Man2Man#14

PRIDE SPECIAL EDITION A HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN ISSUE#14: SUMMER 2013

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LGBTI SOCIAL INCLUSION • • • •

Special TasPride Update & Social Pics Sexual Racism & Choosing Partners Online Is Social Media Real Engagement?

Shield Tasmania Supporting LGBTI Youth

From The Editor:

Mates and Sex Talk

Welcome back readers and we at Man2Man hope that you are all having a great start to the New Year.

This issue of the magazine focuses on social connections within the LGBTI community and their benefits to the health & wellbeing of gay & bisexual men. Firstly we get a rundown on highlights of the recent TasPride Festival as well as hear from the new TasPride president, Bec Dorgelo.

TasCAHRD is also very pleased to welcome Olivia Stills to a new position as Social Media Volunteer Coordinator at TasCAHRD. Olivia was the main driving force in constructing the new Man2ManTas blog page. We encourage you to check out the blog page, share articles or make comments, and give us your feedback.

TasCAHRD would also like to take this opportunity in thanking all of the organisations, businesses & individuals that supported World AIDS Day 2012.

The proceeds of funds raised during AIDS Awareness Week will go towards the Andrew Shaw Foundation, which is a foundation assisting Tasmanian people living with HIV/AIDS. Until next time, take care and play safe.

Brian Morris – Editor, Man2Man 03 6234 1242 m2m@tascahrd.org.au GPO Box 595, Hobart Tasmania 7001 www.m2mtas.com Facebook: Man2Man Tasmania www.twitter.com/Man2ManTas

Blog: http://man2mantas.wordpress.com/ Views expressed in Man2Man are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD. The Man2Man magazine is produced by David Williams on behalf of TasCAHRD. For production enquiries, please call 0459 786 285 or email dkqwilliams@gmail.com

ISBN:978-0-646-55617-8

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One of the important questions asked in the area of men’s health is; what role do our close friends and our wider social circle play in our health? And depending on who you speak to, there are many answers to this question.

For example, we know from research that strong and supportive social networks are very beneficial for our mental health.

And this is even more so the case when you are talking about marginalised populations, like gay men. A particular area researchers and health professionals are trying to understand is around the impact of social networks on sexual health awareness. We all know the old cliché of men standing around a bar or in a locker room talking about the latest conquest from the weekend. But this is just that; a cliché. The truth is that our conversations about our partners are much more nuanced and involved than that, and many more things are occurring in the context of this conversation than just the inflating of our egos. The truth is that when we have those conversations about our latest shag or the partner we have been with for years, and every type of sexual connection in between, we are learning. We are sharing our experiences of negotiating the awkwardness of asking to use a condom. We are talking about having that uncomfortable conversation with our sexual partners about the last time they had a sexual health test , a conversation which we are never quite sure how to initiate.

Research shows that using condoms is often strongly related to peer norms about condom use, or our mates talking about condoms and encouraging everyone to use them. And surprisingly, the greatest influence on norms isn’t famous people saying they support whatever norms we are talking about, or public campaigns, or any other complicated things like that (although, they do have a role to play). Instead, the greatest influence on

social norms is verbal communication.

Just talking about something with our friends is the thing that is most likely to change or create norms that support behaviours that ensure good sexual health and protect us. Related to that, some groups particularly at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections state that talking with others in their networks is their main source of sexual health information. Not major public health campaigns or other forms of mass communication.

So go out and talk with your friends about sexual health, and about condoms. And about how relationships work for you and about how we all think about sex, and what it means to us. And what kind of an experience you had the last time you chatted with a doctor or nurse about your sexual health. Because when you do this, you are protecting yourself, and also your friends.

If it’s a little awkward and weird at first, that means you are slowly changing the norms of your group. It can be challenging, and in that situation we all need to think about if we want to keep doing it until it isn’t awkward anymore (because it can be difficult to do). But if you decide to keep going, it can be rewarding.

Have you ever had an awkward sex conversation that was a complete disaster? Or do you have the perfect strategy to ask someone the last time they got a sexual health test? Are you happy to share your story for other guys?

If you are, go to Man2ManTas Blog Page at http:man2mantas.wordpress.com, comment or share some of the articles there with your friends and join the conversations Article by Shaun Staunton, CEO Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases

TasPride:

Proud to be bringing people together for 20 years - our biggest yet! We were particularly over-excited this year, as we were celebrating the fact that TasPride Inc has been around (in various forms) for 20 whole years. We wanted to share our joy with as many people as possible.

