FUSE30 : Equality. A work in progress (Boy Cover)

FUSE

MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU AUG / SEP 2012

LIFE LOVE 30 24 EQUALITY

How will you vote?

OPEN LETTERS TO THE COMMUNITY FROM ACT PARTY LEADERS

COMEDIAN MARK SHEPPARD IS CHASING THE LOLLYMAN EVERYONE SHOULD LIFT WEIGHTS GAY MEN DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE LIVES

Style

+ NEW DIVERSITY CENTRE COMING TO CANBERRA TRANS* LAW REFORM IN THE ACT

> > > EQUALITY 足> A WORK IN PROGRESS

CHOOSING THE RIGHT JEANS

Representing the full spectrum of Australians

www.act.greens.org.au

facebook.com/ACTGreens Authorised by Indra Esguerra for the ACT Greens

@ACTGreenMLAs

CONTENTS

FUSE MAGAZINE MADE IN AUSTRALIA AUG / SEP 2012

LIFE LOVE 30 EQUALITY EDITOR Alexander Thatcher ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Tony Hamlyn

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POLITICAL EDITOR Simon Copland

FUSE FEATURES

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Yasmin Element

16 We chat to local lesbian muso Jude Kohn,

she’s a funky blues chick who is playing

up a storm on the Canberra music scene.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christopher Powell PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Linda Djumlija CONTRIBUTORS Scott Malcolm Rose Pappalardo Stuart Poole Colby Kern Morrell Andrew Burry Melisa Paz Katie Boxall Peter Hyndal Quinten Brown Michael Cain Adrian Brown Vickie Quinn Keiron Goatcher PHOTOGRAPHERS Lucinda M Shannon Lynx Photography

24 That funny “gay blackfella” Mark Sheppard

talks about his hilarious one man show

‘Chasing the Lollyman’.

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29 Gay activist Michael Cain writes about blood

donations and how healthy gay men are

being denied the opportunity to save lives.

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FUSE REGULARS 02 Editor’s Rant 04 The Flicks 07 What’s On 08 Round Up : News & Politics 11 Trans* News : ACT Law Reform 12 Buzz : Entertainment & Gossip

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WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU 22 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 FUSE publisher, editor or 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.

We invited the leaders of the three major parties in the ACT to write an open letter to the GLBTI community to share their vision for Canberra leading up to the October election.

FUSE OP.ED

CONTACT FUSE Telephone: 0412 309 992 Email: hello@fusemagazine.com.au Mail: PO Box 3577 Manuka ACT 2603 Published + designed by: Lithium Innovation Pty Ltd lithium.net.au ISSN 1836-8387

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15 Style : Choosing the Right Jeans 18 Community : Diversity ACT 21 Money Shot : Carbon Tax 22 Fitness : Why Everyone Should Lift Weights 27 Out & About : Cube Nightclub 34 Ear Candy : Music Reviews 37 Top Queer : ACT Motafrenz 39 Talent : Artist Daniel Edwards 40 GLBTI Health Update 43 Stargazer : Your Horoscope 45 Out & About : Capital Queers Trivia Night 46 FUSE Community Directory 48 Dear Rose 1

EDITOR’S EDITOR’SRANT RANT

❂ LIFE, LOVE & EQUALITY We should all be concerned about the significant rollback of gay and lesbian rights in Queensland.

Alexander Thatcher Editor

Over the past few months, Campbell Newman’s National Liberal Party (NLP) has made some serious changes to civil unions. It’s now a watered-down ‘relationship registration’ with no ceremony. There have also been amendments to the termination procedure — instead of seeking a court order from the District Court as with divorce, an application for termination is lodged with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages — thereby reducing the similarities to marriage even further.

In Queensland, same-sex couples cannot legally adopt a child and proposed changes to surrogacy laws will mean that it will also become illegal for singles, same-sex couples and defactos — who have been in a relationship for less than two years — to use a surrogate mother. The proposed changes break a promise made by Premier Campbell Newman just before this year’s state election.

In a shock move, the Newman Government also withdrew $2.5 million in funding to the Queensland Association of Healthy Communities — a significant voice and safety net for the GLBTI community. Andrew Bartlett, a spokesman for the Greens commented, ‘It is obvious that this decision is driven by the religious fundamentalist ideology that now dominates the NLP, rather than one based on evidence about better health outcomes’. Whether this statement is accurate or not, GLBTI people in Queensland must be wondering what future they have in the state.

Tony Hamlyn Entertainment Editor

In an absolute landslide election, I’m sure that many GLBTI people voted for the NLP without knowing what the potential repercussions were for the state and their rights.

It just goes to show how important it is to know exactly where parties stand on GLBTI issues before you start ticking boxes on Election Day. Don’t think just because you’ve already got something it can’t be taken away.

In light of this, FUSE invited the leaders of the three major parties in the ACT to write an open letter to the GLBTI community to share their vision for Canberra leading up to and beyond the election in October (p30).

Simon Copland Political Editor

On the sunnier side of things here in Canberra, we interview three very creative and talented people: Jude Kohn, a funky music chick with a blues heart — her journey began with a spectacular bicycle accident, a couch and a guitar (p16); Mark Sheppard, who steps off the stage to tell us about his new show Chasing the Lollyman and talks about what life is like as a gay “blackfella” (p24); and last but not least, local artist Daniel Edwards, who creates the most amazing textile art, defying common stereotypes and gender boundaries (p39).

Enjoy, Alex

GAY BLOOD DONATION PLEDGE

Yasmin Element Associate Editor

FUSE magazine wants to let the Australian Government and Red Cross know just how much under utilised and safe blood is available, so we have set up a petition page at change.org — ‘Gay Blood Donation Pledge’ where you can pledge your gift of blood if Australia’s blood donation guidelines are changed.

Christopher Powell Creative Director

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You’ll find the ‘Gay Blood Donation Pledge’ link on our front page at fusemagazine.com.au

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

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MOVIES HOPE SPRINGS : OPENS 30 AUGUST

THE BOURNE LEGACY : OPENS 16 AUGUST

Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) are a devoted couple, but decades of marriage have left Kay wanting to spice things up and reconnect with her husband. When she hears of a renowned couple’s specialist (Steve Carell) in the small town of Great Hope Springs, she attempts to persuade her skeptical husband, a steadfast man of routine, to get on a plane for a week of marriage therapy. Just convincing the stubborn Arnold to go on the retreat is hard enough - the real challenge for both of them comes as they shed their bedroom hang-ups and try to re-ignite the spark that caused them to fall for each other in the first place.

