FUSE 10 Queer Youth (Girl Cover)

QUEER YOUTH COMING “IN”

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT COMING OUT, BUT LETTING OTHERS IN

BURLESQUE

WICKEDLY HOT DIVAS

A MOTHER’S PERSPECTIVE

UNDERSTANDING GAY TEENS

HOLMES + WATSON

A GIRL’S LOOK AT THE GAY SUBTEXT

PHIL SCOTT

POLITICS, THEATRE & EVERYTHING FUNNY

BE PROUD OF YOURSELF : BECAUSE IT’S OK TO BE YOU!

“Hottest temptation of the festival” (Scotsman) “Outrageous and Unforgettable” (London Times) “This is cabaret on fire” (VecerSlovenia)

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10

10

Our very own Yasmin from FUSE chats to the dangerous and wickedly entertaining divas of Burlesque — these girls are smoking hot, coming to Canberra and very, very bad.

12 Be yourself, be proud and be

confident — it’s not just about

coming out, but letting others in.

10

FUSE OP.ED 08 Young people are coming out of the

closet earlier say’s Mark Tayar. He writes

about being young, gay and fabulous.

26

32

46 When the radical and liberal stances

marry... it’s the irony of all ironies.

FUSE REGULARS

FUSE10 FEBRUARY 2010

18 Understanding the gay teenager ­— a mother’s perspective.

CONTENTS

FUSE FEATURES

02 Editor’s Rant 04 What’s On in Canberra 06 The Trap : Local & Gritty 14 The Buzz : News, Gossip & Stuff

15

16 Mardi Gras Must Do List

19

20 Bent Lenses 2010 Lineup 21 Money Shot : Power Gay

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

{

22 Fab Things : What’s Hot

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

24 Footlights : Phil Scott

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Yasmin Element

PRODUCTION & EDITORIAL Christopher Powell

28 Fitness : Why Bother, Really?

CONTRIBUTORS Tony Hamlyn Scott Malcolm Brendan Farnhill Hannah Lewis Hilary Caldwell

Damien Pratt Robert Henderson Stuart Poole Chad Wijayatilake Lucy Jane

Rose Pappalardo Simon Copland Brooklyn Hulands Mark Tayar Amy Brown

PHOTOGRAPHERS Snez Saravovska Fenkil Abraha

Douglas Robinson Ann-Marie Calilhan

Charles Meacham Frank Farrugia

26 Grooming : Fashionista 30 Out & About : Canberra’s Night Life 34 World Stage : Lesson from Berlin 36 Ear Candy : Music Reviews 38 Top Queer : Das Über Golf GTI 40 World Stage : Walk with Pride 42 Out & About : More Photos of You

CONTACT Advertising, editorial enquiries or letters Telephone: +61 2 6232 7662 • Email: editor@fusemagazine.com.au Mail: PO Box 3577 Manuka ACT 2603 • ISSN 1836-8387

44 Couch Culture : Sherlock Holmes 47 FUSE Business Directory 48 Dear Rose

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, editor or FUSE staff.

Any health, fitness or dietry advice contained in this magazine is for informational purposes only. Consult your physician and a fitness/health professional before changing your diet, doing any exercise program, or taking any supplements or remedies of any kind. Submissions of text, photographs or any other material will be taken as consent to publish said material.

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EDITOR’S RANT

QUEER

YOUTH Alexander Thatcher FUSE Editor “I’m with it. I’m hip.

Ducka-ducka-ducka...”

Dr. Evil

I remember when I was young, bright eyed and had just figured out I was gay. Those years for me were full of some of the best and worst times I’ve ever had in my life. Meeting new friends; partying to all hours; coming out to my parents; my first boyfriend and my first break up — it was a constant emotional rollercoaster ride.

Now I’m older, I often find myself reminiscing about those crazy days of my youth.

It seems we have a certain fascination with youth and youth culture.

As we mature though, sometimes we forget that being young and growing up was often very challenging and difficult — especially for those of us in the gay and lesbian community, or with gender and identity issues.

You hear people say that it’s much easier for gay kids now, but I wonder if it really just depends on a person’s individual circumstances. Your parents, friends and teachers can make all the difference to how easy or hard your teenage years will be.

Youth culture demands allegiance to certain types of music, fashion, ways of communicating and being. Within it, peer group pressure is probably at its most influential and this can sometimes make it very difficult for those who don’t fit into the status quo.

Although being gay in 2010 is probably easier for most adolescents, there are still some major hurdles to jump.

In this issue of FUSE we listen to some local queer youth and look at coming out — or as our new contributor Hilary Caldwell says, coming ‘in’. We explore some different queer youth perspectives, including a mother’s look at understanding the gay teen.

You’ll also find a bit of a gay detective theme is this issue. Amy Brown writes about the hidden gay subtext of the new hit movie Sherlock Holmes, with Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law. She say’s it’s ‘homoerotic without being misogynistic’ p44. On p20 you’ll find a full line up of all the queer Bent Lenses films for 2010, including some great gay detective stories with smoking hot guys and girls.

Oh and lastly, taking about lists, on p16 you’ll find FUSE’s Mardi Gras must do list for 2010.

Yasmin Element Associate Editor

FUSE 2

Enjoy, Alex

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

We also have something very special this month for our lovers of burlesque. Our very own Yasmin Element — gosh we love her — has been hanging out with the dangerous and extremely sexy girls from The Burlesque Hour — a show not to be missed. She chats to the wickedly talented Moira Finucane about the show, the girls and other really naughty stuff p10.

}

Being young is never going to be easy without support, so we have a whole bunch of advice and places to check out in Canberra if you’re under 25, or coming out.

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FUSE 3

WHAT’S ON

at the movies

A SINGLE MAN

SPECIAL PRE-RELEASE SCREENING FEBRUARY 22 AT 6:30PM When A Single Man was originally published in 1964, it shocked many by its frank, sympathetic, and moving portrayal of a gay man in midlife.

When it was originally published, it shocked many by its frank, sympathetic, and moving portrayal of a gay man in midlife. George, the protagonist, is adjusting to life on his own after the sudden death of his partner, and determines to persist in the routines of his daily life; the course of A Single Man spans twenty-four hours in an ordinary day.

An Englishman and a professor living in suburban Southern California, he is an outsider in every way, and his internal reflections and interactions with others reveal a man who loves being alive despite everyday injustices and loneliness.

Wry, suddenly manic, constantly funny, surprisingly sad, this novel catches the texture of life itself.

“I went to see John Ford’s ‘A Single Man‘ and give it as many stars as I possible can. The performances by the cast (especially Julianne Moore) were stellar to say the least.

The cinematography was incredible, the set designs were incredible…the movie, was incredible. Regardless of gender, age or sexual orientation, ‘A Single Man’ is a must see for anyone who has ever dealt, or will deal with loss…in other words…don’t miss it!” — James Hipps, Gay Agenda

FUSE HAS FREE TICKETS TO THIS PRE-RELEASE SCREENING! — CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS!

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU THE HURT LOCKER : OPENS 25 FEBRUARY

Staring Guy Pearce The Hurt Locker is a visual and emotional intense jouney. A riveting, suspenseful portrait of the courage under fire of the military’s most unrecognized heroes: the technicians of the bomb squad, who volunteer to challenge the odds and save lives in one of the world’s most dangerous places. Their mission is clear: protect and save. Winner of 4 Venice Film Awards.

FREE MOVIE TICKETS FUSE has double passes to give away to Dendy Theatre in Canberra.

Write in and tell us what you think of FUSE, comment on an article or sign up for FUSE EXTRA! and you could win these great Dendy movie tickets • email: hello@fusemagazine.com.au • www.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

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MUS T DO LIS T SEE PAGE 20

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY Photos thanks to Ann-Marie Calilhan, Frank Farrugia, Pedro Virgil and Nik Studio

REGULAR QUEER EVENTS!

WHAT’S ON

2010

MARDI GRAS

{

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

MARDI GRAS!

19 February – 6 March 2010 The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival is the world’s premier gay and lesbian cultural festival.

Spanning two weeks, the Festival aims to increase visibility of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities and their culture. Check out the FUSE Mardi Gras must do list on p20.

Mardi Gras Online: www.mardigras.org.au

GIRL THING

Friday 12 February CUBE Nightclub It’s on again! The talented Tori Mac spins for the ladies at Canberra’s ultimate GIRLS ONLY night at CUBE! If you haven’t experienced the amazing Tori Mac then this is your chance girls. More info p30.

SATURDAYS Q RADIO 7pm – 9pm 2XX, 98.3FM Canberra’s own GLBTQ radio show.

RAW FM 87.6 : GIRL THING Wednesdays & Sundays from 7pm For girls who like girls. Presented

by Tori Mac, an hour of sexy house and electro served up girly style.

HANG OUT WITH CANBERRA BEARS Sunday arvos at O’Neill’s Irish Pub, Woolley St, Dickson on the first Sunday of the month 3pm. Bears Dinners: third Friday of the month.

TUESDAYS DYKE DINNER & MOVIE More info on FUSE website or see Canberra Lesbians on Facebook.

CANBERRA DRAG KINGS!

Saturday 20 February at The HUSH Lounge A night of blokey goodness and entertainment featuring Canberra’s drag king talent, burlesque performers, belly dancers, luscious drag queens, very manly music, plus some fun competitions. More Info p32.

QUEER THINKING

Mardi Gras Festival A fusion of art, literature and ideas. Bringing together the queer community’s best, creative and academic talent to discuss their work and explore ideas.

More at www.mardigras.org.au

MONDAYS GAY & LESBIAN TENNIS 6pm – 9pm. Turner Tennis Club, Cnr McCaughey and Condamine Streets.

Bring a tennis racquet, shoes and $5.

GAY & LESBIAN SQUASH Wednesdays 6.30pm – 7.30pm. National Sports Club, Mouat St Lyneham. Info at: groups.google.com/group/gayactsquas BENT LENSES Canberra’s very own Queer screen culture group. www.bentlenses.org ACTOUT ACTOUT is an informal outdoorsie activities group for Canberra’s gay and lesbian community.