That’s why we made sure that there were a large number of free events throughout the festival (ranging from the very-wellattended Walk through Hobart’s Queer History, to a series of gigs by local singer songwriters, to a variety of lunchtime forums on entertaining and pertinent queer issues, as well as BBQs, picnics, and the hugely popular Parade).

We also went to much effort to subsidise the cost of key events, too, with the smash-hit sell-out Opening Night Cruise being an absolute bargain at $20.

We want, above all, to get our fantastic community together to celebrate our diversity and our all-round awesomeness.

And to give our families, friends, and allies a great chance to show their support and love for the great community that we have in Tassie.

The networks that we build around and between ourselves form out connections to society and humanity - if we can strengthen and widen these supportive connections, we are doing our little bit to improve the world.

We at TasPride, through finding ways of bringing people together, are hoping to make our small contribution towards this aim. Hooray!

Hey there! My name’s Bec, and I’m the new President of the TasPride committee, taking on the job from the lovely Dean Duggan after six years of hard work from him.

I’ve been a committee member for a couple of years now, and thought it’d be a good idea to step up and take on a bit more responsibility this year... but I’m very glad that Dean’s still around as a general committee member to pass on some wisdom!

Social inclusion is hugely important to TasPride, and is behind pretty much all that we try to achieve.

We’re all about bringing our community, and those that support it, together.

My TasPride duties include updating the website (taspride.com) and responding to your queries.Please don’t hesitate to drop us a line - we always love hearing

from the community, and welcome suggestions for future events, or ideas about how we might improve and build on what we do.

Our website has undergone a recent upgrade and renovation, and has some great features.

One of the sections I’m most excited about is our “community calendar,” - it’s an interactive calendar with all upcoming events.

It also allows individuals and groups to upload information about their queerfriendly event and let everyone know when, and where, it’s happening.

We want our site to be a useful online space for Tasmanians and visitors to find out what’s on.

And on that note, everyone, please have a great start to 2013.

Be safe, and be happy, and look out for each other.

Cheers, queers! Bec x Article by Rebecca Dorgelo, TasPride President

TASPRIDE CONTACT DETAILS Web: www.taspride.com E: info@taspride.com FB:www.facebook.com/TasPride

As I’m sure you well know, we just wrapped up our 2012 TasPride Festival PAGE 3

TasPride Festival, 16

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- 24 November 2012

Photos reproduced with permission of TasPride and Cezb Photography PAGE 5

Is Social Media Real Engagement?

With the rise of social media, the way we communicate is evolving and new forms of civic engagement are developing. It is now easier than ever to express yourself and your ideas.

Though online sharing sites you can quickly convey your message to large networked communities. Within these online communities, people are pushing the boundaries of traditional engagement and creating new ways of discussing the issues that concern them. In the past, we might get together with our friends at home or meet in public places. Now, with social media, we can engage with them through a variety of social networking communities as well.

We can share news and even pictures and videos of events in real time as they occur. All over the world, social media is being used to influence politics and drive social changes. In the recent U.S. Presidential election, social media played a vital role in spreading the candidate’s messages and throughout the Arab world, social media has acted as the catalyst of what has come to be known as the Arab Spring. During the Egyptian revolution, protesters were able to organise themselves using social PAGE 6

networking sites like Facebook and to spread news of the revolution to the global community.

Here in Australia, the power of social media could be seen in the case of missing ABC employee Jill Meagher.

Within hours of her being reported missing, CCTV footage of her last known sighting had ‘ gone viral ‘ in the online community. Through social media, a movement focused on violence towards women emerged. In remembrance of Jill, a peace walk with 30,000 people marched through Melbourne. This is one example of how quickly a message spread and through social media a movement grew to great numbers in a very short time.

Of course, this is not to say that social media is a replacement for real world engagement. Rather, social media is a tool we can use to stay connected and to get our message out to the broader community quickly and effectively.

Ultimately, whether you are engaged online through social networking sites or involved in groups that meet on a regular basis, the form of engagement is not really the issue. It’s how you engage

and what you communicate that really matters.

What do you think? Is social media a good thing for the LGBTI community?

