shoot-out win against France. The Matildas broke attendance and ratings records, becoming the most-watched event in Australia since Cathy Freeman at the Sydney Olympics.

Honour Awards: NSW’s largest annual LGBTIQA+ community awards were held and presented by ACON.

September

Brisbane Pride: Brisbane hosted its annual pride event including fair day, rally and march, and other community events across the month.

Drag Race: The third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under crowned the first-ever Australian winner. Isis Avis Loren from Melbourne took the crown with Ballarat’s Gabriella Labucci runner-up. The show was co-hosted by Rhys Nicholson and included queer Aussie guest judges Keiynan Lonsdale and Josh Cavallo.

October

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Big Gay Day: The Wickham held its annual Big Gay Day with Peter Andre and Rogue Traders headlining.

Troye Sivan: The Australian queer artist released his album Something to Give Each Other featuring hit singles Rush, Got Me Started and One of Your Girls. It went straight to the top of the charts giving Troye his first Australian No.1 album.

Pride Adelaide: The annual event took place with a march and a celebration featuring artists Ricki-Lee, Crystal Waters, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Samantha Jade.

November

Gay Games: The 11th edition of the event was co-hosted by Hong Kong and Guadalajara in Mexico. This was the first co-hosting of the games and the first time it took place in Asia. Australian LGBTQIA+ athletes competed in both cities.

ARIAs: Troye Sivan and G Flip dominated the ARIA Music Awards with four and two award wins respectively. Troye took out Song of the Year for Rush.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte: The Rogue Traders lead singer and actress known for her work on Neighbours revealed she was in a relationship with a woman.

PrideFest: Perth held its annual pride events with events across the month celebrating the city’s LGBTQIA+ community.

BayPride: Despite protests the inaugural pride event in Wynnum, Queensland took place with a large family-friendly march.

December

Hate Crime Inquiry: The long-awaited Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes in NSW saw 19 recommendations made. Advocates welcomed the findings and called on the NSW Police Force to action the report’s recommendations.

JOY Media: The Melbourne-based LGBTQIA+ community radio station JOY 94.9 celebrated their 30th anniversary.

NT politics: The openly gay MP Chansey Paech made history as the first Aboriginal man to be appointed Deputy Chief Minister in the Northern Territory.

Olympics: Australian climber Campbell Harrison qualified for the Paris Olympics and shared a kiss with his boyfriend to celebrate.

For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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thenextrush · 6 years ago

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200 associations, groups and organisations feature in this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras parade. $66,000 in grants to 24 individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations will assist in taking their parade entries to new heights of artistic creativity thanks to Google’s community grants. Recipients were officially announced today.

“From a stunning Rainbow Thylacine by the only community-run LGBTQIA organization in Launceston, to The Institute of Many’s passionate celebration of fearless love, the recipients of these grants each have a powerful message that we’re looking forward to seeing on Parade night,” said Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Terese Casu. “With the support of Google, and through our own philanthropic fundraising, we’ve been able to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to LGBTQI non-profit and community organisations in this program over the past three years”.

Google’s Tea Uglow said, “Mardi Gras is only as awesome as the people it represents. We are delighted that for a third year Google can help grass-roots LGBTQIA communities amplify the epic (and sparkle) of their Mardi Gras floats. Google proudly affirms and supports LGBTQIA people and their allies and we’re excited to continue our partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.”

FULL LIST OF RECIPIENTS

Aboriginal Project ACON

Servicing the LGBTQIA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community across NSW, Aboriginal Project ACON provides holistic health services. The oldest thriving culture, it’s all about fostering acceptance and love. Their float will be showcasing leaders within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA community. Leaders who had no choice but to be fearless in paving the way for us younger mob.

Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group

Click to Register & Learn more

The peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation. Their consumers, members & donors are from the LGBTQIA community. ‘SAVE THE BOX’ is their theme – raising awareness about gynaecological cancer. Talking about signs and symptoms with friends and Dr’s could save your life!

Bentstix Hockey Club Inc – Instagram | Facebook | Website

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Bentstix was established in 1996 during the Mardi Gras festival as a network of like-minded players – growing to become one of the largest and most successful LGBTQIA hockey clubs, with over 80 active members. Their parade theme is FEARLESS CHAMPIONS as they are Fearless on the field – they play hard and wear their rainbow socks with pride in leagues across Sydney. They’ve experienced homophobic abuse on and off the field but are Champions in their game (with medals) more recently bringing home the Gold from both the 2018 World Gay Games and the 2017 World OutGames.

