Top Ten Must See Events at This Year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

1. THE MARDI GRAS DISCO CLIMB

Talk about getting high on life. If God is a DJ then this rainbow themed dancefloor atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge is surely heaven. Can you think of a better way to herald in Mardi Gras season than combining disco with bridge climb? Thought not.

The climb has limited departures and is only available during Mardi Gras. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Disco Climb. Mardi Gras 2014. Source: Supplied

2. THE 36TH ANNUAL SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS PARADE

Sydney is home to the loudest, proudest, largest and most-loved celebrations of the LGBTQI community on Earth. Join hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the route along Oxford and Flinders streets on Saturday, March 1. Plant a smile on your face and simply enjoy the wild ride.

Rain, hail or shine, revellers gather along the route. Source: News Limited

3. FAIR DAY

If Parade is the party then Fair Day is the fete of Mardi Gras season. Get along to Victoria Park on City Rd, Chippendale on Sunday, February 9 for this all-day family-friendly picnic celebration. Enjoy roving drag performers, gourmet food, loads of market stalls and the Doggywood tent for pampered pooches.

Performers Mrs Vera, Dob Downe and Mr Tina pictured at Mardi Gras Fair Day. Source: News Limited

4. JOHN WATERS LIVE AND IN PERSON

American filmmaker John Waters, he of the pencil-thin moustache, appears for one night only at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday, March 9. The cult figure, who appears on Sunday, March 9, is responsible for Hollywood gems Hairspray and Cry-Baby and is notoriously candid about the downside of fame.

Filmmaker, playwright, comedian and man for all seasons John Waters appears for one night only at the Sydney Opera House. Source: Supplied

5. PAM ANN presents PLANE FILTHY

Pam Ann is the anything-goes air hostess alter-ego of Australian comedian Caroline Reid. Get set for some seriously funny observations on air travel through the golden age. Not to be missed. Reid performs over two nights, February 27 and 28, at the State Theatre. Punters will also be presented with a complimentary glass of sparkly and a Pam Ann compact and fridge magnet. All class!

Pam Ann A plane sitting on the tarmac at an airport. Very high resolution 3D render. Source:Supplied

6. KINGS & QUEENS of CABARET

Enjoy a stellar Mardi Gras cabaret season at the Slide Lounge, Darlinghurst all this month. Among the headliners will be Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham, who will debut his own show. The multi-talented Mitcham is joined by queen of country Beccy Cole and a host of other performers. Check out the full program at mardigras.org.au

To get you warmed up for the main event, here's a little gold medal entree from Mr Mitcham

MATTHEW MITCHAM GOLD MEDAL DIVE

7. COURTNEY ACT in BOYS LIKE ME

Following sold-out seasons in New York and Los Angeles, Australia's own Courtney Act performs hit cabaret show Boys Like Me for one night only, February 25, at the Sydney Theatre, Walsh Bay. Act is a bona fide homegrown superstar at the top of her game. Boys Like Me tackles masculinity, femininity and dirty laundry.

COURTNEY ACT IN BOYS LIKE ME

8. HARBOUR PARTY

Summer sun, an iconic harbour and big dance beats combine to make the Mardi Gras Harbour Party a hot ticket item this season. Gather at the Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquarie's Point on Saturday, February 22 from 3pm. Bring your dancing shoes. Already confirmed acts include British DJ Joey Negro and Paul Goodyear from the US.

Joey Negro plays the Harbour Party on February 22. Source: Supplied

9. RAINBOW RUN

Fitness freaks unite and show your support for equal love by taking part in the Rainbow Run. Held Saturday, February 8 in Sydney Park, St Peters participants should be at the start line of the 6km course by 10am. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Equal Love initiatives in Australia. A DJ set broadcasted throughout the circuit has been designed to keep participants motived.

Show your support for marriage equality by taking part in the Rainbow Run. Source: News Limited

10. THE VAUDEVILLIANS featuring JINKX MONSOON

Those well abreast of the reality television hit RuPaul's Drag Race will already be familiar with irrepressible narcoleptic drag queen Jinkx Monsoon. The Season 5 champion makes her Australian debut with co-star Major Scales at the Vanguard, Newtown from February 18 until March 2.

