Category: LGBTIQ

Sydney Mardi Gras in April: keep the festivities going with 3 more events

Updated: 23/03/2022

The parade grounds might have settled down and the biodegradable glitter may have been washed away, but you’d best believe the queer energy that’s born every year from Mardi Gras lives on! With a few more wrap-up events still to go, that celebrate LGBTIQA+ freedom and equality in all its colours, the time’s come to turn to the ticket counters and get outfit planning for how you’ll see-out yet another successful Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Here’s what’s on… KAFTANA POOL PARTY Saturday 2 April 2022, 12-8pm. ivy PoolSteam your muumuus and dust off your chunky costume jewelry, Kaftana Partyis back. The iconic ivy Pool will be transformed into the ultimate retro daydream for this poolside afternoon of extravagant fabulousness. Sit back, sip on a Pink Lady, and celebrate with a camp smorgasbord of DJs including Queen Shirene, Kate Monroe, KILIMI and Division 4. As well as special performances from the likes of Drag legend Joyce Maynge, Burlesque wonder Mama Medusa and genderf*ck drag artist Peach Fuzz. Tickets: Second release $60More info: www.mardigras.org.au/events/kaftana-pool-party SISSY BALL Sunday 3 April 2022, 6-11pm. Sydney Town HallJoin the fierce icons and rising stars of the Australian ballroom scene and soak in the essence of queer culture, art and expression at Sissy Ball. This glam throw down is upping the ante, making its grand debut at the opulent Sydney Town Hall – a venue truly fit for all kweens! Curated by House of Slé godmother Kilia Pahulu;style, precision and a whole lot of sass will collide on the runway as contestants battle it out in a number of categories including… Read More

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Gay pool party Sydney, gay sydney, Ivy Pool Party, mardi gras, Mardi Gras parties, Sydney gay guide, Sydney Mardi Gras in April keep the festivities going with 3 more events, Sydney pool party

The colour and excitement of Sydney Mardi Gras 2022: a photo story

by James Banham

Updated: 06/03/2022

The annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras went off with a bang in 2022, taking over – yet again – the Sydney Cricket Ground in lieu of its usual Oxford Street route due to the pandemic. But despite news of war, bad weather and general average news around the world, the crowd gathered in celebration and love for one and all, shining a light on diversity, inclusion and equality regardless of who you are and who you love. Here are some highlights from the evening.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Mardi Gras 2022, sydney mardi gras, Sydney Mardi Gras parade, The colour and excitement of Sydney Mardi Gras 2022 a photo story

Where to stay in Sydney for Mardi Gras this March

by James Banham

Updated: 07/03/2022

Before we start, good luck. There are literally movements of people who book years ahead, BUT, it’s worth knowing where the competition’s at in case you’re in the booking mood of planning for the annual Sydney Mardi Gras in 2023. The Pullman Hotel sits at the base of Oxford Street at what in pandemic times, used to be the ‘holding pen’ – for lack of a better term – for all the colours of the rainbow before they’d take to their choreographed marches along the now renowned route. Things are different in 2022 thanks to the pandemic and the parade will be in a loop around the Sydney Cricket Ground, BUT, when it comes to sorting out where to stay, an overnighter at the Pullman might be just what you need for stumbling in super late after it. Or early. The hotel has on offer a Mardi Gras package, offering for $285 accommodation, breakfast and parking. Ideal for those sore-headed Sunday and Monday mornings before the next party. For more, head to the Pullman Hyde Park website.