In The Bourne Legacy, writer and director Tony Gilroy expands the Bourne universe created by Robert Ludlum with an original story that introduces us to a new hero (Jeremy Renner) whose life-or-death stakes have been triggered by the events of the first three films.

THE FLICKS HOLY MOTORS OPENS 23 AUGUST We follow 24 hours in the life of a being (DL) moving from life to life like a cold and solitary assassin moving from hit to hit. In each of these interwoven lives, the being possesses an entirely distinct identity: sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes youthful, sometimes old to the point of dying; sometimes destitute, sometimes wealthy. By turns murderer, beggar, company chairman, monstrous creature, worker, family man… It’s clear that DL is playing roles, and plunging headfirst into each — but where are the cameras, the crew, the director? He seems horribly alone, exhausted from being chained to all these lives that are not his, from having to kill enemies that are not his enemies, having to embrace wives and children who are not his. But sometimes, conversely, we feel DL is wounded by having to leave, the moment his scene is over, other beings he would have liked to leave no longer. Where is his home, his family, his rest?

Holy Motors features our very own Kylie Minogue.

✔

TOTAL RECALL : OPENS 6 SEPTEMBER Doug Quaid (Colin Farrell) dreams of going to the planet Mars. He goes to a company that sells implanted memory so he can have a virtual experience that takes him to Mars, but when the company finds that he appears to have undergone a previous memory replacement, he fears he may be a secret agent whose cover has just been blown.

FREE MOVIE TICKETS FUSE has double passes to give away to Dendy Cinemas.

Email us and tell us what you think of FUSE, comment on an article or sign up to the FUSE website and you could win these great Dendy movie tickets • email: hello@fusemagazine.com.au • www.fusemagazine.com.au FREE MOVIE PASSES KINDLY SUPPLIED BY DENDY CINEMAS CANBERRA LEVEL 2, NORTH QUARTER CANBERRA CENTRE, BUNDA STREET, CANBERRA CITY 261-263 KING STREET, NEWTOWN • SHOP 9, 2 EAST CIRCULAR QUAY, SYDNEY PORTSIDE WHARF, REMORA ROAD, HAMILTON • 108 JONSON STREET, BYRON BAY WWW.DENDY.COM.AU

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WHAT’S ON

BENT LENSES FILM LINEUP AUGUST FRIDAY 31 AUGUST @ 7PM

MORE FLORIA DETA DE S ON FUIL WEBSITSE E

FLORIADE NIGHTFEST 26 - 30 SEPTEMBER 2012 Commonwealth Park will come alive after-dark when Floriade NightFest returns for five magical nights from Wednesday 26 September to Sunday 30 September. Each evening will feature a variety of bands and stand-up comedy by popular acts all programmed to different themes including Chill out Wednesday, Latino Thursday, Supper Club Friday, Party Night Saturday and Family Night on Sunday.

Wander through the night markets, as the sun goes down, chill out to hip tunes from a great line-up of DJs while sipping cocktails in the Butterfly Lounge, or learn something new at the Gourmet Garden and ActewAGL Look ‘n’ Learn Marquee.

For more info check out floriadeaustralia.com

The story of two former lovers who reunite. After spending several years in Spain, Troy returns to LA and decides to phone Jonathan and meet for coffee. A seemingly innocent rendezvous turns into an attempt to revive passions past.

JITTERS FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER @ 7PM A sensitive portrait of a group of teenage friends. A quiet teen Gabriel has an unexpected encounter with Markus and now his head is swimming with feelings. Jitters is a rigorous dissection of teenage life and has been likened to an Icelandic version of Skins.

THE SEMINARIAN FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER @ 7PM A story about Ryan, a closeted gay student in his final semester of seminary studies. Despite his school’s hostile stance towards homosexuality, Ryan has two gay classmates. As he enters into a troubled relationship, he begins to question everything he had known about God and love.

SCREENINGS AT THE CSIRO DISCOVERY CENTRE

TRIVIA NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA! SATURDAY 25 AUGUST @ 7PM

3 - 18 NOVEMBER 2012 SpringOUT is coming your way! It’s Canberra’s annual queer cultural festival and is a celebration of the vibrancy of the local LGBTIQ communities in the ACT. SpringOUT celebrates with a range of cultural, artistic and political events showcasing the best that Canberra’s queer community has to offer.

Almost all events are hosted by volunteers. Highlights of the last few years have included the Westlund House SpringOUT Fairday, Bentfest, Women’s Dance, Canberra Pride Awards, and observance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance — and no SpringOut would be the same without Bushdance, hosted by Pink Tennis.

Year by year the events grow in attendance, and we are always happy to see our friends from across Canberra, the region, Australia even and further abroad coming to see that underneath all that red tape Canberra is so well known for, there are a few dazzling sequins as well!

Information about The SpringOUT Pride Festival can be found at springout.com.au as well as on Facebook (SpringOUT) and Twitter (@SpringOutFest).

Come and support the annual AIDS Action Council Trivia Night Extravaganza, Saturday 25 August at the Belconnen Labor Club.

It’s not too late to put a team together. There will be heaps of really cool prizes like a Plasma TV, Blu-ray Theatre System, DeLonghi Nespresso and much more. More details at: aidsaction.org.au or call on 02 6257 2855.

WHAT’S ON! WANT TO KNOW WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING, CHECK OUT OUR ‘WHAT’S ON’ SECTION AT WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

DIVERSITY ACT GALA EVENING FRIDAY 31 AUGUST @ 7PM A spectacular night of entertainment with amazing performances and much more! All proceeds from the evening are going towards Diversity ACT Community Services, providing much needed LGBTIQ focused resources and services in the ACT. Your emcees for the evening will be none other than the fabulous Portia Turbo and Canberra’s own Johnathan Davis.

Ticket bookings: events@diversityact.org or call 02 6231 3126.

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NEWS & POLITICS

ROUND UP) US SOCCER STAR RAPINOE COMES OUT 27-year-old Bona fide female soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who plays for the US women’s soccer team, has publicly announced for the first time that she is gay, telling the media she wants her story to empower others in the LGBT community.