More details on the FUSE website.

BIT BENT : CANBERRA YOUTH GROUP Meet other young people, get support or just hang out. Mondays at Belconnen Youth Centre 6pm - 8pm & Thursdays at the Woden Youth Centre 5pm - 6.30pm.

Email : bit_bent@hotmail.com

HANGOUTS CUBE NIGHTCLUB Canberra’s gay night club. p30.

THE HUSH LOUNGE A chilled out GLBTQ bar. p32.

TILLEY’S DEVINE CAFE Legendary and sumptuous! p29.

BAR32 : WWW.BAR32.COM Alternative gay friendly bar.

FUSE 5

THE TRAP THE TRAP

{By Brooklyn Hulands — Journalist

CARDINAL SINS

GREEN WITH ENVY

GAGA’S GLUTTONY

The most controversial project in the ACT Government’s pipeline right now is its $77 million deal to buy Calvary Public Hospital. But there are plenty of people standing in the way — including the Pope.

For most of us, a pay rise has to be earned — whether it’s waiting for another twelve months to roll around, or sucking up hard to the boss.

There’s now just weeks until the fabulous Lady Gaga arrives in Canberra. But it’s her health that could be stopping the show.

Both ACT Labor and Calvary’s owners want the deal to go ahead, but it first needs the blessing of the Vatican.

Health minister Katy Gallagher will have to pray Pope Benedict XVI doesn’t google the ACT. Abortion is legal, we’re famous for porn, and if the Government had its way, homosexuals could walk down the isle.

Canberra’s a pretty sinful place — and the church knows it.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge, the highest Catholic in Canberra and the first Aussie to be given archbishop status by the current Pope, wants Calvary Hospital to stay in Catholic hands. Cardinal George Pell, in a club of only 182 cardinals worldwide, agrees.

The church has more than God on its side too. The ACT Greens and Liberals are just as convinced the deal is rubbish.

So what kind of miracle will it take to get approval? Perhaps the newly named Saint Mary MacKillop College will get some extra Government attention…

FUSE 6

But for a political party that promised “third party insurance”, it’s hard to believe the leader of the ACT Greens could ask for a $50,000 pay rise — just three months after being elected.

It’s been revealed Meredith Hunter did just that at the start of last year — asking for her modest $114,000 salary to be bumped up. She argued that it was hard work being part of the cross-bench — and deserved some more moolah.

Now, Canberrans that don’t work for the Government would agree that none of us are paid fairly. We’ve all had that conversation with our pube friends — about how much more they earn than us, and how sick they are of playing FarmVille at work.

Yet we try to understand that the Government needs to pay its staff well, in order to keep the good ones.

What’s hard to understand is that anyone on a taxpayer salary could think they deserve a rise just three months into the job. The ACT Greens aren’t the first party to hold a balance of power, and after all, it’s what they campaigned for.

If Canberrans knew how much The Greens wanted to charge for “third party insurance”, perhaps Ms Hunter wouldn’t have her job at all.

An hour before one of her concerts in the States last month, Gaga collapsed and passed out from an apparent breathing problem. In what could have been a line from ‘Bad Romance’, an “irregular heartbeat” sent her to the floor.

‘Can’t apologize enough for how sorry I am,’ she tweeted.

‘I could hear my fans cheering from my dressing room, I begged everyone to let me go onstage.’

The diagnosis was too much work, too many late nights, and too much texting with a drink in her ha-hand. The fame was starting to catch up with her.

Now the good news for US fans is that Gaga lives nearby and can reschedule. On the other side of the world, it’s not that easy.

The rising diva has nine performances in Australia, including that Monday night in March we’re all waiting for. She looks to have recovered from her first health scare, let’s hope The Fame Monster doesn’t bite while she’s in Canberra.

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OP.ED

YOUNG, GAY &

{

Fabulous

By Mark Tayar

Too often we focus solely on the challenges of being gay.

Even though young gay people still face great difficulties, there are some fabulous things about being a young member of the GLBTQ community.

As our country continues to grow more tolerant, more young people are coming out of the closet.

The average age young people come out is now 16 compared with 22 in the 1990s. Compared with young straight people, GLBTQ youth can enjoy stronger friendships with the opposite sex, find a sense of belonging to a great community and achieve deeper relationships with partners.

Every young gay man today seems to have at least one “fag hag”. Though “fag hag” is not the most flattering or positive label, it’s clear that most women find it easier to relate to gay men than straight men. As a gay man, I know that as soon as I tell a woman I am gay, the barriers will come down and I can start to form a deep friendship.

The same goes for relationships between lesbians and guys. Without the complications caused by sexual politics, it’s easier to build and sustain more friendships with the opposite sex.

FUSE 8

Same-sex partnerships can be much more fulfilling than straight relationships. As a man, it’s much easier for me to understand the interests, emotions and motivations of other gay men. My partner and I seem to have a lot more in common because we share the same gender. Opposites may attract but a shared understanding is the key to sustaining great relationships. Young same-sex attracted people can start to form deep connections in committed relationships earlier than our predecessors who were forced to suppress their feelings or keep relationships secret.

So being young and gay is not as challenging or difficult as it once was. We still need to work together to curb the shocking rates of GLTBQ youth suicide and must stop harassment and bigotry. But despite these challenges, the young members of our awesome community are leading fun and fulfilling lives. With unique opportunities to form friendships and partnerships plus a supportive community it’s a great time to be young, out and proud.

Mark (right) and his partner Ray

Our community offers its young members a great deal of support. The AIDS Action Council is helping young Canberrans through counselling services and the ‘Out There’ and ‘Stepping Out’ workshops.

Other more informal groups such as the ‘Bit Bent’ groups and ‘Gay Young Professionals’ are helping GLBTQ youth to build professional and social networks. These exclusive networks provide the opportunity for young gay people to talk about their unique issues. These groups are also great places to meet new clubbing friends or possibly a partner.

Out on the scene young people are welcomed at Cube, Hush as well as on Oxford St and Commercial Road. Being young in gay venues can be intimidating but most clubs welcome a more diverse mix of young and old people than straight venues. Some queer cliques can be difficult to break into but most people on the Canberra scene are pretty approachable.

{

As well as bonds with the opposite sex, most young lesbian women and gay men can easily form close ties within our community. There seems to be a sense of camaraderie between GLBTQ people which is strengthened by one unifying force: our fight against discrimination and bigotry. In terms of personalities and interests, lesbians and gays can be polar opposites but we are still powerful allies.

We are yet to see gay-straight alliances like some US high schools but we are definitely seeing our schools become more tolerant.

Jackie Stricker & Prof. Kerryn Phelps

Same-sex co-parents are now recognised under Family Law. 85 Federal laws that discriminated against same-sex families have been reformed. To celebrate, 85 artists have created 85 T-shirts inspired by the changes. Find out which ones fit you.

FUSE 9

FUSE 10

BURLESQUE

FEATURE

THE

For most people the term burlesque conjures up images of pin-up girls cheekily strip-teasing out of feathery frocks. But there’s a lot more to burlesque than stripping and The Burlesque Hour has it all. Returning to Canberra for its second season in February, I chatted with the show’s star, the truly charismatic Moira Finucane, about The Burlesque Hour phenomenon and what we can expect to see in the new show.

BURLESQUE HOUR

{

By Yasmin Element

IS THE BRAINCHILD OF PERFORMANCE ARTIST AND WRITER, MOIRA FINUCANE AND HER PARTNER, THEATRE CREATOR AND DIRECTOR, JACKIE SMITH.

‘We live together, create together, work together, travel together — it’s a beautiful thing,’ Moira says of the pair’s fifteen-year creative collaboration. They also have twin girls under the age of two. ‘The girls come on tour. They go to sleep and we do the show. It’s tiring but you can do it. I was back on stage and nude, eleven and a half weeks after giving birth — it was surreal and thrilling.’

But it wasn’t always show business for the couple; back in the 1990s, with no theatrical training, Moira was fed up with working hundred hour weeks in a ‘regular’ job when she decided she wanted to be an actress. She auditioned for a play and got the part. She then started performing her unique “burlesque macabre” acts in underground clubs way before the current burlesque revival.

‘Nobody was doing anything like it,’ she says, ‘drag kings hadn’t been invented yet. My Romeo act blew people’s minds.’

She took her acts all over the globe, then one day Moira and Jackie decided to put together an entire show of all the best stuff they’d seen and done in this genre around the world. The idea was to put together a show of completely underground work never seen in the mainstream arts scene, with a collective of talented performers — all with a background in underground queer performance — and present it in an explosive package for everyone to enjoy.

The Burlesque Hour was borne and was different to anything the world had ever seen before, crossing circus with drama, hard core industrial with early opera, the literary gothic with burlesque, and feminist performance art with sideshow to celebrate the complexity and redemptive potential of humanity. The first show sold out and the show has constantly evolved, touring in nine countries, with 27 sell-out seasons, they have performed for over 45 thousand people.

TBH is a visual, audible, sensual feast with something for everyone; it’s provocative but with a great love of humanity.

‘It’ s transgressive and the audience feels the love — that’s why it’s successful,’ says Finucane ,who adds that although TBH pushes the boundaries of mainstream theatre, they never set out to shock, ‘If you set out to shock your audience, you are assuming you know more than them.’

That said, TBH will be different to what a lot of the general public — whose only exposure to burlesque may be Dita Von Teese and The Pussycat Dolls — will expect from a “burlesque show”.

Yes, TBH contains nudity, and hot, sexy women, but it’s a variety show with humour, brains and brawn that explores sexuality through the empowering and increasingly popular medium of burlesque: a classical sensibility of art forms that are a grotesque mockery, exaggeration and parody that poke fun at society.

‘There’s a lot of fantastic, gorgeous tassels and tease all around the world and it’s great but it doesn’t stay with me’, Moira explains, ‘It’s rare to see something that can make you laugh and respond sexually, emotionally and politically. All those responses at once is burlesque at its best — if it doesn’t have any grit there ain’t no pearl.’

