FUSE 04 God is a DJ (Boy Cover)

GOD IS A DJ

THE POWER OF MUSIC

TORI MAC

CANBERRA’S ELECTRO POP PRINCESS

TOP QUEER

GETTING SERVICED

THE BUZZ

BRUNO MALARKEY BRITNEY IS COMING WACKO JACKO

INDIA’S STONEWALL

FIRST STEPS TO EQUALITY

AUSTRALIA’S NEW GAY & LESBIAN MAGAZINE

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HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUBS

04

FUSE FEATURES

12

Music ­— it’s like a powerful drug: addictive, persuasive and most definitely mood altering.

How does it affect your life?

16 Wonder Woman has her star

spangled panties in a twist.

But is anyone watching?

22 India’s Stonewall! A historic

ruling on Indian gay rights.

The very first steps to equality.

FUSE OP.ED 19 Tying the knot in the ACT and

finding a gay friendly celebrant.

42

08

30 Growing up gay in Canberra.

FUSE REGULARS

FUSE04 AUGUST 2009

24

CONTENTS

08 DJ, singer, actress and model.

We talk to Tori Mac, ­Australia’s

electro pop princess!

02 Editor’s Rant 04 What’s On in Canberra 06 Your Say : Letters to the Editor 14 The Buzz : News & Gossip 20 Fabulous Things We Love!

16

32 Grooming & Fashion

PUBLISHER & DESIGN Lithium Innovation Pty Ltd {www.lithium.net.au}

34 Fitness : More Than You Think

EDITOR Alexander Thatcher {editor@fusemagazine.com.au}

37 Ear Candy : A DJ’s Response

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Yasmin Element

{

24 Out & About: Canberra’s Night Life

41

36 Ear Candy : Music Reviews 39 Money Shot : Investing

PRODUCTION & EDITORIAL Christopher Powell

40 Out & About : Cube Xmas in July 41 Top Queer : Getting Serviced

CONTRIBUTORS Nelida Contreras Scott Malcolm Abbey Jane Alexander Abbey Thomas Hoffman Miss Yetti

Tony Hamlyn Glen Rodden Lanny K Chad Wijayatilake Phil Schubert Damien Pratt

PHOTOGRAPHERS Nik Studio

Snezan Saravovska

Rose Pappalardo Simon Copland Brendan Farnhil Carmen Sarjeant Helen Stevens Lucy Jane

42 Out & About : Kim Churchill Live!

43 Couch Culture : DVD Reviews 44 Gender Talk : What’s the Diff?

45 Community : Gay & Aboriginal 46 Fuse Business Directory 48 Dear Rose

CONTACT Advertising, editorial enquiries or letters Telephone: +61 2 6287 7125 • Email: editor@fusemagazine.com.au Mail: PO Box 44 Waramanga ACT 2611 • ISSN 1836-8387

www.fusemagazine.com.au All rights reserved. No part of the magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. The appearance, mention or likeness of any person or organisation in editorial or advertising in no way suggests sexual or political orientation. Photographs used to illustrate editorial do not depict the real lives, behaviour or sexuality of the models. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Submissions of text, photographs or any other material will be taken as consent to publish said material. So there!

FUSE 1

WHAT’S EDITOR’SON RANT

Yasmin Element Nathan Brown Alexander Thatcher & Christopher Powell The FUSE editorial team went to the opening of the Vanity Fair Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery where we pretented to be all fancy and hoitey-toitey. And yes, there is a peg in Alex’s hair.

Photo courtesy National Portrait Gallery.

...drum roll please Music is a big part of our lives and I’ve spent the last few weeks writing down the list of songs from my own personal soundtrack. I came up with some real doozies like “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” from the Footloose soundtrack, which I played in my first car and “It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls, which was a hit when I first ventured overseas. I was surprised by just how much of my life’s big moments had a song attached to them and what they meant to me. It sent me on quite a nostalgic journey and I started to realise just how music affects our everyday lives and feelings.

This issue has three articles about music in addition to our regular Ear Candy (p36) by Damien Pratt which is always worth a read. Our cover story is about a woman who has worked hard at being the best she can in the music scene. You’ve probably heard her on RAWFM or at Cube Nightclub, she’s Canberra’s electro pop princess, Tori Mac. We talk to Tori about her music career, being a female DJ and having her own national radio show. She’s a pretty cool chick with loads of talent (p08). We share our thoughts on why we think God actually is a DJ, life is a dance floor, love is the rhythm and why you are the music (thanks Pink!). It’s a “deep and meaningful” with a beat (p12). Last, but certainly not least, another local DJ, Miss Yetti tells us about his most rewarding DJ experiences and what they mean to him (p37).

But hey, it’s not all about the music. We’ve got an awesome article about Wonder Woman, her panties and an invisible plane — or was it a plane and invisible panties? You’ll have to go and find out for yourself (p16). Stu, our Top Queer motoring expert writes about getting serviced (p41) and Brendan Farnhill, from Alive! Health & Fitness, tells us about serotonin, dopamine and endorphins (p34).

As usual there is a whole lot more of FUSE for you to enjoy. Don’t forget to drop us an email if you would like to comment on an article and tell us what you think. We’d love to hear from you and you might even score some free movie tickets from Dendy.

Email hello@fusemagazine.com.au Enjoy!

Alexander Thatcher

Send all letters to the editor to editor@fusemagazine.com.au

FUSE 2

}

Reflection + Functionality = Form Established in 1996, Form Haircutters in Kingston ACT, centre of Canberra’s Café District offers a high level of client comfort, quality customer service and the latest fashion trends in hair, whilst providing you with a ‘value for money’ commitment.

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solutions ranging from hair cutting/styling, colour, and both in-house and at-home hair treatments.

FUSE 3

What’s On

at the movies

Beautiful Kate : Opens August 6th

A new truly beautiful Australian film Beautiful Kate is the story of a family whose all too human mistakes lead to tragedy, recrimination, guilt and, finally, salvation. Told in parallel strands of past and present, the film recounts the sexual awakening of three siblings growing up in isolation, interwoven with the emotional journey of reconciliation between an estranged father and son.

Public Enemies : Opens July 30th Johnny Depp fans are in for an old-fashioned, action-packed, gun-slinging gangster thriller!

Depp stars as legendary Depression-era outlaw, John Dillinger — the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of the FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public.

No one could stop Dillinger and his gang. No jail could hold him. His charm and audacious jailbreaks endeared him to almost everyone, from his girlfriend Billie Frechette, (Marion Cotillard) to an American public who had no sympathy for the banks that had plunged the country into the Depression.

Blessed Opens September 10th During the course of one day and night, seven children wander the streets in an urban odyssey. But not all of them will find their way home. Dawn breaks, and now we experience the viewpoint of the five mothers. Over the course of their respective journeys we understand that they are as lost and defenceless as the children they care for. A film about mothers and children, love and beauty, being lost and finding your way home.

Balibo : Opens August 13th As Indonesia prepares to invade the tiny nation of East Timor in 1975, five Australian based journalists go missing. Balibo is a political thriller that tells the true story of crimes that have been covered up for over thirty years. One man searches for the truth while another fights for justice.

Coraline : Opens August 6th Coraline is a classic fairy-tale nightmare. A young girl walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life — a better version.

But when this wondrous off-kilter, fantastical adventure turns dangerous and her ‘other’ parents try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home.

FREE TICKETS: Fuse has two double passes to give away to each of the movies above at Dendy in Canberra.

Write in and tell us what you think of FUSE or comment on an article and you could win these fab tickets.

Email: hello@fusemagazine.com.au

Free movie passes were kindly supplied by Dendy Cinemas Canberra Level 2, North Quarter Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Canberra City

www.dendy.com.au

FUSE 4

WHAT’S ON

What’s On August09 Illawarra Tree Top Walk & Minnamurra Rainforest with ACTOUT Saturday 29 August.

A fantastic full-day trip to the Illawarra region. Meet new friends and discover beautiful rainforests, waterfalls, spectacular panoramic scenery and so much more.

For more details email paul@actout.cjb.net, or visit www.fusemagazine.com.au

Pink Party at Cube Friday 14 August 9pm til 5pm.

Head down to Cube and get into the groove for Pink’s arrival in Canberra. DJ Peter Dorree will be playing Pink hits all night long and the gorgeous Miss Gloria Williams from Adelaide will get you rocking with her renditions of all your favourite Pink songs. See p24.

Wendy at Jigsaw Presented by the Jigsaw Theatre Company Wendy is a new musical re-imaging of Peter Pan. Wendy is a modern girl, and like many girls of today she can’t wait to grow up. One night, in through her window flies a boy, Peter, who never wants to grow up. Jigsaw Theatre Company presents the premiere of its new musical, Wendy, at the Street Theatre early August. Wendy takes JM Barrie’s classic novel and reinterprets it in a modern musical full of pirates, meeting lost boys, learning to fly and adventure on the high seas.

Seating is limited so book now at Jigsaw Theatre on 02 6247 1223 or online at www.thestreet.org.au

To have your event included here email hello@fusemagazine.com.au

REGULAR QUEER EVENTS! Saturdays Q Radio 7pm – 9pm 2XX, 98.3FM Canberra’s own GLBTQ radio show.

Sundays Live Bands at Hush Chill out on Sunday arvos with friends. More details on p24.

RAW FM: Girl Thing Wednesdays & Sundays from 7pm For girls who like girls. Presented

by Tori Mac, Girl Thing is an hour of sexy house and electro served up girly style. RAW FM 87.6 or hear it through www.rawfm.com.au or www.torimac.com Bears in Canberra Hang out with the Bears in the Bar: Sunday afternoons at O’Neill’s Irish Pub, Woolley Street in Dickson on the first Sunday of the month from 3pm. Bears Dinners: third Friday of the month, a dinner and social evening for ‘Bears’ and likeminded men.

{

Check out fusemagazine.com.au for a full list of what’s happening in Canberra including local and national GLBTQ events

Wednesdays Gay & Lesbian Squash 6.30pm – 7.30pm National Sports Club, Mouat Street Lyneham. All Welcome.

Thursdays Uni Night at Bar32 We’ve got your Thursday nights covered! More details p31.

Pink Party 14 August Head down to Cube and celebrate Pink. Details p24

ACTOUT ACTOUT is an informal outdoorsie activities group for Canberra’s gay and lesbian community.

More details on the Fuse website.