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Sydney to Host Bingham Cup in 2014

 Australia’s first gay rugby club, the Sydney Convicts, will play host to the Bingham Cup – dubbed the gay rugby world cup – in 2014 and have called upon the city and the LGBTI community to help them defend their title in two years time.

After having their official bid for hosting rights endorsed by the likes of Prime Minister Julia Gillard and rugby greats John Eales and Nick Farr-Jones, the Convicts were considered to be frontrunners to host the biennial tournament which they won earlier this year when it was held in Manchester, England.

“It gives me great pleasure to support the Sydney Convicts’ bid to host the seventh Bingham Cup rugby tournament in Sydney in 2014,” Gillard says in the video.

“Australia is a sports-loving nation which also has an abiding commitment to diversity and mutual respect. The vibrant city of Sydney is the perfect location for the Bingham Cup. And the Sydney Convicts, Australia’s first gay rugby union club, are the perfect hosts.

“In recent years, Sydney has hosted the Olympics, and gay games and the Rugby World Cup with a remarkable spirit of openness and celebration. I know that Bingham Cup participants would receive the same warm and generous welcome.”

The prestigious trophy is named after gay US rugby union stalwart Mark Bingham, who lost his life in the 2001 September 11 attacks in  the US attempting to overpower hijackers of United Airlines 93.
The Convicts bid had also received support from the likes of NSW Governor Marie Bashir, Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Olympic gold medallist Matthew Mitcham as well as rugby legends John Eales, Phil Kearns, Brendan Cannon, Mark Ella, Nick Farr-Jones and Peter Fitzsimons.
The Wallabies and captain David Pocock, a big supporter of marriage equality, were also behind the bid.

In September, the Convicts also took out their local suburban Sydney competition the Nicholson Cup and then the country’s title as the best gay rugby club with success in the Purchas Cup held in Brisbane.

The titles went along with the club’s sweep at this year’s Bingham Cup to make this season the most successful in the club’s nine-year history.

AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE IN LONDON TOMORROW. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW.

Photo: Members of the Sydney Convicts celebrate their Bingham Cup success with rugby greats Phil Waugh, Nick Farr-Jones and Mark Ella (Jason Nichol)

Sydney's Mardi Gras Parade Goes Alcohol Free

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade will be alcohol free from next year.

A Sydney City Council committee meeting last night approved the ban on alcohol along the entire parade route.

The decision followed a request from the Mardi Gras committee.

Council spokeswoman Susie Matthews says the ban will increase the enjoyment of the parade for many people.

"Really we're keen, as is Mardi Gras and the police, to promote the parade as a family friendly, safe accessible event for everyone," she said.

"Certainly in the past we've had some incidents of violence and antisocial behaviour that have been really closely linked with excessive drinking."

Supermum Set to Lead the Parade

Our favourite Supermum to her gay son Shelley Argent has just been announced as this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras’ Chief of Parade.

The tireless campaigner for marriage equality will lead all the glittering floats down Oxford Street on March 3. Our photoshopped picture above shows how the proud mum and her son James might look on the night.

Argent is the national spokesperson for PFLAG – Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – and has been awarded an Order of Australia and QLD Senior Australian of the Year for her work in campaigning for LGBT equality.

The lovely Brisbane mum says she’s enormously proud to be leading the world-famous parade this year.

“This is an acknowledgement of all those parents and families who are supportive of their gay and lesbian loved ones,” she says. “It also shows me that the community supports and appreciates the work I do.”

Argent began her journey in advocating gay and lesbian rights in 1998 when her son first came out to her. She soon felt that there were very few resources or materials for the families of LGBTQI people and began writing a series of educational booklets to enable them to support their family members.

Each year the Board of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras choose at last one Chief of Parade who represents the values and spirit of Mardi Gras. This has previously included Ian Roberts, Don Baxter, Peter Tatchell, Bev Lange, Matthew Mitcham and Lily Tomlin to name a few.