There’s plenty of grit in The Burlesque Hour; lots of gorgeousness too, but lots of grit.

So are there any new acts in the show?

‘There will be gobsmacking new acts and stars, as well as old time favourites like ‘Pearls’ and ‘Milk’ — or there would be a riot,’ she jokes. ‘Guinness World Record hula hooper, Jess Love, will be back with new guest star, Tony Lamond — the 77-year-old “Godmother of Australian variety”.’

Moira describes her own new act as, ‘eight meters of silk chiffon, jet black beads, me naked in high heels and black rain.’

‘The Incredible, weird, wild and beastly Maude Davey is doing a new piece to a Hunters and Collectors classic with a showgirl twist. Yumi Umiumare is doing a piece inspired by the underground dance clubs of Tokyo. There will even be a group routine; a very sexual vampiric piece in crinoline. There will be a few surprises too. A smattering of the old and a dollop of the new all set up in the same gorgeous club style.’

‘Don’t forget to reserve stage seating if you wanna get splashed by milk,’ she adds — raincoats will be provided!

The Burlesque Hour is on at: The Street Theatre Canberra, 11-20 February 2010 Bookings: 02 6247 1223 or www.thestreet.org.au

FUSE 11

{

By Hilary Caldwell — MHSc Sexuality Counsellor

FEATURE

COMING OUT {IN} “Coming out” often refers to a grand announcement and implies that you have been hiding something in the closet, which you are now revealing.

Like some clever magician with a rabbit in his hat. It commonly means announcing your sexuality if different than the heterosexual, monogamous, pair-bonded, society norm, but the same feelings may be elicited by revealing something else about yourself that is very important and potentially confronting such as having a terminal illness or revealing your sex worker status.

Whatever you’re hiding becomes a burden if you feel you have to hide it until you have come to grips with it yourself. You can feel as if you are being dishonest to people who you care about and you may feel incongruous within yourself, as if you are not who you present to be. The magician’s rabbit may be growing larger than the hat. The desire to live honestly in private and public is real and so is the desire for those who love you, to know you as you really are. Sometimes, living a life that is not highly valued by society stimulates people to acknowledge and promote personal qualities that are valued more highly, such as caring for others, the environment and personal integrity (honesty).

Some people revel in the idea of a big coming out party where every significant person is gathered around in excited anticipation

FUSE 12

of the big announcement, which is delivered with confident aplomb and received with enthusiastic applause. The magnificent magician is resplendent in top and tails. Most people are unable to carry off such a venture and some are terrified of the whole process. You don’t ever have to ‘come out’ if you don’t want to. It can be very exciting to have a secret.

I prefer to think about the journey as ‘coming in’.

Rather than grand announcements, you can ‘let people in’ when you are ready. Feeling safe enough to tell someone something private about yourself requires knowing them well enough to trust that they will accept you for who you are, respond appropriately to your feelings and not to their own, and keep the information private until you are ready to allow the grapevine to run with it.

Be proud and confident — then others will follow suit. If you are comfortable with your sexuality, then you can project that on to others. If you are ashamed in any way or find that you tell people with an apology, you probably need to work on your own feelings before you involve others.

Carefully consider which words you might use and your tone. Like, ‘Guess what? I’ve found a lovely partner who I love and want to be with.

He/She just suits me so much...’

It sounds silly, but practising in the mirror or while driving alone in the car, can give you more confidence.

When telling VIPs in your life, you may want to organise back up support that you can be with directly afterwards.

Even if the occasion goes well, you will benefit from having a debriefing.

Support in general is important, so surround yourself with positive people who like you for who you are and consider seeking counselling for any emotional issues.

If there are significant people in your life who you know will never understand your lifestyle, consider worst case scenarios before you tell them, and consider all your options with how you might behave. If walking away from such relationships for a while is the best idea, do so with dignity whilst respecting that others have a right to an opinion too (even if it is wrong, ignorant, bigotist, racist, feminist, sexist... something “ist”).

Everybody takes this journey in their own way. The diversity of our experiences and being able to share them is a great resource to our community. The process is never really completed as you will always meet new people and there may be times when you may not want new people in your life to know personal details about yourself.

I look forward to a world of sexual utopia where acceptance of all sexualities is so universal that “coming out” is a total non-event. And there is only one label — ‘I am a sexual being.’

Talking to your kids about puberty, relationships and sexuality can be challenging.

Parents can feel that they lack the conďŹ dence or resources to do this effectively.

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) is a health promotion charity that has been supporting parents & carers in Canberra to have these conversations with kids since the 1970s.

Our key goal is to minimise the risks and harms faced by children and young people, using an evidencebased approach to comprehensive relationships education.

For more info about how SHFPACT can support you as a parent or carer, phone us on 6247 3077 or visit our website at www.shfpact.org.au today.

Assisted with funding from the ACT Government.

FUSE 13

THE

NEWS GOSSIP & STUFF

BUZZ

*

{

By Tony Hamlyn

AMERICAN IDOL ~ TRASH-TASTIC ~ COMING OF GEORGE ~ GAGA ~ MINI MINOGUE

SIMON QUITS AMERICAN IDOL! Well, it seems like every month there is a new scandal with American Idol. Now there’s the news that the show’s Executive Producer and all-round bad guy, Simon Cowell, has confirmed that this current season will be his last. Forget Kyle getting ousted from Australian Idol – THIS is BIG! Simon was instrumental in bringing the English franchise over to the US and, as I’ve said before, the show is a juggernaut over there.

The news is that Simon is now bringing that other English franchise, The X-Factor, over to US and is currently in negotiations with FOX. X-Factor USA promises to be bigger and better, according to Simon, and will no doubt bring him even more cash, given that the concept and producer credit belongs to him solely, as opposed to Idol, which is primarily Simon Fuller’s beast.

All reports seem to indicate that Idol will not finish up, but continue to run without him, which is surprising to say the least. Simon and his bad haircut are the lifeblood of the show and without him it’s fair to say that it really will suffer.

X FACTOR

How will this affect Ellen DeGeneres and her new role as Idol judge? Hmmm… hard to say. Let’s stay glued to the rest of this season, currently airing here on FOX8, for any hints to the show’s future.

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MINI-MINOGUE The Buzz was in an SMS fervour the other morning as the news broke about pop diva and all-round superstar Dannii Minogue being ‘with child’. For those of you of a certain age, you’ll remember Dannii as the teenage tear-away of the 1980s who brought ‘uber-cool’ to the general daggy-ness that was Young Talent Time. Her talent and humour and fabulousness were palpable, and her fall-short career trajectory is a very real indictment as to what a bad divorce will do to someone’s confidence and self-esteem, famous or otherwise.

But how wonderful to see that all that drama is well and truly behind her, and what an inspiration to see that at 38 she’s found true love and happiness with major hottie, former model and English rugby league star, Kris Smith and now has a little Dannii on the way.

Her public profile is at an all-time high as an X-Factor judge in the UK, and now this news must is very, very exciting for all Minogues and Minogue-like fans.

Personally I’m hoping for a little girl. Another little princess to watch learn and grow and sing and dance, and maybe someday in the future date other celebrity babies like Sparrow Madden or little Levi McConaughey. Cute, no? Yes. So cute!

GOT YOUR GAGA TICKETS? How exciting to see that Lady GaGa can sell out the AIS Arena. There was a time when promoters thought of Canberra as the dead zone and wouldn’t bring international artists anywhere near us. A sell out show like this puts the Nation’s Capital on the touring map and will hopefully lead to even more big-name artists gracing the mighty shores of the Burley Griffin.

In the meantime, if you were smart and got in early, then enjoy the Fame Monster show that GaGa is bringing on March 22nd. I’ve seen snippets online, and was even lucky enough to catch her as a support act for a gig I went to in London last year, and let me tell ya, she is the real deal! The Aussie tour starts in our fair city, so she’ll be fully primed and dripping with energy when we see her. Expect an outrageous show, a tonne of humour, and lashings of poptastic talent. Yay for Canberra!

THE 2ND COMING OF GEORGE! It’s been 22 years since the greatest singer/songwriter in the history of popular music, one Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, aka George Michael, sang to Australian audiences. In 1988, Australia was one of the first countries to see him perform the gruelling Faith tour (which ran almost an entire year) and was in fact the place where he discovered he had developed an almost career-ending throat condition. Coupled with his emotional and physical exhaustion at the time, and of course private issues with his sexuality, it’s fair to say George has never really had great associations with our fair nation.

TRASH-TASTIC! Bad taste connoisseurs unite! For the greatest of them all, the purveyor of all things wonderfully kitsch, the man once referred to as ‘The Pope of Trash’, none other than John Waters is coming to Australia. The visionary behind cinema masterpieces such as Female Trouble, Polyester, Cry Baby and of course Hairspray (the original movie, on which the Broadway musical was based, from which the John Travolta film was borne), will perform his one-man show in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in late Feb/early March.

This man is one of the most subversive, irreverent minds of his generation, celebrating trash culture, voicing John in the infamous Simpsons gay episode from season 8, and giving drag extraordinaire, Divine, a legitimate platform from which to unleash her distinct talents.

If you don’t get a chance to catch the Sydney Opera House show on March 2nd then at the very least jump onto Amazon and purchase your own copy of Polyester, if only to see the great Edith Massey utter the timeless line, ‘Purr Francine! Purr, purr Francine!’

This occasionally has me pondering exactly how much money tour promoter Paul Dainty is throwing at him to end this longterm embargo come this Feb/March. Ticket prices are out of control, not to mention limited due to George doing a total of three shows whilst he’s here in Australia. But y’know what?

I have to admit, I don’t care how much I have to pay or how long I’ve had to wait! There is nobody like him in the world, there is no back catalogue of songs greater than this man’s repertoire, and chances are there will be no George Michael tour of Australia again after this.