Megan told OUT Magazine ‘To be honest I’ve been thinking about it for a while, trying to find a time that works, now leading up to the Olympics, people want to get personal stories,’ she says. ‘Our team in general is in a position where people look up to us and kids look up to us. I embrace that and I think I have a huge LGBT following. I think it’s pretty cool, the opportunity that I have, especially in sports. There’s really not that many out athletes. It’s important to be out and to live my life that way.’

FACEBOOK DEPLOYS GAY MARRIAGE ICONS Facebook continues to progress on behalf of queer users with its most recent update changing the relationship settings to include same-sex marriages as equal partners with appropriate marriage icons. One of the first appearances of the new same-sex icons was with the wedding announcement of Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes to his longtime boyfriend Sean Eldridge. More than 2,000 Facebook users “liked” the announcement, including Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Though a simple icon change may not seem like much, many within the LGBT community applauded the move, calling it an important step in increasing recognition of gay and lesbian unions. The icon has upset some Christian groups — in particular Russian Orthodox activists are calling for Facebook to be banned from the country, claiming the icons are “gay propaganda” and have told Facebook to stop “flirting with sodomites”. The activists have also threatened to sue Internet service providers in Russia who provide access to Facebook.

ADD IT UP CHRISTIANS % 0 4

The percentage of same-sex couples that are Christians, according to a detailed report of the queer community from the latest Australian census.

However gay partners are more likely than heterosexual partners to be Buddhists, but less likely to be Hindus or Muslims.

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OVERSEAS 1338 WEDDINGS The number of gay couples that have traveled overseas to get married (2011 Australian Census).

GRINDR UK

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HOUR S

Number of hours that Grindr UK was offline after it crashed following the huge influx into London of Olympic athletes and tourists from all over the world.

GAY AND PROUD? The US group ‘One Million Moms’ — which aims to stop the exploitation of children in the media — are calling for a GAP billboard campaign showing a gay couple hugging under one t-shirt to be removed, branding it “immoral advertising”.

In a post on its website, the controversial Christian group claimed retailers ‘need to choose morality or remain neutral’, saying, ‘GAP does not deserve, nor will it get, money from conservative families across the country’. ‘Supporting GAP is not an option until they decide to remain neutral in the culture war. GAP needs to seriously consider how their immoral advertising affects the youth of our nation.’

The anti-homosexual activists also attacked JC Penney for using lesbian TV host Ellen DeGeneres as a spokesperson.

The organisation was forced to drop the case after the 54-year-old star received huge support from her fans.

DRUG TO PREVENT HIV APPROVED The US Food and Drug Administration have approved the first drug shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection, a milestone in the 30-year battle against the virus. The agency approved Truvada, as a preventive measure for people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV through sexual activity. Truvada has been used in the US since 2004 as a treatment for people infected with the virus, however through trials doctors found that the drug also drastically reduced incidence of infection as long as subjects used the drug regularly. HIV advocates are now calling for the Federal Government to start trials in Australia.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

By Scott Malcolm

AIDS MEMORIAL PROJECT As announced at this year’s Candlelight Memorial, a working group has been established to start the fundraising efforts towards a permanent memorial site for people affected by HIV and AIDS in the Canberra region. An auspice relationship has been established with the AIDS Action Council of the ACT, which means that any donations made to the Memorial Project over $2.00 will be tax deductible.

WHY NOW? May 2013 will mark the 25th Annual Candlelight Memorial held here in the ACT (which just also happens to be Canberra’s Centenary year). There is no permanent memorial site for these memorials to be held, so the community fundraising efforts are to put in place a permanent reminder, to honor the memory of those in the Canberra Community that have been lost to AIDS, and to provide a place of reflection for those living with HIV and their families and friends, who are impacted and affected by this virus.

LOCATION AND DESIGN OF THE MEMORIAL? We are still in the early phases of planning and discussion with the ACT Government about the structure and site of this memorial.

We plan to hold a community consultation to gain expressions of interest as to what people would like to see as a memorial site. As people can appreciate, we will be working with the ACT Government to ensure this is as central as possible and provides easy access for members of the community to visit.

Unfortunately in 2012 HIV and AIDS are still misunderstood in our community, even after 30 years. Many people living with HIV in Canberra do so in the shadows yet if you have cancer, diabetes or another chronic illness, there is broader community sympathy and support. We hope that with a permanent memorial site and more mainstream conversations around HIV and AIDS, we can move a step closer to reducing the social and personal impacts of HIV in our community.

The new design for AIDS Memorial Park in New York.

DONATIONS CAN NOW BE ACCEPTED If you would like to make a donation to the memorial project please contact the AIDS Action Council on 02 6257 2855 or send a cheque with your details made payable to ‘AIDS Action Council of ACT ‘ GPO BOX 229 CANBERRA ACT 2601 and you will be provided with a tax receipt accordingly. We thank the community in advance for their support of this initiative and would welcome any other interested community members to join our working group to assist with the fundraising efforts.

If you would like any further information please feel free to contact the AIDS Action Council who can put you in touch with Scott Malcolm from the AIDS Memorial Project Working Group.

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ARE YO U 12-25?

Applications close Tuesday 4 September 2012

make a difference

Apply to be on the Youth Advisory Council Have a say and address important issues or concerns that affect young people in Canberra Hold youth events or forums Be proactive on issues that affect young people in Canberra Be heard and make a difference

If you want to know more about this exciting opportunity please contact Youth InterACT on 6205 0632 or download an application form at www.youth.act.gov.au

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Jennifer’s experience in providing clinical and laser treatments spans over 10 years.

Jennifer has clients ranging from gay boys who want to be ultra smooth to people in the trans* community who need a professional clinic that understands their needs.

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TRANS* NEWS A recent report by the ACT Law Reform Advisory Council recommends transgender people should not have to face sexual reassignment surgery in order to legally change their gender in the ACT. Photo: Canberra members of the local sex and gender diverse community at a recent social event.

By Peter Hyndal Executive Committee Member A Gender Agenda

LGBTI LAW REFORM IN THE ACT

WORK IN PROGRESS

Way back in 2003, the ACT Government made a commitment to remove all legislative discrimination against the LGBTI community in Canberra.

Over the following years, we saw a great deal of progress made in relation to gay and lesbian law reforms — perhaps most notably in the area of relationship recognition. And then things went a bit quiet for a while… completely quiet... for quite a long time in fact...