SGLMG Chair Peter Urmson says Shelley is “the obvious choice” for this year’s Chief of Parade because of the current national debate around marriage equality and the reoccurring debate on same sex parenting.

“Shelley has been a tireless supporter of other parents and a persuasive advocate for full equality,” he explains. “Her dedication to the rights of her gay son is an inspiration to LGBTQI Australians, their families and the nation as a whole.

“Shelley Argent is helping lead Australia to a fairer and more inclusive future,” he adds. “We are immensely proud to honour Shelly’s tireless work in showing that families come in many different forms, all bound by love.”

Fittingly, Shelley will lead the section of the Parade that is about families and marriage.

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Mardi Gras? Life Ball!

While Sydney gears up for the newly degayified Sydney Mardi Gras, the biggest tourism revenue generator on its annual calendar of events, there are plans in the making for another big party on the other side of the world. In Vienna—famous for genteel waltzes and passionate opera, less so for its avant-garde art and contemporary culture—a committee has already been at work for months preparing for Europe's biggest and most glamorous charity event, Life Ball, this year taking place on Saturday 19 May.

While the Sydney Mardi Gras of 2012 has eliminated any remaining social significance it had as a spotlight on gay and lesbian issues in favour of mainstreaming itself for the masses, Life Ball takes a different approach, keeping true to itself without sacrificing its principal reason for existence, i.e., serving as a fundraising event that helps provide millions of dollars in funding for myriad international organisations working in the fight against HIV and AIDS, perhaps now flying under the radar in Western countries with advanced medicines available but still a threat to the health and livelihoods of millions throughout the world who don't...and not every so-called advanced country has advanced policies with regard to HIV and AIDS. Thirty years after its first diagnosis, AIDS is still, unfortunately, a subject shyly discussed in public. Not at Life Ball.

There is nothing mainstream about Life Ball; on the contrary, Vienna's night of nights is an extraordinary experience not to be missed, a special event that lights up the Viennese social scene. That guests are having the time of their lives in the company of the famous celebrities invited each year as the voice of amfAR—Janet Jackson, Brooke Shields, Sharon Stone, Eva Longoria, Ivana Trump, and perennial presenter Bill Clinton, to name a few—is merely the means to an end.

Life Ball takes partying to a higher level by raising both funds and the profile of a variety of charitable organisations. In typically Austrian fashion, Life Ball is very transparent about its activities and funding; visit the Life Ball page on international projects it has assisted to have an idea about the extent and effect one party in one city can have all over the world.

The main event at Life Ball is the fashion parade featuring the work of one designer each year; past luminaries selected have been Thierry Mugler, Jean-Paul Gautier, Gianfranco Ferrè, and Patricia Field. Vienna is a city where dressing well is part of life, so it comes as no surprise that Life Ball, the ultimate costume ball, sees some astonishing efforts in the wardrobe department. From elaborate to outlandish, sometimes both, the sartorial creations at Life Ball are masterpieces of creativity and imagination that complement the grand venue, Vienna's enormous City Hall, where the entire building is taken over for the event, with salons, ballrooms, and corridors alike themselves costumed in their best attire for the night's festivities.

Travellers interested in attending Life Ball—and agents interested in knowing more about it—have the services of deluxe gay tour operator Hautes Vacances at their disposal. Hautes Vacances organises every detail for travellers, from the air travel to accommodation to the costumes for the Ball. With both Life Ball and Hautes Vacances enjoying a loyal following, the company has much experience in arranging the details and leaving the fun to its clients.

Check out its Life Ball page and well as Life Ball's own website at lifeball.org and increase your understanding of how well a party can be an instrumental experience for a higher cause.

Mardi Gras Launches Festival Guide and More Party Details

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) has launched its 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival Guide, Parade Entry Kit and more information about the line-up for the 2012 Harbour and Mardi Gras parties.

The festival includes more than 60 events from February 12 to March 4, culminating in the Mardi Gras party and parade.

The festival guide is a pocket-sized edition and will have four alternative covers featuring faces from Sydney’s LGBTI community.