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: mardi gras, pullman hyde park, pullman sydney, Where to stay in Sydney for Mardi Gras this March

16 LGBTIQA+ podcasts to get your ears around this Mardi Gras

by James Banham

Posted: 05/03/2022

Whether you’re new to the annual Sydney Mardi Gras or one of the 78ers, surround yourself with some of the country’s and world’s leading queer voices with a set of podcasts supported by Spotify! Spotify has teamed up with some of Australia’s most iconic LGBTQI+ personalities, bringing you their specially Curated Podcast Playlists with episodes ranging from intimate coming-out stories, to the weird and wonderful world of drag stars and burlesque. Scroll on for the list below, but here are three favourites… Mitchell Coombs: Happy Mardi Gras! “Trash Alley” & “Is It Just Me?” host Mitchell Coombs shares his favourite episodes that celebrate queerness – from the serious to the light. Bambi Fairy: Loud and proud: From the fabulous, the allies and the revolutionaries – hear queer stories of joy and breaking down barriers, curated by Bambi Fairy. Gasbagging: It’s Mardi Gras! Get in the feels with some juicy tales from reality TV and beyond – It’s a total vibe, curated by “Gasbagging” host Dan Morrison. Trash Alley 2. Making Gay History 3. The Way We Are with Munroe Bergdork 4. Queer Stories 5. Me For Her 6. LGBTQ&A 7. Gasbagging 8. Drag Stories 9. Conversations with Kath 10. Like a virgin 11. Come Out where ever you are 12. Innies + Outies 13. Search Engine Sex 14. Dyking Out 15. Crumbs 16. Gay Future

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Gay podcast

Have fun while doing good this Mardi Gras: top wines, beers, seltzers raising money for Pride Foundation Australia

by James Banham

Posted: 23/02/2022

Raising money for the Pride Foundation Australia, you can now officially drink for a cause. Landing on the shelves of BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores next week with all profits going to Pride Foundation Australia – just in time for Pride season. Where will the money go, you ask? The Foundation will use the funds to support LGBTQIA+ specific programs to provide help for those dealing with substance abuse. The Loud & Proud range offers six different drinks to choose from – a rosé, pinot grigio, grenache, brut cuvée, pale ale beer and watermelon flavoured seltzer and is available in selected Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores. Dan Murphy’s is also a major sponsor of Midsumma Melbourne and Albany Pride, while BWS has rolled out its popular BWYASSS signage to another 7 stores (10 stores across the country in total now have it) to show support and celebrate the diversity of the LGTBQ+ community. For a full spread of the drinks available, head to the BWS or Dan Murphy’s websites

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: beers, bws, Dan Murphy's, Have fun while doing good this Mardi Gras top wines, seltzers raising money for Pride Foundation Australia

The gayest roast you’ll eat this Mardi Gras

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Believe it, or not; this isn’t a euphemism. This annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras we’ll celebrate it all with The Roast, subverting the traditional Sunday family meal, with an afternoon celebration of queer food, drink, comedy and theatre from The University of Sydney’s The Refectory with your chosen crew. Happening at the Refectory in Camperdown, the Roast include a four-course banquet curated by award-winning chef, Anna Polyviou, post-Mardi Gras cocktails from Absolut, and the talents of Sydney-based Mangarai First Nations queen Tyra Bankstown and QTBIPOC collective House of Silky. Meanwhile, music will be handled by Paul Mac and Johnny Seymour of Stereogamous,Timothy & The Heart Strings and hosted by Sharon Manhatten. Limited tickets for the event on 76 March are available now via Humanitix. All ticket sales go to supporting ACON, Australia’s largest HIV and sexuality and gender diverse health organisation.

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: mardi gras, sydney mardi gras, The gayest roast you'll eat this Mardi Gras, the Roast

Fair Day kicks off the Mardi Gras Festival 2022 and it was glorious!

by Emi Berry

Updated: 21/02/2022

The biggest and most colourful event of the opening weekend of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2022, Fair Day, returned to Victoria Park today with a full day of entertainment and picnicking in the sun. Thousands of smiling faces gathered in the park to celebrate not only the beginning of Mardi Gras, but also the power and beauty of diversity. Check out the full Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2022 program here.

