Pinkboard Graffiti Wall - Community Graffiti Wall 1

ohhhh- me first?

Back to the subject of parties....

Sadly this Saturday night is the final night for DJ Rob Marshall at the Taxi Club. He will be missed greatly at this venue but can still be seen at the Flinders hotel on sunday mornings and at Bondi Junction friday nights.

If you've ever been to the Taxi Club and seen this amazing young DJ in action, please come along this week and give him the send off he deserves. Not sure what or who is going to replace him but they have a hard act to follow.

Any venues out there looking for a top class DJ, I suggest you send someone along to sign this guy up.

He starts at midnight on saturday night and goes till around 6am. Hope to see everyone there.

Here's a community announcement for the wall.

There is a Sydney Leather Pride workshop on this wednesday evening.

The details for it are as follows:

Date: 10th September 2003

Topic: "Corporal Punishment - a formal approach"

Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm

Venue: Pride Centre, Hutchinson Street, Surry Hills

Cost: $5.00 for SLPA members and $10.00 for non-SLPA members

Sydney Leather Pride Annual General Meeting this Thursday evening.

The details for it are as follows:

Date: 18th September 2003

Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm

Venue: Manacle, Club Bar

Includes the election of the 03-04 office holders.

If you have not renewed your membership or would like to join, membership processing is available at Manacle from 6:15pm

Come along and hear what a community group is doing for their members and the wider community, get involved! Your community is only as good as you make it.

Dinner (and naturally drinks) are available from the bar.

Are you a man who is interested in Freemasonry?

Freemasons share a concern and respect for human values, moral standards, the laws of society and the rights of individuals. We are involved in helping other people through charity work and community service and attend regular meetings and participate in activities.

Freemasonry is an orgranisation that embraces confidentiality but is not a secret society., consists of members who are men of faith but is not a religion or a substitute for religion., seeks to emphasise universal harmony and does not permit discussion of religion or politics and supports those in need but is not a benefit society.

Interested in freemasonry? Send an email to info@lodgesoutherncross.org.au

I agree, the "community" as we know it here in Sydney is gone. No longer is Darlinghurst the only place gay men can live. many of us live in the outer suburbs and that suits us fine.

We are simplying moving to a different way of organsing ourselves. ie. more like other australian cities. and it makes more political sense as well. governments think they'll only need to sacrifice 1 or 2 seats in parliament if they don't treat us with respect, but when we are spread out, visilbly, there are more seats at stake and more chance we'll be treated with respect.

The ghetto is dead! Long live the ghetto!

9th Australian Masters Games - Women's Cricket Team.
Are you over 35 yrs old and enjoy playing cricket? Would you like to be part of the Sydney Women's Cricket Team going to Canberra for the 9th Australian Masters Games? It's on from 2nd - 7th Nov. Meet new friends and have fun - plus, play some awesome cricket. Contact the Cricket NSW for details of the Sydney team.

Any interest on the Gold Coast in forming an integration group ??? The supply of gay men is running low so a breeding and conversion programe would help! Perhaps we could get an endangered species government grant???

Some special interest groups I have already tried:

- Gay Chess club [it just got too hard moving from one Square to the next]
- Gay Horse riding club [more gay women than gay men and none with a nice seat]
- Gay health food club [it resulted in a 70's style demmo protesting that shops were stocking too many straight cucumbers]
- Gay beachgoers [still turn up sometimes]
- Gay photographers [full of cockless sleezey voyeurs, self excluded naturally]
- Gay speech training [designed to help young gay men speak up and be heard, but resulted in drag queen type instruction]
- Gay rights and wrongs [still join in sometimes - we aimed to cause severe disruption to homophobes]
- GreyGay [need more members as so many use hair colour or shave heads - sat through an hour listening to one man talk about a gangbang he endured..... 78 years ago.....]
- Gay Power [we kept on getting phone calls and emails from recently widowed women who need handyman type help around the house - Our t-shirts were very popular]

I would like to hear of other groups particularly a support group perhaps for obsessive compulsive disorganisers... could be helpful to meet others with the same disorder.....

I have moved many of the posts on this wall to a new wall Equality. Let's keep this wall for discussion about community groups and events.

Queensland : New Smoking Laws

Commencing November 2003 the Queensland government will be conducting a review of Legislation concerning Tobacco Control and Smoking in public places.
As part of this review the government is accepting submissions from members of the public.

If you want tougher smoking laws, then now is the time for you to let the government know how you feel, prior to drawing up the new legislation. Encourage your friends and family to send in a submission also. Interstate people are welcome to make a submission regarding Qld legislation.

Do you want 100% smoke free pubs and clubs? Do you want your outdoor cafe, restaurant, and beer-garden areas smoke free? Do the patrons and staff of bars and clubs deserve to be free of the dangers of passive smoking?

You can make a submission to the following addresses:

Wendy Edmonds
Minister of Health
GPO Box 48
Brisbane Qld 4001

Or e-mail Wendy Edmonds at: health@ministerial.qld.gov.au


Looking forward to a smoke free Sporties Hotel.

Jags 'n' Bugs Playpen Aussie based mature online GLBT and pagan group.
Games,quizzes,community newsletters,birthday announcements,news,discussions,many laughs and terrific people.
***Chat room opening October 31st 7pm AEST***
JOIN NOW
http://groups.msn.com/JagsnBugsPlayPen/_homepage.msnw?&pps=k

note this down as the date time venue has changed

PRIDE Annual General Meeting
4.00pm Saturday 29th November 2003
Erskineville Town Hall
104 Erskineville Road, Erskineville NSW

Pride moves:
http://ssonet.com.au/showarticle.asp?ArticleID=2672&x=13&y=13

For those who are interested in a community venue

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blu UPDATE - Appeal Sat, 25 Oct 2003

Hi everyone,

Over the past several months a small group of people have been voluntarily working above and beyond the call of duty to bring a new venue to Sydney. In particular for people from the outer-CBD suburbs to socialise at.

The entire concept of Blu Community Club has been to replace the likes of Caesars Bar, and the other venues that have recently closed and bring back the 'friendly-venue'.

To date, most of the financial support for this Club has been offered in the form of sponsorships, and product donation, etc.

As a Community Club - Blu is not permitted by law to have investors (ie people who invest money on the basis that they would receive a profitable return for that money). The Club under the Registered Clubs Act - MUST return all profits back into the Club for the gain of its members. And as such is a Non-Profit Public Company.

Sadly, a major sponsorship deal has fallen through and in doing so has put Blu Community Club's existence in jeopardy.

Blu needs to find a person/s or business or alike who is willing to take a stand and yes a risk, and assist us before we become another Community Ghost.

What we need is to secure an amount of $50 000 as soon as possible or else we will have no choice but to cease in opening Blu.

This financial assistance can be in the form of a Loan (to be re-paid with interest), a Sponsorship deal, as advertising payment (where Blu would advertise & promote your company throughout our newsletter, website and indeed within the venue), or other arrangement.

BLU is a fantastic concept - and is desperately needed by the Community. Please do not let us down. We have come this far - only to find ourselves not quite across the finishing line.

To find out more about Blu check out our website ( www.bluentertainment.com ) or email plan@bluentertainment.com for a copy of our 'Blu Plans'. These plans highlight our concepts, and commitments to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and heterosexual Community.

We need your help NOW.

Please contact me if I can be of any further assistance. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours Truly,

Michael Donnelly
Director
Blu Entertainment Ltd.
02 9832 7717
ACN: 105 718 545

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blu Night - Your Community Club.
A new experience ... coming soon.

Email: enquiries@bluentertainment.com

Rugby players wanted - "The Sydney Convicts" Rugby is putting a team together to compete in an international gay rugby tournament - The Bingham Cup - in London in May 2004. Players, coaches, assistants and supporter needed. Experience (rugby or rugby league) preferred but not necessary. All are welcome. If you would like more information please email Fuzz on sydneyconvicts2004@yahoo.com

QUEER EYE FILM FEAST
FRI 12TH DEC
MURWILLUMBAH NSW
SHORT FILMS, FREE FOOD, DJS MC
HEAPS OF FUN
STARTS AT 7PM
TICKETS $10 (PREBOOKED) $12 AT DOOR
INFO
www.youngpride.4t.com

(got a short queer film?? email me on rendv8@hotmail.com and we will screen it on the night!)
thanx
Young Pride.

