World Pride exhibition in Sydney with The Huxleys and an installation by Paul Yore

Posted: 30/11/2022

Gay Sydney and The Huxleys are almost synonymous. Their glitter, their glam and their avant garde approach to drag, art and immersive exhibitionism is seconded by very few around the world. And this year, the Huxleys duo, artist Paul Yore and other contemporaries will put on a show worthy of World Pride in Sydney for the millions of punters from across the globe. MORE: Kylie Minogue will headline World Pride Sydney In 2024, Carriageworks in Eveleigh Sydney, one of Australia’s most significant contemporary multi-arts organisations, today announced a dynamic program spanning visual arts and live performance to be presented as part of Sydney Festival 2023. Presented from 5 January – 5 March 2023, a major new exhibition Bloodlines by Melbourne-based collaborative duo The Huxleys will honour legendary queer artists lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Utilising the artists’ skills in costume design, performance and photography, the exhibition will include large-scale photographic works, video art and an opening live art party on 4 January. The exhibition will also feature a durational collaborative installation that invites the community to contribute panels to be sewn together into a quilt, reminiscent of the AIDS Memorial Quilts created during the 80s and 90s. Bloodlines is a heartfelt tribute to LGBTQIA+ artists, including Leigh Bowery, Robert Mapplethorpe, Keith Haring and Sylvester, that continue to inspire the practices of The Huxleys and countless artists working today. Artist Paul Yore will present Paul Yore: WORD MADE FLESH, a major immersive installation, from 5 January – 26 February 2023. WORD MADE FLESH is a new… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DRAG, FEATURES, LGBTIQ, SYDNEY

Tags: Gay art Sydney. Sydney gays, gay sydney, sydney, What to see World Pride Sydney, What's On Sydney, World Pride, World Pride Sydney, World Pride what's on

The Carb Queen: Baga Chipz is McCain’s new creative director

by James Banham

Posted: 01/06/2022

If ever there was an on-brand move for a drag queen to make; it’s this one. The UK’s beloved drag superstar, Baga Chipz is officially McCain’s new creative director. Bringing her flava to the frozen food brand, this queen is planning to shake things up with her bold and daring direction. Labelling her first campaign as ‘Anything Goes’ to liven up Britain’s mealtimes, she’ll be releasing her classy, and dazzling tips and recipes via her Instagram page on the 2nd June through a series of videos! Follow her on Instagram Baga’s mantra is simple – anything goes with McCain and she’ll be putting that to work as the self-proclaimed “Queen of Chips”. The Rupaul’s DRag Race alum will share her own fabulous take on British classics from the iconic chip butty to the beloved potato smiles and beans all over social media. Watch the bags of McCain everything just fly off the shelves… For more, head to Baga’s Instagram or the McCain website

Category: CITIES, DRAG, FOOD & DRINK, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Baga Chipz, Baga Chipz Instagram, McCain, RuPaul's Drag Race

The 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras theme and program has been revealed and it’s magical

by Emi Berry

Updated: 10/11/2019

What Matters has been revealed as the theme for the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and it promises to be bigger and bolder than ever. The theme builds on the legacy of Mardi Gras – a platform for activism, encouraging the community to think about creating a more inclusive future. “This year we celebrate those at the forefront of the fight for equality. From ground-breaking queer artists to trailblazing thought leaders, Mardi Gras 2020 is an opportunity to visit the next destinations on our journey of diversity, inclusion and social justice,” says Mardi Gras Arts Interim CEO, Grant Lowe. Mark it on your calendars! Friday 14 February 2020 is when the festivities kick off, with a diverse program of events running until Sunday 1 March 2020. They’ll be dazzling dance parties, top-tier theatre, music, world-class workshops and family-focused fun, with the iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade taking place on Saturday 29 February, 2020. The post-Mardi Gras Parade celebrations will continue with the iconic Mardi Gras Party happening at the Hordern Pavilion with the electrifying Dua Lipa headlining. The pavillion and its surrounding areas will be transformed into a brand-new adult playland with the party starting at 11pm – 8am. Fourth release tickets are on sale now. There’s a supersized program on offer including the pre-eminent vogue ball, Sissy Ball and iconic festival classics such as Fair Day and Laneway, the traditional closing event of Mardi Gras. There’s no shortage of thought-provoking workshops and community events, with Queer Thinking taking over… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DRAG, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, MUSIC, SYDNEY, THEATRE

