Category: LGBTIQ

Feeling lonely? New funding for QLife means they’ll have your back whenever you need them

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Lockdown and Covid was rough for literally everyone around the world, so there’s no surprise a few of us struggled. A lot of us struggled. And sometimes it felt like there was nowhere to turn to. Thankfully though, in those dark times and feelings of extreme isolation, loneliness and other thoughts and feelings, there were organisations there – often a call away – offering support where they could. One of those is QLife, Australia’s LGBTQ+ support service, who thankfully received a huge $100k cash injection courtesy of ANZ Bank, all purposed to help with their large influx of requests for assistance during lockdown. QLife experienced a 58% increase in the number of people wanting to access its telephone and web services. It also recorded a 31% increase in calls from people who said they had experienced feelings of “isolation” and “loneliness”. With the support they received, QLife’s managed to dedicate a further 2,250 hours of support to those in need, not only in the lead-up to the recent Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, but beyond. So if those thoughts are lingering and the effects of Covid-19 haven’t quite shaken off yet, remember that even on our own, we’re still together.

Brisbane Queer Film Festival is back this March 11-21

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Featuring a program of bold, defiant and refreshingly authentic queer storytelling by and for the queer community, the annual Brisbane Queer Film Festival’s back for 2021. Taking place at New Farm Cinemas, the festival program is made up of 14 features, 3 shorts sessions, 6 documentaries, with 17 Queensland premieres, and 3 Australian premieres, and special presentations of the auteur of Taiwanese Second Wave cinema, Tsai Ming-Liang’s Days (Rizi), in partnership with Queensland Film Festival; 25th anniversary screening of Bloodsisters in partnership with Sissy Screens and Institute of Modern Art. Some highlights to look out for are: The tender and playful UK documentary, Posy Dixon’s Keyboard Fantasies, the story of Beverly Glenn-Copeland a trans* elder and musician rediscovered by the youth in the experimental contemporary music scene. The latest and ‘biggest budget’ Bruce LaBruce feature Saint-Narcisse in all its twinning glory, ultimately is a film about the bond of family. Australian filmmakers Thomas Wilson-White & Lizzie Cater’s new feature The Greenhouse – a magic-realist film asking what would you do, if you could go back in time, will make its Queensland premiere and the Teddy award winning feature from Faraz Shariat, German/Iranian story No Hard Feelings.  Along with two Australian Premieres from the voices of future trans*/non-binary/queer storytelling, Lia Hietala & Hannah Reinikainen’s Always Amber and Olivia Peace’s Tahara, evoking the unique confines of contemporary youth by shooting in a tight 1:1 aspect ratio (Instagram). There’s a lot on. Head to the BQFF website for more.

Gay theatre for Mardi Gras: what to see at Giant Dwarf Theatre this March

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Launching on Wednesday, 3 March the Giant Dwarf Theatre is inviting you to experience their 2-week program, Queer Hub, supporting the work made by the LGBTQIA+ community.  Their new Queer Hub program presents the opportunity for diverse artists to explore their talents and share their works in a colourful array of storytelling, cabaret, comedy and performance art. See scheduled performances below: Drag King Bingo Mind the Dancer Natali Caro: Seeking Representation  Two Queers Walk Into A Bar  Two Queers Open Mic 10 Things I Hate About You (but it’s queer) Table Read  The Summer Bay Homicides  The Kings  Queerstories 

Celebrating the day it was okay to be gay

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The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is celebrating 40 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Victoria, with the powerful Bending the Bars exhibit, showing at Old Melbourne Gaol running alongside the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Curated by Andrew Gaynor, Bending the Bars tells a story of fighting for equality through text, images and original artwork.  The exhibit stands in contrast against the walls of the City Watch House, where those whose stories are featured were once imprisoned.  Bending the bars is on display until 17 May 2021, and celebrates those who paved the way for today’s LGBTQIA+ community, while reflecting on the darker times of a rich and vibrant history. Get a taste and book your visit at the Old Melbourne Gaol website.