How has it changed how you connect with other people? To give your opinion, and see what other people think, go to the Man2ManTas blog page at http:// man2mantas.wordpress.com Article by Olivia Stills, TasCAHRD Social Media Volunteer Coordinator (Editors Comment: TasCAHRD would like to welcome Olivia to her new position as Social Media Volunteer Coordinator. It’s also only because of Olivia’s hard work & efforts on the blog that Man2Man was able to launch its new Man2ManTas blog page. So why not check it out and start the conversations)

Man2Man Social Media Sites Blog: http://man2mantas.wordpress.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Man2ManTas Twitter: https://twitter.com/Man2ManTas

TasPride Festival 2012 Highlights This year’s festival launched with a bang on board a luxury river cruise, together with cake, canapés and the international Irish drag act Panti, which kicked off this year’s week long party in style.

This was the first of many sold out events that were part of our opening night, such as the fantastic Marmalade Cabaret where the Diamonds of Burlesque performers sparkled,followed by the Nautical Naughties Opening Night Dance Party at Flamingos. Over the following few days events held in the Founders Room at the Salamanca Arts Centre included Panti’s Gay Bingo and the ever popular Queer Quiz Night.

For the very first time we were very proud to launch the festival hub this year at the Theatre Royal Back Space Theatre.

Winners of our Taspride Artfully Queer contest graced the walls of the Theatre Royal Back Space Theatre. This fantastic space allowed us to bring lots of new events to this year’s festival such as the Chicks with Picks music series and our lunch time talk sessions. The hub was also filled with theatre performances from Alphabet Soup to Dumb Blonde, which was an amazing show put on by the Tasmanian Theatre Company. We also had the much anticipated Craig Wellington Production “Head Held High” with Wes Snelling as Tina del Twist. We also had the Queens of the Desert make an appearance at our Priscilla Queen of the Desert movie night. In addition to a midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show we also hada Rocky Horror After-Party put on by Flamingos Dance Bar, who also hosted the amazing Bi-Lesque performance.

Finally, the annual pride parade made its way through the streets of Hobart on the closing day of the Festival with over 300 people taking part in the parade, and even more gathering on Parliament House Lawns, making this the biggest parade yet. This year also saw the first Great Cake Bake Off held to support Working It Out’s programs and in memory of Chris Jackman.

This year’s closing party which was held at the Grand Poobah featured the Sydney allgirl band “The Frocks” who got the party pumping along with performances from fANTasia and the Flamingos Dancers. This was all followed by an amazing after party at Flamingos.

Article by Vincent Bound, TasPride Vice-President

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It’s Such A Private Question, “Are You HIV Positive?”

After the disclosure, it was like starting the relationship again, Richard explains.

“We’ve been in a relationship for nine months. Before this we knew each other for about a year and a half (chatting online). He didn’t know my HIV status” I hadn’t had a relationship for almost two years because of HIV. I disclosed my status one month after being together. I wasn’t necessarily keeping it from him. At the beginning I didn’t think he needed to know because we didn’t take any risks. I also didn’t think we would end up in a relationship. Disclosure is a private thing. You don’t go around telling everyone you’re HIV positive.

The way you do it is very important and very personal. Confidence is important. This has an impact on how the other person receives your disclosure. If you leave an opportunity to be judged, people will judge you. I had to feel comfortable that he was going to be able to deal with it.

When you disclose you’ve got to get to a point where you trust the person. Also, find out how much they know about HIV so you can have information to give them if needed. I didn’t realise until I told him that he didn’t understand the basics of HIV.

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“Disclosure is a private thing. You don’t go around telling everyone you’re HIV positive. You’ve got to manage it the right way” Starting again It took Patrick some time to realise I’m still me, nothing had changed.

After the disclosure the challenge was starting the relationship again.

It was like meeting a new person.

It’s very hard because you’ve got to trust each other. He’s got to trust me again.

“It took Patrick some time to realise I’m still me, nothing had changed”

With more understanding of HIV it’s got to a point where we are more relaxed. He wanted to hear the facts about what is and isn’t safe so we looked for information together.

Once he got the facts (rather than what was going on in his head) we took it one step at a time.

It took time for the relationship to build.

We talked about HIV in our relationship to the point where Patrick was comfortable with it. We talked through our fears. HIV was a big issue at the start, but its slowly fading into the background.

a few things out in the open. Of course these may change over time, as our relationship grows and our needs change.