Which was really disappointing for trans* and intersex people because none of the reforms that had been progressed had addressed the issues that were so important to trans* people — and there are so very many issues that need to be addressed.

For example, Australian research shows that 90% of trans* people experience discrimination, and that a third of all trans* people experience that discrimination on at least a weekly basis. Not just in employment, where trans* people are 3-20 times more likely to be unemployed than the general population, but also in every other area of our day-to-day lives.

In a recent ACT survey of sex and gender diverse people, 78% had experienced difficulties in accessing appropriate medical care, and only 6 out of 83 respondents felt that their medical provider had a good level of knowledge about trans related issues. Although half the respondents had accessed mental health services, only 7% felt they had received any support from these services.

As a result of stigma and discrimination we tend to have poorer mental health outcomes — 40% to 50% of trans* people meet the criteria of being clinically depressed at any given point in time and the National LGBTI Health Alliance states that 50% of trans people have attempted suicide.

And that’s not all…

Last year, the Attorney General, Simon Corbell asked the ACT Law Reform Advisory Council (LRAC) to make recommendations on areas of law reform for trans* and intersex folk. The LRAC report Beyond the Binary: Legal recognition of Sex and Gender Diversity in the ACT was publicly released on 9th July 2012 and contains 35 recommendations for action. These cover the areas of ID recognition, discrimination protection, community support, education and training.

Perhaps most importantly, the recommendations include a proposal to change the current requirements that are imposed on trans* people before they can have their gender identity legally recognised.

Currently the law in the ACT will only recognize a trans* person’s gender identity if they submit written evidence from two medical practitioners confirming that they have been surgically sterilised. This requirement clearly violates a number of internationally and locally protected human rights. Dr Helen Watchirs, the ACT Human Rights Commissioner has described the current requirements as “inhumane”.

The statistics quoted here are all trans* specific — only because there is no Australian research on intersex at all. This is despite the fact that there is significant anecdotal evidence suggesting that intersex people experience similar levels of discrimination and disadvantage across the board.

A Gender Agenda is incredibly pleased to see these issues back on the Government agenda, and we congratulate the Government on choosing to make the LRAC report and recommendations publicly available.

In the recent ACT Budget, the Government allocated $150,000 of recurrent annual funding to A Gender Agenda. This will allow us to build on the really important work we’ve been doing for the last ten years — providing a range of support, advocacy, information and training services that dramatically improve the day to day lives of so many sex and gender diverse people in Canberra.

But most of all, we look forward to working constructively with the ACT Government to ensure that the translation of these recommendations into legislation occurs in a way that meets the needs of all members of the sex and gender diverse community.

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ENTERTAINMENT

By Tony Hamlyn

BUZZ !

LOST AND FOUND

Photo Mazz Images

If you enjoy a bit of a trip down Nostalgia Way then you should check out a Facebook page called Lost Gay Sydney.

Set up by a couple of queens who ran around the Oxford Street scene of the midlate 80s, this group has now grown to almost 5000 strong and climbing every day. It’s an open group, which means anyone can join, and invites those who experienced the city’s gay history through the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s to share their stories. What has evolved is a fascinating and touching archive of photos and anecdotes of almost 50 years of gay life in one of the world’s most notoriously gay cities. The photos are great, but it’s the posts where people share their personal experience that makes this particular page worth a visit. It’s a beautiful celebration of community, and even if you’ve never set foot on a Sydney street in your life you should check out this amazing contribution to our country’s iconic gay history.

HIP HOP HOMO Frank Ocean comes out.

LA based Hip Hop artist Frank Ocean has stunned the music industry with a very public announcement regarding a same sex relationship he had when he was 19-years-old. Coinciding with the release of this new album Channel ORANGE, Ocean released a Tumblr post featuring a letter he wrote at the end of last year that, while not once mentioning the words “gay” or “bisexual”, clearly alludes to the fact that his first love was with another man. Shortly after he gave an interview to the UK newspaper The Guardian where he spoke frankly about no longer living with a ‘freakin’ boulder on my chest’. Ocean also said, ‘… I wished at 13 or 14 there was somebody I looked up to who would have said something like that, who would have been transparent in that way’. Some of the big names of the genre, including 50 Cent, Jay-Z and Beyonce, have publicly supported his decision to out himself. And another rap artist Murs, whose new single ‘Animal Style’ deals with a closeted relationship between two male high school seniors, has made a video in which he wears a “Legalize Gay” t-shirt and kisses another guy. Is this the start of a revolution in the otherwise homophobic Hip Hop community? See the clip at fusemagazine.com.au

MADONNA CANCELS OZ TOUR So you’ve probably all heard the news by now Madonna’s not coming to Australia.

CLOUD ATLAS Wachowski’s Cloud Atlas is about to set sail. It’s the most daring, big-budgeted sci-fi film on the horizon for this December. The adaptation of David Mitchell’s acclaimed novel Cloud Atlas, as directed by the triumvirate of Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) and Matrix creators Andy and Lana Wachowski.

Watch the trailer at fusemagazine.com.au or scan this QR code — it’s totally amazing!

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After much hype and a leaked itinerary, which clearly included Australia; after booking stadiums and locking in dates; after fans set up short term investment accounts to be able to afford front row tickets; Madonna’s people announced last month that she will not be coming to Australia for the MDNA tour after all. This will be the fifth consecutive Madonna world tour that Australia has missed out on, and 2013 will mark 20 years since she was last on Australian soil. Just why Australia is to miss out again has not been confirmed, and to say that fans are disappointed is of course an understatement. If however you are still eager to see a 53-year-old flash her boobs, your best option appears to be planning a holiday to Asia, Europe or America to coincide with her touring schedule. It’s extreme, but less unlikely than her ever touring down under again.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

BUZZ !

LESBIAN WEREWOLF Jack and Diane — a thriller lesbian romance written and directed by Bradley Rust Gray, debuted recently at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival and features a cameo by our very own Kylie Minogue.

BEAR NECESSITIES The global financial crisis and the star system in Hollywood have put a stranglehold on some of the more quirky fringe projects that used to be much more prevalent in cinema.

This is probably why most filmmakers are turning to the webseries as a cheaper, more accessible alternative to getting their stuff out there. The latest one to be brought to our attention is entitled Where the Bears Are and it looks like it has the makings of a cult hit.