Sydney Leather Pride are currently setting up our new office in the new Pride Centre at Erskineville Please allow for some delays with queries as we sort out phone lines. Email contact is best or contact committee via mobile as listed on the updated website. Members who have time to help us unpack and set up please contact the volunteer coordinator.

http://www.sydneyleatherpride.org/index.html

** The Femme Mystique **

A night where we explore and celebrate the femme identity

The Femme Mystique, an event at which we honour the femme identity. Listen to visions of lust, passion, gender, politics and sexuality from femmes and from the TG butches who desire them.

Join celebrated international femme writer Joan Nestle along with Jodie Joyce, Mel Norton, Wife & Aunties, Stella Delight and Dash Gray & Gil Beckwith in a night of spoken word, film and music mixed by Sveta.

Sunday, 23 November, 2003
The Imperial, 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville
Doors open @ 6.00pm; Performances start @ 8.00pm
$15 full / $12 conc.

The Femme Mystique is identity-inclusive and non-clique. Please check your phobias and suspicions at the door. Bring your open mind, submissives, curiosity and respect. This is a butch, femme, transman, FTM, transgender, intersex, hermaphradyke, genderfuck, transensual femme, SOFFA, ethnodiversified, D/s respected space.

www.transensualevents.com

Gay Spiritual Group. I'm starting a new social and discussion group in the NSW Northern Rivers area, under the name Gay Spiritual Group. It's for gay men (sorry girls, not enough space at my place) who want to meet others who are also spiritual or should I say realise that they are spiritual. I've always believed that as gays and lesbians, because we have to deal with others who show disdain towards us, can stay with and build upon the sensitivity, understanding and compassion that results from the coming out experience, if we want to. <p> Although it will be very informal, there will probably at some stage in the future be meditations, guest speakers, and so on. Fridays at 7:30pm. Email innerpeace@hot.net.au for more details.

The Inaugural Bendigo Queer Film Festival
March 27/28th 2004
At the Campbell Theatrette, Bendigo Library
At this regional event, a finely tuned selection of international and national lesbian and gay movies brought to Australia for the Melbourne Queer Film Fest (14th year) and the Brisbane Queer Film Fest (5th year) film package will be brought to Bendigo.

It is proposed that this Festival will become one of the significant events on the annual calendar across regional and country Victoria for the GLBTI and the wider community.

If you are interested to find out more contact the committee ........
bendigoqueerfilmfestival@hotmail.com

Are you a same-sex attracted young person who lives in the St George or Sutherland area?
GLYSSN is a social/support group for under 25s that meets twice a month in the St George area. A safe and friendly space to meet other people, talk about things that are important to you and just hang out. For more information visit www.stgeorgeyouth.org/html/projects/glyssn
A survey is also being conducted of the needs of same-sex attracted young people in the St George and Sutherland area. To obtain a copy of the survey send an e-mail to - glyssn@stgeorgeyouth.org - or call 95808008

WINE OFFER!!

Support the Sydney Pride Centre this Xmas and help raise funds for the new PRIDE Centre. Tempus Two has put together a special wine offer for the Sydney Pride Centre this Xmas.

For every mixed case of Tempus Two Semillion Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Merlot ordered Tempus Two will donate $50 to the Sydeny Pride Centre. Cases are $150 plus $5 delivery (outside NSW extra). To place your order go to www.pridecentre.com.au/news

Place your order before the 1st December 03 and recieve 1 years complementary membership to the Sydney Pride Centre (limit of 1 complementary membership per person).

** THIS SUNDAY **

~ The Femme Mystique ~

The Femme Mystique, an event at which we honour the femme identity.
Listen to visions of lust, passion, gender, politics and sexuality
from femmes and from those who desire them.

Join celebrated international femme writer Joan Nestle along with
Jodie Joyce, Mel Norton, Wife & Aunties, Stella Delight and Dash Gray
& Gil Beckwith in a night of spoken word, film and music mixed by
Sveta.

Sunday, 23 November, 2003
The Imperial, 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville
Doors open @ 6.00pm; Performances start @ 8.00pm
$15 full / $12 conc.

The Femme Mystique is identity-inclusive and non-clique. Please check
your phobias and suspicions at the door. Bring your open mind,
submissives, curiosity and respect. This is a butch, femme, transman,
FTM, transgender, intersex, hermaphradyke, genderfuck, transensual
femme, SOFFA, ethnodiversified, D/s respected space.


If you'd like to be notified of upcoming events, you can join the
Transensual Events mailing list by clicking on:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Transensual_events/

AUDITIONS FOR PRIDE NYE KOOKY KAROUSEL
---------------------------------------

The PRIDE NYE artisitc team at the Sydney Pride Centre is looking for volunteers to audition for the upcoming Kooky Karousel party. If you would like to perform in one of the shows or become one of our roving entertainers this NYE, come to;

Sydney Pride Centre
104 Erskineville Rd Erskineville
12.00pm
Saturday 29th November

PRIDE is looking for anyone who has the desire to perform and be a part of this fantastic community event. No experience is required just a fun attitude and the ability to attend rehearsals between Christmas New Year and leading up to the event.

PRIDE is also looking for people with circus skills i.e. stilt walkers, jugglers, fire-eaters, drummers, dancers and any one who has a Kooky act.

Come one come all to Kooky Karousel!

South Sydney News -New- Taylor Square Celebration
Press release Modified: 07 November 2003 November 30
The $6.7million dollar Taylor Square project has finally been completed resulting in a transformed and more user-friendly Taylor Square.
http://www.sscc.nsw.gov.au/router?model=c&item=2839&category=2

The Mayor of South Sydney, Councillor Tony Pooley will officially open the
new Taylor Square, on November 30 with a T Party community festival from 5pm.
The opening is being held on the eve of World AIDS Day and funds raised by
T Party will go to the AIDS Council of New South Wales (ACON). "I know local residents and businesses have been looking forward to the completion of the project and we all can now celebrate the emergence of the 'new' Taylor Square," Mayor Pooley said.
The official opening of Taylor Square will be held at 5pm on Sunday, November 30, with T Party continuing the entertainment until 10pm. For further information please call Stephen Gilby on 9288 5186.<

South Sydney City Council Christmas Carols.
At Joynton Park on Grandstand Parade, Zetland. Sunday 7 December 7pm to 8:30pm. Celebrate Christmas at Joynton Park with The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir,
Choralation and more.

Sydguys Social Group recently formed for guys 25 to 40 years of age looking to meet new friends & socialize in the Syney area. It is designed to fill the void for a social group for guys who dont fit into the many under 25's groups or are not ready for Mags. We meet one Saturday a month for a daytrip somewhere around Sydney, dinner & a movie. One Sunday a month we have a get together in the afternoon in a Newtown cafe where we have use of a room for lunch, games & trivia or nearby for a picnic & walk. Two Fridays a month we meet at a member's home for videos, pizza or snacks & a chat. If you would like to come along call Greg on 9501 3636 before 11pm.

If you were identified as a female at birth, yet feel that does not accurately reflect who you are - you might find this Australia-wide, Sydney based community group useful - FTM Australia. We are on the internet at http://www.ftmaustralia.org/

Our membership ranges from female-to-male transgender people right through to men with transseexualism (usually post transition men with transsexual background); and includes their partners and families. Some are youth who identify as neither female people nor males - others are transsexual men identified as 'girls' at birth; others are men who have transition as part of their history and have moved on in life, with partners (men or women or both); or who live in out in the suburbs with their wife and children.

Please pass the information onto anyone you know might be struggling with their gender appearance - as there are a range of options open to them today.