The first of these, featuring Sydney drag entertainer Summer Salt, will be available from this weekend in local bars and clubs. The other three covers feature Mardi Gras 1978 organiser Ron Austin (pictured), Sydney Bear community member Ross James, and Oxford Hotel functions manager Tia Lee, and will appear around Sydney over the coming week.

The guide is an overview of key events, so look out for the full festival line-up in an upcoming calendar and on Mardi Gras’ website.

A new event featured is The Year of Magical Wanking, presented in association with the Sydney Theatre.
Featuring one of Ireland’s most incendiary performers, Neil Watkins, this piece of theatre will take audiences through a wilderness of queerness.

Younger LGBTIs will have a safe place to party at a Queer Prom, presented by Twenty10 and Camp Out, while Queer Thinking returns with speakers including Professor Sara Ahmed, artist Gary Carsley and lawyer Alyena Mohummadally.

The parade will have the same eligibility criteria as this year’s parade, with eligibility based upon each group’s message and LGBTI status.

The Entrant Criteria specify that entries must be either “LGBTQI individuals, groups and organisations communicating a message” or “non-LGBTQI individuals, groups and organisations communicating a clear message of support or celebration for LGBTQI people”.

SGLMG will also hold a Parade Entrants Open Day in the Velvet Room of the Bank Hotel, Newtown, 1-4pm on December 18 to talk to the Parade Creative team about entries.

“This year’s Parade Entry Kit features the same simple criteria that we established last year,” SGLMG CEO Michael Rolik said.

“The Entrant Criteria ensure that our Parade is a platform for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community to celebrate their diversity and express themselves.

“Whether this is your first time taking part, or you have marched in the Parade for years, we hope you’ll get involved in making the 2012 Parade an unforgettable and electrifying night.”

SGLMG will provide additional funding for community floats thanks to funds raised through this year’s Big Gay Weekend, and will double the funding allocated to its in-house floats.

SGLMG has announced that Lee Dagger of Bimbo Jones, Andy Butler and Wayne G will be among the big acts performing at the Mardi Gras Party, dubbed Mardigrasland in which the Entertainment Quarter will be transformed into a theme park of music, dance and electrifying acts.

SGLMG also announced the ticket options available for the party.

For the first time, general admission tickets can be purchased as a bundle of four, for $99 per ticket, plus booking fee.

A $99 ticket will also be available to youth and concession party-goers, plus booking fee.

Premium tickets will include express entry, access to specially reserved seating in the Hordern Pavilion, access to the express bar lane in the RHI and the Hordern, access to a designated premium lounge with comforts such as couches, a complimentary cloak room, premium toilets, a souvenir welcome pack and a premium wristband for identification.

Tickets are available from Ticketek at www.ticketek.com.au.

The iconic Harbour Party has been named Harbour ’12 Cool Change and will be held on February 25, with acts including Lee Dagger, Kate Monroe, Troy Cox and Olivian DJ, and moves from its traditional Sunday setting to a Saturday after feedback from partygoers.

Tickets are $105 plus booking fee.

“Harbour ’12 is the cool change you’ve been waiting for. We can’t wait to see even more local and international guests join us on the Saturday for this must-do Mardi Gras event,” Rolik said.

In related news, the venue for a December 17 information night on SGLMG’s recent name and logo changes has been changed from the ACON building to Darlinghurst’s Heffron Hall at 34 Burton St.

The event will still take place from 10am until noon.

INFO: www.mardigras.org.au

Still no inquiry into transgender woman’s death

Almost three years after an indigenous transgender woman died under suspicious circumstances in a NSW prison; there is little support for a parliamentary inquiry into the matter.

Veronica Baxter died in a men’s prison, age 34. She hung herself in early 2009, despite being assessed and found to be happy three separate times.

No one can remember who spoke to her last or what was said, and the coronial inquiry two years after the incident has been described as a ‘sham’ and ‘cover up’.

Ms Baxter had commenced hormone therapy, but there was no mention of whether she was provided with ongoing hormone medication in the coronial findings.

This is significant because The Department of Correctional Services and Justice Health have legal responsibility to provide transgender people continued access to their medicine if they have already started the treatment.