“HIV brings you together and makes your relationship stronger.

By showing pos-neg relationships happen we take away the stigma” It’s a monogamous relationship.

However, if he meets a guy at a beat and has sex, just tell me. If it happened to me I’d tell him. You can get into situations where sex happens. I completely get it – I’m a gay guy too. It’s not something I’d necessarily be happy with, but we need to be honest about it. We have spoken about this and come to an agreement. If our relationship goes down this path, it’s condoms with everyone.

Learning about sex As far as the sexual side of it, I’m still learning because I haven’t had a lot of sex with guys since my diagnosis.

Basically it took about three weeks to get him back and then it took two or three months to have any type of sex. Sex is a bit more planned rather than spontaneous.

It’s more pleasurable and intimate now - it’s brought us together.

In the past I’ve had sex with guys and it has just been sex. When you’re with someone (positive or negative) you really care about it’s more passionate.

I took Patrick to one of my doctor’s appointments mainly for reassurance. We also wanted to find out more about viral load. He has patients who have made a decision, once the viral load is undetectable, not to use condoms. A low viral load would decrease our anxiety about passing on or getting HIV, but not in a way that changes how we have sex. We would still use condoms.

Each relationship will have different rules. It would be good to speak to other couples about how they negotiate their rules? How they deal with HIV and sex?

We’re not the only ones going through this. HIV brings you together and makes your relationship stronger. By showing pos-neg relationships happen we take away the stigma.

This article was kindly provided by Positive Life NSW

“Once he got the facts (rather than what was going on in his head) we took it one step at a time” Sex happens - setting some rules Building trust, honesty and setting some rules together are the keys to any relationship. It’s about communicating from the beginning some relationship rules - getting

CHECK OUT: Sero Disco by Positive Life NSW www.positivelife.org.au

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Just a Preference? Sexual Racism and Choosing Partners Online Over the past few years, a new buzzexpression ‘sexual racism’ has begun to circulate in relation to the sex-seeking practices of men who have sex with men.

Sexual racism, as it is commonly understood, means expressing a sexual or romantic interest or disinterest in someone because of their racial background. Though some might defend an individual’s right to choice, as soon as you start making distinctions between people on the basis of race you are in murky territory, which is no doubt why this notion of ‘sexual racism’ has enjoyed recent popularity in media and online sources.

As there is very little research available on this issue, the ‘Just a Preference Project’ was developed at the National Centre in HIV Social Research as a multifaceted research project looking at how race and racism are conceptualised and negotiated among gay online sex and dating communities. Men participated in Just a Preference through an online survey and/or interviews, and online profiles were also analysed for language use.

Around 96% of men surveyed could recall having seen profiles that excluded people because of their race.

Interviewees said that they felt like almost all profiles had some sort of negative racial reference. In contrast to this, fewer than 3% of online profiles we analysed actually contained lines like “No Latinos please”.

This disconnect between perceived racism and actual content may mean that men recognise sexual racism as a contentious issue – when they see profiles with such language they remember them even though they are not that common.

However, over half of the men who were surveyed also recalled being personally excluded because of their race when looking for sex or dates online. So it’s possible that exclusion is more likely to occur in person-to-person chat, rather than being advertised in someone’s profile.

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Though direct exclusion in profiles is not terribly common, about one in five profiles do reference race in some way.

These references are usually normalised racial descriptions (“25 White guy”), but some use their profiles to challenge racism, posting things like, “If you dislike someone simply because of their racial background we probably won’t get along.” While direct, statements like these appear in fewer than 7% of profiles.

Most surveyed men did not view racism as a problematic issue on sex and dating web services and most people agreed that racial descriptors helped save time and energy for everyone when looking for partners. Saving time and efficiency were also identified by interview participants as important parts of how they look for sex or dates online.

Those interviewed agreed, however, that there is a fine line between saving time and being rude. More and more

men are choosing to describe what they want (“Interested in Middle Eastern guys mostly”) instead of what they do not want (“No Asians please”). How interests are communicated is an important part of creating more inclusive online communities. Given that more and more men are turning to the Internet for their sex and dating needs, we must strive to foster environments that permit all website users to engage with their own and other people’s desires in an inclusive way.