AIDS Awareness Week ACON events

Candlelight postponed
Due to the appalling weather conditions we have chosen to postpone tonight's Candlelight AIDS Memorial. It was to be held in Green Park, Darlinghurst where the ground is now quite soggy. The Memorial will now be held on Monday next week - December 1, World AIDS Day - at 8pm in Green Park. We have already received close to 300 names for the reading on the night and can now take more names for next week. Call 9206 2110 (answering machine) or email candlelight@acon.org.au.

SMS a Red Ribbon
Red ribbons, the international symbol for HIV/AIDS, were the first ribbons designed to raise awareness for a specific cause wtih their debut at the 1991 Tony Awards. Now ACON is helping the red ribbon make another first with virtual red ribbons. Buying a Red Ribbon this year is as easy as sending an SMS. To get your red ribbon delivered to your mobile phone, SMS the following request based on your mobile phone handset type to 188 74 40: Nokia - 'REDRIBBON 3572' or Ericsson & Alcatel - 'REDRIBBON 8587' (please ensure REDRIBBON is one word and there is space before the number). This SMS will cost you $3.50 GST incl and will be charged to your carrier account. This service is available for Optus, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile and Testra post-paid accounts. This service is proudly supported by BlueSkyFrog.com

Real Red Ribbons
Volunteers are still needed to help sell real red ribbons on Friday 28, Saturday 29 November and Monday December 1. If you can spare four hours of your time please call 9206 2024 or email redribbon@acon.org.au. We are also keen to hear from people who can sell ribbons at their workplaces for example.

MELBOURNE & VICTORIA'S GAY MEN'S FOUR WHEEL DRIVING GROUP

If you are a gay male living in Victoria, own an "off road" Four Wheel Drive vehicle, there is a group operating out of Melbourne catering for 4X4 off road trekking activity.

Social meetings take place every month and regular trips into the bush and off road mountainous areas of Victoria have been taking place monthly now for over three years.

The Group's website is located at http://www.geocities.com/southeastern4x4

or mobile Douggie on 0413 023 113 for more information.

BOBBY GOLDSMITH FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER SUNDAY 14th DECEMBER.

Dear Friends,

We would love to seee you all down at the fabulous East Village rooftop bar (just 2 mins from Taylor Square) for the opening night of Smooch!

Special Guest DJ STEPHEN ALLKINS aka [LOVE] Tattoo will be playing new tracks from his forthcoming album. Also DJing will be Scott Pullen (Terrace @ Queer Nation), Peter Fam (Arq/Colombian/Shift) & DJ Renae (Mardis Gras/Arq/Civic).

Entry is $10 / $5 goes to BGF

Bring a friend & a smile & enjoy the beautiful music while you watch the sun set over the city skyline.

Sunday 14th December 4pm - 10pm

East Village.

Smoocher, where exactly is East Village?

"just 2 mins from Taylor Square" encompasses about every place I know!

"Smoocher, where exactly is East Village?"

234 Palmer St, East Sydney.

SydGuys Group, have been trying to get in touch with your social group but in vain. Notice says to contact Greg, but no one seems to answer is there an email address to get in touch with you guys. Email me on lonelyindian2003@yahoo.com.au

hi we are off to perth for NYE and for a week in the sun. any perth dykes out tere that can help us out on where to go NYE and venues? thanks

www.thefrocks.com.au
Hi Girls - please support your local sydney lesbian rock group!

What in the hell happened with South Sydney Council's Christmas Carols??? I turned up at about 7.30 pm to find there was a ' man & a dog' present...wasn't helped at all by the poor street directions..not even a current street Directory has that place listed..I feel sorry for the G&L choir who looked extremely disappointed...whoever organised this needs a crash course in logistics and promotions management!!!

Hello - gay level headed guy here - want to meet cool chicks (yes girls!!) for friendship / fun / to hang out etc... - where are you all? - whats the best forum? any suggestions?!

Joe - How about volunteering for a community organisation. Not only do you help, but you also have the opportunity to meet other people who are also volunteering, cool chicks and guys.

Now here!!! Khush a social club for gay indian men and women is now in Sydney. Please email khush_sydney@yahoo.com.au for further information. Volunteers needed to setup Khush website.

Hi Arti - everyone...

Joe needs some spoon-feeding here.
What community groups are out there? - This sounds like a good idea!
thanks

Just a quick reminder that the last SLPA education workshop for the year is to be held tonight. The details are as follows:

Title: Uniforms - From SS to Santa !

Place: Club Bar, Manacle, Taylor Square

Date: 10th December 2003

Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm

Cost: $5.00 SLPA members/$10.00 for non-SLPA members

If you require any further details, please email minotaur@isp.net.au

What community groups are out there? - This sounds like a good idea!
thanks
Joe - Tue 9 Dec 2003 23:14:40

What about NMG for starters ?

Sydney Greek & Gay is a social and support network for gay and bisexual men of Greek background.

We have been running successfully in Sydney for the past year after a successful launch at the 2003 Mardi Gras Festival in which we had 50 Greek & Gay men attend a community forum.

We have regular discussion nights, dinners, parties and social functions.

The group is free & fun, private and confidential.

For more information contact: greekgayguys@hotmail.com or visit www.greekandgay.com

Sydney Leather Pride Assoc.
Notice of General Meeting 6:00 pm Saturday 13th December.
Christmas Social 7:00 ?10:00 pm Saturday 13th December

Our next General Meeting will be held the Club Bar at Manacle (1 Patterson Lane, Darlinghurst) on the 13th of December. The meeting will be followed by a social evening for members and friends commencing at 7:00 pm. We hope to see you all on the night. All members will be given a drink voucher on arrival to start off the Christmas Celebrations.

http://www.sydneyleatherpride.org/

Thank you to all who supported the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation fundraiser at the launch of Smooch @ East Village on Sunday. The night was a huge success & over $1,000 was raised.

Thank you.

Congratulations to the Asian Marching Boys for organising another fabulous night at the Midnight Shift on 18 December 2003. The shows on the night were nothing less than spectacular. Just one question though.....who is the talented Sara Lee? Girl, you should get out more cause you are bloody amazing.

Sat 17 January 2004
@ Waverley Bowling Club, Birrell St, Waverley
"HIGH DRAMA"
a fun mad cap party from 5pm-1am.
DJ's Kate Monroe, Gary T, Yin Yang and Fiesty.

There's Jelly wrestling, Pole Dancing (no, not from polland), this you gotta see, a night of madcap frivolous fun..
Throw on the party frocks, wrestle in the jelly with kate monroe or anyone you wish.
This is an event for Boys and Girls who want to have a fun night.
Dress: High Drama (that allows you to be anything)

Tickets $29.99 from Burgerman, Surrey St, Surrey Hills
Burgerman, Bondi Road, Bondi
Sharpes Pharmacy, Taylors Square
or $35 at the door.
Don't miss this night, theres lots of surprises....

Does anyone know of any websites which advertise the global gay event calender for 2004, parties mostly.

BINGAY is on every Tuesday night at the Imperial Hotel at 8.30pm -11.15pm
This is the longest running community fundraising night in Sydney.
Hosted by the very funny Mitzi Macintosh and her singing, lesbian barrel girl, Naomi.

Mitzi call the numbers, and keeps the laughs coming all night!
Come and see why this night is just so popular nearly 4 years after it started!
Great prizes. Free snacks and food every week.
All money raised goes to ACON

REDCARPET NIGHT FOR QUEER SCREEN
7.15pm SUNDAY, 18th January, 2003

RedCarpet Night is proud to launch the Mardi Gras Film Festival Program with a look at some brilliant queer short films from past festivals and a couple of films from the up-coming 2004 festival season.

RedCarpet Night is a bi-monthly short film screening that raises money for non-profit organisations. This January we are raising funds for Queer Screen. Our program includes a diverse range of short films from local filmmakers.