Transgender people are known to become suicidal if their hormone therapy is ended abruptly.

Two sets of health notes which would have indicated whether Ms Baxter was receiving this treatment have disappeared. Case notes entered into the computer on the14th of March at the MRRC were not saved and case notes from her time at the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills have gone missing.

In response to recent question son notice asking if Ms Baxter was supplied her hormone treatment while under the care of justice health, The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher, refused to confirm it, saying only that “All health services provided by Justice Health to Ms Baxter during her time in custody were in line with Justice Health policy.”

Mr Gallacher dismissed any concerns relating to her death, saying “Ms Baxter’s death was the subject of a Coronial Inquest.

The Coroner made no recommendations in relation to Ms Baxter’s death.”NSW Greens MLC David Shoebridge is concerned about the validity of the inquest.

“It is a serious disappointment and a failing in the system that there was a two-year delay for half-day coronial inquest,’’ he said. “That delay has meant that witness recollections were stale.’’ “There was no expert psychological testimony about the impact of Veronica not receiving her hormone therapy in gaol. The details of her last desperate calls tithe prison’s emergency help line were not recorded and witnesses who may have taken the calls denied any recollection of what was said.”

“The death of Veronica Baxter under such disturbing circumstances cannot just be ignored. It is essential that this woman, who was doubly vulnerable identifying as both Aboriginal and transgender, receives some justice. Her family, her friends and the community deserve some real answers,” Mr Shoebridge said.

Ray Jackson, president of the Indigenous Social Justice Association (ISJA), an advocacy group with a long history in dealing with aboriginal deaths in custody, believes Correctional Services and Justice Healthcare conspiring to cover up the circumstances around Veronica’s death.

“This inquiry was a sham. It did not resolve how she died. We saw whitewash,” he said.

By Jason Marshall

Re-posted from: http://www.altmedia.net.au/still-no-support-for-inquiry-into-transgender-womans-death/46115

‘We’re not going straight’ - Mardi Gras Sydney

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) has moved to quash conjecture it is “going straight” after it changed the name of the parade and festival to the Sydney Mardi Gras.

“The objects and policies in the organisation’s constitution have not and will not change and SGLMG remains committed to producing LGBTQI events and advancing LGBTQI interests,” Mardi Gras CEO Michael Rolik told the Star Observer.

“It seems the fear is that the name change signifies a content change as well. It does not. Participation in all our events — including Parade and Fair Day — remains subject to the same criteria and these remain unchanged.”

Rolik acknowledged that some people felt there had been a lack of consultation over the name change, but said it had come out of a survey of members and non-members conducted earlier this year.

“An overwhelming majority said we should call the organisation Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, rather than keep it as New Mardi Gras,” he said.

“A substantial number also suggested other names — the lead being ‘Sydney Mardi Gras’, with comments stating that it was a more inclusive and internationally recognised name, and that everyone knows it’s a queer festival.”

Feedback from SGLMG’s Youth, Women and Community Engagement committees also informed the move, as had a unanimous vote at the company’s AGM this year to include intersex people in the organisation’s constitution — meaning there were now four groups left unrecognised in the name.

Rolik said it was unfortunate that confusion over the name change had overshadowed it’s first season 2012 announcements.

Parade producer Victor Petroff and artistic director Ignatius Jones will return in 2012, while SGLMG will double funding for the production of in-house floats. Community floats will receive additional cash from the Big Gay Weekend funds.

Attendees have also been told to expect an extra-special 30th Mardi Gras Party.

“We’re promising a party like never before in the Entertainment Quarter, transforming it into a theme park — Mardigrasland,” Rolik said.

“You can expect not just a huge RHI production number from Ru Paul but also a bonus intimate show in our little Retroland and there will also be sublime and ridiculous cabaret from the amazing Dame Edna
Experience coming over from London.”

UK electronic act Chicane will close the Hordern Pavilion with a two-hour live set.

SGLMG will also resurrect the Laneway recovery party in 2012.

Glamazon! Featuring RuPaul

So this has to be the biggest news to come out for the Mardi Gras 2012 period!