Bit Bent: Youth Group For Canberra youth (12–25). A great place to meet other young people and get support and information if needed. It is also a great place to hang out. Every Monday at Uturn in Belconnen (6pm to 8pm) and Thursday at the Woden Youth Centre (5pm to 6.30pm).

Mondays Gay & Lesbian Tennis 6pm – 9pm Turner Tennis Club, Cnr McCaughey and Condamine Streets. Bring a tennis racquet, sports shoes and $5.

HANGOUTS

Tuesdays Dyke Dinner & Movie More info at ACTQueer, Canberra Lesbians on Facebook.

The Hush Lounge A chilled bar for the whole GLBTQ community. More details p26.

Wednesdays Queer Card Night Nothing to do on a Wednesday night?

Then join us at Hush. Details on p26.

Bar32 Alternative gay friendly bar in Civic.

More details p31.

Cube Nightclub Canberra’s premier gay night club.

More details p24.

FUSE 5

WHAT’S ON YOUR SAY

FUSE

READERS

LETTERS Fantastic Mag! Fantastic work once again on FUSE magazine, loving the new issue!! HOT covers!!

Amanda Give Me More Oh my god FUSE03 was so great! Love it, Love it, Love it. Awesome articles and total hotties on the covers — Morgan and Rose look fantastic. Keep up the good work, can’t wait for the next one.

Love, Johnno Davis Talk of the Community Hey guys, I think FUSE magazine is doing so well, it’s the talk of our community and I just love getting my new copy each month! I even get one for my mum :) — especially when I write an article or if I’m in the social pages. Thanks for all your hard work.

I definitely will keep reading and writing for FUSE. Deb Tonkin Sydney Boy I’m a Sydney boy. I was recently down in Canberra and picked up a copy of FUSE. It’s sexy, it’s queer and I really loved it! Keep up the great work Canberra. Now I’ve gotta ask, where did you find Kim Churchill on the cover of FUSE02. If you breed hotties like that in Canberra I’m moving down — great interview.

All the best, Damian I Love FUSE Thanks to you again, have loved reading FUSE03.

Quite honestly I think FUSE is one of the best magazines in its genre that I’ve ever seen and read — quality plus! Can’t wait for issue 4. FUSE = (F)antastically, (U)nbelievably (S)exy & (E)volved!

Light ‘er up... this baby is about to explode!

Cheers, Dave Great Work Great to see that FUSE is going from strength to strength with each issue that comes out…

Keep up the good work!

Sue PS… my straight friends love to read FUSE too and keep stealing my copies.

FUSE 6

Eye Catching I’ve been reading FUSE from the very beginning and I think it’s just awesome. Having both guy and girl covers is a fantastic idea and I just love the black and white, with a new colour each issue — very eye catching. I thought Yasmin on FUSE02 was particularly sexy and I loved reading her interview.

Oh and yeah, I did get to rub her tassels at the FUSE launch!

Lisa xx My Favourites How wonderful to finally have a gay magazine in Canberra — and a damn good one too. I especially love the features, social pages and Dear Rose, they are my favourites.

Kim Buzz Me I think it’s great to see local Canberra people on the FUSE covers. I’m a real magazine buff so I just loved the Vanity Fair article and Tony’s The Buzz is an absolute scream.

Jo Congrats Congratulations on another great issue of FUSE! Your magazine has struck the right balance of fun and serious community issues and I look forward to reading the next issue and seeing who I know in the social pages… or maybe even on the cover.

Cheers, Nat

FUSE 7

WHAT’S FEATUREON

tough glamorous talented sexy

TORI MAC FUSE 8

{By Alex Thatcher

Canberra has always had a strong dance music scene and local girl,Tori Mac is busy adding her sound to the mix, hotting up our dancefloors and blasting her way to success over the airwaves.

Tough, glamorous, sexy and talented — proud Canberran Tori Mac is well-known around the local clubbing scene and is set to become one of Australia’s favourite electro/house DJ artists.

In between running her own radio show, playing DJ sets, producing her own music and winning DJ competitions, Tori took time out to chat with FUSE Editor Alex Thatcher about music, inspiration, and what it’s really like to be a female DJ.

Have you always been involved with music?

Absolutely! Ever since kindie when I used to scream in music class until the teacher gave me the drum to beat! My first paying job in music was when I was fairly young, producing a commercial radio breakfast show here in Canberra. I loved using the digital mutli-track recorder.

That’s when I also started to make music in my spare time using my newly found production skills. Music is in my blood. I have tried to let it go so many times but I keep turning back to it. I hear music in different ways to other people. I almost hear it three dimensionally!

I hear all the different instruments and sounds all at one time yet so individually.

C Photography by Nik Studio

What first drew your attention to being a DJ?

What images and emotions do you want your music to invoke in the listener?

After having a tongue-in-cheek go at the celebrity culture through my tracks including ‘Famous’, my attention has now turned to remixing songs of the 70s and 80s that had soul and substance.

I am currently working on a track that headlines a movie from 1980. The film will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year and by remixing this track I hope that I can deliver a powerful emotional experience to a new generation of listeners and club-goers, similar to the impact felt by its original audience.

A club owner asked me on my thoughts of building a Friday night at his club. Before I knew it not only was I helping work on ideas, I was also spinning the tunes. The most hilarious thing was that it was retro. If I hear ‘Mickey’ or ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ one more time... ARGGHHH!

There is so much anger and hate in many genres of music right now, I want to steer clear of all that. There is still a lot of good in the world that should be celebrated through music and dance.

So what are your influences, how would you describe your sound?

What are your thoughts on the emotional connection you share with your audience as a DJ?

In terms of modern music, my idols are Melbourne electro group Vandalism. They absolutely rock my world with compelling and infectious electro sounds coupled with their driving beats. Other modern day chick rockers I love include Princess Superstar and most of all Gwen Stefani — a real inspiration both through her image creation and her incredible music talent. I also love listening to 70s stuff — Fleetwood Mac are in my top 10 all-time favorite acts and Stevie Nicks, yeowwww!

In terms of my sound, I don’t try to be like anyone else. I just let my passion for music shine through. I love songs that make the listener feel good as well as tracks that support the gay and lesbian community through the lyrics.

Playing music is like a journey, sometimes you’re not too sure where that journey is going because it changes depending on the people that are getting on board for the ride. In my sets, I try to include something for everyone. However, I am very conscious that the music I am playing is not for me but for the good people that have paid good money to come and hear it. Therefore, in my shows I endeavor to deliver a powerful and positive experience.

FUSE 9

music is in my blood

You also have an amazingly popular radio show, tell us a bit about that?

Do you think men and women respond differently to music?

I love Girl Thing… it’s my baby and the support that RAW FM has showed me and the gay and lesbian community is outstanding and should be applauded.

The whole concept was outrageous, here was this up and coming DJ going to the owners of a mainstream narrowcast dance radio station saying, ‘Have you ever thought about a dance music show that specifically reaches a lesbian audience?’ To this day I still take my hat off to Angy, the owner of RAW FM, who gave me that one opportunity to help our community to shine.

Absolutely! In my opinion men like it a bit more dirty and grungy, whereas women respond better to tracks that are based on house and have words that they may have heard before. Ladies know how to party and they are more attuned to dancing with each other and having a good time, whereas the boys kinda like to dance in their own space. So often the challenge is playing music that will integrate the audience.

In its second season, Girl Thing is still going strong — now attracting great interviewees and great reviews from its audience. The main driver behind the show was that I had a ‘Girl Thing’ night at Cube, but the ladies had to wait every six weeks to experience that, so what if I could give them a small taste on the radio twice a week? That’s how Girl Thing came about (Wednesday and Sunday from 7:00pm on 87.6 RAW FM).

Would you say your music choices are swayed towards the women?

I play what the ladies like to hear: Beyonce, Pink, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Britney — they are always crowd pleasers. Great music from great artists, how could you go wrong?

FUSE 10

Do you think female and male DJs are equal in your field of work?

Quite simply, chicks have the potential to make better DJs every time. Sorry boys! It’s a proven fact that women can do more than two things at once and to be a great DJ you need to be thinking and doing about ten things at once! Whether it be having three tracks playing over the top of each other all beat perfect and mixed to perfection; through to performing, dancing and talking to the audience whilst all the aforementioned is going on — the ladies do it better!

In general terms of equality, in my opinion, no, women are not equal. I think globally in DJ-land it’s a big boys club and chicks spinning music is seen as a nice novelty. This is more evident in straight clubs. While things are getting much better and Australia has some wonderful female DJ talent; I would currently estimate the overall DJ populous to be 75 per cent men and 25 per cent women. Females don’t as easily get that first go and they often get disheartened and give up. Any lady that is passionate about her music and wants to play — hit me up and I’ll do my best to make that first gig happen for you!

Visit Australia’s electro pop princess online at www.torimac.com

}

FUSE 11

FEATURE

God is a

{By Alex Thatcher

DJ

}

If God is a DJ Life is a dance floor Love is the rhythm You are the music Pink

Music. It’s a very powerful force. It’s always been there and always will be. It existed before the spoken word. It’s like a drug.

Addictive, persuasive and mood altering.

It’s no wonder that from time to time in our history some people and religious groups have tried to ban it.

Music is however an unstoppable force and has the power to cause emotions to well up within us. These feelings are gripping, often irresistible and seem to emerge from our very souls. These feelings colour our moods, affect our perceptions and can generate behavioral patterns, whether good or bad. The indisputable fact about music is its power to evoke emotions.

I can’t imagine where music would be completely emotionally neutral for anyone. Music has the ability to inevitably tap the still, mysterious deep well of our emotions.

I talk from a place where I’m often most happy — immersed in sound and vibration.

If we were more aware of the effects sounds have upon us, we would be more careful about the frequencies we expose ourselves to.

FUSE 12

Michael Schneider in A Beginners Guide to Constructing the Universe

Music is an extremely powerful form of communication.

I see my life as a series of musical moments, no doubt because of the emotional impact that major events have and my memory tying that to the senses — like touch, sight and of course sound.

as one with my tribe and my “God”. I believe that any experience that gives you understanding of your place in the universe and where rationalisation does not cloud your view of the truth, is a religious experience — and for me a dance party certainly fits that criteria.