The titles we will be showing include:
* Writer/director Miro Bilbrough's beautiful cine-poem Urn;
* Writer/director Rob Leggo's slapstick romance High Street Love Story;
* Director Andrew Lancaster's and writer Brian Carbee's coming out, getting out 'mother-and-son' comedy In Search Of Mike;
* Kieran Galvin's tragic tale The Burning Boy;
* Director Wenona Byrne's funny/sad story of family Saturn's Return;
* Writer/director Marie Craven's delightful first-time school-girl crush narrative Blow;
* Directors Andrew Soo's and Julia Kalceff's funny take on the lesbian relationship, nesting habits, jealousy and not-so well-adjusted paranoia, The Ex.

RedCarpet Night is a unique concept for giving Australian filmmakers an opportunity to show their films in a non-competitive cinema environment. There is no entry fee and no genre criteria.

All proceeds of the Sunday, 18th January screening will go to Queer Screen Limited, a not-for-profit community organisation that brings you Sydney's annual Mardi Gras Film Festival, the queerDOC festival and the My Queer Career filmmaking competition. The screening will be held 7.15pm at the Valhalla Cinemas on Glebe Point Road, Glebe. Pre-sale tickets are available through the Queer Screen Office on 02 9332 4938. All tickets are $13. No concessions available. No booking fee applies. Entry for 18 years + audience.

If you experience any difficulties, please contact us for assistance. info@queerscreen.com.au

The Gold Coast branch of Southern Hemisphere Information Technology Gays is holding its quarterly meeting after 9pm, 20th January 2004 at the picnic ground to the south of the car park opposite the Seaworld Car Park [the Southport Spit].

This is an event for Computer industry [gay] workers only.
This Group is not affiliated with Gay Geeks.

So clean up your hard disks and memory sticks [and adapters], update your binary codes and be there. Light refreshments should accompany you as there will be lap-top dancing. A public barbecue is available so bring your own meat or fish, sausage sizzle is optional. Insect repellent/protection is advisable. The annual competition to select the most boring computer speaker will start at 10pm sharp, bugs permitting and the winner will be crowned by a former SBS Newsreader.

Attari and PL/1 enthusiasts should use Dencorub cologne for identification purposes.

You've gotta be there to be square!

Please - no email ping-pong. This is a computer Industry function so a help file is not going to be available. The organising committee exempts itself from responibility for errors/omissions and all performance issues are strictly the responsibility of attendees.

Sick of the lesbian pub and club scene? Come along to Lesbian Open House - meets every Tuesday at 7pm, upstairs at the Green Iguana Cafe, 6 King Street, Newtown. Check out our website at http://sydneyopenhouse.freeservers
Topic up for discussion this Tuesday 13/1/04 is 'Matchmaking your friends; would you do it, have you done it - and are the scars healing?'

Get involved in your community

Twenty10 Gay and Lesbian Youth Support and the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW are urgently seeking folks to help finish renovations in our new building in Bedford St, Newtown. We are calling on you to lend a helping hand throughout the next few week (and help us save money!).

We need as many people as possible so whether you have experience in renovations or not, please do give us a call to find out how you can volunteer or help us meet some of the costs furnishing our new premises. Call Tim on 0405 014 975 or email info@2010.asn.au to get involved.

Community Dancers Wanted!
for Asian Marching Boys fundraiser party "Exposed"
on Thursday 4 March at Shift.

Ever wanted to get up on stage but felt you didn? have the experience?
Now's your chance.
Looking for boys and girls, any colour, shape and size,
to perform in one community number at our pre-Mardi Gras "Exposed?party.

The routine will be simple, yet fun and effective.
No previous dance experience required,
just a commitment to fun and helping your community!

Contact Saha on
salimfox@dodo.com.au or 0407 285 673

For People Living With HIV/AIDS

A forum on disclosure, sex, relationships and sexual health.

Saturday 7th February 2004 3.00pm The Sanctuary Centre

6 Mary St Newtown Bookings 9515 3217

Panel members will present clinical, psychological, educational, and personal perspectives on disclosure, sex, relationships and sexual health. This will be followed by facilitated break-out discussion groups.

Please RSVP by 5th February 2004 (for catering purposes) 9515 3217

Brought to you by: PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS, Northern Sydney Health, South East Health, ACON and Central Sydney Area Health Service

Sydney Leather Pride
General Meeting
Saturday 31st January 2004
6.00pm
Betty's Soup Kitchen,
84 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, NSW
Social dinner to follow

Also website updated with news on
Leather Harbour Cruise 4 March
Carnal Party on the 27 March

http://www.sydneyleatherpride.org/

hi, does anyone know if there is a gay tennis team in sydney? i'm looking to start playing again...

any info would be greatly appreciated.

stephen

Have a look at http://www.scog.asn.au/tennis.htm

ACON will be hosting six events during the 2004 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival including the return of the popular Great Debate. ... ACON? Festival events will include:

The Art of Condoms Exhibition ?February 5 to February 21
This exhibition using mixed media will explore gay men? relationships with sex, condoms and HIV.
Phatspace, Room 35, Level 2, 94 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Wed-Sat 12pm-6pm FREE

Walking the Same Streets Photographic Exhibition ?Feb 5 to Feb 21
ACON and the City of Sydney Council joint project with images on display from amateur photographers around street safety.
Pine Street Creative Arts, 64 Pine Street, Chippendale
Mon-Fri 10am ?5pm, Sat-Sun 11.30 ?3.30 FREE

Visions Positive Art Exhibition ?February 6 to March 6
Paintings and sculptures created by people living with HIV/AIDS attending art workshops with the PLC.
Positive Living Centre (PLC), 702 Bourke St, Surry Hills
Tue-Sat 11am-4pm FREE

Seven Deadly Sins Dance Party ?Friday February 20 This girls only dance party will be a major fundraising event for ACON? Lesbian Health Project.
G.A.S, 467-477 Pitt Street, Sydney
Tickets $40 incl GST from ACON, Darlinghurst Bookshop, Toolsheds Taylor Square and Newtown

Fair Day Stall - Sunday February 22
ACON will also have an information stall and the popular Chill Tent at Fair Day

Debby Doesn't Do It For Free February 22 - 24 Sex Workers Cultural Event -
?Exhibition of Video, Sound, Textile & Mixed Media Installations- 10am - 6pm
?Performance Tuesday 24th - 9pm
69 Abercrombie St Chippendale
Tickets $12/10 - call 9319 4866

The Great Debate - Thursday February 26
"Monogamy is Monotony" is the topic for debate with a cast of great celebrity speakers who will challenge your definition of relationships.
York Theatre, Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale
Tickets $38 plus $2.40 booking fee from Seymour Centre Box Office 9351 7940 or $30 concession plus $2.40 booking fee from ACON

Stir It Up Lesbian Health Speaker Series ?Thursday February 26
"Lesbian Bed Death" will be the hot topic for the night with conversation, controversy and coffee on the menu.
WareHouse Caf?255 Devonshire St, Surry Hills

V-Day Sunday February 29
Join us as we celebrate women, raise awareness and envision a world without violence.
Footbridge Theatre Glebe
Proceeds donated to NSW Women? Refuge and Resource Centre, for muslim and aboriginal women? refuges, the gay & lesbian anti violence project, swop VDAY
A WORLDWIDE CAMPAIGN TO STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS
A benefit production of Eve Ensler? The Vagina Monologues
Directed by Gail Kelly 5pm at Footbridge Theatre
February 29, 2004
Bookings www.ticketek.com or 9266 4800 Tix $49.95, concession $40.95
Proceeds to ?NSW Women? Refuge and Resource Centre for Muslim and Aboriginal womens?refuges ?The Lesbian Anti Violence Project ?Sex Workers Outreach Project
Supported by Amnesty International and ACON. V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls.
This year? V-Day Spotlight is on missing and murdered women in Juarez, Mexico.
V-DAY2004 join us as we celebrate women, raise awareness and envision a world without violence
V-Day info is at www.vday.org

For more information about any of these events please call 9206 2000 Happy Mardi Gras from ACON!

http://www.acon.org.au/community/index.cfm?doc_id=1353&cat_id=23

We want you!