I am personally attending all three stadium gigs in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne — and am seriously about to vomit with excitement just thinking about it. I am already enjoying fitful dreams of being dragged up onstage for the duet of a lifetime. In my head it will be to ‘I Knew You Were Waiting’, or perhaps I’m ‘Your Man’. If you’re at the gigs, look out for me just in case. Dreams can sometimes come true, you know.

The rumours of a Mardi Gras performance are rife, but with Kelly Rowland and David Geutta already confirmed, and George’s very limited history with gay events/organisations (he has, of course, been instrumental in fundraising for numerous AIDS-related charities over the years, but he’s never played a G.A.Y. or a Pride Party in the UK or anything similar in the US…), it’s not likely he will play the party.

I have it on good authority however that there will be a George Michael float in the parade and that more than likely he will be on it. Whether it makes stops at Centennial Park toilets or Headquarters on Crown Street is something we’ll just have to guess at. But make sure you catch the parade, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the great man himself, on February 27th.

FUSE 15

2010

WHAT’S ON

MARDI GRAS THE MUST DO LIST! FAIR DAY

BONDI DRAG RACES

Sunday 21 February - Victoria Park

Friday 5 March at Bondi Beach

Don’t miss the biggest and best-loved community event of the season for friends, family and even the pets! One of Sydney’s biggest picnics takes over Victoria Park with some 70,000 people, live music, fantastic shows, stalls and a mouth-watering array of Sydney’s best food.

Get involved or get down to watch, as Sydney’s fiercest and most hilarious drag queens and kings battle it out on our most famous beach.

PARADE

FUSE 16

It doesn’t get much bigger than this – whether you’re part of the outrageously camp and colourful parade or one of the 500,000-strong spectators, make sure you’re there for Mardi Gras Parade 2010. Expect a dramatic and hilarious procession showcasing every part of the gay community, and celebrating this year’s theme, Histories of the World.

Saturday 6 March One of the biggest events on Sydney’s social calendar – the Mardi Gras Party is renowned for its unbeatable line-up, its massive surprise guests, unbeatable production values and one of the best crowds around. The 2010 line-up sees superstar DJ and Producer David Guetta joined by Carl Cox, Dusty Kid, Bimbo Jones and the elite of Australia’s DJs.

JAM PACKED @ SEYMOUR Across February and March 2010.

Saucy and sophisticated, the Seymour Center’s new partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras presents a smoldering line-up of music, theatre and conversation. Get the full line up of show stoppers at www.seymourcentre.com

HARBOUR ’10 Sunday 28 February Join us for a party like no other in the world. Stunningly lush in its Harbourside setting, and famously full of gorgeous partygoers and a wonderful atmosphere. Dance your way through the afternoon and watch the sun set over our beautiful city with Sydney’s best house DJs and special musical guests.

ZOO DINNER

WHITNEY HOUSTON

Wednesday 3 March

Wednesday 24 February

The animal world may not be as straight as you think… Uncover the secrets of Taronga Zoo with fascinating shows and talks from staff and experts, while enjoying an exquisite dinner with one of the best views in Sydney. Enjoy exclusive zoo access, and all to support Australian Marriage Equality.

A very special opportunity to get intimate with one of pop-soul’s biggest divas, and one of the music world’s most successful and impressive voices. Performing her countless number one hits and songs from her critically acclaimed new album, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

BOOKINGS: Call Ticketek on 13 2849

Mardi Gras photos thanks to Ann-Marie Calilhan and Frank Farrugia

MORE @ WWW.MARDIGRAS.ORG.AU

Saturday 27 February

MARDI GRAS PARTY

sport? n a tr d n a n o ti a d • Accommo be?

• Condoms and lu rra Float? e b p m a C to in y • Entr arty? p r e ft a to ts e k ic •T una? a s e v fa r u o y to • 24 hr pass • HOT SEX??? clinic?

• Book into STRIP

What do you have left to plan for Mardi Gras? aidsaction.org.au FUSE 17

{

By Anne Wolski

FEATURE

UNDERSTANDING

THE GAY

TEENAGER A MOTHER’S PERSPECTIVE In the past, it could be said that talking to teens about sexuality was relatively straightforward.

These discussions normally centred on the average heterosexual relationships without any reference to alternative sexualities such as homosexual and bisexual orientations. However, it is imperative in modern society to teach our children about alternative sexual orientations and tolerance of those differences.

Gay teens are one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in society, facing the pressure and dangers of gay bashing and other forms of homophobic bullying.

There is a threefold likelihood of lesbian or gay teens being bullied than other youth. These pressures in turn lead to a higher incidence of social isolation, alcohol and drug abuse, family problems and low self esteem than their peers.

There is a relatively common belief that someone who is gay must have suffered some sexual trauma or has been influenced to make this decision by a gay adult.

This is a myth as neither of these things influences sexuality. In the past, many have felt the need to hide their homosexuality and have lived their life feeling as though they are living a lie. However, in more recent times, teens are coming out much more often and at a younger age.

Talking to parents about their sexuality can sometimes be difficult, if not seemingly impossible. If they have heard anti-gay conversations between their parents or others close to them, this may contribute to their fear. In some situations, these youth run away from home because they feel that they cannot deal with the reaction of their parents.

FUSE 18

There are also many gay teens that are forced out of their homes by parents who are unable to deal with their teen’s sexuality. Even for those who remain at home, the tension that occurs when the teen comes out can push relationships between the parents and the child beyond breaking point.

This can lead to verbal or even physically violent eruptions between both parties, leading to severe relational breakdown. The trauma of this resistance to the teen’s sexual identity can be emotionally devastating. This resistance may be particularly high in parents who have been raised with the conviction that homosexuality is always wrong.

Becoming a teenager is already a big deal regardless of whether the person is heterosexual or homosexual but for the gay teen, the issues are far more frightening. Often, the teen is already having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that he or she is homosexual and is already fearful of peoples’ intolerance of them. The ultimate rejection by their parents on the basis of gender issues leaves the person feeling totally confused and isolated.

The incidence of suicide among gay teens is around three times that of their heterosexual counterparts, though sexuality and gender issues are not in themselves, seen as a risk factor for suicide.

However, the feelings of isolation and of being different can drive many to suicidal behaviour.

Perhaps the difference in acceptance of homosexuals could begin in what we teach children in earlier years.

After all, bigotry is something that is learned from a young age. Make your children aware that any form of hatred and discrimination is unacceptable and instil these values as early as possible.

When discussing sexuality with your children, explain that homosexuals have no choice and that they need to be respected as people just as anyone else does.

QUEER YOUTH INFO

Let’s do what we can to stop contaminating the minds of our young and causing the discrimination against other people, whether based on race, religion, or sexual orientation.

QNET : CANBERRA’S QUEER YOUTH CYBERSPACE

Gay teenagers need empathy from those around them and from their healthcare provider. Otherwise, they may feel isolated and worthless, thus pressuring them into taking risks with their sexual health.

Having sex with someone of the same gender does not eliminate the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and gay teens need to be aware of this and comfortable enough to discuss these problems with their doctor without fear of prejudice.

BIT BENT : CANBERRA YOUTH GROUP

Becoming a teenager is a huge milestone for both teenagers and parents and it is particularly so when the teenager is gay.

As parents, it is important to reassure the teenager that being gay really is okay and that, regardless of their sexual identity, you love them anyway.

Though the gay community has gained some civil rights over the years, it is important to continue the fight to erode the conservative views on gay issues.

Only then can the gay community have the same freedoms as their heterosexual counterparts.

Qnet is an online community for GLBTI people under 25. It’s also a place for their friends, family, teachers and peers to offer support, get info and make new contacts. www.qnet.org.au A social support group for 12 to 25 year old guys and girls who are attracted to the same sex. It is also a place to gain support if you are unsure or questioning your sexual identity.

Mondays 6.00-8.00 pm Belconnen Youth Centre Crn Swanson Cct and Chandler Street, near Bus Interchange.

Thursdays 5.00-6.30 pm Woden Youth Centre Callum Street Woden, opposite the Woden Bus Interchange.

Email : bit_bent@hotmail.com Phone : Belconnen 02 6264 0260 : Woden 02 6282 3037

JELLYBABIES A social group for queer youth and students in Canberra.

Affiliated with the ANU Students’ Association. The club hosts lots of events throughout the year, including film nights, parties, picnics, coffee afternoons, and pub get togethers. http://clubs.anu.edu.au/clubs/Jellybabies

COMING OUT AUSTRALIA A community focused website providing, resources, information and activities for people about “Coming Out” www.comingout.com.au

FUSE 19

2010 FILM LINEUP

QUEER FILM

BentLenses

bentlenses.org

PATRIK 1,5 FRIDAY 12 MARCH Goran and Sven have been cleared for adoption and they have a possibility to adopt a Swedish orphan, Patrik 1,5.

But when Patrik arrives he turns out to be someone else, not the little boy they were expecting. A comma had been misplaced, and in comes a 15 year old homophobic with a criminal past.

DOUBLE FEATURE THIRD MAN OUT & SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM FRIDAY 16 APRIL These films are about a gay detective — Strachey, private dick. In the Third Man Out Strachey tries to solve the murder of a college student and in Shock to the System he is hired to find who has been been threatening a notorious community noted for outing people. Strachey is a smoking — hot homo who has no problem flaunting it to the world. Hotness abounds in this flick boys!

DOUBLE FEATURE ON THE OTHER HAND, DEATH & ICE BLUES FRIDAY 14 MAY Donald Strachey, the gay detective returns for the third and fourth installment of the critically acclaimed series.

Another two great films filled with twists and turns that only Strachey can navigate, these two thrillers promise to satisfy even the most ardent detective-story fans.

