FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Nestled within the idyllic Elan Valley of Wales, Charlotte Church’s The Dreaming retreat will soon open its grounds to host a profound gathering for the LGBTQIA+ community. From 18 to 21 April, Returning to the Queer Heart presents an opportunity for healing, reflection, and connection, all set against the breathtaking beauty of the Welsh pastoral landscape.
The National Art School (NAS) is set to celebrate queerness in all its kaleidoscopic glory with the opening of Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy, a bold new exhibition presented in partnership with the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s Rainbow Precinct, this must-see exhibition runs from 14 February to 8 March 2025 at NAS Building 25 Project Space, showcasing the intersection of art, activism, poetry, and performance through the lens of three generations of queer artists. A Celebration of Queer Voices Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy shines a spotlight on both emerging and established voices, weaving a rich tapestry of work that spans sculpture, installation, textile, stencilling, and text-based art. Featuring Daniel Browning, Blake Griffiths, Victoria Spence, and Swamp Daisies, the exhibition places these acclaimed names alongside exciting new talents like Sam Chan, Kika Kereru Baker, Frankie L.A, nikita lelu, Jake Starr, and Magic Young. Additionally, the exhibition honours existing pieces by celebrated artists Justine Youssef, Ali Tahayori, and r e a, adding depth to this cross-generational dialogue. The works are united by their exploration of the queer experience and its many shades—struggle, joy, and resistance. By using language as a medium, several artworks disrupt histories of silence and oppression while celebrating the power of queer vernacular as a form of activism. Themes of violence, resistance, and identity resonate throughout, igniting powerful conversations about the intersections of politics, culture, and creativity. Language, Activism, and Art Curated by Liz Bradshaw, the exhibition is as much a queering of language as it is a… Read More
When Mardi Gras meets yum cha, you get Mardi Cha—a fabulously vibrant celebration hosted by none other than the legendary Jackie Daniels and friends. Happening this weekend at the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, this is your chance to combine delicious food, festive vibes, and plenty of flair under one roof on a Sunday. Sunday – Recovery, Sorted Party hard? Recover harder. Sunday’s Mardi Cha brings a chilled-out vibe perfect for winding down or spilling the tea from the night before. Drop in from 4pm till late to sip on $12 Bloody Marys and groove to the tunes of a vinyl DJ spinning lo-fi tracks. It’s the ideal setting to recover, laugh, and keep the good vibes rolling. Whether you’re here for the glam and glitter of Saturday or the relaxed recovery of Sunday, Mardi Cha is where yum cha meets Mardi Gras magic. Don’t miss it! WHEN: Sunday March 2nd | 11am – 4pm WHERE: Lucky Prawn @ The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre
Think of it as a sassy, inclusive concierge for every LGBTQ+ traveller who’s ready to take on the world—and look fabulous doing it.
Victoria Park will be shining brighter than a disco ball on Sunday, 16 February, from 10am to 9pm, as over 70,000 people come together to celebrate at this free community event.
With over 150 artists lined up across its signature events, from the legendary Mardi Gras Party to the fabulous return of Fair Day, it’s shaping up to be unforgettable. Oh, and did we mention there’s a brand-new addition this year? Say hello to Club Gras Presented by Absolut X, taking over ivy in Sydney’s CBD for the ultimate dance party vibes.
Sydney is turning up the fabulous factor for Mardi Gras 2025, and trust us, you don’t want to miss a second of it! Here’s what to do.
Get ready to paint the town rainbow as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival returns with all its fabulous flair from 14 February to 2 March 2025. With its theme “FREE TO BE,” the festival is set to illuminate the city with a dazzling display of pride, culture, and community spirit, celebrating decades of progress while championing the individuality and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. Gil Beckwith, CEO of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, captures the essence of this year’s celebration: “Each year, Mardi Gras brings together people from across the globe for a vibrant celebration of community, visibility, and progress. The 2025 festival embodies this spirit, reflecting the resilience, creativity, and unity of our LGBTQIA+ communities. We are thrilled to welcome everyone to this year’s festivities.” Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO echoes the excitement, noting, “Mardi Gras is one of my favourite times of the year. Sydney truly sparkles with diversity, inclusion, and love proudly on show. We’re delighted to welcome people from around the world to our wonderful city – a place that embraces and celebrates everyone, where you are truly Free to Be.” With over 80 events on the agenda, this year’s festival promises a kaleidoscope of experiences, from the grand parade to intimate theatre performances. Signature events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade remain at the heart of the festival, with the newly revamped Taylor Square Takeover offering a fresh block party vibe for parade-goers. After a brief hiatus, Fair Day returns to… Read More
The Victorian Government is proud to announce the launch of The Unsaid Says a Lot, a groundbreaking campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the everyday discrimination faced by trans and gender diverse communities and driving systemic change. This campaign is the first government-led initiative of its kind in Australia and is a crucial part of Pride in our Future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022-32, which is dedicated to promoting equality and inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ communities across the state. The campaign highlights the often overlooked, non-verbal cues and microaggressions that contribute to a culture of discrimination and exclusion for LGBTQIA+ communities and takes place alongside the blatant physical expressions of discrimination and reduced opportunities that these communities endure. The campaign is supported by research revealing that discrimination, stigma, and unequal treatment are commonplace for trans and gender diverse Victorians. Findings from a national survey by La Trobe University show that more than three in four trans and gender diverse people were treated unfairly because of their gender identity in the preceding 12 months. This discrimination contributes to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among LGBTIQA+ people compared to the general population. Leveraging a series of creative campaign materials such as videos, posters, social media initiatives, and community engagement activities designed to foster empathy and inclusivity, the campaign aims to emphasise the significant impact that seemingly minor moments can have on the well-being and mental health of trans and gender diverse individuals. Creative inclusive communications specialist agency Think HQ led the co-design approach, which included input… Read More
Fresh from guest starring on Madonna’s The Celebration Tour, comedian Bob The Drag Queen is set to dazzle Australian audiences with his first headline stand-up comedy world tour, THIS IS WILD! Presented by ITDEVENTS, this tour marks a significant milestone for Bob, the winner of season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, who has since evolved into a Peabody Award, GLAAD Media Award, and Television Academy Honours-winning artist for his contributions to HBO’s We’re Here. Beyond his television success, Bob has made waves as a musician with his debut EP ‘Gay Barz’, and as an acclaimed podcaster alongside Monét X Change on Sibling Rivalry. Currently captivating audiences as the special guest MC for Madonna’s The Celebration Tour, Bob’s Australian tour promises to be a high-octane mix of humour, storytelling, and his uniquely inventive performance style. THIS IS WILD! will journey through four major Australian cities on the following dates: Aimed at adults, this 18+ event will showcase Bob’s unparalleled ability to blend comedy with thoughtful commentary on a range of topics, all while entertaining his audience with the charisma and flair he is renowned for. Known for his roles beyond the stage and screen, including being recognized by NBC as one of their Pride 30 for making herstory in drag, performing at the Outside Lands music festival, and making notable appearances on NPR’s All Things Considered and a virtual panel with MoMA in 2023, Bob’s tour is a celebration of his multifaceted career and the diverse ways he connects with fans across the globe. THIS IS… Read More