The official 2004 Mardi Gras Marching Group

You don't have to have experience, you just need enthusiasm, commitment to rehearsals (over two weeks prior to Parade) and the ability to shimmy glamorously for an hour or two. Everyone is welcome. This is your chance to be part of one of the world's truly wonderful street parades and experience the elation of 300,000 people cheering you on!

parade@mardigras.org.au

I want you too!
If you're under 25 and you and your friends want to march in Mardi Gras as part of the official Youth Float, all you need to do is email youth@mardigras.org.au

Is a slut someone who has more sex than you?
Can you be faithful to more than one person at a time?
Is a relationship 10 days or 10 years?

Come along to the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Great Debate this Thursday to find out! NSW Upper House President Meredith Burgman will MC the night and try to control a panel of celebrity debaters on the juicy topic of "Monogamy is Monotony". Speakers include David Marr, Jean Kittson, Sue-Ann Post, Bruce Meagher, Garry Scale and Craig Hassall.

The Great Debate (a fundraiser for ACON and NMG)
8pm, Thursday 26 February
York Theatre, Seymour Centre.
Tix $38 plus booking fee from Seymour Centre Box Office on 9351 7940 or ACON Reception. Concession tix $30 plus booking fee from ACON

Upcoming event - Sunday 21 March 2004


** Transcendent **

A party for Trans, Intersex, Genderqueer?nd our friends

Transcendent, an extravaganza of Trans, Intersex and Genderqueer talent. Join Jodie Joyce, Stella Delight and Elias se Mbessakwini along with international artists Max Wolf Valerio, Sean Dorsey and hip hop artist Katastrophe in a night which boasts music mixed by Sveta, spoken word and film.

Sunday, 21 March, 2004
The Imperial, 35 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville
Doors open @ 6pm; Shows start @ 7pm
$15 full / $12 conc.

Transcendent is identity-inclusive and non-clique. Please check your phobias and suspicions at the door. Bring your open mind, submissives, curiosity and respect. This is a transman, FTM, intersex, hermaphradyke, genderfuck, transensual femme, SOFFA, ethnodiversified, D/s respected, accessible space.

www.transensualevents.com

For those who weren't aware that the Evolution Underwater 13 to 17s party was on last night at Victoria Park Pools - it absolutely went off!! (yes, this one actually happened, thank God!)

The turnout was huge, the music was pumping with Mike Kelly and Dan Murphy, the shows were extravagant, and the atmosphere was just brilliant!

A big thanks to all of the guys at Velocity Inc and City of Sydney for working so hard to make this happen! It's great to see that even after two failed events, you've still got the energy and the drive to put hours of effort into providing this necessary space for the youths. Congrats!

The ORIGINAL Melbourne Based Gay Men's Four Wheel Drive Group

is having a weekend trip into the Licola back blocks on 27-28 March 2004, departing an outer SE suburb Friday evening.

A chance to take on challenging off-road tracks, mud, dust and climbs in the rarified air of some of Victoria's breathtaking wilderness in the company of a mixed bag of gay blokes, complete with two (or one if you leave Saturday morning)overnight camps around a river side fire, camp cooked tucker over a few ales and gas bagging under the stars.

Trips similar to this have been made almost on a monthly basis since inception of the Group three years ago.

If you own a suitable off raod 4x4, think you might enjoy being part of this group AND like some tough driving conditions, more information can be found at their website listed below.

This 4x4 Group is informal, has relatively few rules, jealously guards its reputation as NOT being another Gay Sex Contact Group. What guys do together is their business.

Male singles and couples aged 18 or more only.

If you are not into 4x4 driving or looking after your own needs in a camping situation, this may not be the group for you.

Web site http://www.geocities.com/southeastern4x4

The Raelians -

I've just read the SSO about them being excluded from the Mardi Gras Parade .

Please explain ?

I'm sure there a gays in the movement and if they want to join the Parade showcasing their beliefs , who is NMG to stop them ?
Maybe there is something I dont know ? or something we are not being told ?
BUT..............
is sure smacks of discrimination to me .

Michael Woodhouse is quoted " that information did not demonstrate the support of the Raelian organisation and the GLBTQ Community "

So, can the RSL or Workers Club or Arq or Coles or anyone else stop some gay people entering their premises with similar words " from the information we have you do not demonstrate the support we at RSL/Coles/Arq like " ???????

Sydney Leather Pride Association
is proud to announce that in 2004 Leather Pride Week will run from
Sunday 9th May to Saturday 15th May.

The week includes:

Leather Fair Day- Sunday 9th May ?Last year the Leather Fair drew a crowd of 3,500 people. This year the Fair at Prince Alfred Park will be bigger and returning the very popular beer garden plus all day entertainment, contests, leather supplies, food stalls, community groups and something special for mum as it falls on Mother's Day. Leather Person of The Year will be announced on the day. Nomination forms will be sent out to SLPA members soon. Organisations and business interested in becoming stallholders, sponsors or donating prizes are invited to contact SLPA Fair Day Co-ordinator.

Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Service - Sunday 9th May ?The annual church service will be held at the MCC, Crystal Street, Petersham at 7:30 PM.

ArtSpace ?The SLPA ArtSpace exhibition will be launched on Monday 10th May and run for the week until Saturday. Artists who would like their works shown in the exhibition are invited to contact SLPA's curator.

Inquisition - Saturday 15th May ?There is always high anticipation about what Inquisition will deliver. SLPA has spent a lot of time looking into different venue options and focusing on what the leather and fetish community want for their party. Issues such as lighting have been addressed. In 2004 Inquisition will be held at Fox Studios and will cater for 2200 partygoers.

As this event will sell out, tickets will be released first to SLPA members, then to other leather and like-minded organisations for their members. Limited tickets will be available to the general public. Membership tickets will be on sale in early April.

Education ?Education events will be run every night of the week. Those interested should look out for fliers, advertisements, or check out the SLPA website Education page.

Leather Physique Contest ?A new event this year for the body builders and body beautiful.

Bob Buckley Memorial Lecture ?This year the lecture format is being replaced with an evening of spoken word inviting contributions from members of the community, a 5-minute limit on any spoken word piece, poetry, musings, favourite passage from a book ?here will be a commemorative prize for the audience's choice of best original piece.

For further information see website ww.sydneyleatherpride.org
email slpasec@sydneyleatherpride.org
or contact:
Greg Bloye, President - 0418 118 437

Update: Leather Physique Contest - A new event this year for body builders and the body beautiful.

Leather Pride Love Muscle Physique Competition
Saturday 8 May: 7.30pm @ Petersham RSL Club
Further details soon www.sydneyleatherpride.org.
Competition entry enquiries to the President

SYDNEY PREMIERE
EATING OUT

Sun April 4, 8.30pm
Valhalla Cinema
Glebe Point Rd, Glebe
Bookings Mon-Fri 10-6pm 9332 4938
Or from the venue on Sunday
$15 full / $12 Members

Queer Screen is thrilled to present the Sydney premiere of EATING OUT, the funniest gay romantic comedy of the year. Direct from two sell-out sessions at this year's Melbourne Queer Film Festival, where it was the hit of the festival, this may be the only chance to catch this film on the screens of Sydney.

At a sold out sneak preview at the Phoenix Lesbian and Gay Film Festival last month, EATING OUT nabbed the festival? top award - the Best Gay and Lesbian Film of the Festival. The demand for this film at this year's London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival has been so overwhelming for two scheduled sessions that festival organisers have rushed to include an extra screening to quell the demand for tickets.

EATING OUT follows a hunky straight college student who figures the fastest way to a girl? heart is through her gay best friend. College student Caleb has an affection for aggressive girls. Gwen is an aggressive girl who falls for gay acting boys. Add their two gay room-mates into the mix and it's a match made in therapy.

QUEER SCREEN website: www.queerscreen.com.au
EATING OUT official website: www.poshpictures.com/eatingout

Is there anyone else out there with a poker machine problem?

I have just heard that the staff at SWOP (sex workers outreach project) have gone on strike today due to management problems with ACON. can someone please confirm whether or not this is true or not?