I remember the very first album I brought home, Wired for Sound by Cliff Richard — after playing it only once, my mum made me take it back and I swapped it for Hooked on Classics. I’m still getting over it. My first car — a red Ford Escort where the stereo was worth more than the car — was marked by “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” from the Footloose soundtrack. I joined the Navy playing “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits. I came out to “Crucified” by Army of Lovers. And the most wondrous moment yet in my life, my first dance party with my boyfriend, reverberates with the joy of “Lay all Your Love on Me” by Abbacadabra. The list goes on.

Even if these are not events you can relate to, we have all experienced music’s physical and mental effects on us. The affect of music is so strong at times, a few lines from a song (or more annoyingly an ad jingle) can keep running through our minds despite our best efforts to ignore them or make them stop. Like Pink’s “Na, na, na, na, na, na, na — Na, na, na, na, na, na.”

Yep, now I’ve got you!

Music certainly has a way of marking our memories. But that’s only a small part of the power it wields over us. It has strong physical and mental affects, with immediate relationships with your mood.

Some types of music can relax us. After a stressful day, soft music, like certain types of classical music or your favorite ballad singer, can physically relax the body and distract our minds from the cares of the day — at least for a while anyway. My escape is usually Chillout Sessions by Ministry of Sound. On the flip side, dance, pop or electro music with uplifting beats can exhilarate us and give us energy.

I love nearly all music, from sappy songs to a good trance or dance mix — plug me into my iPod and I’m happy to go on my personal exploration of sound; each song taking me on a different emotional journey.

Music and dance has also always had a sacred purpose and has been used by native tribes to honour their gods and nature, heal the sick, prepare for war and send off their dead comrades. If fact, music and dance has been used throughout history by all people to empower, celebrate and commiserate.

I remember when I was a brief church-goer, it was always when the music filled the air that the congregation really felt the presence of “God”, all raising their hands to accept the spirit. But for me this demonstrated that the concept of God and the universe was so much bigger than any organised religion could teach me and that God was not separate, or above us — but that we are all God and God is all things; sound, vibration, energy and certainly music.

It’s partly why a dance party has a pull for me that I can only explain as a collective religious experience. Put music, dance and a room full of like-minded people together and you’ve got something very powerful.

Hands in the air. In a way it’s my church. Inducing euphoric feelings and a state of meditation; being

Movie soundtracks are another clear demonstration of music’s emotional power over us. Sound signaling to us when something scary, threatening or ominous is about to happen. If you close your eyes in an action, horror or thriller movie, you can pretty much tell what’s happening by the musical score alone. The same is true for the sappy romance films some of us love so much.

A good soundtrack should have the ability to shift your feelings from moment to moment.

Sound also has the power to heal body, mind and spirit.

There is no doubt that creating and listening to music has many beneficial and positive affects on a person’s well-being. It’s been shown that sound vibration has the ability to heal many ailments. Yet on researching this article I discovered, with little surprise, that the western medical establishment largely refuses to acknowledge the incredible benefits of music and like many natural healing methods, sound therapy is not covered by health insurance. Despite the overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence that music heals, health professionals argue that there is no real medically-based proof of the efficacy of music.

But healing isn’t all about science. It’s also about people and our ability to change our own circumstances through thought and feeling. It seems to me that any outside stimulii can have a great affect on a person’s well-being and I’m sure people can experience very real results from the healing power of music and sound.

With that thought, I wonder how much we may be affected by other sounds in our modern world and whether some of those are actually causing damage to our being and health.

There seems to be so many questions still to ask. What’s really going on between us and sound? And what is the emotional hook music has on us? Is something going on besides sound waves, the mechanism of the ear and synapses firing in our brains? I feel I’ve only just touched the surface on a most wondrous phenomenon. But one thing seems certain to me and that is that God really is a DJ. And music is the Universe’s way of soothing the beast, awakening the soul and filling you with every emotion imaginable.

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na — Na, na, na, na, na, na!

FUSE 13

NEWS GOSSIP & STUFF

{

By Tony Hamlyn

The Buzz*

BRUNO MALARKEY

If you’ve been under a jewel-encrusted rock for the last few months and you know nothing about the new Sacha Baron Cohen movie Bruno, this might actually be a good thing as a number of LGBT organisations have slammed the film for being essentially anti-gay fodder and inciting hatred towards us and our kind. It’s an interesting argument, given that whilst Bruno as a character wholly embraces the love that dare not speak its name, Baron Cohen has never claimed to be an advocate for the gay cause (other than marrying Isla Fisher, but that’s another story for another issue...).

The main argument seems to be that Bruno, as a concept, was hopefully going to be a tool against homophobia and poke fun at gay-hatred and ignorance the way Borat, SBC’s last creation, infamously poked fun at xenophobia. The marketing certainly indicated as much. But the end result is a lot less satisfying due to the fact that, according to these various groups, the title character is actually a ridiculous stereotype instead of a clever amalgam.

Let’s be honest — whether it’s wrong or right, racism sits a lot higher on the hierarchy of social quandaries than queer issues.

To the world at large, the Bruno joke won’t really work in the same way that Borat has because people feel a lot more comfortable laughing at the stereotype of the silly, girly homo and his crazy antics than they would laughing at the dumb, awkward foreigner and his fish-out-of-water carry-on. But I prefer not to get too political, and maybe the Bruno audience really shouldn’t either.

Sacha Baron Cohen isn’t necessarily out to make a social statement in the same way that someone like Mike Moore has with the shock tactics employed within his docos. He’s a guerrilla movie maker out to make a shocking, controversial and funny-as-fuck film. What he should be commended for is his relentless subversiveness and making people feel awkward about what it is they’re seeing — much like Mel Gibson’s work off camera.

The promotion worldwide for Bruno has been eye-popping to say the least, featuring some unforgettably camp moments such as the outrageous outfits worn to the different premieres around the world. And of course the fantastic MTV Movie Awards stunt where Baron Cohen, dressed in full Bruno/angel drag, flew nut-sack first into Eminem’s (supposedly) unsuspecting face. With malarkey like that, who wouldn’t want to see what this movie’s all about!

FUSE 14

TWITTER! Okay, it’s true — I am slightly obsessed with Lindsay Lohan at the moment and in particular her slow and painful ‘death by twitter’. This girl had a lobotomy for breakfast and the results are being published oh so conveniently on the World Wide Web for all to see.

The latest was a recent night out at a New York nightclub where none other than Justin Timberlake was also in attendance.

The story goes that JT was up doin’ his thang with some skanky girl that wasn’t his usual skanky girl, Jessica Biel. Lindsay, obviously still in a bad (drunken?) place from her recent breakup with Samantha Ronson, got straight on her twitter page and called Justin out on such lewd behaviour asking, “Where’s JB cheater?”

Surprise-surprise, the UK press got hold of it. Lindsay’s defence? Well of course she never wrote it, claiming (on her twitter page, no less) that someone keeps hacking onto the site and posting on her behalf.

Oh Lindsay! Have you ever gotten online when you were really drunk and sent someone a lewd, crazy message on gaydar that you later completely regretted? And then made claim that it wasn’t you, but that someone had gotten into your account and sent a whole bunch of messages, just to embarrass you? No? Well it must be just Lindsay and me then, I guess! No wonder I’m obsessed.

BRITNEY IS COMING! So, have you heard? BRITNEY IS COMING! Australia finally gets to see the superstar, as she mimes and minces her way across stage, and across the country throughout the month of November.

I was in the UK recently during Britney’s European leg of The Circus Tour and, as always, found myself fascinated by this particular icon and the ongoing career that, in the face of the ugliest adversity, just refuses to die. What is it about this girl that keeps the world enthralled?

All reviews of the concerts, whilst critical of her (cough cough) performance, were completely forgiving of the fact that she made no attempt to sing live or dance well because apparently the show, as a spectacle, is just such a corker. YouTube moments have her losing everything from her hairpiece to her lunch, but the punters still come by the truckload, and nobody has a bad word to say. One of my favourite blogsites, written by an Irish drag legend called Panti, actually said that it was fabulous, “...though I can’t be sure Britney was there.”

Is it the Liza factor? The only thing better than Britney on top of her game is the faintest possibility of Britney losing the plot in the flesh — is that the thinking here? Or is it the glitz and the glamour of seeing such a huge star in such a huge production? It has me stumped! And still, regardless of my confusion, however, I’ll still be there with bells on. As will all of you, I’m sure.

As mentioned, the whole thing isn’t actually happening until November, but tickets are available from Ticketek for most of the existing shows, and new shows are being added all the time.

AVENUE Q Remember the puppet sex that featured oh-so-subtly within the Matt Stone/Trey Parker film classic, Team America? Well if you loved that, do I have a treat for you! Avenue Q began its Melbourne run earlier this year, and is touring the country in the upcoming months, with Sydney shows already on sale for August. Created as a homage to children’s TV classic, Sesame Street, and by some of the great minds that actually puppeteered on the show itself, Avenue Q is the part-puppet/part-human performance set in the lower, lower east side of New York City. It tells the story of young Princeton, a college graduate trying to find his purpose in life, post-undergrad degree. It is both outrageously funny and jaw-droppingly clever and if you haven’t yet seen it, hop on a bus, get on a plane, or fill up your tank and drive there NOW! You won’t be disappointed!

Imagine Fraggle Rock meets Friends on acid. The soundtrack is sensational, the design simple yet genius, and the storyline engaging from curtain up to curtain down. Plus, you get the aforementioned puppet sex which, while slightly disturbing, is really something you need to see to believe. Ticketek are selling and there are still great seats available for Sydney’s Theatre Royal.

WACKO JACKO A MUSICAL LEGEND It’s been flogged in the press again and again, so much so that you’re probably all sick of it by now, but as this is the pop culture part of our publication, it would be quite remiss of me to not mention something about last month’s surprise passing of Michael Jackson. At time of writing this, only days after his televised funeral, there are already headlines and conjecture about his estate, kids, sex charges, weirdness and all that. In death he’s going to be as strange and iconic as he was in life, no doubt.

Here’s a happy MJ memory I’d like to share with you all: I was lucky enough to have seen him live at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1996 on the History Tour. About two-thirds of the way into the show, he pulled out a suitcase and then slowly and deliberately took from it a silver sequined glove and a black trilby hat. The collective audience went absolutely ballistic at the anticipation of what this gesture meant, and what song he was about to do. He then performed ‘Billie Jean’, with moonwalks and spins and everything. It was astonishing! I turned to my friend once the song was finished and announced, “That’s it — I’ve seen him do ‘Billie Jean’ live! Now I can die happy!”