3 popular gay pool events to go to this Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2021

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Sun’s out. Guns – and everything else out – and there’ll be hundreds of others to enjo the view. Welcome to the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras pool party at the ivy, right in the heart of town. Thanks to the partnership again of Absolut Vodka and Merivale, throwing their celebratory might behind the annual gay festival, there are these three strong LGBTIQA+ friendly events for you to get excited for that involve little-to-no clothing whatsoever. Read on. POOF DOOF Drag Brunch Saturday 20 and 27 February   Treat yourself to a whole afternoon of fierce drag superstardom, a 1.5-hour bottomless mimosa and brunch package including a complimentary Absolut Banger cocktail on arrival, plus so much more camp fun. The runway is in and around the ultra-glam ivy pool and the afternoon will be hosted by  the one and only Marilyn Mootrub and star the iconic Coco Jumbo, Sia Tequila and Miss Danni Issues in shows all afternoon along with fabulous guest performers each week.  Saturday 20 February: Maxi Shield  Saturday 27 February:  Faúx Fúr Tickets are $89pp. Bookings are essential and a variety of table sizes and configurations are available here. POOF DOOF Long Lunch at uccello Thursday 4 March, 12pm-5pm  The inaugural POOF DOOF Long Lunch is here, queer and kickstarting Mardi Gras at Merivale’s iconic poolside restaurant, uccello. POOF DOOF have curated the perfect long lunch to network with Sydney’s queer professionals over a three-course extravaganza designed by Head Chef Nigel Ward with a glass of champagne on arrival. The afternoon will… Read More

Gay Brisbane: what to do this Mardi Gras 2021

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Go to WET DECK this 7 March for Mardi Gras gayness. Why? Because W Brisbane and ENN are making a splash at Mardi Gras weekend with an epic recovery pool party. Complete with drinks, hot bodies and sunshine, it’ll all be happening against the backdrop of phat beats from COLADA by DJ ENN that will be whipping out some seriously fun beats at Brisbane’s hottest pool bar. Go from 2-7pm on 7 March 2021 for only $45. Get your tickets here.

LGBT+ theatre entertainment for Mardi Gras in Sydney: Darlinghurst Theatre Company launches Darlo Sessions

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The Darlo in Sydney is redefining what the theatre can be for for audiences and performers. And no time like the present with the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras upon us. Known for removing barriers, the company will be launching ‘Darlo Sessions’ on Friday, 26 February over three weekends to introduce a lush new way to experience Australia’s live music scene.  To celebrate, we’re spotlighting the amazing queer and gender-diverse performers involved to celebrate the incredible music that they’re creating. It’s an amazing platform for emerging and established queer and gender-diverse artists to experiment in the iconic space, with each night showcasing two artist performances at 7pm and 9pm, allowing patrons to treat themselves to a specially aligned double bill.  Head along to see artists like: JarmarzOnMarz  Jamaica Moana  DVNA  Essie Holt Boy and Bucket Erin Clare  Hot Potato Band  KYVA  imbi Huck Hastings (Album Launch) Brendan Maclean + Jack Colwell  Okenyo  Banoffee Tickets start from $35 and can be purchased through the Darlinghurst Theatre Company, back up top.

Where to watch the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras this year

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Sydney’s annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is going to take on a different look in 2021. The parade’s put on a new look, the venues are hosting different levels of events (none) and the people won’t be as thick on the ground as they have been over the course of the past 40+ years. But that doesn’t mean you can’t watch the festivities from a safe and semi-responsible distance! Here’s where to get your bookings in to enjoy with friends on a screen in quality venues. Where to watch Mardi Gras in NSWThe Bank Hotel, NewtownThe Bearded Tit, RedfernBitter Phew, DarlinghurstBurdekin Hotel, DarlinghurstCafé Fredas, DarlinghurstThe Colombian Hotel, DarlinghurstDaniel San, ManlyDarlo Bar, DarlinghurstHome The Venue, SydneyHonkas, Potts PointThe Imperial Hotel, ErskinevilleThe Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, WhickhamOxford Hotel, DarlinghurstThe Oxford Tavern, PetershamPalace Hotel, Broken HillLansdowne Hotel, SydneyThe Rainbow Underground, WoonoonaThe Shakespeare Hotel, Surry HillsStonewall hotel, DarlinghurstRex Tamworth and Forum 6 Cinemas, TamworthTaylors Rooftop, SydneyUniversal, DarlinghurstQue Bar, Wagga WaggaThe Wickham Hotel, NewcastleThe Winery, Surry Hills Where to watch Mardi Gras in QueenslandEast Brisbane Bowls Club, East BrisbaneCrystalbrook Flynn, CairnsClub Southport, Southport Where to watch Mardi Gras in VictoriaPiano Bar, BendigoPiano Bar, Geelong For more information on the parade viewing events head to mardigras.org.au