Just a quick note to say that Sydney finally has a radio service for the GLBT community!!! Beat FM 87.6 is testing its signal and can be picked up in mot of the eastern suburbs and newtown - great dance music now and an even live shows from April 26. More dteilas to come

My source tells me that a few of the people behind FREE Fm in the late 1990's are involved in BEAT FM and as a strange twist BEAT FM is shortly to move into the same studio that OUT FM once occupied.

That's right! Lots of deja vu and only good karma We start full live programming on Monday April 26 from the ol' Out studios - we got a great lineup of shows including some surprises! The website should be up soon - www.beatfm.com.au

Silly sausage! No-one behind Free FM are involved, perhaps a couple of presenters...the management structure is a couple of old well-known drag queens and DJ's.Plus we are a privately owned business so we aren't as tied down 'community station' wise as Free and Out.

Was Free community owned? i thought it was just dance music.

umm... it appears beatfm.com.au is currently unregistered - probably not a good idea to promote a web address before you actually own it, or some nasty person could spend $66 and steal it from under your nose... might be a good idea to sort it out first thing tomorrow morning

Thanx for the concern CeeJay, but we had the domain name on hold for us and it has now been finalised...sooo much to do, sooo little time!?! And yes Free was a community station; well really an aspirant going for the community licence that was taken by FBI. Turn it up loud okay

Leather Pride Notice of General Meeting
2.00pm, Saturday 17th April 2004
Pride Centre, 104 Erskineville Road, Erskineville, NSW

please feel free t attend and have your say in the future of LP events including Inquisition and LP Fairday

Girth and Mirth Sydney is hosting a *Bulk Steam* event on

Sunday, 18 April 2004
Sydney City Steam (357 Sussex Street Sydney)
from 2pm onwards.
Cost of entry: $15

This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet the big and bear men of
Sydney in an informal and relaxing environment. Sydney City Steam is
Sydney's foremost relaxation centre - you can choose to simply relax in
the refreshing spa bath and have a chat with other big men and their
admirers or, pursue other activities on the four levels of themed
entertainment.

Girth and Mirth Sydney has upgraded our website to support profiles,
personals and forums. Join up today at http://biggersydney.com

Rod - Sat 10 Apr 2004 12:51:51

Well Hi there Rod oops Victoria oops Rodney *blush*

Hope BeatFM is a HUGE success *slurp*

Thanx muchly Mr Dark Past...hmmmmm who could u be? www.beatfm.com.au is comming soon and email can be sent to info@beatfm.com.au *no slurp but a bit of fleuring*

Kings Old Boys Social Group. April 2004
In 2003 a group of us organised a get-together for gay guys of all ages who went to Kings. It was a huge success and we are now holding it annually in Sydney. If you went to TKS and want to be on the mailing list, email us your full name, year of leaving and house to sameveringham@swiftdsl.com.au

regarding Beat FM 87.6 - will it be broadcasted over the Internet?

Also, will Beat FM 87.6 have a talkback segment? Transcripts could be discussed further using facilities like Pinkboard

Beat FM will launch full live programming (presenters/DJ's) from midday Monday April 26th and will have a huge variety of queer programs including Carlotta doing a talkback show!?! initially listeners will only be able to pick us up over the radio but, we are looking into having live streaming over the net asap.

Hmm...
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/24/1082812659542.html

Just Jeans, DaimlerChrysler, Roche, Allianz and Centrum are pulling their ads from The L Word on Ch7. A bit like the bad ol' days when Cadbury pulled its ads from Hey Hey It's Saturday because they were doing a live cross to the Mardi Gras parade. Maybe it's time for another boycott...

I would hope we had more purchasing power than some obscure fundamentalist group with an email list of 600.

Roche in particular makes quite a bit of money from HIV treatments, so it's only *slightly* hypocritical if it's true.

Allianz are now saying the advertising was booked on the show 'in error' so it should never have been there in the first place, and Just Jeans is also copping out by saying that because it was given to them as 'bonus airtime' by the networks they never actually booked it, so they didn't *really* cancel it. See www.justjeans.com.au

Yeah, right... that makes things so much better...

Beat FM 87.6 is now on-air full-time with a great selection of gay and lesbian presenters and DJ's including Carlotta, Luke Leal, Kate Munroe, Jake Kilby, Kelly Lynch, Paul Goodyear, Lexie Bradfield, Dan Murphy and more plus some very camp shows including Better Homos & Gardens (a renovation show with a difference...no water features here) with Atlanta Georgia, Naomi Palmer and Robert Maxwell and Lock 'n' Load (an entertainment review with fangs) hosted by Daisy Fantazy and Jade Dupont. All in all a great selection of personalities and talent on Sydney's new radio service for the GLBT community - Beat FM 87.6

How come the signal quality got so bad in Surry Hills on the day before the launch of Beat FM? Any reason? Heard it beautifully in Randwick!

We are looking into at the Rushcutters Bay transmitter as we have had a few similar complaints - thank you for letting us know. I will update pinkboard on what we find.

CeeJay - Sun 25 Apr 2004 19:19:23

yeah, that'd be smart. boycott HIV drugs...... how did we ever get into this mess?

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we have worked out the bugs and Beat FM is now broadcasting clean and clear from all three transmitters. Hope you like what we have in store for the G&L community!

Rod, I won't tell anyone if you crank up the broadcast power.

Just wondering about narrowcasting - are you able to tranmit to a broader audience but cannot to due to law? or do we all have to pitch in for a more powerful transmitter?

Now there's a fund raiser

ffozstyle is a Sydney based group of guys who are into fisting. We hold ff parties at Headquarters, Crown Street, Sydney with our 3rd party to be held on Sunday 13th June 2004 from 8pm. Anyone interested from beginners to the experienced are welcome, besides its a relaxed way to meat other guys. This venue and the group maintains a strict SAFE SEX policy. So Checkout: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ffozstyle OR contact Steve and dave at fistozstyle@yahoo.com.au

tonight:
Leather Pride Love Muscle Physique Competition
Saturday 8 May: 7.30pm @ Petersham RSL Club *
A new event this year for the body builders and body beautiful.

tomorrow:
Leather Pride Fair Day 2004
Sun 9th May 2004
11am - 5pm
Prince Alfred Park

monday:
The SLPA ArtSpace exhibition will be launched on Monday 10th May 7pm at Tap Gallery and run for the week until Saturday.

GLLAM presents - The Royal Variety Performance Show. In the presence of the Kings and Queens and (and Kings) of Marrickville. Featuring Vanessa Wagner, Sexy Galexy, Frumpus, The Frocks & Illusionist Tomothy Woon. Aspiring divas come ready for an open mic session. Bring picnics, blankets, family & friends & join in the fun. 7pm-9.30pm, Saturday 8 May 2004. Marrickville Town Hall, 303 Marrickville Road.

WARNING: Shameless self promotion ahead!

This week on "Cruisin' with Jake Kilby", we have loads of CD giveaways, plus some season one of Will & Grace on DVD. There'll be loads of music, movie and TV news and gossip and we'll be joined by Ryan Murphy and Dan Murphy to get an update of what's going on in the club scene. Tune in on Tuesday night from 7pm - 10pm, Beat FM 87.6.

Thanks to all who called in for the giveaways on Cruisin' with Jake Kilby tonight. There will be another Will & Grace DVD to giveaway next week for those who missed out.

Keep on supporting queer airwaves! Beat fm 87.6

Does anyone know what's happening with the gay rights lobby? I heard that a number of people on the committee resigned last week because the lobby refuses to support gay marriage and won't campaign for it. There was nothing in the star observor today about it. Anyone know what happened?

There's some info at:

http://www.glrl.org.au/publications/newsletters/2004/2004_May_Committee.htm

nom-de plume 'highSMITH' writes a superb article on the realities of HIV in the current SSO. Queer or unqueer, +/-, most will find the article captivating. I hope

For those who are interested...

"Cruisin' with Jake Kilby"
Tuesdays 19:00 - 22:00
87.6 Beat FM

This week on Cruisin' we have more great giveaways, including tickets to G.A.Y, season one of Will & Grace on DVD, more CD's and Stiffies Underwear. There will be the usual gossip, news, and nonsense. Get set for cruise control...