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: mardi gras, Mardi Gras 2022, Mardi Gras Fair Day

Sydney Mardi Gras: what to look forward to at The Winery Surry Hills

by THE F

Posted: 15/02/2022

Mardi Gras is when Sydney comes alive. More alive. And the city’s crawling with the LGBTIQA+ from around the country (maybe the world this year, too, but let’s see). And no place comes quite as alive as those in Surry Hills, namely, The Winery on Crown Street. With a long history of queer activities and entertainment on offer, The Winery is back at it again with a post-pandemic spread of gayness that you simply need to be at. And here’s what’s on… Camp Cocktail Menu Available from 18 February – 9 March, The Winery ‘Camp Cocktail Menu’ is full of 13 bright, colourful,deliciously fruity cocktails with just the right amount of pizzazz to get the party started. Think ‘Pash Me’with vanilla, rum, passionfruit and whites or the ‘That Peach Though’ jug with peach, vodka, citrus andprosecco. Full menu here Big Gay Brunch Every Weekend (Saturday and Sundays) from Saturday 19 February – Sunday 6 March11:30am, 2:00pm, 4:30pm | $79pp Every weekend The Winery will bring the hottest new brunch in town – Big Gay Brunch – hosted bySydney Drag Royalty. Guests can enjoy three fabulous courses and two hours of bottomless drinks.An epic rotation of Queens will host the festivities including Carmen Geddit, Charisma Bella, MynxMascato, Jacqui St Hyde, Danni Issues, Fairah, Raquel, June Richards and Tina Bikki. Book here Drag Bingo Monday 21 February, 7pm | Free Hosted by Carmen Geddit, get ready for fabulous rounds of Bingo and prepare for a night of fun, laughterand prizes. Mardi Gras Singles Party Tuesday 22 February,… Read More

Category: LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE

Tags: sydney mardi gras, Sydney Mardi Gras what to look forward to at The Winery Surry Hills, the winery, The Winery Surry Hills

Melbourne Midsumma: queerest celebration of all things LGBTIQA+ this summer

Carnival Midsumma black woman in rainbow

by James Banham

Posted: 12/01/2022

After the fucking nightmare we’ve endured over the past better part of two years, it’s time to party. And where better to do it in the park, surrounded by friends, lovers, potential lovers, queens, queers and their friends? It’s time for the annual Melbourne Midsumma Festival in Alexandra Gardens from 23 January to 13 February 2022. Midsumma Carnival welcomes-in the celebrations for a whole 11 hours, so slip, slop, slap and strap in. In its 34th year, the Festival shines a spotlight on queer arts and cultural festivities, showcasing national and localartists. An impressive 195 events over the 3-week Festival will span across 119 venues, with over 500 culture-makersinvolved in events around metro Melbourne and regional Victoria. Celebrating LGBTQIA+, diverse journeys, culture makers and communities, Midsumma?will present161 open-access events made for, and by queer communities who live with shared experiences around diverse genderand sexuality, as well as a specifically curated program, Midsumma Presents, which will show 34 events highlightingthe unsung heroines and unheard voices of queer intersectional communities of this time. For more and to put together a plan, head to the Midsumma website

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: Gay guide Melbourne, Gay Melbourne, melbourne events, Melbourne events guide, Melbourne LGBTIQ festival, Melbourne Midsumma queerest celebration of all things LGBTIQA+ this summer, Midsumma

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is back in 2022 at Sydney Cricket Ground

by James Banham

Posted: 15/10/2021

The Mardi Gras parade in 2021 was a success! Sure, it was no one way parade to the biggest after party the country knows, instead more circular in nature, but it worked so well, we’re doing it again. The parade falls on Saturday 5 March 2022 in Sydney and this year, the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will be bigger and better than ever! Next year’s Festival will feature a packed program of events spanning theatre, visual arts, parties, community gatherings, panel discussions and more. The full festival program will feature a host of beloved events as well as some new surprises to be announced in November. Themed UNITED WE SHINE, it’s all about signifying that LGBTQI+ communities shine brighter together and by standing up against hate and inequality as a collective, the message of love and inclusion is heard louder. Tickets for the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade go on sale Monday 15 November. Join the waitlist at www.mardigras.org.au to receive notifications when tickets go on sale.

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: mardi gras sydney, Mardi Gras Sydney Cricket Ground 2022, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is back in 2022 at Sydney Cricket Ground

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.