Article by Denton Callander, The Kirby Institute of Infection & Immunity in Society, UNSW

JUST A PREFERENCE PROJECT www.justapreference.com

Shield Tasmania

Supporting the Needs of Northern Tasmanian LGBTI Youth Shield is a non funded community organisation formed to help strengthen & unite the LGBTIQ community of Tasmania by providing safe and fun events and spreading news about what’s happening around the state.

We also want to allow members of the general populace to have input in creating something for themselves in areas where there may be a lack of activities aimed at the LGBTIQ community.

Shield was formed in 2011 by a group of Gay & Lesbian Tasmanians who all grew up here and are from various age groups, societal backgrounds and creeds.

The popular Bent Events which are held throughout the year in Launceston are a collaboration of many volunteers efforts to showcase local talent such as bands, dancers, artists, drag queens, DJ’s & more.

Shield is really about giving the power back to the people. We figure if you want something, go ahead and make it happen.

As a non funded group, we have been fortunate enough to have been sponsored by several local businesses and organisations throughout the state, and the profits we make from our events go directly back to the community. If you feel you’d like to help out or be involved please feel free to contact us as we are always open to suggestions or feedback.

Article by Andy Allison, Shield Director

SHIELD CONTACT DETAILS Web: www.shieldtasmania.org Email: admin@shieldtasmania.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShieldTasmania Twitter: www.twitter.com/ Shield_Tasmania PAGE 11

GLBTI SERVICES STATEWIDE Antidiscrimination Commission Assists in pursuing claims of discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender identity etc. Located at Level 1, 54 Victoria Street Hobart.

PHONE: 03 6233 4841 OR 1300 305 062 EMAIL: antidiscrimination@justice.tas. gov.au WEB: www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au Bi-Tasmania Social and support group for bisexual Tasmanians CONTACT: 0401 054 003 Country Network Offers hospitality and friendship among rural GLBTI people to assist overcoming their social isolation.

CONTACT: Dave Arnold on 03 6228 4166 www.countrynetwork.com.au secretary@ countrynetwork.com.au Galstays Choices for the gay and lesbian traveler.

Visit www.galstays.com.au GALTA Australia’s gay & lesbian tourism organisation. Visit www.galta.com.au Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Tasmania (GALTAT) Representing the gay and lesbian travel accommodation providers in Tasmania.

Visit www.galtat.com Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Confidential peer-based telephone counselling, information and referral service specifically for the GLBTI communities of Victoria & Tasmania.

PHONE: 1800 184 527 WEB: www.switchboard.org.au Gay Info Line 24hr recorded message service funded by GLC Centre PHONE: 03 6234 8179 GayTAS Website The leading gay online newspaper & information source for the Tasmanian GLBTI community. Visit http://gaytas.e-p. net.au GAYunities New social networking site for the Tasmanian gay community. Visit www. gayunities.com Indeed Supporting Tasmania’s relationship registry.

EMAIL: indeedrelationships@gmail.com WEB: www.relationshipstasmania.org. au/indeed.html League of Gentlefellows Regional social events for rainbow people in a safe and caring environment.

PHONE: Julian Punch on 03 6239 6606 or PAGE 12

John Perry on 03 6223 6003 EMAIL: julian@logtas.org WEB: www.logtas.org MAN2MAN Program Program run by TasCAHRD which aims to prevent the spread of HIV & STI’s among gay men and other men who have sex with men. This program incorporates the MAN2MAN magazine, MAN2MAN online outreach, volunteer program, venue outreach, as well as information & support. You will also find us in your favourite chatroom.

PHONE: 03 6234 1242 or 1800 005 900 EMAIL: m2m@tascahrd.org.au WEB: www.m2mtas.com Blog: http:man2mantas.wordpress.com Outright Youth Group Group offering social events for young rainbow people in a safe and caring environment. Contact Scott Ryan or Connie Lavicka at scott@logtas.org for more details Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) Currently do not have a Tasmanian representative but information is available at from the following; EMAIL: pflagtas@yahoo.com.au WEB: www.pflagaustralia.org.au QueerTas Tasmania’s GLBTI Yahoo group.

WEB: queertas-subscribe@yahoogroups. com.au Relationships Tasmania Info about the deed of relationships www. relationshipstasmania.org.au S.A.F.E Spirituality and Faith Exploration meet fortnightly for LGBTI people who wish to explore their spirituality.