According to the team behind this new project, it will be a comedic romp about ‘three gay bear roommates living together in Los Angeles, as they attempt to solve the murder of a party guest that turned up dead in their bathroom’. The cast is a long list of camp but butch unknowns and the creative team consists of some seriously qualified LA-based gay writers who took it upon themselves to create something funny and good and then get it out there. It’s 26 episodes in total that will go for about four minutes each, so don’t worry about it cutting into your Game of Thrones time. The series debuts on August 1st and promises to be a cross between Golden Girls and Murder She Wrote. That’s me sold! Watch it at fusemagazine.com.au

WHAT A DRAG Let’s talk Drag Race. No, not fast cars and chequered flags — I mean the fabulous reality show from the US gay network, Logo. Foxtel’s Lifestyle You channel aired the first season here back in 2009 and while they have yet to air seasons 2 through 4, these later series have become cult classics for Australian audiences through Internet downloads. Hosted by celebrity cross dresser RuPaul, Drag Race is like Top Model for drag queens and every year the show crowns “America’s Next Drag Superstar”. Season 4, which aired earlier this year, proved to be un-missable television not only because of the bitching between the two frontrunners Sharon Needles and Phi Phi O’Hara, but also because of how it focused on some of the more positive messages of global LGBT communities, like marriage equality and overcoming bullying and homophobia. If you’re a fan of the show you better buckle up bitches, because a special series of Drag Race All Stars is currently in production, bringing back some favourites from seasons past. Just who the comeback queens are has yet to be announced, but a recent poll on the show’s Facebook page gave fans the opportunity to choose which of the muchloved ladyboys it will be. A fifth season is still planned for early next year, but in the meantime this All Stars special is due to hit US screens in October.

It’s an unusual love story that starts with two sexed up teenage girls who meet in New York City and spend the night kissing ferociously — as you do.

Starring Kylie Minogue and Riley Keough (Elvis Presley’s granddaughter) the film tells the story of Diane (Juno Temple) as she falls in love with Jack (Riley Keough) while visiting New York City. Coupled with the pressures of growing up, hormones and an overbearing aunt the couple’s young love becomes strained as Jack discovers that Diane has plans to leave the country. Trying to numb the pain, Jack decides to push Diane away. But Diane’s dealing with a change from within, as her body — starting from the inside out — takes the form of a werewolf.

The film recently previewed in Lower Manhattan to mixed reviews and is due out later this year. After Ellen started their review with ‘Self-aware, hollow, and buoyed by an endearing musical score, Bradley Rust Gray’s Jack and Diane debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival to much anticipation but left many scratching their heads.’

But don’t let the critics keep you away because it’s still a lesbian love story with fur, nails and some howling, and you don’t see many of those. Check out the trailer at fusemagazine.com.au 13

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Recently inducted into the Las Vegas Burlesque Hall of Fame, The Stage Door Johnnies is the world’s only all-male burlesque group of its kind. These ‘Naked Boys Next Door’ have re-imagined the historic art of strip-tease and will be bringing their unique brand of bare-all antics to Canberra.

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STYLE

By Colby Kern Morrell For more fashion advice from Colby visit colbykern.com

ake Do these jeans m d? my bum lo ok go o

FOR MANY OF US, JEANS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF OUR WARDROBE AND THEY ARE PROBABLY THE MOST WORN PIECE OF CLOTHING IN TODAY’S WARDROBE BY BOTH GUYS AND GIRLS. Jeans can be extremely flattering, comfortable, and depending if you’re a thrifty shopper or a label queen can be cheap as chips or extremely expensive. But no matter what you’re spending on your jeans, they are with out a doubt the most versatile part of our wardrobes. We can wear them casually around the house or dress them up for the office or a date with that hot barista in town. The truth is that we depend on a good pair of jeans. But with so many price points and style choices, finding the right pair of jeans for you can be a difficult task to get right. So what should you look for when shopping for jeans?

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Singer Rihanna teamed up with the Italian label Armani Jeans to show of there latest designs.

Choosing a style

Comfort

There are many [and I mean many] different styles of jeans that range from classic to skinny fits. The style you choose is purely preference, however different styles work better for different body types. Most styles are defined by the width of the leg.

A wider leg, such as a boot cut fit, makes a person’s legs appear shortened. A shorter person might find that a skinnier fit flatters their body more and even makes them appear taller.

We have all gone through the situation where we have realised that the jeans we just bought feel awful to wear. This can be avoided before you make your purchase. While trying on your jeans, be sure to sit down in them and give them the “walking test” by walking around the store in them. Do not forget to test out the pocket size by making sure they can fit your wallet and keys. Be sure that they not only flatter your body, but are also functional.

Get the right fit

Caring for jeans

The type of fit will differ between the styles. Try on jeans with the pair of shoes you wear most often and check the length of the legs. Remember that you want the back of the cuff to be aligned with the top of the sole. Because jeans often shrink, look for pre-shrunk jeans or ones that are a little longer. You should also be mindful of how they fit around the waist, crotch, and butt. If they are too tight, you might end up looking like bound ham — too loose and you may need to get your hands on some oversized jewelry to complete the look.

If you’re spending up big on band label jeans, you want to make them last as long as possible. It is common for jeans to fade after washing them. To help minimize fading, wash them inside out. I also recommend always air drying them as this will keep them from shrinking. These are the best ways to maintain the overall look and fit of your jeans.

Shopping for jeans can end in wasted money and a bad look, but by keeping in mind these tips it will help ease your fears the next time you find yourself in a dressing room. Take a deep breath and do not forget the most important thing… how do the jeans flatter your backside?

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Now worn by supermodels, farmers, presidents and everyday Aussies, jeans were originally designed as work wear for labourers in America during the 19th Century.

Made popular in the 50’s by stars like James Dean they are now the most loved garment through out the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo sexes up the latest advertising campaign for Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans.