After all the hype and all the craziness, there are really only three more things left to be said: Firstly, was anyone else really surprised at how normal and good-looking his three children were? Secondly, watch as Janet’s star is sure to rise to unimaginable heights — make no mistake, she will be to this tragedy what Dave Grohl is to Kurt Cobain’s. Thirdly, and lastly, can I just say how exciting it was to be witness to this incredible legend and his body of work over almost half a century?

How amazing to be able to watch as he helped influence the change in the way music sounded and was produced. How satisfying to have been a part of the MTV generation, getting the chance to watch as he helped forge an entirely new form of media that we so take granted today.

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Wonder Woman

FEATURE

{By Carmen Sarjeant

has her star-spangled panties in a twist. is anyone watching?

When the first images for a Wonder Woman film appeared with Megan Fox, comic book enthusiasts reacted.

The posters were fabrications* but they initiated a battle between Wonder Woman fans and Megan Fox. Now some of you may think it’s a great idea to see Megan Fox on the big screen yet again, but let us not forget some of her rather unglamorous moments in the press: “Really my only job is to look attractive… I was so angry about that, that I went in the opposite direction. I turned into a really butch bull dyke for, like, six months... Then I went in the other direction. From being a giant motorcycle-riding lesbian, I turned into a zombie. I lost, like, 30 pounds.” (GQ, July 2009) “I think people are born bisexual and then make subconscious choices based on the pressures of society. I have no question in my mind about being bisexual. But I’m also a hypocrite: I would never date a girl who was bisexual, because that means they also sleep with men, and men are so dirty that I’d never want to sleep with a girl who had slept with a man.”

I think Megan Fox is just stupid. She’s a mediawhore and after this article is over, I am done with her. There are enough people alienating audiences without one of our own (?) doing it too. And she called Wonder Woman “lame”, saying she would never play her. Unfortunately, Fox appeals to those in their teens and twenties and she may have damaged Wonder Woman’s reputation with the next generation of fans.

Australian supermodel Megan Gale was cast to play Wonder Woman in the Justice League movie, but like the Wonder Woman feature film, the movie is on hiatus. With the success of Batman, Spiderman and Iron Man, I do wonder when we will see a modern take on the female comic stars.

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Fake Wonder Woman Poster

DC’s Wonder Woman is one of the obvious first choices for such a film: she has a long history in the comic medium and she has a reputation beyond the comic books as a pop culture icon, representing both feminist attitudes and sexuality that resonates with men and women. The development of the Wonder Woman film has been plagued by trials that are pushing its fruition further into the future. Since the feature film was originally conceived in 2001, screenplays were written by at least half a dozen writers, including Joss Whedon.

Whedon is renowned for creating interesting and complex female leads with lesbian-friendly plotlines (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly and Dollhouse). He never completed a script and disagreements saw Whedon leave the production in 2007. *see www.wonder-who.com

I am still left contemplating what version of Wonder Woman they will bring to life — if she comes to life.

Deciding on an actress is probably still a matter to follow the script. One of the latest scripts is set in World War II, which may inspire a return to the political as she kicks Nazi butt. But then I remember the later Wonder Woman creations of the 1980s with heavy metal hair and implanted breasts and the propensity for Hollywood directors to over-sexualise action heroines (remember Angelina in the second Lara Croft: Tomb Raider film?).

“No woman is going to fight crime without pants!”

Wonder Woman, aka Diana, is an Amazonian princess from a woman-only society on Paradise Island (full of lesbians too, I’m sure). Wonder Woman lives in a world where there are limited men: she was even created without one. The virginal Queen Hippolyta desired a child and requested Athena create one from clay: Diana has two mothers. Lastly, her strength is superior to men (all except Superman) and is combined with speed, beauty, wisdom and intelligence.

The creator of Wonder Woman, William Moulton Marston, wrote the first comics in the 1940s.

Marston, a psychologist who is also responsible for inventing the polygraph, based the warrior princess on the two women with whom he lived, his wife Elizabeth and a former student, Olive Byrne.

The three apparently lived harmoniously in a polyamourous relationship and Elizabeth and Olive continued to live together after Marston’s death in 1947. While the intention to portray her with the goodness of womankind in mind is apparent, his fetish for bondage somewhat confuses and contradicts the message. He has been criticized for creating a scantily-clad dominatrix heroine.

Even though she was created with the intent of being a positive female role model and has been hailed a feminist icon by Gloria Steinem and Trina Robbins, her costume can be somewhat ridiculous in which to fight crime. It has always been sexualised with red high heels and a dress that looks more like a swimsuit (ahem, Lynda Carter). Let’s face it, there have been times when Wonder Woman was portrayed as realistically as Barbie. Blair Butler, G4TV’s comic reviewer suggested the Wonder Woman film may take a long time to come to fruition because “No woman is going to fight crime without pants!” Quite true!

It is difficult to provide an interesting storyline for the younger audience without addressing her sexuality.

When portrayed as an ambassador and activist for women’s rights (by Greg Rucka) or as a ball-buster (by Frank Miller) the storylines become more complex and less suitable for children. If the best plots are beyond a PG rating, who is Wonder Woman’s target audience?

The generic male comic book reader; the women who want to see a strong role model on the big screen; or those who consider her to be a gay icon?

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OP.ED

To celebrate or comm serate? {By Glen Rodden

The problem? We were told that the civil union ceremony resembled that of a marriage ceremony.

We were also told that marriage was strictly to be between a man and a woman, and accordingly Federal Laws were changed to set it in concrete.

And because the ACT Government is obviously not mature enough to govern in its own right, father Commonwealth stepped in and told them to ‘step into line’ or else!

So what are we allowed to do? I recently spoke with Peter Hyland, a local Celebrant in the ACT who has been performing ceremonies since 1995.

With no training, other than being registered with the Federal Attorney General, Peter has been performing marriages, funerals, naming ceremonies, commitment ceremonies, and any other rites-ofpassage that individuals would like to celebrate; Peter sees his role as being there to assist.

According to Peter, ACT gays and lesbians can still celebrate their love with a Marriage Celebrant.

However, a commitment ceremony can actually be performed by anyone, as it is not recognised with ACT Births, Deaths and Marriages (ACT-BDM). Gays and lesbians can still register their relationship as de facto with ACT-BDM, who I’m advised did not receive any increased funding for this service.

i

This question is certainly still on the minds of gay men and lesbians in the ACT, since the Commonwealth Government overturned the ACT Government’s introduction of laws to allow same sex marriage.

The irony of all of this is that straight couples in the ACT are forced to use a Priest or Celebrant to get married because the ACT-BDM ceased performing civil marriages many years ago because they weren’t receiving enough funding. It is the only State or Territory that straight couples cannot have their civil marriage performed by BDM. So why have a Registered Celebrant perform the ceremony when anyone can do it and it’s not even recognised anyway? Well, the easy answer is quality: Celebrants are performing ceremonies all the time, and because of their training and experience your commitment ceremony comes across as more meaningful and personal.

Between 1995 and 2000 Celebrants were provided with little to no training, were limited and under strict control by the Federal Attorney General’s Department. There could only be one Marriage Celebrant appointed for about every 20,000 people on the electoral role. Now Celebrants are given a longer rope in which to operate and there are many more of them. There is also now additional training and Celebrants are required to attend a number of professional development hours per year.

A commitment ceremony preformed by a Celebrant usually costs around $300-$500.

If you would like to discuss your commitment ceremony needs with Peter Hyland, you can contact him through www.weddingcelebrant.com

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FABULOUS THINGS

Gimme Gimme Whether it’s online, in a mall or at a market, shopping is one of those things we all have in common in this crazy world of over-consumerism. Having said that we’ve got all sorts of fun and very cool stuff to fulfill all your manic shopping desires.

{

FABULOUS

TOMMY TURTLE Looking for a cute gift for a kid? Why not go natural?

Tommy Turtle is handcrafted in hale wood and coloured with natural vegetable dyes. Simply pull this unique little turtle for adorable rotating shell movement.

Earthentree, an Australian company, donates a percentage of its revenue to help the Channapatna artisans in India and collaborates to design innovative, eco-friendly toys.

Tommy is available at www.earthentree.com

{ 3D MAGIC The arrival of digital photography over a decade ago opened up so many new ways of enjoying images, not only through capture but also through manipulation, printing and display. It’s a whole lot of fun and everyone can do it — even my mum!

Sales of digital cameras have raced ahead of what experts had expected because of the sheer scope of what has become possible in digital imaging and photography. So many more people are enjoying photography through their cameras, computers and prints than was the case in the heyday of traditional photography... So what’s next?

{ OXO LAMPS These wonderfully funky eco-friendly lamps are just so fabulous, I’m giddy with excitement.

The smaller Oxo Candela Tooli 2 Lamp Sets (super cute) come in four beautiful colours and make great bed-side guardians or perfect dinner table lamps.

In the past, 3D photography has required stereo cameras which are usually film-based and you need to wear those terribly unsexy 3D glasses to view the 3D pictures. But with Fujifilm’s new technology that’s all in the past.

Unfortunately if you actually want to see your photos in 3D you’ll need to get yourself a 3D digital picture frame or shell out for special prints with a special 3D overlay.

Prices start from around $100, depending on what you want. Available at Creations in Manuka, ACT.

Scheduled for September release, the camera alone will be around the $700 mark.

Rechargeable LED lamps are fantastic to have around the house because they give off the soft light just like candles, but you can leave them anywhere you like without worrying about burning the place down. Perfect for outdoor usage of all sorts, they create the most incredible ambiance.

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Fujifilm has pushed boundaries and come up with its new FinePix Real 3D camera. It takes images and movies in 3D and captures wideangle photos of single scenes simultaneously.

BUDDING DJS

THINGS

FABULOUS FREE MOVIE TICKETS FROM DENDY FUSE has double passes to give away for each of the movies below at Dendy in Canberra.

• Public Enemies • Coraline • Beautiful Kate • Balibo • Blessed

{ DOWN WITH THE PLASTIC BAG! As far as I can see there are still way too many people using plastic bags when they go shopping. Maybe it’s because those green recycled bags you get from the supermarket are just so damn ugly and awkward.

Write in and tell us what you think of FUSE or comment on an article and you could win these fab tickets.

Email: hello@fusemagazine.com.au More movie info on p04.