CALLING HIV+ve Asian men in Sydney for YUM CHA!!

Date/Time: 11am on Saturday, 22 May
PLEASE ARRIVE NO LATER THAN THIS TIME to avoid waiting

Place: Silver Spring restaurant, 191 Hay street, Sydney
behind Capital theatre
between George & Pitt st's in front of escalators

Price: $15.50 for all you can eat (except larger dishes)

Organised by Asia Plus - a program of the Asian Project of ACON.
Feel free to contact John on 0413 04 33 66 or asia@acon.org.au

Is that appropriate? i mean it's one thing to say that there's a dinner hapening for poz guys, but to advertise where it's being held like that would freak alot of people out and they'll be scared off. precisely the people who need support the most.

I have had second thoughts after posting the invite for Yum Cha and agree it could have been done without the venue details. I am sorry for the insensitivity. John

Smoke free Pubs and Clubs. Proposed new Legislation for Queensland.

The Queensland govt. has been reviewing the legislation covering smoking in public places (Tobacco and other Smoking Products Act).
On the 1st June 2004 (next week) the health minister will be releasing a Discussion paper outlining proposed changes to make it illegal to smoke in all pubs, clubs, and casinos. It is possible that the proposals may also include Alfresco dining/beer gardens, parks and beaches.

There is to be a period were public submissions are invited to let the govt. know how far the legislation should go, and when it should take effect. Submissions are to be open from 1st June till 31 July 2004. The discussion paper is to be posted on the Qld Health website once released. This will make it accessible so that you can send in a submission.

Please send in a submission. If you want to go to your favourite gay pub and not come home stinking of smoke then next week is your opportunity to let the govt. know.
People living outside of Qld are welcome to make a public submission expressing an opinion on Qld legislation. The more states/territories that ban smoking, the more pressure this places on all the other states to follow.

Once the discussion paper is released next week I will be placing another notice on this site advising of the exact web address.

If anyone knows where I can post similar notices on community websites (particularly for Brisbane/Qld) then please let me know.

See you in a smoke free Sporties Hotel (Brisvegas gay pub) soon.

Lets see...no smoking on the beach and they kick all the smokers out of the pubs so they have to light up on the street. How long before it's banned there too?

Wed 26 May 2004 10:43:52 - not soon enough. smoking is a filthy habit and you are much better off not smoking. what are the reasons you keep on smoking (apart from addiction)? what are the benefits of smoking? why should we have to put up with such a destructive drug in our society?

much better for you to go and shoot up somewhere and dispose of your needle safely. you'll do less damage to the rest of us.

Wed 26 May 2004 11:40:30
I'm not saying that smoking is good for anybody or has any benefits, but many, many people indulge in unsafe habits which endanger themselves and other people on a daily basis (including shooting up).

People have and always will indulge in things which are no good to anybody.

I just think its all getting a bit too hysterical. Why not try to find a comprimise?

Wed 26 May 2004 16:21:23 - the compromise can be that we don't outlaw smoking altogether and only allow people to smoke inside their own homes. anything less is unacceptable.

Sat 29 May 2004 12:50:06

That's big of you

Sat 29 May 2004 12:50:06

You know, you're right. Let's ban extreme sports, driving cars and motorcycles, alcohol, fast food, sex, industry - they're all potentially bad for you and other people.

Lets also ban hard drugs. Oh they already have? Just proves how successful prohibition is.

Kelly's parties for trannies and bi guys are now being held monthly instead of weekly. The first Friday of every month, as it happens. There's a roaring log fire to greet you when you arrive, and all sorts of interesting surprises waiting to spring out at you! New friends welcome, old friends welcome back.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/frillseekers

Eat, Drink, and be Mary!

I'm really disappointed with Beat FM at the moment on 2 fronts.

1. The signal is just appauling almost to the point of being a total waste of time. I'm sure some of those DJ's that have those late night programs must sit in the studio wondering if anymore than just a handful of people are actually listening.

In my opinion until this issue is resolved Beat FM continues to be a white elephant.

2. Their website. HELLO !!! Youve been on air now for how long ?? Checking the website and there's a front page with an email contact and a phone number contact - THATS IT !!!
Guys , Just in case you didnt know - thats not a website.

Please - lets get some useful info up on that website ASAP particularly for the underprivledged who cant pickup the white elephant signal.

Smoke Free Pubs/Clubs – Public submissions open – Have your say.

For the last 7 months the Qld govt. has been reviewing the laws concerning smoking in public places (Tobacco and other Smoking Products Act). A proposal has been made to introduce legislation totally banning smoking in all pubs, clubs and casinos in Qld. The govt. has opened a 2-month period where it is seeking feedback from the community concerning the proposed legislation changes.

In particular the govt. is keen to hear your ideas on:
1. How far the new legislation should go.
2. A timeline for the new legislation to take effect.
3. A timeline for mandatory future review (i.e. toughening) of the legislation.

The health minister has released a Discussion Paper outlining possible new legislation. The Discussion Paper can be accessed at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/atods/default.asp (this site also contains info on the current Qld legislation)
Printed copies can be obtained by contacting Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Services, Queensland
Health, on 07 3234 1709.

You are welcome to make a public submission in reply to the discussion paper.
Submissions must be received by 31st July 2004.
The next step after this round of submissions is the drawing up and then passing of legislation. It is expected that the legislation will be passed before Christmas.

People living in other states/countries are welcome to make a public submission expressing an opinion on Qld legislation. The more states/territories that ban smoking, the more pressure this places on all the other states to follow.
Please send in a submission, and also send this information on to your friends/family so they can also make a submission.
You could also send in letters for publication in your local and state newspapers (as I have done) letting more people know how they can make a submission. If you want to go to your favourite pub and not come home stinking of smoke then now is your opportunity to let the govt. know.

Queensland looks set to become the 3rd state/territory in Australia to ban smoking in all pubs, clubs, and casinos. In late 2003 the South Australian and then the ACT government, announced similar legislation to ban smoking in pubs and clubs. Unfortunately there is a delay of 4 years and 3 years respectively before their legislation takes effect (Oct. 2007 for SA, and Dec. 2006 for ACT). Queensland must have smoke free pubs and clubs THIS YEAR. (Premier Beattie has recently said he is happy to allow 2 or 3 years before the legislation takes effect).


If anyone knows where I can post notices on community websites (particularly for Brisbane/Qld) then please let me know.

See you in a smoke free Sporties Hotel (Bris-vegas gay pub) soon.

Sat 29 May 2004 18:17:18


you don't need to prohibit tobacco - only make it illegal to consume in public. and it wouldn't have to be a completely enforced for it to make at least some dents in the lowering of smokers in public. ie. smokers can linger in back alleys where they can indulge in their addiction out of the public eye.

Queer Screen presents

A smash hit FLASHBACK from the 1990s...

RELAX...IT'S JUST SEX

Sunday 6th June - 8.45PM

Valhalla Cinema
Glebe Point Rd, Glebe
$15 Full/$12 members/concessions

Bookings 9332 4938 (Mon - Fri 11-4)
Remaining tickets from the venue on the night.

GAY SEX, LESBIAN SEX, STRAIGHT SEX; RELAX...IT'S JUST SEX.

“Relax...It's Just Sex careens from comedy to tragedy and back again. It's an emotionally powerful and ultimately heart-warming trip through life in the '90s.” - San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

Featuring one of the finest ensemble casts around, staring Jennifer Tilly - Bound's Femme Fetale and Tank Girl's Lori Petty.

www.queerscreen.com.au

ph: 9332 4938

you don't need to prohibit tobacco - only make it illegal to consume in public. and it wouldn't have to be a completely enforced for it to make at least some dents in the lowering of smokers in public. ie. smokers can linger in back alleys where they can indulge in their addiction out of the public eye.
- Tue 1 Jun 2004 15:36:39

Yes like the homosexuals once did

RE: PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS RE SMOKING LAWS.

Many thanks for the info.