MOVIE TIMES & DATES DAY DATE

FUSE 20

TIME

VENUE

MOVIE TITLES

Friday

12 March

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Patrik, 1.5

Friday

16 April

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Double Feature : Third Man Out & Shock to the System

Friday

14 May

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Double Feature : On the Other Hand, Death & Ice Blues

Friday

4 June

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Eating Out 1

Friday

25 June

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Eating Out 2

Friday

2 July

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Naked Boys Singing

Friday

16 July

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Make the Yuletide Gay

Friday

30 July

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Girls Will Be Girls

Friday

13 August

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Holding Trevor

Friday

10 September

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

Twist

Friday

15 October

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

TBA

Friday

29 October

7-10pm

Discovery Centre

TBA

BentLenses screens at the CSIRO Discovery Centre Nth Science Road, Acton

Look out for more BentLenses film reviews in coming issues of FUSE!

Happy Mardi Gras! We have come so far with equality so let’s celebrate, but not forget that this started as a protest more than thirty-years-ago.

I often forget the power of being “gay” as I am not generally one to put a label on people, particularly myself. But there is great value of dealing with other professionals who understand the joy, and also some of the challenges that come with being in our community.

I met with a client last week who has been reading my articles. This was exciting in itself, I often wonder if my words of wisdom around money are read, so thank you for reading.

My client said a pretty powerful thing, ‘I am glad that you will understand my circumstance without my need to explain or without fear of judgement’.

I thought this was guaranteed with any professional, but we still have a way to go!

Seeing a financial professional is an experience that could result in anxiety. This from my experience is mostly to do with putting your cards on the table and “outing” yourself about your current financial position and even more

confronting is the experience of “outing” yourself to someone else about your dreams, goals and plans for the future. ‘Will someone else understand me?’ ‘Do I have enough or have I done enough?’

Y A G

MONEY SHOT

THE POWER OF BEING

The hard part here is that nothing changes, if nothing changes. If you have some goals, are approaching a new stage in your life, or just want to ensure you can achieve the outcomes you want, it is often a good time to review your position and see if you could be doing something to enhance it.

Everyone’s situation is different so make sure any professional advisers you deal with honour this.

With honour and equality on my mind, my best friends are having a wedding soon, and I want to take this opportunity to spread the love and wish Sue and Julia all the best on their special day!

My protest this Mardi Gras, is to use “wedding” as a word to express the ceremony and commitment of love any couple has for each other! Happy MG!

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.

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 21

WHAT’S HOT

{FAB}THINGS Predicting what will be the hottest new trends in technology for work and play is a fun game that all the analysts like to play each year. But at the end of the day it’s you and me that ultimately decide what’s hot and what’s not!

COOL BLOWER ~ HOME 3D ~ YOYO POWER ~ LOVE POT ~ SELF PORTRAITS ~ SPACE PODS

THE FAN THAT’S REALLY COOL The good old conventional electric fan has gone largely unchanged for over 125 years. They have utilised spinning steel blades that chop the air creating an airflow that’s often uneven and unpleasant, not to mention hard to clean, noisy and can be quite dangerous — especially for little hands and idiots.

The Dyson’s Air Multiplier still has blades in it. The blades are hidden inside the lower canister, rather similar to — dare we say it — a vacuum cleaner, with the air then routed through the ring at the top or as Dyson calls it, the loop amplifier.

{

A few small down sides. It’s not that quiet, as you might expect — sounds a bit like a small vacuum-cleaner strangely enough. As for the price tag, it’s a little expensive at around $400 for the smallest model, but damn it does look good, and that gives it lots of extra points in this mag.

The Dyson’s Air Multiplier is available at most electrical stores.

WILL YOU GO 3D AT HOME? Are you willing to wear 3D glasses in your living room?

Panasonic, along with Samsung, Sony reveled their first 3D hardware lines at CES (Customer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas last month. According to market analysts DisplaySearch, the 3D TV market could be worth as much as $22 billion by 2018.

But is it still too early to go 3D at home? It seems that Manufacturers are ready to sell us 3D gear, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we are ready to buy it.

The consumer electronics industry believes that the huge success of 3D movies like Avatar will get people pumped up for another upgrade cycle, but with plenty of people only just getting HD TVs within the last few years, it’s likely to be a tough sell.

But hey, if they are any good, it would be pretty cool have one at home if you can afford to hefty price tag.

{

We only have one other word to say on the subject — Bel-Ami — sorry that’s two.

FUSE 22

A YO-YO THAT POWERS YOUR MOBILE! There are all sorts of devices that provide a quick charge for a cell phone or other gadget when you can’t get to an electrical outlet. Most, unfortunately, require you to insert AA batteries that transfer energy from the AA battery to the device’s internal battery, but Easy Energy has a battery-free solution.

It’s a handheld device with a cord. Pull the cord a few times and it generates enough power to use your phone for a few minutes. It’s probably not something you would ever use for a full charge, but it could be a lifesaver if you have to make an emergency call while your phone’s battery is dead. It costs $39 and is available online.

There is an iPhone adapter as well as adapters for most phones, including the BlackBerry. The company also makes YoGen Max — a foot-powered charger that provides emergency power for laptop computers.

THE COOLEST POD HOUSE THINGIE EVER! I’ve already started saving up my pocket money. With a few exceptions, I pretty much love everything about the future and especially space age things.

THE LOVE POT It’s for the romantic eco-conscious lover in you. The Love Pot is a non-electric humidifier that uses laminated wool felt for the humidification process.

This eco-friendly product is also humanitarian because the profit from the sales of the Love Pot will be used to support educational scholarships for underprivileged children. The charity is a part of the Nanum Project for which this $30 Love Pot was developed. Good on them.

This is possibly the coolest thing I’ve seen so far. It’s a mobile solarpowered lounge room — sleek and space-age on the outside but warm and inviting inside.

There are mobile offices, mobile homes and mobile phones, and just when you thought you couldn’t get more mobile, now there are super sleek mobile lounges!

Designed by Italy-based Architecture and Vision, the MercuryHouseOne is a portable pod-like lounge. Powered by solar panels and decked out with the latest lighting, video, and sound technologies, the curvaceous capsule is meant to provide a unique experience whether placed in nature or in the heart of a bustling city.

SUREFIRE PORTRAITS WITH DUAL LCD And they just get thinner! Samsung recently launched their new ultra slim, 12.2-megapixel ST550 and ST500 compact cameras and they boast the ‘world first’, front and back LCD display technology for easy self-portraits. I know a few people already that are just going to love this feature.

An additional 1.5” LCD is located on the front of the camera, which allows you to take accurate portraits using the front image as a guide — whether it’s a group shot with friends or a snap of yourself. And how cool is this — there is no need to even press the shutter button, a big smile is enough to trigger the camera to take the picture.

The ST550 model also features the world’s highest resolution 3.5” wide touch screen LCD and a Smart Gesture User Interface with built-in orientation sensor, means a simple tap or hand gesture allows you to access key features quickly. Around $449.

The MercuryHouseOne mobile lounge can be used as a portable outdoor office, a room, or even an off-grid natural retreat. Built out of Carrara marble (a local material in Italy) and backlit to showcase the form at night, the body is sleek and round, like a drop of mercury. The top of the pavilion is outfitted with solar panels, making it totally self-sufficient and off-grid capable.

Prefabricated in a factory, the MercuryHouseOne can be transported by a truck or even a helicopter to its location.

This would be the perfect eco-lounge for concerts or festivals.

To bad they’re not in Hyde Park right now for the Mardi Gras.

FUSE 23

FOOTLIGHTS

{

PhilScott

By Robert Henderson

A GAY MAN’S LOOK AT POLITICS AND EVERYTHING FUNNY

{

Robert Henderson talks to the fabulous Phillip Scott — our own star from his new hit show Pennies from Kevin.

Phillip Scott may not be as visible in the public eye since his days in The Gillies’ Report but if anything, his wit is even sharper. That naughty twinkle in his eye catches everything.

His latest Wharf Review, Pennies from Kevin, where he plays the title role of Kevin Potter and the Lower Chamber of Secrets, written with co-stars Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe, has sold out a month before opening. Quick readers can catch their return second week to Canberra in early March. We love our politics. All three Canberra seasons of Keating sold out, despite extra shows being held. As Scott told Fuse magazine, ‘We’d been trying to tee up something in Canberra for years and finally we have, it’s great.’

Phillip also plays the piano and is very interested in words so also writes the lyrics and rhymes while Drew takes the actor’s point of view and focuses on character and the cadence of the performance. Jonathon is the intellectual, the logician and directs the show.

‘We all share the same sense of humour, but the sillier stuff is usually mine,’ said Scott.

24

The one gay and two straight men are joined by All Saints star, Virginia Gay in her debut for the show. She comes highly recommended as Scott also worked with her in a very camp show, Gentlemen Prefer Blokes with drag queens Trevor Ashley and Courtney Act for last year’s Mardi Gras.

Four shows only, so be quick!

11-13 March at The Playhouse Bookings 6275 2700 www.canberratheatre.org.au

{

FUSE

The Wharf Review is a series of sketches and songs, often very short set pieces commenting on political matters and parodying politicians and the famous. Sometimes it’s one individual on stage, other times it’s big pieces with all the cast involved.

They keep the show up to date during their tour, depending on how the political scene changes. Last year as the entire NSW Government changed, they had to keep changing the show every night. Current characters are joined by old die-hards; the likes of Paul Keating, Barry Jones and Amanda Vanstone who is on her Roman holiday seeking the beatification of Mary MacKillop in La Dolce Big-Eater. Expect to see more of Tony Abbot making an appearance in a big way by the time they come here.

Photographer Tracey Schramm

Well known to many Fuse readers for his series of gay detective novels including One Dead Diva, Gay Resort Murder Shock and the Mardi Gras Murders, this is a return to Canberra for Scott after having appeared with Max Gillies and guest staring at SpringLit. He’s written columns for SX and the Sydney Star Observer, his creative writing is now mainly taken up with CD reviews for Fanfare magazine. Orchestral music, books, theatre and his partner of fifteen years, Michael, are his great loves.

FUSE 25

GROOMING

Do you look through fashion magazines and think how crazy some of the latest catwalk trends are?