FUSEFREEBIES

We know how so many of you love your iPhone apps! FingerBeat is a virtual instrument designed for those budding DJs and inspired by retro synthesizers and samplers. Apparently you don’t need to know a single musical note to create funky beats using your finger. You know where to go.

Enter the Envirosax. Not the best name choice, but they are very cute and reusable. They’re shopping bags spreading the eco-friendly message with style! Chic, inexpensive and compact.

They promote the concept of re-use to a world hopefully ready to embrace a brighter ecological future.

Pick one up at Living in Style at Manuka, ACT from $9.95 SUNNIES

WHAT THE!?

Winter is here and if you need a great pair of sunnies for that ski trip, then you can’t go past a pair from Australian company Blueye Eyewear.

TopUp Head Protection is a compactable honeycomb structure helmet that folds flat for easy transport. It’s currently a prototype being developed

by DoYouVélo?, but anyone who rides a bike will immediately see the advantages of looking absolutely ridiculous!

Pair shown $145 at www.blueye.com.au

}

Outright winner of the Australian Design Awards, they have a great range of exciting styles to choose from.

We loved the sports range. They have interchangeable polycarbonate lenses and soft santoprene rubber frames aerodynamically shaped to provide flexibility and comfort. The frame/lens combinations allow for a wide variety of uses and personal styling. You’ll look hot not matter what you’re doing!

RAW09 CDS Grab the last few RAWFM CDs we have to give away, a must in any dance collection!

Log on to: fusemagazine.com.au and check out the FUSE freebies page for your chance to pick up a free RAW09 CD.

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WHAT’S HUMAN ON RIGHTS

The Indian GLBTQ community participate in the ‘Rainbow Pride Walk’ in New Delhi

MAJOR STEP FOR

INDIAN QUEER RIGHTS {

By Simon Copland

It has been described as ‘India’s Stonewall’, a ’historic ruling’ and ‘a major victory in the long battle for equality on the sub-continent’.

On the 2nd of July 2009 the New Delhi High Court in India overturned a 148-year-old law, which banned ‘homosexual acts’ as ‘unnatural offences’ and imposed ten-year gaol sentences for those participating in these acts. The ruling, celebrated by many and angering others, is a historic moment for queer rights and is evidence of how strong the queer rights movement is becoming in India — but also of how much work needs to be done.

The previous law, called ‘Article 377’ was devastating to the queer community in India. Whilst convictions under the legislation were extremely rare (with none for the past twenty years), the ban made being an openly gay person in India extremely difficult. Reports from queer activists have stated that this legislation has been used widely as an excuse for state and community sponsored harassment of queer people and activists.

This law left many in India fearful of coming out as an openly queer person — whether being threatened to be charged by the law from police or family, being harassed whilst participating in activist activities, or being unable to seek medical help if one suspects they are infected with HIV/AIDS or other STIs. The importance of this ruling, therefore, is not just one of removing legal discrimination, but is also about the metaphorical ‘coming out’ of the Indian queer community. As a movement that is quite young (with open groups only emerging around fifteen years ago), the Indian queer rights movement has gained a large amount of strength and support in the past ten or so years. Sending a message that it is okay to be queer, the movement has provided LGBTIQ people in India

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with a strong support system in the face of difficulties provided by the homosexuality ban. This has lead to an increased opening up of Indian society, where more people are feeling okay about coming out as well as questioning the continued discrimination in Indian society.

This is clearly evident in the decision by the High Court. Whilst this ruling was based around the constitutionality of this legislation, there was also an underlying theme in the decision about removing stigma and increasing inclusiveness for India’s queer population. In other words, the panel — who were clearly influenced by the change in attitudes created by the queer movement — recognised that the removal of the homosexuality ban was an essential move to remove discrimination and create more acceptance of the LGBTIQ community in India.

In the long run, the question will be whether this ruling can create this effect.

There is no doubt that this ruling will have an impact.

Although it does not remove all discrimination in Indian legislation and will not bring an end to stigma within the Indian community, it will provide some extra momentum for the queer rights movement in the country. By no longer being threatened with the possibility of imprisonment and/or State sponsored harassment if one comes out as openly queer, it is likely that this decision will encourage more openness towards homosexuality — whether people are feeling more confident to come out as a queer person themselves or know someone who has. This in turn is likely to lead to a growth in acceptance of homosexuality in India, which will only add to equality.

Equality comes after many steps and India certainly took a large one in July.

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OUT & ABOUT

33 Petrie Plaza Civic, Canberra City www.cubenightclub.com.au

gay army rules!

What’s on at Cube in August

It’s on again. Cube’s bi-monthly girls only event is back on in August. We’ll be mingling to the musical styling of smoking hot DJ Tori Mac as heard on Raw FM and if you’re one of the first 25 through the door you’ll be greeted with a FREE drink on arrival! Doors open at 9pm so make your way down to Cube for a ladies-only night of fun proudly sponsored by Pink Sofa.

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Pink Party. Head down to Cube and get into the groove for Pink’s arrival in Canberra. DJ Peter Dorree will be playing Pink hits all night long and the gorgeous Miss Gloria Williams from Adelaide will get you rocking with her renditions of all your favourite Pink songs. Plus if you come dressed in pink you’ll score FREE entry and possibly even WIN some awesome prizes!

}

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OUT & ABOUT

THE

Corner of Launceston & Irving Streets Phillip www.hushlounge.com.au • 02 6282 1944

HUSHLOUNGE

}

We are family! There’s always something happening at Hush, come join the fun!

Well the temperature outside might be freezing but this August we aim to keep the heat up with HOT and HAPPENING things.

WHAT’S ON!

Come and enjoy the live music on Sundays, Karaoke every second Saturday night and for laughs our “Amateur Comedy Night” features on Thursday 27th. Partake in the festivities or just relax in fantastic surroundings, having unpretentious fun.

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A big thank you to all who came and supported our “UP YA BUM TRIVIA NIGHT”. The evening was a great success with lots of awareness and funds raised for the AIDS Action Council.

Hush is an ideal venue for your next party, function or celebration of any kind, with a range of catering options available. Our private nooks, cordoned off by sheer sexy curtains, are fabulous for a VIP party or just some privacy.

KARAOKE & KOCKTAILS SATURDAY 15 & 29 AUGUST We know it’s not spelt the right way but we don’t care!!! Just like we don’t mind if you sing out of tune, in fact we encourage it.

AMATUER COMEDY NIGHT WITH MORGAN & JOHNNO THURSDAY 27 AUGUST It’s stand up comedy night with our very own Morgan and Johnno.

From 7pm at Hush. Seriously funny!

KARIZMA KATZ SUNDAY 23 AUGUST Live music at The Hush Lounge with Karizma Katz from 1pm.

CARD NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT Hush queer card night. Games start around 7pm. Come along for some fun.

SUNDAY BANDS EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1PM Chill out to fantastic live music at The Hush Lounge’s Sunday Sessions from 1pm.

{

HUSH OPENING HOURS: Tuesday — Thursday 5pm to 11pm Friday — Saturday 5pm to 1am Sunday 1pm to 8pm

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OUT & ABOUT

AIDS ACTION ANNUAL

UP YA BUM TRIVIA NIGHT

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WHAT’S OP.ED ON

O

GR WING UP GAY IN CANBERRA

It is always interesting to gauge my friends’ views on growing up gay in Canberra.

So far the general consensus seems to be that Canberra is too small and too narrow minded. Whoa?!

My experience of Canberra has actually been quite positive. My friends’ biggest qualm is that Canberra isn’t accepting of homosexuality. I tend to disagree.

Yeah I know, school is tough for just about everyone, but it is my experience that most people are really accepting about sexuality as you (and they) grow older.

Coming out is a little more tricky because it’s often a family ordeal before you even begin to contemplate other people’s reactions. I find that usually people don’t care when you’re out in public holding your partner’s hand, or at least they pretend not to care.

However, something that does take some getting used to is that they tend to look — a lot.

I put this down to the fact that it is rare to see two people of the same sex hold hands and they look not because it’s a taboo but more a novelty.

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{ By Alex Abbey

One thing I do agree with my friends about is that Canberra is definitely small. This is a double edged sword — although it is easy to find your way around and make friends initially, it is also really difficult to avoid or distance yourself from people. That’s probably the only problem I have about being gay in Canberra.

There’s also a lot of support available for gay youth through organisations like BitBent, Jellybabies and also through the Qnet forums.

Yes Canberra may be small, but I love it to bits. I think Canberra is really a case of “it is what you make of it.”

GLBTQ Youth websites in Canberra Qnet & BitBent Qnet is an online community for gay, lesbian, bi, transgendered and intersex people under the age of 25. It’s also a place for their friends, family, teachers, supporters and peers to offer support, get information and make new contacts. www.qnet.org.au Jellybabies Jellybabies is a social club based at the ANU for queer and queer-friendly students and youth in Canberra. http://clubs.anu.edu.au/clubs/Jellybabies

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}

Thomas simply cannot justify the purchase of signature attire in these hard economic times and instead will focus on high quality neutral pieces to extend and enhance existing looks.

Three things are inevitable in the Canberra winter: 1) Ghost white “moon” tans 2) Air so cold you can get vasoconstriction headaches 3) Outfits so dark they make Cruella de Vil look warm and fuzzy Having relocated from the sunny shores of Western Australia my wardrobe consisted mainly of shorts, polos, tees and a coupla’ pairs of Havis. Particular favourites included the aqua blue button down, just above the knee, white canvas shorts and a great striped polo with baby blue, white, navy and bright orange stripes. However, very little of this is any use when the mercury drops to the point where you consider turning off your fridge and just storing your milk and eggs outside to save electricity.

When I moved to Canberra, I swore black and blue (pun intended) that I would never join the rush of the populace toward depressing, long black trench coats that occur every winter, and promptly went out and bought myself the brightest, fire-engine-red jacket I could find. Suffice to say I stuck out like a (red) condom in a nunnery.

Then came a second Canberra winter and along with it a serious case of the flu and other winter ailments, including the highly infectious exercise-aversionchocolate-consumption-itis, which is particularly prevalent at that time of year.

Whilst I’m still not cured from this, one of its side effects has been my total inability to wear any colour. As in, I actually can’t stand it.

I even found a pair of black trainers for the gym because blue and white felt like they were abusing my eyes. Friends who knew my previous style wondered why I was getting about in outfits consisting entirely of black, grey, French-grey, graphite and charcoal pieces.