CONTACT: Joc - 03 6228 6715 EMAIL: safetas@gmail.com WEB: www.care2.com/c2c/group/safetas Same Sex Travel A directory of same sex operated accommodation properties throughout Australia and New Zealand.

WEB: www.samesextravel.com Sexual Health Service Offers counselling, support, referrals and STI & HIV testing.

HOBART - 03 6233 3557 DEVONPORT - 03 6421 7759 BURNIE - 03 6434 6315 LAUNCESTON - 03 6336 2216 FREECALL NUMBER - 1800 675 859 EMAIL sexual.health@dhhs.tas.gov.au TasCAHRD Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases including the MAN2MAN Program.

PHONE: 03 6234 1242 FREECALL INFORMATION LINE 1800 005 900 (9am - 5pm)

EMAIL: mail@tascahrd.org.au WEB: www.tascahrd.org.au Tasmanian Council for Sexual and Gender Diverse People Inc Supporting GLBTI people to come out with pride and live in their communities as fully respected and participating members SOUTH: Brian Doran (Greater Hobart) brian@logtas.org or Jo Goodman (Kingborough/Huon) on jo@logtas.org NORTH: Donald Mc Donald (Greater Launceston/East Coast) on donmac@ logtas.org NORTHWEST: Wilfred Laycock (NW/ West Coast CLC) on wilfred@logtas.org WEB: www.comingoutproud.org Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) Is a community-based organisation campaigning for LGBTI human rights in Tasmania. TGLRG also have a stall at the Salamanca Markets every Saturday.

CONTACT 03 6224 3556 EMAIL rodney.croome@tglrg.org WEB: www.tglrg.org Tasmania Police LGBTI Liaison Officers HOBART – 03 6230 2111 LAUNCESTON – 03 6336 7000 NORTH WEST – 03 6434 5211 WEB: www.police.tas.gov.au/community/ community-policing/lgbt_liaison_officers TasPride An organisation dedicated to celebrating and uniting the Tasmanian GLBTI community as well as bringing you the annual TasPride Festival. See GLC Centre for contact details.

WEB: www.taspride.com Working It Out Tasmania’s sexuality and gender support and education service which also provides counselling and support for LGBTI Tasmanians, their friends & family. Coordinate and implement antihomophobia & diversity education & training programs in schools, workplaces, government & NGO’s SOUTH – Ph: 03 6231 1200; Email: south@workingitout.org.au NORTH – Ph: 03 6334 4013; Email: north@workingitout.org.au NORTH-WEST – Ph: 03 6432 3643; Email: northwest@workingitout.org.au WEB – www.workingitout.org.au Working It Out Rainbow Support & Discussion Groups Support and discussion groups held statewide by Working It Out for GLBTI people HOBART – 0438 346 122 or info@ workingitout.org.au LAUNCESTON – Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au DEVONPORT - Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au BURNIE - Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@ workingitout.org.au

& ORGANISATIONS Yahoo Tasmanian GLBTI Groups (Queertas, gayhobart, tassiecasualfun, womenupnorth, bitasmania, Allsortsqueeryouth, qsoc_tasmania, gaytassieguys, triplegtas, Tasgayguys, GayTasmania, taswomen2women) http:// groups.yahoo.com SOUTHERN Borderlines Hobart’s queer radio show every Monday at 10-12am on Edge Radio 99.3FM Flamingos Dance Bar Tasmania’s weekly club committed to providing a tolerant, safe, informative and fun environment for people of alternative sexualities and their friends to be able to enjoy themselves and socialize in a nonthreatening environment. Located at 201 Liverpool Street, Hobart. Online at www. flamingosbar.com and www.myspace. com/flamingosbar Gay and Lesbian Community Centre Inc (GLC Centre) GLC Centre or TasPride is Tasmania’s GLBTI social and community development group. A member-based organisation, GLC produces the TasPride Festival, hosts regular events, provides the Gay Information Line, and publishes a regular bulletin. Contact on info@taspride.com or online at www.taspride.com Hobart Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Marcus on 0457 071 646 EMAIL: macdougall_60@hotmail.com or info@workingitout.org.au QSOC The Queer Uni Students Society in Hobart contactable via email at queerep@yahoo. com.au QSOC South UTAS Queer Students on Campus.