Have you ever seen some really unusual hairstyles on the street, or even looks from fashion week, and thought, ‘how could I pull that off?’

Here’s a quick guide to getting the latest looks off the runway and onto you.

First things first you’ve got to have confidence; you won’t be able to pull off any dramatic look without it. To gain confidence you’ve really got to believe in yourself and know what you want.

Just because everyone else is sporting a certain trend, doesn’t mean it’s going to suit you. If you are going to feel uncomfortable with a certain look it’s going to show through and you won’t pull it off. For example, your girlfriend could be trying out a fringe and it looks really good and you want to get one too. Even though you know a fringe isn’t really for you, you try it anyway. You may instantly hate it, loose all confidence in yourself and hate yourself for trying something new. Don’t try and replicate the same looks as your friends or a look straight from the runway.

Try to be an individual — make sure your style suits you and your lifestyle.

Don’t be scared of unusual trends that you see popping up at fashion shows around the world. In the next twelve months, you will probably be emulating the same look in your own way.

FUSE 26

By Chad Wijayatilake from Form Haircutters

A very hot hair trend for men right now is the pageboy haircut. About three seasons ago, all the designers were showing collections with men’s hair parted to the side. The models looked like they were off to their first day at school. Now I have plenty of guys coming in asking for their wild, shaggy locks to be chopped off in favour of the short, preppy look.

{

When it comes to interpreting looks from the runway, you may think a lime-green suit with matching gym bag is a bit too much. But, if you look at the pieces individually, you may be able to work something from it into your wardrobe.

If you have the personality to pull of a lime green blazer with a pair of skinny leg jeans and you see nothing wrong with that, or you know you can pull off a certain look and you’re confident about it, go for it.

RULES OF

BEING A

FASHIONISTA

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FUSE 27

EXERCISE BODY SHAPE

WHY SHOULD YOU BOTHER... REALLY?

This is a question that we all seem to ask, but one that no one really knows the answer to. One of the most common answers is, ‘to stay fit and healthy.’ But what does this really mean? I’m going to try and shed a little bit of light on the issue for you and help define some of the benefits of exercise, other than the physical appearance benefits.

BOOSTS BRAIN POWER AND ENERGY LEVELS Exercise helps to stimulate your brain by increasing serotonin levels and releasing endorphins. A workout as short as 30 mins will help you get this benefit and can help to improve how you feel throughout the entire day, reducing fatigue as you find it easier to perform physical tasks.

MELT AWAY STRESS Meditation in movement! Exercise, which can even be a bush walk, game of squash or swim in the pool, can be beneficial in reducing stress. With the release of endorphins into the body, this helps to give you a natural high and helps you to not only forget your troubles, but also helps to make it easier to deal with any problems. This reduces your stress levels and can then also have a flow on effect to other people as you remain calm and help to keep them centred as well.

REDUCE DISEASES Regular exercise has been proven to be able to help prevent a number of lifestyle diseases, such a Type II Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Osteoporosis (just some examples). This reduction comes by improving cardiac (heart) function, reducing body fat, increasing insulin sensitivity and building strength and bone density. Regular exercise can also help to improve your immune system and reduce the amount of “sick days” off work. When you exercise, it is believed that immune cells are pushed around the body a lot quicker and therefore are more effective in killing bacteria and viruses.

LETS YOU EAT MORE Depending on your physical goals, exercise can allow you to eat more food and even have the odd “less desirable foods” every now and then. The aim here is to try and have a small idea of the amount of energy you are taking in, in comparison to the amount of energy you are burning off. If your aim is weight loss, then you need to eat less calories than you burn, but if you are exercising for the other benefits, then you can eat that little bit extra, as you are going to burn it off easier. Muscle burns more calories than body fat does, so by aiming to have more muscle mass, you will be able to burn more calories easier, even when you’re not exercising.

INCREASED SEXUAL PERFORMANCE That’s right! Exercise can improve your performance in the bedroom. A fitness lifestyle involves a healthy diet and regular exercise; a combination which helps to increase testosterone levels in both men and women. Testosterone is responsible for a number of things in the body: increasing lean muscle mass, reducing body fat, and promoting sexual desire. For men, testosterone helps to increase sexual urges, produce more frequent erections and sustain bone density and muscular strength — all the things necessary to help improve your performance in the bedroom.

Women also get a benefit from an increase in testosterone levels. When the testosterone binds with the oestrogen receptors, this directly influences a womans sex drive, mood, muscle and bone density and energy levels, which ignite the sexual metabolism.

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{

By Brendan Farnhill Alive! Health & Fitness

Tilley’s

Devine Café Gallery

TILLEY’S IS NESTLED IN TREE LINED LYNEHAM JUST 4KM FROM THE CITY For over 26 years Tilley’s has been famous for it’s breakfasts, lunches, and dinners... and of course its fabulous coffees. Tilley’s attracts not only ‘regulars’ but visitors from overseas and interstate who enjoy the all-day menu specials, and oh such lovely cake!

Internationally renowned for legendary blues, jazz and classical concerts, Tilley’s continues to attract artists of international calibre who prefer the intimacy of a warm theatre atmosphere clad in red velvet, brass and dark timber booths.

With a fully licensed bar, one can enjoy Champagne with breakfast, or in the evening savour our broad range of wines, spirits or boutique beers on tap.

@

OPENING HOURS

9am – 10pm Monday to Saturday 9am – 6pm Sunday

Brian Kennedy THURSDAY 25th FEBRUARY

Tilley’s

Tilley’s is proud to welcome one of Ireland’s most loved and successful ambassadors of music, as he returns to Australian shores for a national tour in march 2010. If there were a special award for being multi-gifted, then Brian Kennedy would surely walk away with it. A critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and proven radio/television presenter, he is now acknowledged as an author of considerable worth, having produced a series of short stories and two novels (with a third on the way) not surprisingly, for a lyricist of his calibre.

Tickets available at Canberra Ticketing 02 6275 2700

To reserve your favourite table or booth phone us on 6247 7753 Corner of Wattle & Brigalow Streets, Lyneham • www.tilleys.com.au FUSE 29

OUT & ABOUT

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

Thank you to everyone who donated their spare change over the last six months to help us raise money for Mardi Gras.

Together through fundraiser events and the Mardi Gras tip jar at the bar we have managed to raise a whopping $3500.00!

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Camp-berra

This money has been donated to Canberra’s very own Camp-berra Mardi Gras float committee with the intention of helping to improve a wonderful symbol of our community. If you would like to flaunt your community pride and march with the float on parade day, please make your way into Cube ASAP to fill in a signup sheet.

Lv Cube xo

}

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OUT & ABOUT

THE

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

}

HUSHLOUNGE QUEER DUCKS!

Sunday 21 February at The HUSH Lounge The Gold Coast’s queerest reggae, funk and rhymes trio, Anarchist Duck, return to Canberra to play at the Hush Lounge.

For a 3-piece band, Anarchist Duck manage to make a huge sound of worldly proportions fusing reggae, soulful harmonies, funk and a dash of hip hop. Their visit is part of a jam-packed Melbourne to Brisbane tour with over twenty shows in just over a month.

Their new album, Propaganda is available on iTunes and has been receiving plenty of play nationally on radio and on myspace. Anarchist Duck’s Canberra shows will be an experience not to be missed.

Info, music and gig dates visit www.myspace.com/anarchistduck

INAUGURAL CANBERRA QUEER CHARITY COCKTAIL PARTY Saturday 13 February, from 7pm till late The night will be a variety entertainment and queer community information event, hosted by local queer community identity, Johnathan Davis. Tickets are $15 at the door and money raised will go to the Kids Help Line.

Kids Helpline (Free Call 1800 55 1800) is a free 24 hour counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. Counselling is offered by phone, email and over the web. Counsellors respond to more than 6,000 calls each week about issues ranging from relationship breakdowns and bullying, to sexual abuse, homelessness, suicidal thoughts and drug and alcohol use. Kids Helpline is an important service and it will be great to be able to help. Come along, it will be a great night with some fabulous entertainment for everyone.

www.kidshelp.com.au Free Call 1800 55 1800

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GET YOUR KING ON! Saturday 20 February at The HUSH Lounge Come to the Hush Lounge for a night of blokey goodness and entertainment featuring the fabulously funny Canberra Drag Kings and so much more!

Hosted by Johnno Davis and Raine Ingmenn, the night will feature performances by the Canberra Kings, drag queens, burlesque perfomers and belly dancers.

Plus you can get your own KING ON with our makeup artist — join in and bloke it up!

Tickets are $15. Available before the night from the Hush Lounge or at the door.

GIVE IT A GO YOURSELF! For those who have been wanting to “give it a go” you can turn up on the night with your music ready to perform.

If you have any questions please email Billy Bragger on bootboybilly@ yahoo.com.au

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WORLD STAGE

A HISTORY LESSON FROM

BERLIN

On recent travels through Europe I made a stop through Berlin. One of the biggest reason people visit Berlin is to explore the history of, and pay their respects to the victims of the Holocaust. Yet, when doing so, one can notice something missing in the stories of this terrible crime.

In the centre of Berlin there is a massive monument; the ‘Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe’. The monument is the biggest holocaust memorial in the city and attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Across the road lies another monument; that to the murdered homosexuals during the holocaust. This memorial is small, obscure and receives very few visitors. Memorials to the murdered Roma people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, black people etc. are similarly obscure, non-existent or just being developed. This is common throughout Europe. When it comes to the Holocaust, what has been called by some a ‘hierarchy of victims’ has been created; where the suffering of the Jewish population is placed above that of other victims.

Not only do non-Jews get less coverage, in most cases their suffering is simply written out of the history.

Ensuring that the holocaust is a fully Jewish story is in part done to help garnish support for the Israeli state. It breeds guilt about what occurred and therefore makes people more accepting of Israel. As a state created directly after the Holocaust, it is important for Israel’s support that the Holocaust is remembered solely by Jewish suffering. If not, people may question why for example a Jewish state exists, but no queer or Roma state.