My response would be to put on a white T-shirt and let them see how it makes me look like an outpatient.

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D L BO UTIFUL BEACK BLA {

By Thomas Hoffman

In this vain, I will put forth my argument as to why black is best: Winter is all about layering. When it’s five degrees out, a pink pastel shirt, tan jacket, and powder blue vest aint gonna work with blue jeans, a red scarf and (vilest of all vile) white leather shoes. If you have pieces in varying tones of grey, it doesn’t matter how you put them together — they should work.

Colour enhancement will bring out your individuality. Although black can be seen as a depressing or morbid tone, when in the presence of other colours it gives energy towards an opposing colour. Notice how a red or silver sports car will often have a black interior? The red and silver conveys energy and dynamism, the black conveys style and security, as such they both standout without conflict.

Power and security. Now, more than ever, the concept of dressing to reflect the times is in vogue. If 2007 was all about the “freakum” outfit, 2009 is all about “recessionista chic”.

Who would have thought The New York Times would be telling women how to buy a suit for a job interview?! Of course, it’s all grey and charcoal.

So, to colour or not to colour? Rebel or conform? Clothing has long been the canvas through which a person communicates with the world, and in these economic times you may need to work harder to make that expression.

Of course there is a sea of “fab finds for $50 dollars” or indeed you can “get this look for less”, but why would you? Surely true value is using your “canvas” to reflect the person you are. Sounds crazy I know, but how about a quiet sense of self confidence? The ability to tell the truth about the person you are?

Or even, to reflect the person you want to be?

GOOD HAIR

Get the most out of your hair stylist Knowing what you want and knowing what suits you is a great start — but not everyone does. That’s why you need a great stylist who will listen and be honest with you.

GROOMING

SO YOU WANT

The best place to start is having a basic idea of what you would like; bringing pictures from magazines is a good idea, or a picture of yourself from a great hair day is even better. We, as stylists, respond very well to visual aids.

Being realistic with the cut or colour you want is also a good idea. Don’t think that your stylist is a hair magician; we can’t get rid of those ever-so-annoying cowlicks, double crowns and impossible hairlines. If you have always struggled with your hair, maybe you just have the wrong cut. Try and work with your hair and not against it, it’ll make your life a whole lot easier.

When you’re chatting to your stylist about the style that you want, be clear and give details of what you like and don’t like. Whenever I get a client in my chair telling me to do “whatever I like” it is a clear sign that they are either a care-free individual or just someone who has no idea what they’re after and need some direction. In a situation like that my response is: “what don’t you like?”

Working out what doesn’t work for you and your dislikes is the most important information for your stylist.

If you’re ever unsure about what has been discussed in your consultation and you’re pretty sure you’re about to get the same hair cut that your little brother or sister gave you when you were ten, STOP and ask more questions — or even better ask for a hair magazine.

Don’t ever feel rushed and think that you’re asking too many questions. You’re paying for the full service so you should receive the works. At Form Haircutters we ensure a happy ending!

Finally, listen and take on board what your stylist is telling you. If you want a blunt fringe and your stylist is trying to talk you out of it, maybe that’s because you’re going to look like you’re wearing a box on your head. Or if you really want that platinum blonde hair just like Pink, but your skin tone is white like a ghost, bad move.

Matching your colour and skin tone and creating shapes in haircuts to compliment your face shape is what we are trained in. We know what we are talking about so come in and get fabulous!

{

By Chad Wijayatilake. Photos by Ian Golding.

Hair by Form Haircutters. Make up by Canberra Make up Academy.

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WHAT’S ON BODY SHAPE

MAKE YOUR OWN

Serotonin, Dopamine & Endorphins There is a popular view that we only go to the gym to build up muscle, lose weight or tone up.

These areas are often the main reasons that people initially want to join a gym, but not the only reason. We all like to do things that make us feel good and leave us up on a natural high, and believe it or not, exercise is one of these things.

Now we have all heard that exercise will make you feel good — but do you know why? There are actually some scientific reasons and reactions that occur in the body, which have an affect on the way you feel and your response to exercise.

During exercise, your body produces a lot of different hormones; these hormones consist of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, all of which have a different role in giving you that natural high. You might have already heard of them and understand that they do something to make you feel good, but what exactly do they do?

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Endorphins

Serotonin

Endorphins are the body’s natural pain killer and “feel-good drug.” They allow us to push ourselves through a tough workout by keeping us feeling good and stopping any little aches and pains that we might feel. The best part about this is, the more you exercise the more endorphins that your body will produce. This gives you that natural high for hours after your workout has finished, making you feel good about yourself.

This hormone is directly linked with depression.

Having low levels of serotonin is one of the major causes of depression and will make us unmotivated.

Increasing levels of serotonin through exercise will not only give you that natural high, but will also help you get into a better sleeping pattern which results in getting a better nights sleep, which then in turn gives you more energy each and every day. It will help to increase your pain threshold, and reduce cravings for things such as lollies and ice cream that temporarily make you feel good. Serotonin also contributes to functions of appetite, mood and libido.

{

By Brendan Farnhill Alive! Health & Fitness

Dopamine Dopamine has been linked to some different neurological disorders like Parkinson’s Disease.

Having low levels of dopamine is associated with difficulty in concentrating on simple tasks and remembering simple things. This is because dopamine helps control the flow of information from parts of the brain. When we get rewarded for doing exercise, our dopamine levels increase and we feel motivated to continue doing more.

However, by not exercising and not getting some form of reward (be it physical or verbal), it leaves us feeling depressed, fatigued and with very little or no motivation.

fitness class — can result in up to a 50 per cent reduction in symptoms of depression, especially in women and older adults.

So, health and fitness is not enough?

Well how about a better Sex Life?

If getting fit and healthy, staying in shape and feeling good isn’t enough for you, then how about we tell you how exercise can improve your sexual relationships?

We have established that exercise is going to help us tone up, shed those extra kilos and generally help improve our body image, but it is also going to have a positive effect on your sex life. Exercising helps to improve blood flow, making it easier for the blood to get to all areas of the body, including the genital regions of both males and females, helping to increase libido (and for the guys… no more erectile dysfunction).

Exercise helps to give us a higher self-esteem, allowing us to feel more confident in ourselves and our abilities. This is going to show through to others, and may help you in finding the right partner — not to mention that you’ll have increased endurance!

Effect on Testosterone Men who participate in regular moderate to high-intensity exercise will produce more growth hormone and testosterone, the male sex hormone. In adulthood, levels of testosterone and growth hormone begin to decrease, resulting in the loss of muscle mass, more body fat and a lower bone density — not to mention a decrease in your sex drive. These are things that can lead to a number of different medical conditions as we get older.

So now we have a little bit more of an understanding as to why we get that great feeling when we exercise. However, it’s not just so that we can feel good that this is useful.

Exercise can also play a big part in improving mental health. With the combination of the hormones that are getting released, exercising assists in making us physically and mentally stronger, while also helping us to build our social network. This can assist in helping us manage stress and frustration within the workplace and at home.

Depression Exercise can play a major role in managing depression, and can, in mild cases, even be used as a treatment option instead of medication. Often when people get depressed they become less active due to a lack of energy and motivation. Getting into a gym and going through a workout — whether it is strength training, cardio-vascular workout, or a group

By exercising, we help to maintain all of these levels, and it aids in preventing us from developing some of the lifestyle diseases associated with a lack of exercise.

Effect on Oestrogen Genetically, females have a higher fat storage than men. This is due to that hormone called oestrogen. Oestrogen reduces a woman’s ability to burn energy after eating, which then results in more fat being stored around the body. One likely reason for this is the body’s natural way of preparing women for childbearing.

As women get older, they go through a stage in life called menopause. Throughout this stage of life, stress levels rise and weight gain usually follows due to muscle breakdown and a slower metabolism. The best natural way to ease into this transition is through exercise. This will lower stress levels, burn more calories and increase your muscle mass to increase your metabolism, not to mention fight against conditions such as osteoporosis.

So yes there are many physical benefits to exercise and not just looking better. We now know that exercise also releases a combination of different hormones in the body to help us feel good and increase our libido. So now if you put all of this together your going to have that hot body, a high endurance, you’re going to be feeling good, on a “natural high” and have an increased sex drive. I don’t think I need to tell you what to do with all of that... I’ll let you figure that part out.

Any health and fitness advice contained in this magazine is for informational purposes only.

Consult your physician and a fitness professional before changing your diet, doing any exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.

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EAR CANDY

eskimo joe

Eskimo Joe

The Temper Trap

Inshalla. Right, I have been an Eskimo Joe fan forever! Even right back when they were playing in dodgy pubs and with not a hell of a lot of attention. You really have to take your hat of to Eskimo Joe for sheer perseverance; they took a very long time to make it to where they are now.

Other bands would have failed long ago, but not the ‘Joe’ — they stuck with it and got better and better and then finally cracked it with the hugely popular Black Fingernails Red Wine album of 2006.

Inshalla is their fourth full-length album. Released in June this year it is already proving to be as good, and maybe even better than the last. For me it’s too early to tell, I mean it took me several months of listening to fall in love with their last album.

But when it did happen, my, what a romance!

So I do hope that you are a fan of this band and will add this beautiful album to your collection alongside their three others.

Also, if you are interested, Eskimo Joe will be playing at the ANU on the 1st of August, so see you there too!? Stand out tracks include: ‘Foreign Land’, ‘Losing Friends over Love’, ‘Childhood Behaviour’ and ‘Please Elise.’

Art vs. Science Well what can I say but wow, wow, fricken WOW! I am calling it... these guys could very easily be my favourite band of 2009 (But I’ll confirm that in December). Art vs. Science are a trio from Sydney who carved their talents playing the seedy underground nightclub scene — LIVE! When asked about their live gigs they responded with, ‘Basically, if everyone in the room isn’t going mental by the end of the set we’re not doing our job’ and in my experience that is exactly what happens.

Art vs. Science have this really cool, electro-rock style, with big base lines and totally out-there lyrics. Now for all you live-electro music buffs that are into bands like the Presets, Pnau, Daft Punk, Gerling and Cut Copy then this is the live act for you. If you like to jump like a maniac in mosh pits to crazy electro awesomeness and get all sweaty then this is it, and it don’t get much better.

Note: They will be playing at the ANU on the 26th of August so I suggest getting a ticket and I’ll see you there baby. Stand out tracks from their self titled EP include ‘Flippers’ and ‘Parlez Vous Francais?’