RuPaul, the world’s greatest drag supermodel is heading to Australia for the first time in over a decade to perform live at “Glamazon”, a one night only dance party spectacular held in honour of the drag diva herself.

Boasting an impressive line-up including girl group sensation The Margaritas, The Wild Spirit Aerialists plus 3 of Australia’s most recognised DJ’s: Jimmy Dee, Dan Murphy and Kitty Glitter, the night will culminate to an spectacular live performance by RuPaul.

Glamazon presents a rare opportunity for Sydney fans to have an audience with their Queen in a night of glitz and glamour. Without a doubt the most anticipated event this coming Mardi Gras season. One night only, tickets limited.

When: Sunday 04 March from 20:00 to 23:00
Where: Metro Theatre, Sydney Australia
Ticket Price: $85.00 (plus booking fee)


This is an 18+ Event, so if you buy tickets and are under-age you will not be permitted.

Gaga a Go-Go in Gay Old Night on the Town

IT HAS taken a couple of Sydney drag queens to bring out the ''real woman'' in Lady Gaga. On Tuesday night, it was up to Courtney Act, aka Shane Jenek, and fellow drag artiste, Heaven Lee (aka Perry Meek) to introduce the pop star to Sydney's pink mile, Oxford Street.

Doubling as hand maidens for the reigning Queen of Pop, the bewigged duo accompanied Gaga at her two impromptu shows at gay clubs, Nevermind and Arq, navigating the hordes of fans desperate to catch a glimpse of their idol at the frantically organised last-minute shows.

''She really is the most genuine, down to earth and engaging person you could hope to come across,'' a slightly hoarse-voiced Jenek told PS yesterday morning.

Jenek had accompanied Gaga during her mini concerts at both clubs, spending the wee hours of Tuesday morning at the downstairs bar at Arq, on Flinders Street, which had been roped off for Gaga, her dancers and entourage, which comprised a ragtag gaggle of drag queens, muscle men and fruitcakes.

Gaga managed to indulge in Sydney's nocturnal delights away from the prying lenses of the paparazzi and, by all accounts, was enjoying herself immensely.

Jenek met Gaga last year when he, as Courtney Act, did a special birthday performance for the pop star during her stop in Canberra.
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Wearing 15cm heels, Jenek serenaded Gaga with the Rocky Horror hit Sweet Transsexual before giving her a lap dance. Gaga's father, Joe Germanotta, who had flown in for the party, was also rather taken with the routine, offering Act his hand so ''she'' could climb on to the table.

''I would have forgiven her for forgetting my name, but I was totally blown away. She remembered me like I was one of her best friends. She is an awesome woman … a very real woman,'' Jenek gushed.

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Mardi Grouse - Last Saturday was Sydney's 34th Gay and Lesbian mardi Gras parade

Last Saturday was Sydney's 34th Gay and Lesbian mardi Gras parade, and my 17th - although I hasten to add I'm usually a spectator, or a helper-outer, and only rarely have I been in the actual thing.

This year, I was part of a group called Dr Mark's marching Academy. Our schtick was a tribute to the TV show Glee, complete with pompoms. Dr Mark prides himself on having a totse fierce* parade entry each year; with great lights and the best sound system. And so, in the waiting-around hours before this year's event, Dr Mark cranked up his superior speakers to the delight of all.

The result? Instant disco. And dancing in the street.

The boogie continued for more than an hour, and a brief downpour did nothing to dampen enthusiasm of the particpants. As the rain came down, our cheers went up. Bring it on, we seemed to be saying. Nothings going to stop us.

Actually, that's not quite true. For a few parade participants, drunkeness and drug use threatened to stop their parade before they even left Hyde Park. This was more than a shame; it was a disgrace.

But those idiots were very few in number. I hope the rest of us put on a suitably fabulous show, and reminded our spectators - straight, gay and everything in-between - that being gay is OK, joy is infectious and Sydney really is the greatest city on the planet.

* Young-person-speak for "very good".