I went to
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/atods/default.asp
and read the Discussion paper the govt. put out about possible stricter laws banning smoking in pubs/clube etc.

I was shocked to learn that 200 Australians (nonsmokers) die each year from Passive Smoking. It was equally disturbing to read that 65,000 school children in Queensland alone are smokers.

I have sent in my submission to the Health Minister saying that smoking in all pubs, clubs, casinos, and Al Fresco dining areas must be banned IMMEDIATELY.
My family has done the same.

Thanks for letting me know about this opportunity to have my say about law reform on smoking in public places.

I agree about banning smoking.

I want to go to the pub and not come home stinking of other peoples smoke.
As for the information released by the government in their own Discussion Paper it is absolutely disgusting when you read the facts. It sounds as if the govt. is going to pass really strict laws, and bloody good on them too. About time I reckon.

I too have sent in my submission asking the govt. to ban smoking.

Please everyone else do the same too. The more states that bring in these laws the sooner all Australians will be able to go to the pub in safety and comfort.

Can someone invent a cigarette that prevents the smoke reaching anyone but the smoker? That would solve the problem (except for smokers breath).

The more states that bring in these laws the sooner all Australians will be able to go to the pub in safety and comfort.
Barry - Townsville - Wed 2 Jun 2004 20:48:57

ALL Australians? Except for the smokers of course. Nobody gives a toss about their comfort, and seem intent on causing them discomfort because they choose to do something you disapprove of. Why is it so hard to have separate (air tight) areas so EVERBODY can have a good night?

Frequently in clubs people are intoxicated and/or drug f***ed, and yes their behaviour can have a detrimental impact on others or cause their night to be less pleasurable, but do we all start petitioning against it? No. We put up with it because we understand that it's a nightclub and people go there to indulge themselves and party. Its a live and let live philosophy which unfortunately isnt being extended to smokers. How would a separate area be hurting you?

The anti-smoking witch-hunt is going too far. I resent the implication that smokers should be treated with disrespect - or that law changes are for their "own good". Its up to ADULTS to decide what's good for them.

I'm old enough to remember the outbreak of AIDS and the bollocking the homosexual community over that, and the uncomprimising 'moral majority' anti-smoking lobby are beginning to sound very Nile-esque.

I was really pleased to read what the Qld smoking laws look set to become. From reading the info I downloaded at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/atods/default.asp
it sounds really good.

I have sent in a submission congratualing Qld on their forward thinking.
I can't wait till we get similar laws here in Victoria

Thu 3 Jun 2004 16:47:46 - the dangers of smoking are well documented.

why do people continue to make comparisons to the anti-smoking lobby with anti-homosexual lobby? it's hardly the same thing. stop trying to use homophobia as an excuse to continue your addiction.

I hope them all the best with the anti smoking lobbies, but I don't know how successful they will be with the leather community...

Cigar sex is alive and well...

Yummy

Cigar sex is alive and well...

Yummy
Stoggie Pounding - Fri 4 Jun 2004 11:17:05

Who's your Daddy then.....

I agree....

Thu 3 Jun 2004 16:47:46 - the dangers of smoking are well documented. why do people continue to make comparisons to the anti-smoking lobby with anti-homosexual lobby? it's hardly the same thing. stop trying to use homophobia as an excuse to continue your addiction.
- Thu 3 Jun 2004 22:16:41

The dangers of many things are well documented.

LOL. Perhaps people continue to make these comparisons because both these ideologies have a similar holier- than- thou attitude and an evangelical hatred of anybody who disagrees with them. They campaign against a minority and they do it under the guise of "health concerns".

So I reiterate, if a separate, air locked, unmanned smoker's room was established in a pub, how is that of any concern to you?

There are more pressing and important issues facing gay people right now than trying to stop someone having a durry in peace.

The government you are so fond of writing letters to are also raking in bucket loads of cash from cigarette taxes and getting kickbacks from their big business cigarette company mates.

And why do you assume I even have a nicotine addiction?

Her Tongue Magazine is a magazine for Women of Brisbane and Beyond. It is very queer women friendly and started up because of a lack of lesbian/bi women newspapers, magz or just general support of lesbian/bi women media.

If you'd like to submit something we'd love to read/view it! We accept artwork, comics, articles, short stories, erotica, photographs, poetry, political or non-political stuff, event details (we have a monthly calendar of events!). Basically we're keen to publish anything (as long as it's not sexist, racist or homophobic).

All women are welcome to come along to its meetups on the 2nd and 4th Sat of the month, and 3rd Friday of the month at Visible Ink Space, 139 Constance St Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Qld.

If you're not from Brisbane and would like a copy each month it costs only $15 Concession or $20 Waged for a whole year's subscription! Email hertongue@excite.com for more details or info or send a money order or cheque to Her Tongue to the above address.

Cheers,
Lani
Her Tongue Magazine

Fri 4 Jun 2004 17:02:00

a) I don't have a problem with your proposal to have a separate room for smokers. i have a problem with smokers incosiderate attitudes who smoke in public. ie. in the street where i am walking, standing at the entrances of buildings which i have to walk through in order to get on with my life.

b) i don't hate smokers. just their filthy habit - and yes, i know the superficial comparison with "hate the sin, love the sinner" christian lines - but as is pointed out time and time again, the dangers of smoking are well documented.

do you think there is a common reason as to why the queer community and lower class people all have higher rates of smoking than the population average?

c) yes, the government is raking in the dough from smoking taxes. so considering they take so much of your smoking money, are banning smoking in all the places you like to frequent and smoking actually impairs your health - you must either have a very strong reason to smoke, or are just a sucker for punishment. neither of which i can really help you with. though acon is running quit smoking courses - you may want to try them out.

d) i assume you have a smoking addiction because you keep on going on about how much smokers are being oppressed just like homosexuals are/were - despite the scientific evidence that SMOKING IS BAD for you.

and besides, do you reckon you could stop if you wanted to? that's the test of whether you are a nicotine addict.

Fri 4 Jun 2004 21:38:56

Smoking is bad for you
Binge drinking is bad for you
Breathing polluted air is bad for you
Stress is bad for you
... I could go on and on and on

There is scientific evidence for all of these, yet people keep doing all of them and will continue to. There is not much you can do to stop them, except to educate them. Telling someone that what they are doing is wrong or illogical won't make them stop. Prohibition just drives it underground increasing the risks.

With smoking in particular it is an addiction which people will not give up until they want to or need to. Wanting to be in a pub but not being able to smoke may help some people give up.

It is the venues that are not providing smoke free sections that we need to convince now, then smokers will slowly follow suit.

- Fri 4 Jun 2004 21:38:56

a)Well you must be one p***ed off puppy every minute of your life. Have you thought of moving to a country area?

It makes me wonder what you will turn your attention to when you finally get your way.

b)Yes, everbody knows all the statistics about how bad it is for you (by the way, obesity is threatening to overtake smoking as the no.1 preventable killer, you should look into that); but as I said before it is still up to the adult to make their own CHOICE, not to be dictated to by someone who dislikes their lifestyle. The last time I looked it was still legal.

I'm not sure why you put that second paragraph in - are you somehow suggesting that smoking is "low class". Is this now a classist issue?

c) see d)

d) Its funny that you would sneeringly refer to "my addiction" because I dont smoke - but my friends do and I respect their right to do so. I also enjoy socialising with my friends in pubs and drinking alcohol, which as Arti mentions above is also bad for you (perhaps we should have non-drinking pubs now).

----------------------------------------------
Arti, I agree with all the above. I hope that there could be different smoking & non smoking areas in pubs and clubs, so that it would mean I would be able to conduct a conversation with my friends without having to follow them outside every ten minutes (or into dark alleyways, as someone suggested before)

Sat 5 Jun 2004 15:16:02

no i'm not saying that smoking is low class. only that there is probably a common element as to why the gay community and lower class people smoke. ie. stress in life and subsequent addiction to smoking.

and no, i'm not a pissed off puppy every minute of my life. only when i am around incosiderate smokers.

i actually had to wo