Contact on: qsoc_south@hotmail.com Queery UTAS GLBTI Social Group New UTAS social group for queer students on campus and open to other GLBTI people which meet regularly at the UTAS Queer Space CONTACT: Alex West EMAIL: akwest@utas.edu.au or queerrep@ hotmail.com Rodney Croome – Gay Activist - Web Blog www.rodneycroome.id.au Tasmania University Union (TUU) Sexuality Officer CONTACT: Alex West on akwest@utas. edu.au or queerrep@hotmail.com Wellington Wanderers GLBTIQ activity group which runs a yearround program of events.

CONTACT: 0447 225 682

or 03 6223 2690 POST: GPO Box 1872, Hobart Tas 7001 EMAIL: wellingtonwanderers@yahoo. com.au

Contact Sami 0431 816 032 or Emai: samifryer@hotmail.com Stay in touch with upcoming events through www.logtas.org

Working It Out Southern Trans Support & Discussion Group Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family.

PHONE: Sue on 6231 1200 EMAIL: accounts@workingitout.org.au

NORTH-WEST

NORTHERN Allsorts GLBTI and friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Launceston & Devonport through Working It Out North.

PHONE: 03 6334 4013 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Launceston GLBTI Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Working It Out Northern Trans Support & Discussion Group Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family.

PHONE: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Northern Tasmanian Men’s Meetup Launceston based discreet social group of gay and bisexual men and their friends who meet regularly for meals, BBQ’s, drinks and other events.

EMAIL: northern.meetup@hotmail.com or info@meetup.com POST: Launceston Meetup, PO Box 7666, Launceston Tas. 7250 Shield Uniting & supporting Northern Tasmanian LGBTI youth email: admin@shieldtasmania.org Website: www.shieldtasmania.org Phone: 0457 363 066 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ ShieldTasmania Twitter: www.twitter.com/Shield_ Tasmania Tas Unity An ecumenical support and study group for LGBTI people, their friends, families and supporters.

PHONE: Lois on (03) 6339 1414

Allsorts GLBTI and friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Launceston & Devonport through Working It Out North West.

PHONE: 03 6432 3643 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: northwest@workingitout.org.au Burnie Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au North West Same Sex Attracted Men’s Group Group for over 18’s meets monthly in Burnie.

PHONE: Layne on 0439 733 277 EMAIL: ramonshoebridge@live.com.au EAST COAST ECQLS East Coast Queer Life Support Is a support association in the NE to coordinate and provide services and social activities for GLBTI people.

EMAIL: ecqlstasmania@gmail.com OR CHECK OUT www.ecqls.org GAY-FRIENDLY CAFES DS Coffee House, Red Velvet Lounge, Fleurty’s Café, Restaurant Waterloo, Mummy’s, Citrus Moon Café, Lebrina, Kusina, The Alley Cat, Republic Bar, Criterion Café, Sirens, Lansdowne Café, Retro Café, Machine Laundry Café, Jackman and McCross, Magnolia Café, Groovy Penguin, Fresh on Charles, Deloraine Deli, Kabuki by the Sea, O’Keefe’s Hotel, Stonies Fifties Café, Fitzpatrick’s Inn, The King of Burnie Hotel, Around The Corner Cafe, Tasmania Inn, Hotel SOHO, Hot Mothers Cafe, Restaurant Red, Pickled Evenings Indian Restaurant, Cafe Bozzey.

Transisters Community based social and support group for transgender women in Tasmania, meeting once a month in Launceston. WEB: http://groups.yahoo. com/group/transisters/ LGBTI Northern Social Events Bringing the LGBTI community together in a safe and social environment.

PAGE 13

Upcoming Tasman SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY

KNOCKLOFTY WALK

FULL

MOON

Hosted by Wellington Wanderers LGBTIQ activity group Contact Richard 6223 2690 or 0447 225 682 or wellingtonwanderers@yahoo. com.au

Do You Feel Like You Don’t Belong On Either Side Of The Fence?

Or don’t quite fit in any box?

Are you attracted to more than one gender and keen to meet others who feel the same?

For some people, sexual identity can be fluid and can change from one period of a person’s life to another.

Exploring and questioning our sexuality and identity is difficult for anyone at any time in life.

But it seems to be extra hard for men who discover they are attracted to both men and women.