(Source: Opinion - Wentworth Courier; Our Say by David Mills, Editor Wentworth Courier, March 2011)

Sydney Madri Gras Festival 19 February - 6 March 2011

Sydney Madri Gras Festival 19 February - 6 March 2011

Get Accommodation now at Metro Hotels, there are 4 great properties within close proximity to the Mardi Gras Festivities.

Have your say on Gay Marriage

An online survey by Wentworth MP Malcolm Turnbull into gay marriage is proving extremely popular and you still have the chance to participate.

To take part in the survey simply log on to www.malcolmturnbull.com.au and follow the prompts.

According to a spokesperson for Mr Turnbull, “There has been an overwhelming response to this survey, which shows this issue is obviously very important for the community.”

To date, over 1100 responses have been received from constituents within the Wentworth electorate alone. “However, for the survey to be as accurate as possible, it is important that even more people take part.” Said the spokesperson.

Minneapolis is the Gayest City in the United States

We've recently been introduced to the gayest country to travel to, which, oddly, is Nepal, but what about the gayest US city? We use the superlative as it relates to the most gay-friendly city, as judged by The Advocate magazine using the most highly scientific criteria:

For each city, The Advocate added up numbers for Gay.com profiles, listed officiants for Gay weddings within a 50-mile radius, openly gay elected officials, performances by lesbian sisters musical duo Tegan and Sara over the past five years, lesbian bars, gay and gay-friendly religious congregations and entries in YellowPages.com with "gay" in the business name or description.

And the winner of Gayest City to Visit in the USA is...Minneapolis, Minnesota! Congratulations, MN—you beat out other apparent shoe-ins, like New York City, Portland, Provincetown, and San Francisco. Time to put up some celebratory street signs!

Where: Minneapolis, MN, United States

Are you looking for affordable, comfortable, safe and central hotel accommodation for Mardi Gras 2011?

Looking for affordable, comfortable, safe and central hotel accommodation for Mardi Gras 2011??

Then look no further than Metro Hotel on Pitt, Sydney. Located at 300 Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD, Metro Hotel on Pitt is only 120m from Hyde Park and the marshalling area for the Mardi Gras Parade.

To make your booking contact the hotel now.

Toll Free call - 1800 333 800 (for callers within Australia only)

Hotel Reception - +61 2 9283 8088
Reservations – resmhop@metrohg.com

Web site – www.metrohotelonpitt.com

Mardi Gras Party 2010

Images Photostream of the Sydney Mardi Gras Party in 2010

Images courtesy of www.mardigras.org.au

11 Queer trends & milestones for 2011

The Top 11 queer trends & milestones for 2011

Bonjour Newtown Hotel
After gathering cobwebs for 24 months, the Newtown Hotel has a new licensee and make inner-west queers happy in 2011.

Au revoir Live and Haus
The departure of Live and Haus from club One Six Nine will leave room for a few new straight club nights. We hope the punters to Oxford Street are lovers not fighters.

Pet Shop Boys fever
The rumour mill has the Pet Shop Boys touring in Sydney around Mardi Gras time.

Baby boom
Progress in adoption means more queer couples hearing the pitter patter of little feet. Expect plenty of pugs’ noses to be put out of joint.

Girls get to grindr
Love it or loathe it, the Grindr app (allowing you to instantly find other gay men wherever you are) is pretty popular in this town and finally the girls will get to grind with the announcement of a grrrrl Grindr, due this year.

Scruff
Scruff is Grindr for furry fellas and it is set to see more bears and other hairy bits in 2011.

Dolly Parton on tour
The songbird with the tiniest waist in country music will tour down under. We think we will see a few Dolly drag homages in the crowd.

Mainstream alert
Young gay men calling themselves ‘mainstreamers’ and ditching the label of ‘gay’ may see old-school and new-school queers divided in 2011. Brace yourselves for handbags at 50 paces.

The Sum of Us
In August, Glen ST Theatre is reviving David Stevens’ play about an ocker dad (Steve Bisley) and his gay son.

Time Out re-branding
After three years, Time Out Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian section is getting a nip’n’tuck. Watch this space.

Need Sydney Accommodation? Metro Hotels

(source: Time Out Sydney January 2011)