No parade, no worries: How you can celebrate spirit of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

Drag queen by a pool at Mardi Gras

Sydney’s doing Mardi Gras differently this year. No parade officially means no worries; Merivale and Absolut Vodka are stepping-in. Score a package by Merivale – huge Sydney hospitality group – to celebrate pride and diversity in style with a fabulous line-up of drink, dine and stay options on Saturday 6 March. Complete with cocktails, festivities, DJs, drag shows and live entertainment it’s all on offer at some of the group’s most popular venues, like: The Beresford – $95pp There’s nowhere better to have a pre-parade party than The Beresford – Sydney’s iconic destination for the LGBTIQA+ community. Assemble your gang and get into the rhythm of the day with an Absolut Banger cocktail on arrival, before settling in for a three-course brunch and drag show. Also included: ?  Three-course set menu ?  Live ‘Spice Girls’ drag show ?  Live DJ set from DJ Dan Murphy The Paddington – $129pp Kick things off with an Absolut Banger cocktail on arrival, before launching into an absolutely bangin’ shared-style banquet from head chef Ben Greeno. Just a stone’s throw from the SCG, it’s the perfect spot to start your Mardi Gras. Also included: ?  Shared banquet dining experience ?  Live DJ sets & entertainment Queens Hotel – $129pp Head to Queens Hotel for a pre-parade smorgasbord of delicious Queen Chow favourites and live entertainment to get you warmed up for the big parade. YAS QUEENS! Also included: ?  Set menu dining experience ?  Live DJ sets & entertainment Bar Totti’s – $139pp With DJs on deck to get… Read More

What to do in Sydney this Mardi Gras

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Because life, Mardi Gras this year will be different. In response to the pandemic and to ensure they’re providing safe spaces for the community to come together, this year’s Mardi Gras festival will look different than it has in the past. Here are four new events to look forward to: LAUGH OUT PROUDFriday 26 February, 2021Enmore TheatreAfter a sold out inaugural event in February 2020, Mardi Gras’ comedy gala is back for a night of belly laughs with Australia’s best and brightest LGBTQI+ comedians. Featuring a stellar line-up of hilarious queer stand-up talent, Laugh Out Proud is Mardi Gras’ comedy event of the year! Hosted by the award-winning Nath Valvo, Laugh Out Proud has loads of comedic talent for one incredible night only – including: Geraldine Hickey, Mel Buttle, Thomas Jaspers, Rosie Piper, Margot Tanjutco, Selina Jenkins, Jake Howie and Jay Wymarra. MY TRANS STORYFriday 26 February, 2021NSW Teachers Federation AuditoriumAt a time when the trans experience is becoming more visible we still rarely see stories by trans and gender diverse people on a screen, in theatres, a bookshelf or in popular culture and when we do, they focus on coming out and surgery or discrimination and hate crimes. From the personal to the political My Trans Story features proud trans and gender diverse storytellers from Sydney and beyond, including Tea Uglow, Andrew Guy plus more to be announced, celebrating their complex, sometimes funny, often fearless, always fierce histories. MY DRAG STORYSaturday 27 February 2021NSW Teachers Federation AuditoriumWith Priscilla, Queen of the Desert stamped on our national identity and Drag Race sashaying across screens there’s no doubt Drag has sunk its six-inch heels into the mainstream. From… Read More