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JUDE KOHN A funky music chick with a bLues heart ♥

By Alexander Thatcher

CANBERRA GIRL, JUDE KOHN BEGAN HER MUSICAL LIFE AS A ‘CHICK WITH A GUITAR ON A COUCH’. INSPIRED BY OLD JAZZ RECORDS AND THE LIKES OF ELLA FITZGERALD AND MAHALIA JACKSON SHE HAS EMBARKED ON HER OWN FUNKY MUSICAL JOURNEY. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS JUDE HAS BEEN MAKING A NAME FOR HERSELF ON THE MUSIC SCENE AND IS ABOUT TO LAUNCH HER FIRST CD ‘DISAMBIGUATION’. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THIS FUNKY MUSIC CHICK TO SEE WHERE IT’S ALL HEADING. So how did you become a muso — we have heard it had something to do with a bicycle and a couch?

It had quite a bit to do with a bicycle and a couch. A few years ago, I fell off my bike and was stuck on the couch for many months. In this time, a dear friend lent me her guitar and I began to teach myself a few chords.

By the time I was fully healed, I was performing the original songs I’d written while recuperating.

So is music your life now?

Yes and no. Music is a reflection of my life — it’s definitely in my soul.

But my life is my friends, family, and the adventures that make up my day!

What was the first song you learned?

The first song I learnt was ‘The Mack Truck Song’. I’m a bit embarrassed that the first cover song I learnt was Ke$ha’s ‘Tik-Tok’ — although it’s a huge hit whenever I perform it live in my acoustic, blues styling.

You’ve described your style as jazz vocals with a bluesy guitar — what inspired you to go in that direction?

It was a natural place for me to start, especially because I began my musical life as a ‘chick-with-a-guitar’ act. I learnt to sing by listening to old jazz records of Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson and a host of other jazz masters. However, I’ve recently begun writing, recording and producing under the outfit name, ‘Oscillating JAK’, and have adopted a completely new style. Oscillating JAK’s music is what I call ‘electrosoul-pop’, and is much funkier than my blues origins. I’d describe it as up-beat, soulful pop music with a twist!

How do you balance your music with other obligations — like work, family and friends?

Luckily, my friends and my music go hand in hand. So many of my songs are inspired by the wonderful people in my life, and my good friends come to most of my gigs, which is lovely! It is hard to balance music with my work life though — I wish I could quit my day job, but I’m lucky enough to have a job that is rewarding, challenging and that I enjoy (most days).

If you could go on tour with any band who would it be?

Led Zeppelin, hands down. But since they are no longer touring, I’d have to say Jack White, only because he is an absolute genius. Otherwise, Beyonce — do I really need to say why?

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Photo by Lucinda M Shannon

What do you think of the Canberra music scene?

It’s amazing! There’s a wealth of talent for such a small place, and it seems like there’s something going on most nights of the week.

It’s also incredibly supportive of emerging artists like myself.

So does a musician really ‘pull chicks’ or is that just a fantasy other people have? *Chuckles* It’s a bit true! I’d encourage anyone to learn an instrument for that purpose. It’s been really handy for me particularly, because I’m usually pretty shy with women.

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know?

I watch so many zombie films that I have dreams of a zombie-apocalypse on a regular basis.

I’ve become quite the kick-ass, zombie-killing machine (in my dreams).

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FEATURE INTERVIEW

GRAB A FREE COPY OF JUDE KHON & OSCILLATING JAK’S 8-TRACK DEMO! EMAIL YOUR DETAILS TO OSC.JAK@GMAIL.COM

We’ve heard your working on your first album — tell us a bit about that.

It’s called DisamBIGuation and will be released under Oscillating JAK. I hope to finish recording and producing the 16-track album by August, and have it mastered and printed in September this year. I decided to produce the album myself, which has been a huge learning curve — but ultimately so rewarding, because I’m really proud of the sounds I’ve created.

‘DisamBIGuation’ is a homegrown, funky-as, pop album with plenty of eccentricities. I really believe that an album should be made up of tracks that can stand alone, and I have done my best to create a CD that has no fillers. All of my musical influences are represented in the tracks, which reference everything from 60’s soul, to classical, to funk and 70’s dance.

But I think the album is still cohesive — I’ve tried hard to build my own, unmistakable sound within each song.

What’s an interview question you wish someone would ask you? *Cheeky smile* Where can I get a copy of Oscillating JAK’s 8-track demo?

Well, you can get a copy by catching me at my next gig and paying $10.

HOWEVER, I would love to give the beautiful FUSE readers a free copy if they email me a shipping address via Oscillating JAK’s Facebook page, or through our website: wix.com/oscjak/music. That’s right, FREE!

If you were going to serenade a lover what song would you choose?

Now that’s a very different question. If you mean to seduce someone or to try and make her fall for you: a seductive serenade would be Tom Waits’ ‘Invitation to the Blues’, it’s strange and tortured. But to try and make a woman fall for me: it would have to be an original, something slow and soulful.

What’s your super power?

I’ve inherited my super power from my mum — I can create a great dinner with any paltry remains from the fridge.

Year long cruise, shag or marry?

Paris Hilton: Shag; because then I’d never have to see her again.

But two words: Dental Dam. Gaga: Year long cruise; tell me it wouldn’t be a riot!

Hillary Clinton: Marry; I can’t resist a strong, intelligent woman.

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COMMUNITY

By Adrian Brown and Vickie Quinn

OUT AND PROUD NEW LGBTI COMMUNITY CENTRE OPENING SOON IN CANBERRA FOR A LONG TIME, CANBERRA HAS HAD A REPUTATION AS BEING ONE OF THE MOST TOLERANT AND ACCEPTING CITIES FOR LGBTI PEOPLE, WITH A PROUD HISTORY OF PROMOTING EQUAL RIGHTS AND THE REMOVAL OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ALL ITS CITIZENS.

DIVERSITY ACT SERVICES Diversity ACT aims to provide a number of services to improve the welfare of individual Canberrans, and to improve the health and wellbeing of the Canberra LGBTI community as a whole. Some of the key areas where Diversity ACT will provide support to the Canberra LGBTI community include the following services:

The ACT was one of the first jurisdictions to decriminalise gay sex (in 1976), to recognise gay partnerships (1994), to allow same-sex adoption (in 2003) and to institute civil partnerships (in 2008), and was the first Australian territory to elect an openly gay Minister, Mr Andrew Barr MLA.

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And yet despite such tolerance and support, the ACT has lacked a specific community space where LGBTI people can come to for professional advice, to access support services, or to meet and socialise with other like-minded people. This need is now being addressed through the formation of Diversity ACT Community Services, a community centre for the benefit of all LGBTI Canberrans.