Bi+ Visibility

Source: Facebook | #bSeen | Instagram |

Bi+ Visibility is a partnership between Bi+ orgs around the nation, aimed to build community, fight bi-phobia and bi-erasure and address the significant mental health issues the community face. #Bseen – Bisexuals are ready to ‘Be seen!’ Bisexuality is real, Bi+ belongs in the parade & to the Bi+ community watching – “WE SEE YOU'”. They want to show bi+ identifying people watching from the crowd or sitting at home who may have never met another bi+ identifying person, who may be experiencing bi-phobia, bi-erasure or discrimination based on their sexual orientation – that they are real, they are here and there is a huge community out there to support them.

Different Strokes Dragon Boat Club

Source: Facebook | Instagram | Join the Team – 3 Free Trial Sessions

Providing a social & fitness-focused sporting outlet for the LGBTQIA community, friends, family and supporters, the club’s strongest asset is their team spirit with over 100 members. A FEARLESS FREAKSHOW where circus meets animals of the Chinese Zodiac showing the club’s ferocity on water and how fearlessly fabulous they are off it.

Diversity Launceston

Source: Facebook | Instagram

Diversity Launceston is the only active community-run, not for profit organisation in Launceston, Tasmania. Championing events to provide the LGBTIQA community opportunities to meet and form connections. Their float celebrates the Tasmanians who campaigned tirelessly in their efforts to decriminalise homosexuality which remained a criminal offence until 1997, paying homage to them through the recreation of the Rainbow Thylacine.

FOBGAYS+ Facebook | Instagram

A grassroots community network of friends and family of brown (South Asian) gay, lesbian, bisexual and queer+ identifying people. FEARLESS TOGETHER is the theme of their float as they march as a procession of animals found throughout the jungles of different South Asian countries, wearing traditional South Asian clothes and textiles.

freegaynhappy – Join the Group

Source: Facebook

Established 14 years ago, FGNHAPPY’s float features unicorns and the float is called mirror mirror. They message they send is in tackling people’s perceptions of themselves and others. All marchers will be dressed as unicorn and looking into a big mirror and seeing how spectacularly special and magical they are.

Harbour City Wrestling Club

Source: Facebook | Instagram | Join the Beginner’s Workshop – March 15

The not-for-profit LGBTQIA and straight friendly wrestling club based in Kings Cross, a majority of the club members are a part of the LGBTQIA community. This year’s float theme is ‘THE WRESTLERS OF OZ’ featuring wrestlers of different, shapes, sizes, genders and sexuality from Sydney and sister club in Melbourne. The Citizens of Oz are fearlessly taking on the Flying Monkeys in a battle for the Emerald City including a few LGBTQIA asylum seekers marching for the first time.

NSW Trans Youth Alliance A Facebook group of nearly 200 trans young people and allies mostly aged from 16 to 22. The Theme is TRANS AND PROUT – TRANS IS BEAUTIFUL. Many of these kids have had to be fearless to come out and be themselves. For many of them it also taken courage to march and show themselves to the world.

Party Passport Check out their Events | Instagram

Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ people from the Northern Territory & their supporters. It is run by Party Passport, a queer-owned & run, NT based events company whose events celebrate diversity & inclusion. Their float will sizzle – RED HOT TERRITORY- FIREY, FEARLESS, FABULOUS – “you can be who you are, wherever you are.” Promoting visibility for rural and remote LGBTQIA+ people, Party Passport gives NT presence on the international stage of Mardi Gras.

People with Disability Australia

Source: Facebook | Become a Member or Donate

PWDA has recently engaged LGBTQIA+ people through a Disability Support Organisation (DSO) that encouraged peer groups to come together to discuss the issues facing LGBTQIA+ people with disability. The FEARLESS EXPRESS will promote the freedom to express sexuality.

R U OK?

(Source: #junkeegras – Ambassador Craig Mack discusses why our mates are so important when making sure someone is okay)

R U OK?’s mission is to inspire everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. We continue to encourage support in the LGBTQI community. FEARLESS FRIENDS – They give strength to others when they need it most. Marchers will represent the diversity of these friends – they come from all walks of life, but are ready and willing to be there for their loved ones.

Renny Roccon – Wonder Mama and the Fearless Rainbow Super-Queeroes A reguar on the parade roster over the years, Renny Roccon assembles a group of friends to present WONDER MAMA AND THE FEARLESS RAINBOW SUPER-QUEEROES. Each super-queeroe will represent a colour of the rainbow flag – defenders of love and equality. A fun vibrant float appealing to the “fun aspect of Mardi Gras”.

Rumba Latina

Source: Facebook

Rumba Latina was created in 2016, founded by Colombian expat, Rosa Doyle, regularly performing in several multicultural festivals and parades, including – Moomba Festival, Bondi Latin festival, Johnston Street festival and many more across both Sydney and Melbourne. A diverse group with different backgrounds, cultures, and views but with the same passion, Rumba Latina shows the power of dance and how it brings people together with great flair, passion, and creativity.