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{Music reviews by Damien Pratt

Conditions. The Temper Trap is a relatively new indie/alternative band, who formed in Melbourne in 2005. I think a lot of people had been very patiently waiting for their debut album Conditions (which was finally released in June), as the tracks ‘Sweet Disposition’ and ‘Science of Fear’ had been getting plenty of air-play prior to the record release and had conjured up a hell of a lot of excitement about the band. People were sure that The Temper Trap would come through with some further gems on the record, but sadly I have been somewhat let down! It’s a good album, but a lot of the songs on the record seem to be just fillers and do not live up the standards of the two tracks that everyone knows and loves. But, in saying that, there is one other quiet achiever on this album and it’s track one, ‘Love Lost’, a very cool song.

So, if you are a fan of these guys, you will probably buy this album anyway. If you don’t know who they are then I still suggest making the purchase just for ‘Sweet Disposition’, ‘Science of Fear’ and ‘Love Lost’.

DAMIEN’S TOP TEN

MUST LISTEN TO TRACKS FOR AUGUST

1. Flippers — Art vs. Science 2. Foreign Land — Eskimo Joe 3. Coin Laundry — Lisa Mitchell 4. Creeping Out Sarah — NOFX 5. Little Bribes — Death Cab for Cutie 6. The Waitress Song — Seth Sentry 7. Heads will Roll — Yeah Yeah Yeahs 8. Kiss with a Fist — Florence and the Machine 9. Summarize — Little Birdy 10. Bonkers — Dizzee Rascal

So… a DJ is one who spins records, or plays CDs or MP3s in a nightclub, a dance party, at a wedding or a large outdoor festival.

Then there are many who simply enjoy the selfindulgent pleasures of a late night bedroom session at home with headphones, a beer and a sunrise that comes all too quickly. Many a bedroom DJ has ventured to seek that first public gig and has become utterly consumed by the experience like an addict to his drug. This happened to me. I’m Miss Yetti.

OK, we knew the music had to be dark, very dark.

Although, who could resist playing Tiny Tim’s ‘Daddy Daddy, what is Heaven like?’ on such an occasion?

Agreed were a couple of visual cues to ensure the ending of each act would be tight. Other than that, four performers had rehearsed nothing and so witnessed the making of our art no sooner than the audience of 64 before them (this would be his 64th birthday). How did two dancers, a lighting guy and two DJs improvise? We created conversations of dance, aerial work and spokenword with music and lighting in response to the immediate.

By Miss Yetti from Reefer Records

}

A DJ’s

RESPONSE My most rewarding DJ experiences, however, have come from numerous privileged opportunities to set music to non-dance events including Edge City (Sydney’s wild fetish fashion show), a ‘lounge’ cocktail party at The Studio at Sydney Opera House and a series of underground play parties where (shhhh…) “things” happened. Such is the joy of delving into a vinyl collection designed for dedicated listening and offering it up to a brand new audience with no dance floor. An excellent way to expose my bizarre musical tastes to those unfamiliar.

Imagine our delight when my partner, Lanny K (also a devoted ‘weird’ music junky), and I were recently invited to accompany Canberra girl, Janine Ayres, and dance partner, Clint Dowdell, in an improvised dance piece titled In Response — celebrating the life of Janine’s father, performed each year on his birthday. Our brief? Well there wasn’t one. It was to be improvised — completely.

It was an adrenalin rush to react spontaneously with music to the unknown. How intriguing to see action spawn reaction, creating a story that will never be retold. How exhilarating to conjure an atmosphere so black; so intense that the end of act one left the audience stunned in blackness and silence — Janine had hacked off her hair.

Tiny Tim lightened the mood to open the second act, not sure how the dancers would respond — Janine attended the hairdressers and Clint fixed the mess from before.

From within such despair, there will ultimately be healing.

Yes, being a DJ is an amazing experience, but playing music to a crowd that is not dancing takes this passion to a different level. It takes you away from standard techno and house, and explores a much more interesting world.

Miss Yetti would like to thank Janine for the experience and the opportunity.

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’ ALWAYS FUN G ISN T N I C N DA THE LIFE OF THE DANCING BEAR

The sorrow of the bear dancing begins in the forest where the cubs are stolen from their mother at less than 4 weeks old and the mother is killed. The traumatized cubs barely survive the rough handling they undergo as they are moved in sacks from one trading market to another.

Those who survive and reach the Kalandar villages have their canines knocked out, a brutal castration without anaesthetic; a red hot iron needle thrust through their tender muzzles and a coarse rope inserted.

They will now spend the rest of their lives tethered to a short rope, led through hot dusty streets of India, beaten and starved to perform unless we step in and help them.

CUTTING THE ROPE Our aim is to rescue every last dancing bear from the streets of India and to ensure that this cruel tradition ends forever. To date over 470 bears have been rescued and have found safety in spacious sanctuaries, and Humane Society International is working to establish a well equipped veterinary hospital, complete with dental suite and full time vet staff dedicated to their care.

HELPING THE PEOPLE As important as the rehabilitation of these rescued bears is, it is equally important that we end the cycle.

Bear dancers are very poor and most of them feel that if they could find a kinder way to survive, they would. We offer them that chance by helping with start up costs and training to set up alternative ways of earning a livelihood.

We also make it possible for them to send their children to school, and the women receive vocational guidance to help them contribute to the family income, ensuring that the family has other options in life besides bear dancing.

Help stop the misery of the dancing bears It is only through the generosity of people like you that make this work possible — for the bears, for the people and for the habitat the bears rely on. Thank you for caring about the bears who thought they were forgotten.

Yes! I would like to make a donation of $500 $250 $100 $50 $25 Other $___________ to Humane Society International Inc. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible Please send me more information on Humane Society International Inc. Please send me more information on how to become a regular donor of HSI My cheque/money order is enclosed Please charge $__________ to my

Mastercard

Visa

Amex

Dr / Mr / Mrs / Ms / Miss First Name ___________________________________________________________ Last Name ____________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ Suburb _______________________________________________________________ State _________________________________ Postcode ______________________

Card number

Phone (H) ___________________________ (W) ___________________________ Cardholder’s Name ________________________________ Expiry _____________

Mobile ________________________________________________________

Signature _____________________________________________________________

Email ____________________________________________________

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Please send your completed form to: Humane Society International Inc. PO Box 439 Avalon NSW 2107 Australia • Tel (02) 9973 1728 • Fax (02) 9973 1729 Freecall 1800 333 737 • Email admin@hsi.org.au • www.hsi.org.au

INVESTING

MONEY SHOT

THE ULTIMATE TEAM SPORT We are not born with the knowledge of how to invest. What can you do and where do you start? The first step is to understand that you don’t have to be rich to be an investor. But you do need a good team on your side to back you up. Like anything else it comes down to experiencing the process, and this you can’t get out of a textbook.

The $8.20 per day experience…

That’s all it can take to be an investor. What does this buy you? An interest in the top 20 companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. So if $8.20 per day in savings is affordable the outcome could be $24,643 after five years of growth at 7%.

3. Brokerage when you buy shares can be expensive. If you buy lots of small packages of shares in different companies you pay brokerage on each transaction. However there are products out there that charge a maximum fee of just 0.055%.

1. Dollar cost averaging is a strategy to take advantage of the price movements in the share market. The total of each month’s deposit goes to buy more shares.

4. Tax benefits come from franked dividends.

Most of the top 20 companies have shares which pay fully or partially-franked dividends. This means there is a tax credit attached to a portion or the entire dividend at the company rate of 30%.

2. Gearing is the use of other people’s money for investment purposes. Depending on your situation you may also be able to claim the interest payments on the borrowings as a tax deduction.

The $8.20 a day is a starting point and, like your life, you don’t have to experience these things alone.

Join a good team or find a good coach to help build your wealth and understanding around money.

What are the money mechanics of this?

Scott Malcolm (scott@money-mechanics.com.au) is Director of Money Mechanics (ph: 6257 5557) who are authorised to provide financial advice through PATRON Financial Advice AFSL 307379.

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The information provided on this document is of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information you should consider its appropriateness having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

FUSE 39

OUT & ABOUT

CUBE XMAS IN JULY

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TOP QUEER

GETTING

SERVICED {

By Stuart Poole Stuart has been a car enthusiast as long as he can remember and greased up more moving parts than one can possibly imagine.

So you have invested your hard earned cash (or your sugar mummies/daddies cash) into that car you always dreamed of. Or maybe you have just bought that Toyota station wagon that was going cheap in the paper and fits the dog in the back.

How do you ensure it will last you?

Now I am not trying to scare you. I just want to point out that regular servicing is a real necessary part of car ownership and not just a conspiracy theory concocted by mechanics to keep them in business. Mechanics should also check your tyres and brakes etc when they have your car. That way they ensure your (and everyone else on the road’s) safety.

Well the big mistake a lot of people make is that they assume that because they have bought a reputable brand of car that they can skimp on the servicing. WRONG! I have met others who assume they can miss services because their vehicle is new or that they will get rid of it before anything happens. WRONG again!

It is not necessary to return to your dealer to have the car serviced to maintain the warranty. Although a fully stamped (by the selling dealer) and signed off log book will do wonders for your car’s resale value when you are looking to punt it on at the other end of its life. As long as it is serviced correctly by a licensed workshop, manufacturers must honor warranties.

I have a friend who never serviced their car. It lasted 50,000 km from new and then went bang — never to go again! I used the same make and model of car for work. It was regularly serviced and eventually sold with over 400,000 km on the clock — and it was still on its original motor.

The engine in your car can get to temperatures of up to 1200 degrees in certain areas. This means that even the highest quality oils will break down eventually. The oil in the engine helps to separate the moving parts from each other by providing a thin film between them. Kind of like a condom for your motor. The oil also cleans the inside of the engine and carries impurities to the oil filter. Therefore it needs changing frequently with quality oil.

Even if you don’t use the car, the oil should be changed every six months as it turns acid and eats away at the motor inside. Why wouldn’t you take your car to the garage? Especially if your mechanics looked like the ones in this picture!

Most modern engines have what is called a ‘cam belt’ that requires regular replacement. If you don’t get it done at the right intervals you could be in all sorts of trouble. Some engines may even self destruct when a cam belt breaks, costing thousands to repair. These tend to break shortly after the recommended replacement interval, so be sure to ask your mechanic about that one.