A frame of the video shown within the memorial, shot on the very spot where it stands today.

Yet, this is not the only reason non-Jews have been forgotten from the Holocaust. Whether it is persecution or the positive role played in society, all oppressed minorities have had to fight for recognition of their history. This is no different for queers.

Reading about the role of queer people and queerness in our history books is a rare thing and when it does occur, it normally focuses on gay men, leaving even further behind the stories of lesbians, bisexuals, trans*, intersex and other queer people. This creates a history in which queer people simply didn’t exist and a feeling that ‘queerness’ is a new phenomenon.

Bending history like this is a systematic part of the heteropatriachal society. In an unequal society, the dominant structures not only have dominance in the present but are also given dominance of the past. In doing so, it is easier to re-enforce these structures and give them the legitimacy they require to survive. This gives these structures the perception of being both the only long lasting structures, but also the only ones to have had a (positive) real effect.

However, this does not mean that other stories are not there, nor that they shouldn’t be told. Just as other groups are fighting for their place in history, so should queer people. This means not only discussing the fact that queer people, along with many others, died in the Holocaust but also investigating the role of queerness and the queer movement within our own society. These sorts of stories exist all around the world. Knowing and telling them can provide one way to help break the back of the heteropatriarchal society. As long as we let the heteropatriachy dominate our history it will be harder to stop it dominating our future.

...IN MOST CASES THEIR SUFFERING IS SIMPLY WRITTEN OUT OF THE HISTORY FUSE 34

There are many organisations and groups documenting, discussing and educating people about queer and other minority people’s history. The Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives, a volunteer organisation, documents Australia’s queer history.

You can visit them here: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~alga/

{

By Simon Copland

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EAR CANDY

{

By Damien Pratt

So here we are in 2010, another year over and a new one just beginning — and more importantly another birthday rapidly approaching. But this year is different for me. This year I make the metamorphosis form a stunning man in his late twenties to a stunning man in has very early thirties. With this metamorphosis looming I begin to wonder when or if my enjoyment and thirst for music will decline?

When I was young and my mother was in her 20s she loved music. We used to go cruising around in the Datson 120Y with Duran Duran (above) blaring out of the shitty speakers without a care in the world.

But in her 30s it seemed that her like for music, well at least new music, suffered a radical and drastic decline.

So will this happen to me sometime during this decade? Will music start to bore me? Will it not have the same affect that it used to? Will it no longer work as my escape from the world? Holy shit, how do I stop this from happening? Is it inevitable? Am I just talking complete shit now — who knows? Well it hasn’t happened yet, so I will continue to bore you with my music reviews until it does!

GENRES 101: Since writing this section I have become increasingly interested in the multitude of different musical genres out there so I thought that I would start a short section that explained some of the more unusual ones. This month I have decided to start with alternative dance.

ALTERNATIVE DANCE

ACOLYTE – DELPHIC Delphic is a four piece alternative dance act hailing from Manchester in the UK. Acolyte is their first album and it is a little ripper. It’s brand spanking new, only released in January this year and I think that it has the potential to be a big hit so I urge you to get on this little band wagon. They remind me somewhat of acts like Friendly Fires and Miami Horror at times but with a whole lot less energy which is really fresh and inviting. There are definitely elements of trance but with a real house music, chillaxing quality, sort of easy listening dance/electronica, Sunday afternoon by the pool kind of stuff really.

Want to know more? Well Delphic only formed in 2008 and released their first single in 2009 so it really is a matter of ‘watch this space’ with this band. This album Acolyte’ peaked at number eight on the UK music charts this year, but is yet to really come into the picture here in Oz, but my fingers are crossed. Check it out: I like it, so you should like it too.

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Alternative dance as defined by Wikipedia (also referred to as underground dance in the US) is a musical genre that mixes rock subgenres with electronic dance music. Although largely confined to the British Isles, the genre has gained American and worldwide exposure through acts such as New Order in the 1980s and The Prodigy in the 1990s.

Allmusic states that alternative dance mixes the ‘melodic song structure of alternative and indie rock with the electronic beats, synths and/ or samples, and club orientation of post-disco dance music’. The Sacramento Bee calls it ‘postmodern–Eurosynth– technopop–new wave in a blender’.

So there you have it kids, now you are just that little bit smarter!

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TOP QUEER

DAS ÜBER GOLF DER GTI

Have you ever had one of those dreams where everything is just perfect? When you don’t want to wake up?

When the reality of the morning is a bit hum-drum?

Well that was my “oh too short” experience with the Golf GTI. The sad thing about reviewing these nice cars is that I have to hand them back. The Golf GTI was the most reluctant of handovers I have had to deal with to date.

So let’s start with the heart and soul of the GTI. That cracking two litre turbocharged engine that propels this hot hatch at speeds normally only Captain Kirk could aspire to. To bore you with stats it has 155 Kw of power and 280 Nm of torque which, for those of you who don’t know or care, means LOTS of it. The power is also delivered in a typically European way; Punchy all the way through the rev range, none of this rev it up to get the best out of it stuff. The GTI is seamlessly smooth from down low to as far up as you are game to take it. I didn’t need to push it to its limits as it went so well regardless.

{

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.

It has six speeds and selection paddles on the steering wheel, as well as the normal shifter with only two pedals to worry about. It is a great mate with the engine and should keep most performance buffs very happy.

So what about the rest of the car? It’s roomy and comfortable.

Although the ride is a little on the sporty side of smooth — but you wouldn’t want mooshy suspension with all that giddy up would you? The boot is very usable and the back seats fold for luggage. This is a true sports car that you could easily live with. Unlike others that are pretty much for the track only.

There are plenty of gadgets to keep you amused, most of which, once learnt function with typical German logic. The dials are clear and the radio is combined with an optional sat-nav system in a central touch screen. There is a neat digital display in the instrument cluster that tells you everything from what gear you are in, to what point on the compass the GTI is facing, as well as an additional digital speedo (no, not budgie smugglers). The GTI also has a temperature gauge, as I think all cars should have.

The paint and upholstery seemed to be of very high quality, which is reflected in the twelve-year, anti-corrosion warranty on the body (wish my body came with that). The overall looks are not too polarizing and shouldn’t attract too much unwanted attention.

All of this grunt is well controlled by a myriad of acronymic technology to help you harness the wieldy beast and keep it on the straight and narrow. There is no need to be scared of it. The GTI is happy to be driven like a granny car too, giving it a real Jekyll and Hyde personality.

The gearbox is interesting too. It’s not a manual, it’s not an auto; It is what is known in VW speak as “DSG” which means Direct Shift Gearbox. It is actually a manual, but it’s fully automatic. It’s also quicker on the trigger than Schumacher himself and can shift in 3-4/100ths of a second. However, should you still wish to drive it manually you can.

FUSE 38

Thank you to the good people at Lennock Motors for the loan of the GTI. I must say I was very impressed. Most of the time when I test a car, there are one or two things I would dearly like to change. But there wasn’t anything I would have done differently if I had designed the GTI myself.

Happy Motoring (especially if you own a golf GTI) – Stu

AUNT DOROTHY’S

MOTORING TIP Wash your car after visiting the coast.

The salt in the air is highly corrosive and pretty much no good for any surface on your car. Oh, and please remember to observe your local water restrictions!

REGULAR GUYS + REGULAR SEX =

REGULAR TESTS Are you a man who has sex with men?

Protect yourself and your partners by getting HIV and STI tests regularly.

For Free and Confidential testing, call your local clinic on:

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PHONE: (02) 6298 9233

FUSE 39

WORLD STAGE

WALK WITH PRIDE

Each year gay pride festivals are held around the globe with the purpose of empowering those in the LGBT community to be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, and to increase their visibility within the wider community.

Annual pride parades have become a powerful part of pride festivals as they are a positive and entertaining way to unite a diverse group of people, while bringing out family, friends and heterosexual supporters in a demonstrative show of solidarity.

With the aspiration of using photography to promote international gay rights and visibility, the new and independently developed Walk with Pride project aims to spend over a year documenting pride parades around the globe. Developed by photographer Charles Meacham and blogger Sarah Baxter, Walk with Pride takes advantage of social media technologies to link viewers with related Flickr, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts. An accompanying blog shares updates on the trip and stories about each community visited. Some key stops on their planned international journey will be the pride parades held in Sydney, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Mumbai and São Paulo.

While imagery often celebrates the colorful atmosphere of parades, the project also intends to showcase the diversity of communities from the provocative to the more reserved, the flamboyantly dressed to the ordinary yet proud. The idea for the project was sparked after attending the 2009 Taipei Pride event, one of the largest LGBT parades in Asia. As the project is freshly started, expect to see an increasing variety concerning pride imagery as they continue. As project co-founder Charles Meacham explains, ‘Each parade has a life of its own, what I’m trying to do is show this. At the same time, I also want to show through photographs the similarities and differences in gay communities around the world.’

Charles has already completed several other culture-related photography projects, which has led to over twenty international photography awards, including those from National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian and PDN magazines. Previous writing projects by Sarah Baxter have likewise been culturally focused, and have featured on the community pages of Lonely Planet.com, EthicalTraveler.org and WildAsia.net

For those interested in following their progress, visit: walkwithpridenow.com or wwpproject.wordpress.com The next march they will be photographing is the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on 27 February 2010.

FUSE 40

Kylie Gillies

Children of same-sex couples now have two legally recognised parents to care for them.

85 Federal laws that discriminated against same-sex families have been reformed. To celebrate, 85 artists have created 85 T-shirts inspired by the changes. Find out which ones fit you.

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CLAIRE AND RAECHEL

ARE WIFE AND WIFE OUT & ABOUT

Claire and Raechel are a Canberra couple and recently had a commitment ceremony in Narooma.

Raechel told FUSE: 'The day was even better than we'd imagined. Such a meaningful, wonderful day with many of our friends and family there to celebrate with us. We're so happy to now be wife and wife!'

We all wish them the very best in the years to come.