Many of the men who contact Bi Tasmania are keen to meet other men to share their experiences in a safe environment.

Bi Tasmania is a social support group for people who acknowledge attraction to more than one gender, and their partners, family and friends.

a regular lunch time gathering in a safe and supportive venue.

This will be a great way to meet new friends, talk to people who ‘get you’, discuss issues and plan other events. To find out more, contact Bi Tasmania.

The moderators of Bi Tasmania are able to provide information and resources about bisexuality as requested. Information about other Bi organisations in Australia and around the world is also available.

All contact with Bi Tasmania moderators is strictly confidential.

Some Bi Tasmania members are committed to raising awareness of issues affecting bisexuals and to promoting bisexual rights.

They do this by educating the wider community about bi issues, networking with other LGBTI organisations and improving bi visibility through activism and lobbying.

Article by Jen Van-Achteren, Bi Tasmania

Formed in 2003, Bi Tasmania currently has 40 members state-wide.

At present, Bi Tasmanian members communicate via Facebook or an e-group so our members can stay in touch and informed.

CONTACTS FOR BI TASMANIA

In the past, members have met for social gatherings and more formal meetings. It’s the group’s intention to revitalise such gatherings in the near future.

Tel: 0401 054 003

Starting in 2013, on the last Friday of every month at 12 noon, there will be

Yahoo Group: http://groups. yahoo.com/group/bitasmania

PAGE 14

Email: jen_vanachteren@yahoo.com.au

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BiTasmania

MONDAY 28TH JANUARY

AUSSIE BBQ ‘BAANYA’

Hosted by The League of Gentlemen Contact Julian on 6239 6606 or jpunch@ tassie.net.au Numbers are limited to first 50 SATURDAY 2ND FEBRUARY

BENT EVENT

Hosted by Shield Tasmania & The Northern Club For more details go to www.shieldtasmania.org SATURDAY 9TH FEBRUARY

LONG WEEKEND

AT LEEAWULEENA/LAKE ST CLAIR Hosted by Wellington Wanderers LGBTIQ activity group Contact Richard 6223 2690 or 0447 225 682 or wellingtonwanderers@yahoo. com.au SUNDAY 17TH FEBRUARY

TASPRIDE FAMILY PICNIC DAY Hosted by TasPride

MONDAYS: “TOM, DICK & HARRIET” QUEER RADIO, 1012NOON Hobart’s Sexuality & Gender Issues Radio Show on Edge Radio 99.3FM

nian GLBTI Events Parliament Street Oval, Cnr Parliament & King Street, Sandy Bay Contact Tracey Wing on 0428 126 345 Email: info@taspride.com Web: www.taspride.org MONDAY 25TH FEBRUARY

MAN2MAN LIVE & LOCAL DINNER – LAUNCESTON

Join Man2Man for a topical discussion session over dinner Contact Brian Morris on (03) 6234 1242 or email m2m@tascahrd.org.au for more details and to register for the event. Numbers are limited

Thinking about renovating your bathroom or kitchen?

ThermoGlaze is the world’s leader in Bathroom Resurfacing Technology.

WEDNESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY

PLANNING MEETING

Hosted by Wellington Wanderers LGBTIQ activity group Contact Michael on 6223 2690 or wellingtonwanderers@yahoo.com.au SUNDAY 17TH MARCH

SEGWAY TASMANIA

The finish is just the beginning!

Hosted by Wellington Wanderers LGBTIQ activity group Contact Sue on 6229 7519 or wellingtonwanderers@yahoo.com.au SUNDAY 24TH MARCH

KAYAKING AT KETTERING

Hosted by Wellington Wanderers LGBTIQ activity group Contact Michael or Toni on 6223 2690 or 6245 1120 or wellingtonwanderers@ yahoo.com.au

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEFELLOWS Meets every Tuesday for meet and greet evenings, at The Metz in Launceston from 16:30 to 18:30. Phone/ Text Sami on 0431 816 032 or just show up.

Chip Galiber Enterprises Call 0400 041 426 for free quotes Hobart Metro Area & Beyond

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEFELLOWS Meets every Friday at the Tasmanian Inn. For more information contact Julian on 6239 6606 or email: jpunch@tassie.net.au PAGE 15

This advertisement was designed by Olivia Stills; Volunteer Social Media Coordinator, TasCAHRD