If your mechanic treats you with contempt or like an idiot, find one that appears honest and takes the time to explain their work and the subsequent bill. Also if they seem homophobic, brush ‘em right off. There is no excuse for that.

If you know a mechanic or panel beater etc, that is “queer friendly” then we would like to hear from you at Top Queer. Email us at hello@fusemagazine.com.au Happy motoring, Stu Servicing tip!

Don’t just rely on guessing what the auto service and repair shop is going to do. Make sure you get a full explanation on what is going to be done to the car.

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OUT & ABOUT

KIM CHURCHILL LIVE

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Mine

COUCH CULTURE

WERE THE

WORLD

If you had a love potion, who would you make fall madly in love with you?

{

Review by Phil Schubert

Love is in the air thanks to a potion whipped up by an imaginative student, Timothy (Tanner Cohen) in this playful independent musical comedy. Timothy is gay and doesn’t care who knows it. Because of his openness, he’s not very popular with his classmates or homophobic gym instructor — that is, until he discovers a little magic with the help of his enlightened drama teacher. Love quickly blossoms everywhere, but before long Timothy’s magic potion gets loose, and things get a little too lively in his small hometown.

Desire quickly gets out of hand. Instead of becoming a gay utopia, what ensues is a little more than Timothy bargained for and pushes all the boundaries of love and sexuality, exposing some higher truths he must now confront.

Let’s be frank, the gays love a show tune.

You get carried away with the magic and forget the world for a moment. But what would happen when the magic starts to blur reality? High School Musical just got a gay twist.

While the themes could be described as predictable, the story itself isn’t. And when fantasy and music take over, this movie’s flaws are forgotten and you’re left tapping your feet with a smile on your face.

Timothy is a skinny-jeans wearing, private school boy who prefers the arts to the sporting pursuits his school holds high. He has a rough time as the only (out) gay guy at school and suffers what seems an impossible crush on the school jock.

Were the World Mine was the first feature film from director Tom Gustafson, and won the Audience Award at the Torino International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

When he is picked to lead the annual Shakespeare play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the discovery of a love potion ­— in the shape of a purple love-pansy — turns everything upside down. Suddenly a homophobic community is turned on its head and for the perpetrators the shoe is firmly on the other foot.

Starring: Tanner Cohen, Wendy Robie, Judy McLane, Zelda Williams, Jill Larson

The film is well made, bright, colourful and captivating. The songs are catchy and well presented and in just the right doses.

You can grab yourself a copy on DVD at JB HiFi for $28.98 — definitely worth the asking price.

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{By Abbey Jane

GENDER TALK

At first gender might not seem apparent to you but it is there, tucked neatly away inside your feelings and thoughts.

Gender is how you and you alone feel and define yourself. Some say “I see myself this way,” whilst others say “It’s fluid, changing with each day.” Transgender people generally see sex and gender as two slightly differing issues, often debated but with no single definition on which all agree. Even the psychology community find it difficult to agree on any one statement.

Society presents us with and expects us to choose between female and male sex binary-types and all that goes with them. And for most of the population this is okay. But for many transgender people they are not comfortable with this and swap from one to another, and are happy with that. However, some also realise that this does not suit them, leaving them with tough decisions for which there is not necessarily any easy answer.

But it’s not all bad news. In some societies there are ‘third sexes’, though in mainstream modern societies there are just two, and this again brings us back to the daunting situation: choose one option and live the way which is most acceptable, or do something else and live with the consequences.

Does gender differ from sex?

Abbey says yes... and here’s why.

In time many individuals do change their gender/ sex, however, it’s a monumentally conscious decision with many issues that can have lasting life-long repercussions such as alienation and rejection by family and friends; being targeted for ongoing discrimination/ misunderstandings; serious employment issues including being put out of a job; health issues including depression and suicide; and occasionally murder when your truth is discovered. This happens across the world and is not limited solely to third world nations!* The question is, does sex differ from gender? And I say YES! To me sex seems a defining and immutable label made and imposed on us, whereas gender seems a person’s innermost expressions of the individual SELF and of how this SELF relates to the physical body and ultimately the world around it. Gender is a flexible and non-tangible thing, no less important for each person when they describe it.

Of course it’s up to you to decide what you think about gender/sex and I encourage people everywhere to talk with their friends about this. Whilst at it, please add thoughts about femininity and masculinity and it should prove a very interesting conversation! An outcome should be you learning of your friends’ differing thoughts on these issues which you have always taken for granted, and a slightly closer understanding of what guides a transgender person’s thinking and life. * Please do go to www.transgenderdor.org and read about the International Transgender Day of Remembrance and gain a bit more insight into the lives of different people.

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}

Out from the…

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF BEING YOUNG, GAY AND ABORIGINAL? Ed Bailey: As an Aboriginal gay man, living in Canberra has been somewhat challenging. I have faced ups and downs in fitting into a society that has not yet come to an understanding of the gay culture.

COMMUNITY

Being gay, bisexual or transgender and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander should be something to celebrate, but for many it can feel like having identities that are incompatible. Ed Bailey has started a support group for young men in the Canberra and Queanbeyan region.

What is the group and who can attend?

Shadows Support Group is a group designed to assist and offer support to gay, bisexual or transgender Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men in the Canberra and Queanbeyan region.

Shadows will target young men from the age of 15-25 years of age.

What does the group offer?

Being Aboriginal has also been difficult, mostly because people have never met an Aboriginal Gay man that has tried to be out there! I first came out when I was 26-years-of-age. I had no one to turn to or gain support from, so I had to face this on my own.

Shadows offers counselling, advice, support from other participants in the group, and also offers a chance to socialise with other likeminded individuals that are looking to build a friendship in our community, without feeling isolated or afraid to meet others in the gay community.

I had attempted suicide and spent three days in a psychiatric ward, which didn’t make me feel better.

But it gave me a chance to review my life and its direction.

We can also offer seminars and guest speakers chosen by participants to talk about issues that affect them.

I couldn’t speak about it with my parents, and it wasn’t until I was in my early thirties that I built up the courage to tell them. Still I don’t talk to them a lot about it now, and don’t bring it up, but I know that they have known for a long time, and still love me regardless.

Now is my chance to give something back to the community and offer others an opportunity to feel that they can be out there and proud of who they are. It can also provide a way to share their deepest secrets with the ones they love, without feeling isolated, scared, and shame!

That’s why I have started up this group: I don’t want young men to be deprived of a full life and the simple pleasures in life — in hindsight, loving themselves and others. Whoever you are — gay, straight, bi — it doesn’t matter, we all deserve the right to be free!

How often does the group run?

The group currently is running monthly on a Monday evening, but this may change as the group develops.

How can I find out more about the group?

If you are interested in joining this new group and a chance to socialise in a safe environment, or if you know a young person who might be interested, contact Ed Bailey on 0466 415 456 for further information.

Shadows is funded through the ICC (Indigenous Coordination Centre, Queanbeyan) and ACT Health, and supported by the Canberra Men’s Centre and the AIDS Action Council.

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DEAR ROSE

Dear Rose, I’ve fallen head over heels for this guy I’ve met. But the problem is he is one of my ex’s friends. I want to be with him but I don’t know how to approach the situation. What should I do?

Matt Dear Matt, Here is the thing… you need to find out if the potential boyfriend really likes you, because there is nothing worse than stirring the pot, if the object of your desire doesn’t really desire you.

If the case is that Mr Potential does indeed dig you, then I would recommend quietly dating for a few months and see if the relationship has the makings of a great love story. If it does work out, then the two of you should form a united front, face the ex and spill the beans on your mischief and ride out the usual storm! If it doesn’t work out between the two of you, then it’s no harm, no fowl. It is a pretty old-fashioned approach — but sometimes it pays to be discreet at first.

Dear Rose, I want to join the Navy. Do you think I should tell them I’m gay at the interview?

Wan-ta-be sailor Wan-ta-be sailor When applying for any position within Defence, it makes no difference whether you are gay or straight, they are looking for people that have the ability to do the job.

I believe that they also do a security interview with you and they will ask you whether you are gay or not, you must be truthful about your disclosure during that interview.

If you do get into the Defence Force, as with any work place, you need to judge whether it is appropriate for you to disclose your sexuality to your colleagues. In some work places you will work with people that won’t have any issues at all with your sexuality, while others will. It has been my experience that most straight people have few real encounters with gay folks and therefore have preconceived ideas about who and what gay folks are like. It’s only when they have worked with them that they develop their own view and that is what changes people’s perception. This is where the gay community will affect change in people’s attitudes.

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Rose

Dear

If you would like to write to dear rose please email her at dearrose@fusemagazine.com.au ~ letters are placed either here or on the Fuse website fusemagazine.com.au

}

Dear Rose, I have had lots of things happening at the one time and am under a great deal of pressure at work, home and with my friends. Lately I have been very short tempered and have been taking it out on the people that I love the most, saying the ugliest things and then instantly regretting taking my frustrations out on them. I don’t know how to deal with the pressure and feel like I am out of control. What should I do?

Angry Dear Angry Well, you have at least taken the first step in admitting that you are angry. The next thing is to identify what you are angry about. There are heaps of ways that you can approach this. You can seek some counselling, talk it out with a good friend, or you can do what I do — I journal the things that are going on in my life. The writing gives me a chance to sort out the junk that is in my head sometimes.

We live in a world that is constantly changing, with different things coming at us from all sides so it is important to find a way cope with different emotions.

Remember, whether you’re feeling anger, fear, happiness or sadness, it is normal to have all kinds of emotions. The trick is to have balance with all these emotions and when one is more prominent than the others, you need to seek help to put things back into balance.

Hi Rose, I am currently in a relationship with a woman who is not sure about whether she wants to be with me or not. We get together, then break-up and then get back together again. We have this incredible chemistry but her friends get in her ear and she then picks a fight and we go back into this cycle. Really love being with her and I want to make it work, but I am not sure where to draw the line.

Thanks, Yo-Yo Dear Yo-Yo, Stop this insanity and break up already! There is no point in going out with someone whose friends are always in her ear about the things that you do, or what you think or how you behave! The more times that you go back, the more pieces of you she takes. It sounds to me like a power-play of some kind. I have been where you are at, and there is an irresistible urge sometimes to go back to what you are familiar with! You definitely need to draw the line and tell her that if she is not prepared to take you for who you are then there is no point in having a relationship.

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