Sydney Dance Company

See Upcoming Events | 2019 Annual Program

Australia’s foremost contemporary dance company since 1969. A diverse and inclusive organisation for fifty years, engaging the LGBTQI+ community with artists, staff, audiences and participants. 2019 marks Sydney Dance Company’s 50th anniversary. A heritage born through a notably diverse alumni of artists, management and community. A renowned cultural leader, SDC celebrates Fifty FEARLESS GOLDEN YEARS of including the LGBTQI+ community through progressive works and activities for audiences nationally and internationally.

Team Sydney Inc Instagram | Upcoming Events | Club Directory

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Team Sydney promotes sport, fitness & healthy lifestyles among Sydney’s LGBTIQ organisations. Connecting & promoting over 30 member organisations, representing thousands of individual athletes, the theme for the float is ‘MAKING A SPLASH’ – where actions cause ripples. Facing fears and pushing through barriers as out and proud LGBTIQ athletes.

The Institute of Many

Source: Facebook | Join the Group | Upcoming Events

Completely unfunded, independent, grassroots, movement for people living with HIV, with the largest membership of any HIV org. in Australia. TIM will celebrate the breakthrough message of UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE (U=U). A retro sci fi‚ themed float inspires people to consider a changing paradigm of HIV in the 21st century. Science now tells us that an undetectable viral load means it cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners. Celebrating the future of HIV that people with HIV who have an undetectable viral load can be fearless when being with who they love.

The Oz Fag Hags Oz Fag Hags from Anne Flanagan on Vimeo. A group of people who transgress the boundaries between gay & straight culture. EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS! Their float reminds Australians that while people are still being discriminated against based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status, its up to individuals to exercise their rights.

The Star Observer

Read the latest issue

The Star Observer is Australia’s longest running LGBTI media organisation, setting the LGBTI agenda since 1979. 500,000 loyal readers this year they celebrate their 40TH BIRTHDAY – honouring fearless reporting and journalism for the LGBTI community.

The Students of the National Institute of Dramatic Art

Source: Productions & Events

Their theme is STORYTELLERS OF THE FUTURE, LEARNING & TEACHING ON BEDEGAL LAND. “We believe that to be able to tell the stories of the LGBTQIA+ community we need to be fearless in our approach. It is only through this fearlessness that we can be truthful and respectful.”

Trikone Australasia

Source: Facebook | Instagram | Learn more here

An organisation for GLBTIQ South Asians living in Australia creating a supportive and empowering environment for people to promote awareness and acceptance of their. FREEDOM reminds us that 2 of the 12 South Asian countries (India and Nepal) do not or no longer have homosexuality listed as a criminal offence. Freedom and decriminalizing of homosexuality in South Asian countries will come about from the fearless few who make a voice and fight for justice.

Wett Ones Swimming Club

Source: Facebook | Instagram | Free Women’s Boot Camp | Join the team

Called a family by members who range in age from 20s to 70s. Their float – SWIM LIKE A GIRL is dedicated to increasing the participation of lesbian, bisexual, transgender and cisgender women in swimming who make up only 20% of swimmers. “We honour the fearless females who won 28 medals at the 2018 Gay Games & swimmer Kay Gravell who won 8 gold medals while having cancer in her spine, lungs and liver, just one month before she died.”

Women In AFL

Source: Facebook | Pre-Season Women’s AFL Challenge March 10 |

AFL Without Agenda – AFL is not about gender, sexuality or differences; it is about inclusion and the collective. There are occasions of individual brilliance on the field although the majority of the game is driven by teamwork. To women in AFL, to be fearless, means to take action. Challenging misconceptions, challenging barriers to equality, challenging agendas and challenging approaches to women’s sport.

The Mardi Gras Parade is Mardi Gras’ flagship event, the culmination of a three week festival of over 100 events. The parade takes place along Oxford Street on Saturday 2 March, 2019 attracting more than 12,000 participants and is the largest LGBTQI parade of its kind in the world.

The FULL RUN SCHEDULE here

Sydney Mardi Gras Preview: 24 Floats to look out for at the parade! 200 associations, groups and organisations feature in this year's Sydney Mardi Gras parade. $66,000 in grants to 24 individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations will assist in taking their parade entries to new heights of artistic creativity thanks to Google's community grants.

#gaysydney #ruok #snapnation pridemonth #standbyme #sydneymardigras #ACON #ACON NSW #NIDA #Rumba Latina #Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras #Sydney Mardi Gras #Tea Uglow Google #Terese Casu #Tom Ballard

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