DIVERSITY ACT Diversity ACT is a community-based, non-profit organisation that exists to advance and support the aspirations and acceptance of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex members of the Canberra community. Diversity ACT is a service hub, a support network and a community resource that seeks to support the diverse experiences of all citizens of the ACT, and to support equal rights and treatment of all Canberrans regardless of their sexual or gender orientation.

The organisation seeks to create and nurture a supportive place for all Canberrans of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities, their families and friends, and act as a centre of tolerance and acceptance for LGBTI Canberrans. Diversity ACT exists to provide free and confidential counselling services, a safe place for queer youth, specialist support for queer Canberrans in need, as well as a recreational hub where all LGBTI Canberrans can come together to hang out, socialise, and be involved in groups catering to their different interests.

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Anti-homophobia and bully prevention programs in ACT schools and workplaces.

Classes and support groups to promote wellness, independent living and self-management skills among LGBTI individuals.

Community outreach programs to assist LGBTI individuals experiencing hardship, social isolation or disabilities.

Counselling and support services for LGBTI people, including LGBTI teens and their families, LGBTI people experiencing financial difficulties or unemployment, and same-sex relationship counselling.

Family support services for same-sex parents and their children, as well as families of LGBTI children.

Social facilities and office space for existing LGBTI community groups, as well as a drop-in facility where all LGBTI individuals can come to unwind and socialise.

1800 phone counselling service for any LGBTI Canberrans experiencing immediate crisis or distress.

DIVERSITY’S VISION Through the coordination of functions into a single community centre, Diversity ACT seeks to improve the LGBTI community’s access to support and welfare services to ensure that no Canberran requiring help is overlooked or marginalised as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Through such measures, and the formation of a shared community space, Diversity ACT aims to create a dynamic and supportive centre where all LGBTI Canberrans can come together to be themselves, to socialise and to access services appropriate to their needs and circumstances.

Diversity ACT encourages all LGBTI Canberrans to extend their support towards this new community initiative, and to consider either registering as a volunteer or making a financial contribution to ensure that these services can continue to operate into the future for the benefit of the Canberra LGBTI community.

INFORMATION w FURTHER For further information about Diversity ACT Community Services please visit diversityact.org or email info@diversityact.org

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IN THE MOOD!

ANOTHER FANTASTIC SELLOUT YEAR AT THE QUEANBEYAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

K OUT CHEC USE THE F VIEW R INTE MARK H T I W 4 ON P2

CHASING THE LOLLYMAN WEDNESDAY 29 AUG AT 8.00PM THURSDAY 30 AUG AT 11.00AM & 8.00PM Have you ever wanted to find your inner Aboriginality? What about an episode of Getaway that takes us on a true blue Aussie holiday to a Queensland Aboriginal mission? Doesn’t that just scream ‘Classic Aussie Outback?’ This one man show is devised and performed by one of Queensland’s most dynamic and funny gay Indigenous performers Mark Sheppard.

It’s a joyous sharing of poignant and thought provoking stories.

Disclaimer: Chasing The Lollyman contains no ochre, didgeridoos, clap sticks, or images of deceased people — unless of course something goes terribly wrong!

HAIR - THE TRIBAL LOVE ROCK MUSICAL 19 SEPTEMBER - 6 OCTOBER The world is clearly in a different place since the hippies of the Broadway musical Hair first bounded into our collective consciousness more than 40 years ago.

There are however many parallels in today’s world. Unpopular wars, rebellion against dictatorship, human rights issues, terrorism, climate change and although the drugs may have changed they continue to have a strong presence. It is quite a testament to the artistry of Hair that even now, shorn of some of its cultural relevance, the story still resonates.

‘Chasing the Lollyman is about celebrating the talents of Mark Sheppard - and there is a lot to admire, from his evocative dancing to his wry commentary about growing up black and gay in Australia.’ The AGE

On a very basic human level, Hair celebrates the liberating spirit of individualism and it does so with great theatricality.

No matter what generation you are Hair remains a vital expression of irrepressible youth and a joyous be-in for all ages.

‘Mark Sheppard is an actor who is both gay, and indigenous; a unique perspective and one that he eagerly and hilariously covers in his one man show Chasing the Lollyman.’

FUSE MAGAZINE

The iconic score is amazing, with Aquarius, Hair, Good Morning Starshine, Let the Sun Shine In and more than 30 other numbers evoking a show’s era as brilliantly as any theatre songs ever have.

‘Today we may find their faith in flower power, astrology and chemical experiments naive. But Hair brought counter-cultural values to a mass audience and helped loosen up a whole generation.’ Michael Billington - The Guardian

253 CRAWFORD STREET QUEANBEYAN

TICKET BOOKINGS 6285 6290 WWW.THEQ.NET.AU

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stepping out

a free workshop for same-sex attracted women of all ages Stepping Out is a fun, interactive and confidential way to meet other women.

We cover issues such as coming out, relationships, sex, and queer networks in the ACT. for more details contact workshops@aidsaction.org.au WESTLUND HOUSE

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Next F work REE shop s 1-8 S ept & 23 O ct-27 Nov

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MONEY SHOT

By Scott Malcolm Scott is the Director of Money Mechanics

CARBON TAX REVEALED WHETHER YOU BELIEVE IN CLIMATE CHANGE OR NOT THE NEW REALITY IS THAT A CARBON TAX IS NOW IN PLACE HERE IN AUSTRALIA. I must disclose now that as one of my personal values in life I want to try to live with as little impact on the environment as possible, so that the world can be here for future generations to enjoy!

The introduction of the Carbon Tax has caused some short term uncertainty as people grapple with what this new tax will mean and how it may impact our daily lives.

Why is the Australian Government doing this?

In 2007 our Government signed up to the Kyoto Agreement to reduce emissions in the lead up to 2020 (Australia contributes an estimated 1.5% of total global emissions but has only agreed to cut 5% of our year 2000 emissions by the year 2020). I say ‘only’ as this compares to other countries making a much bigger pledge such as the UK cutting their emissions by 50%.

Other countries are taking steps to improve their use of alternative energy sources. In 2010 China had 26% of its energy from renewable energy sources and the European Union (although foundering in other aspects due to debt issues) has had an emission-trading scheme in place since 2005. So the Carbon Tax and then the planned Emissions Trading Scheme is moving Australia in line with the rest of the World.