Tags: gay, gay sydney, mardi gras, mardi gras parade, sydney gay lesbian mardi gras, Sydney Gay Lesbian Mardi Gras Seymour Centre

And you thought you nailed choreography? Sydney Dance Company has a Mardi Gras float

Sydney Dance Company Mardi Gras parade 1

by James Banham

Updated: 02/03/2019

OK, so, if you’ve ever seen the Sydney Dance Company dancers on stage, then you know what you’re in for. Prepare to pack up your dancing shoes, rip apart your pom-poms and go home if you’re in this year’s parade, because shit is about to get turned up. The world renowned dance troupe is, for the first time ever, making its debut in the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade down Oxford Street in front of millions. In honour of the Company’s 50th anniversary in 2019, the Sydney Dance Company’s choreography features a high energy, tightly rehearsed dance routine with 80 members of Sydney Dance Company’s community, led by dance class manager Ramon Doringo. If you need a taste of the kind of magic that awaits, have a look at what they did at their most recent presentation. Ramon will lead the synchronised marching troupe from the back of a golden Sydney Dance Company Studio float, complete with ballet bar, mirrors and performing drag queens. Doesn’t matter if you’re gay, or just love the energy of the LGBTIQ festival and show of pride, missing the dance rendition from the Sydney Dance Company along the full parade track is more of a sin than the life we’re all living. So get trackside! See what’s on at this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras at their program.

Category: CITIES, DANCE, DRAG, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: mardi gras, sydney dance company, Sydney Dance Company choreography, Sydney Dance Company Mardi Gras, Sydney Dance Company Mardi Gras Parade, sydney mardi gras, ThE F Mardi Gras

Battle of the drag queens: The Winery hosts a rumble for mental health

by James Banham

Posted: 22/02/2019

Elizabeth, who? The real Queens of Sydney are about to turn up, do battle and do some good while they’re at it at Surry Hills’ The Winery, who’re putting on a gay royal rumble to donate dollars to the Black Dog Institute, for mental health. It’s all a part of the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Queens Minnie Cooper and Hanna Conda will battle it out to Lady Gaga and Freddie Mercury; Charisma Belle and Sia Tequila duelling Tina Turner, Cher and Dolly Parton on Wednesday and Sia Tequila and Jaquie St Hyde channelling Madonna and Kylie Minogue on Thursday, before the ultimate Battle of the Legends on Friday 1 March. It’s a full line-up that will donate 25% of ticket sales to Black Dog Institute, a research institute that works to reduce the incidence of mental illness and the stigma attached to it. Tickets for The Mardi Gras Tribute Nights are $20 with an Absolut cocktail on arrival and will run from Tuesday 26 February to Friday 1 March from 5pm. Tickets can be purchased from The Winery’s website.

Category: CITIES, DRAG, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Black Dog Institute, Drag queen battle, gay sydney, mardi gras, sydney gay lesbian mardi gras, the f gay, the winery, Winery Sydney Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras cabaret at Whirly Bird

by James Banham

Updated: 07/03/2019

There’s no better combination than a gay and their feathers, so when Whirly Bird puts on a show for Mardi Gras, you can imagine how camp an affair it’ll be. Aptly called Fearless (that was the theme of the Sydney gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2019, too), Whirly Bird put on a best burlesque performance with The Birdcage Sydney’s feature one-off show ‘Fearless’. As soon as the lights go down audiences are ushered into the tantalising world of the Lady Birds and their extraordinary fellow artists, such as Rhys Lightning (Mr Boylesque 2008), Diesel Darling, Stephen Williams and Ellicia N Mitch. Expect an eclectic mix of professional show-pines and cabaret tribute icon, with feathers flouncing, sequins dazzling and drinks flowing. They’re turning up the hospitality with the a glass of Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival, a 3 -course banquet and the show spectacular, this is the ultimate dinner and show package to celebrate Mardi Gras 2019. WHAT: The Birdcage Sydney Presents ‘Fearless’ WHEN: Wednesday 27th of February TIMES: 7.30pm, for an 8pm show start.

Category: DRAG, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE

Tags: cabaret, Sydney Cabaret, Sydney LGBTIQ< Sydney Mardi Gras, THE F Cabaret, THE F Whirly Bird, whirly bird, Whirly Bird THE F