CLAIRE & RAECHEL

AUSTRALIA GAY

FUSE 42 42

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FUSE 43

it’s ELEMENT-GAY my dear watson

COUCH CULTURE

{

By Amy Brown

Exploring the gay {subtext} of Sherlock Holmes

1. The implicit meaning or theme of a literary text.

2. The underlying personality of a dramatic character as implied or indicated by a script or text and interpreted by an actor in performance.

Explosions, gorgeous steampunk costumes, a stunningly attractive cast and a film throughout which Robert Downey Jr (Holmes) and Jude Law (Watson) manhandle one another and bicker for two hours… what’s not to like about Sherlock Holmes?

Granted, if you like your crime fiction to have more intricate plot twists and fewer shirtless bar fights, you might be better off visiting your local library. Arthur Conan Doyle is still on the shelves there, if you’re looking for a plot-driven Holmes experience. Guy Ritchie’s blockbuster is — explosions and all — actually a character-driven film.

Which brings us back to Holmes and Watson, who argue their way through the film, stealing one another’s clothes, checking one another out, fighing about money, resenting one another’s girlfriends, and getting themselves into compromising situations.

It’s all subtext — but subtext done gleefully, extravagantly, and entirely deliberately.

Stars, Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law have been baiting the media for months.

In August, RDJ described Holmes and Watson’s relationship to Britain’s News of the World: ‘We’re two men who happen to be roommates, wrestle a lot, and share a bed. It’s badass.’ After the film’s release, RDJ described Holmes to David Letterman as ‘a very butch homosexual’. While the final product is disappointingly light on bedsharing and Holmes/Watson wrestling, it is undeniably butch and badass.

But what about the women? Happily, although RDJ has described Watson’s girlfriend Mary as ‘a bit of a beard*’, Sherlock Holmes manages to be homoerotic without being misogynistic. Both Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) and Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) are well-drawn, distinct characters. Adler in particular kicks arse as an ambiguous underworld figure and Holmes’ former lover.

My only disappointment is that the two women never even meet — so even the most ardent subtext-hunter has little to go on there.

FUSE 44

To make up for this terrible oversight, Ritchie does give us Rachel McAdams cross-dressing, which is every bit as hot as it sounds.

Subtext has still more to offer: if poly dynamics are your thing, Holmes, Watson and their respective female interests form two wonderfully charged triangles, each with its own distinct dynamic. If you fancy Robert Downey Jr naked and handcuffed — well, he is.

We have to ask, though: is subtext really good enough? As the stars stir up controversy, Adela Plunket, who holds the US copyright to Conan Doyle’s works, has told the media that she will withdraw permissions from future productions if the film’s homoeroticism is to be further explored. Media commentators, such as a 6th January piece published on The Guardian’s Film Blog (no longer available) seem to enjoy the gleeful subtext, but, like Plunket, conclude that subtext should stay just that: inconclusive.

As independent blogger ‘bookshop’ has pointed out, subtext isn’t enough.

Subtext means that those who would rather see only an epic bromance never have to face any other possibility. Subtext means that filmakers can court controversy and yet not alienate conservative audiences. Sherlock Holmes is an iconic figure of English literature: there’s no good reason why he shouldn’t also be gay, and by flirting with subtext, Ritchie never commits to giving us a true queer hero.

* Beard is a gay slang term describing a person who is used, possibly unknowingly, as a date or romantic partner specifically to conceal sexual orientation.

FUSE 45

{

By Hannah Lewis

OP.ED

WHEN THE RADICAL AND LIBERAL STANCES MARRY The irony of all ironies: there is a section of the Liberal Party that has (somehow) managed to align with the radical queers in their stance on gay marriage.

The radicals and the Liberals argue that gay marriage shouldn’t be allowed because the state has no place to regulate our relationships. This perspective is familiar to me. I am the bastard child of two parents who rejected the state regulation of marriage and opted for the free-loving styles of de-facto relationship status. This choice was scandalous to my deeply Catholic grandfather.

My parents, however, have changed their tune: they still object to marriage as an institution but believe that gay marriage should be allowed. My mum argues, ‘They should have the same rights as everyone else to elect not to marry.’

So how is it that the Liberals and the radical queers came to the same conclusion on gay marriage?

Recent polls have shown that sixty per cent of Australians support gay marriage and whether they like it or not (and regardless of my ability to fathom it) some gays do vote Liberal. Adopting this perspective, particularly for gay Liberals is an easy “way out” since they are likely to find it difficult to argue that civil marriage shouldn’t be granted to gays because homosexuality is depraved. Similarly, the so called “wet” Liberals, or the less socially conservative (dare I dub them “left-Liberals”?) need a way to appease their consistency.

Taking this stance is consistent with the Liberal perspective on Government intervention since it is about reducing Government interference in our lives, which makes it easier to adopt, despite its radicalism.

Thus, the deregulation of marriage from the Liberal perspective is an “easy” way out of the debate.

FUSE 46

If objecting to gay marriage on the basis that Governments shouldn’t intervene in our private lives is the Liberal way of shirting the issue, why have the radicals adopted this perspective?

I support diversity of opinion but it angers me that this perspective has taken hold in the queer community.

I understand their theoretical argument. Version one runs something along the lines of the Liberal argument: The Government shouldn’t intervene in our lives

and we should be free to do whatever we want so long as it is consensual (anarchy).

Version two runs along the lines that monogamy is a repressive institution, which is linked to the idea of women and property. Therefore, from these perspectives it flows that:

We should not argue for gay marriage, instead we should fight for the abolition of the institution of marriage.

I may agree with these principles and personally reject marriage as an institution — I object to the Liberal’s and radical’s conclusions on gay marriage.

Homophobia is still ripe in our communities. It is even worse in the country. We only need to look at the significantly higher queer youth suicides or the number of closeted gays in those places. Or we could make reference to that gay friend we all have, and how long it took them to come out because of the very fear of homophobia.

Gay marriage is a strong symbol of equality. The total deregulation of marriage is never going to occur. Idealism has its place, but when it hampers actual progress it is dangerous. It needs to be paired with pragmatism. If the heart of the gay rights struggle is to achieve equality, gay marriage in this way becomes an integral and achievable step. Gay marriage too has the added advantage, that simply taking away marriage as an institution does not.

It would send a strong message to our community that homophobia is not supported by the Government and must stop. Therefore, the queer community needs to come together and work with heterosexual allies, in order to achieve the ultimate in equal rights before the law: same-sex civil marriage.

FUSE 47

DEAR ROSE

Dear Rose, I’m a proud, out bisexual man. I have recently come across several gay guys I have been interested in who have turned me down because of my sexual orientation. Is this biphobia I’m seeing in the gay community??

Bi Boy Dear Bi Boy, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, unfortunately there is a biphobia element in our community!

You would think that in the gay community we would be far more understanding of sexuality in all its forms. I must confess, I too was biphobic for a long time until I met a fantastic woman who shared her views about bisexuality with me.

From her I learnt that, when she meets someone she looks at the connection with that person, rather than looking at whether they are a boy or a girl. Her view is that sexuality isn’t just our bits, but about the fluidity and the affect that we have on each other’s lives.

A beautiful sentiment, but a tough reality when you are out in the real world trying to make a connection, am I right? Whilst I am totally on your side for the unfairness of the situation, ultimately you have to respect the choice someone makes when deciding not to date a person who identifies as bisexual.

But have hope, you sound like a fantastic guy and there is nothing sexier than someone who knows who they are and what they want. There is a fantastic boy out there that will want to date you because of who you are and not be insecure about the sex of your previous lovers.

Dear Rose, My girlfriend and I have recently broken up.

I still really care for her, but she just won’t let go and is continually sending me messages.

I don’t think it’s healthy, but we were together for almost ten years and I don’t want to upset her.

Bec Dear Bec, Ten years is a long time to be in a relationship and while it’s understandable that your ex may want to continue a dialogue with you, the reality is that you need to find that line in the sand that defines where your life begins and the boundary that she is not permitted to cross. You also need to be resolved in the fact that you will upset her, but being firm at this point is going to be better for you and ultimately better for her.

Trust me, as the months go by and you begin to settle into your new life and perhaps start seeing someone new, it will be far more difficult to enforce those boundaries then.

FUSE 48

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, Why is it that some lesbians shave and others don’t? Recently my girlfriend has been giving me a hard time about shaving my map of Tassie. I am not sure if I really want to do this???

Signed H Dear H, Why is it that some lesbians shave and others do not? I questioned lesbians in the know and the responses were varied, some said that it is unnatural to remove hair, others said that it was too painful, some say it is basically laziness.

So, Hairy you bring up an interesting subject, I have often pondered the concept of dating my waxer, given that I spend a substantial amount of my cash with her and the fact that she probably has a better knowledge of my bits!!!

Whilst we all endeavour to try to please our partners, remember it is ultimately your choice on the important question of “to shave” or “not to shave”. But if you go the way of the “bald eagle”, here are Rose’s top three tips: 1. Use a sharp razor — a blunt razor is hazardous and does not give a smooth finish.

2. Take your time — a fast shave can have disastrous results.

3. Have fun and remember if you do shave, it will eventually grow back!

Dear Rose, My best mate has asked me to be best man at his wedding.

Although I want to, I don’t think that as a gay man I should be supporting a wedding in an anti- gay church. Your thoughts?

Ricky Dear Ricky, I hear you brother! The thought of walking through the doors of a church and feeling the hypocrisy seep through to your pores, is more than anyone can bear.

On the flip side, you not attending your best mates wedding will not realistically change the views of the church any time soon. What will happen, is that you will end up hurting people that you care about the most, including yourself. Whilst I would love to be the first to protest outside a church and draw attention to its actions and chequered history, the fact is we all have to respect their beliefs. I say this because I hope that if we respect their beliefs, they may respect our choices.

So my pearls of wisdom are this: go and celebrate a beautiful day with your best mate and their partner, hold your head up high and be proud of who you are!

I guarantee that your best mate is proud of who you are!!!

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