WHAT IS THE COST TO YOU? The Department of Treasury have prepared estimates based on the $23 per ton cost, which has been set on Carbon Dioxide emissions; this would increase electricity by around $3.30 per week, gas by $1.50 per week and food by $0.80 per week, which gives a total impact of around $9.90 per week or $514 per year.

In my view this is a small price to pay and a step in the right direction if we can help minimise our overall imprint on the environment.

The carbon tax is a necessary step towards reducing Australia’s contribution to the emissions driving climate change which are having such significant physical and psychosocial impact on Australia and around the world. If you want to have a discussion about how the Carbon Tax may impact you or your cash flow personally, speak to a professional, but most importantly start your journey to being free around your money and creating wealth with understanding!

Scotty’s Loose Climate Change By 2021 Australians could save more than $600 million on our water and energy bills just by using more water efficient appliances and products. The amount of water we can save by then is about 800,000 megalitres which is more than the whole of Sydney Harbour. Each old school globe you replace with a compact fluorescent light could save you around $40 in electricity costs.

It will also last six times as long. Cycling 10 kilometres each way to work can save you about $1,700 in transport costs and 1,500 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

A report ranking the world’s biggest polluters puts Australia in seventh place and has shown that high income countries like ours have an ecological footprint on average five times that of low-income ones and that a carbon price alone will not be enough for Australia to meet its target of a dramatic cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

If would like to ask Scott any questions, you can email him at scott@money-mechanics.com.au or call 02 6257 5557. (http://money-mechanics.com.au) Scott Malcolm is Director of Money Mechanics who are authorised to provide financial advice through PATRON Financial Advice AFSL 307379.

The information provided in this article 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.

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FITNESS

LIFTING WEIGHTS IS NOT JUST FOR THE GYM BUNNIES, JOCKS AND MUSCLE GIRLS. For too many people the thought of lifting weights at the local gym sounds boring and even intimidating, especially the thought of working out with loads of “gym jocks”.

The fact is that lifting weights is one of the healthiest things you can do with your body.

From increasing bone density, improving cardio vascular fitness, lifting self esteem and even just improving body shape, there is something there for everyone. It is also worth noting that the human body loses muscle mass and therefore metabolism and strength as we age and lifting weights can reverse that trend. You will also find that many gyms have people just like you with similar goals; it can be a great place to meet new people and doesn’t need to be intimidating.

The following information is a great stepping-stone to get you on your way.

WHY EVERYONE SHOULD LIFT WEIGHTS STARTING OUT

EATING WELL, DRINKING WELL

Set some goals — it is critical before you embark on any new venture to have some direction and know where you are heading. Write down the things you would like to change and what you will do to change them. Break these down into long and short term goals. The short term goals should be readily achievable.

Some examples could be losing a belt hole or two around the waist, or being able to complete twenty pushups (in good form), increasing your base fitness level or getting bigger biceps!

If your goal is to build muscle, you need to make sure your diet consists of fresh whole foods. Anything that comes in a box or can should be passed over, as many fast and ‘convenient’ foods contain hidden sugar, fats and chemicals that can diminish your immune system and reduce your energy levels. Consuming food that is fresh and wholesome will strengthen your immune system and enhance your efforts to build muscle. Remember that at a bare minimum every adult in Australia should be consuming at least five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruits EVERY day. Increasing your protein intake is quite often necessary when trying to build muscle, sometimes supplementing your diet with a protein powder or shake could benefit your results, but be sure to speak with an exercise specialist in regards to what will work best for you and help you reach your goals.

Armed with this, speak with an exercise professional to help keep your goals and timeline realistic, and also to get some help constructing a program. It is important to know how many times per week your are able to dedicate to your exercise. A good starting place is three sessions per week (ie. Monday, Wednesday and Friday). This allows plenty of recovery time for your muscles to repair after each session.

STAYING THE COURSE Achieving long-term goals requires that you provide yourself with motivation along the way. Set rewards which will reinforce healthy muscle building behaviour. If you were to treat yourself to an occasional massage, it would help your recovery by increasing blood flow to your muscles, helping you relax, and alleviating soreness, allowing you to return to your workouts well-rested.

Having a healthy body is the best feeling in the world, and building lean muscle is the perfect way to help reach that goal.

Weight training combined with aerobic exercise is great for helping you achieve considerable results more quickly. Workout as often as you can using both types of exercise and watch your body transform!

By Quinten Brown Quinten is a professional fitness trainer and director at Flames Fitness

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asing h C is d r a p p e h S Mark the Lo llyman MARK SHEPPARD IS AN ACTOR WHO IS BOTH GAY AND INDIGENOUS; A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AND ONE THAT HE EAGERLY AND HILARIOUSLY COVERS IN HIS ONE MAN SHOW CHASING THE LOLLYMAN.

It’s a show that’s been running since 2010, and which found its humble beginnings with three housemates sitting on the verandah chatting.

‘We were having a glass of wine and y’know just a good yarn and a good laugh. We were all trying to butt in with the best stories, and it was animated and fun and enjoyable. And one of my housemates kind of went, ‘There’s a show in this’.

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WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

FEATURE INTERVIEW

CHASING THE LOLLYMAN IS SHOWING AT THE Q 29-30 AUGUST

That flat-mate was Liz Skitch, part of the cofounding “artistic ensemble” of Queensland’s deBASE theatre group.

Together with Skitch, Sheppard devised a narrative of very funny social and political satire that weaves beautifully into personal experience and human storytelling.

‘It’s just about being honest as well. I’m Aboriginal, I’m from Mareeba originally, and that’s where these stories evolved from; a bit of my childhood; a bit blackfella humour; without any apologies.”

The show deals a lot with family and community, and during its recent Queensland tour he saw a number of his own family in the audience.

‘At the beginning of my show I tell everyone “Please sit close to any Murris in the audience so you’ll know when to laugh”. And yeah, some family came up from Mareeba. They’re familiar with these stories already as well, so getting that kind of laughter that comes from familiarity, particularly from family, has been nice.’

Growing up both a “blackfella” and gay in a small far north Queensland town isn’t usually the sort of experience people survive easily, but Sheppard recalls it with a positive spin.

‘Oh look, yeah’ it’s been a journey. Particularly not wanting to be, but knowing that you are.

I was also brought up in a Seventh Day Adventist church and I didn’t want to go to hell,’ he laughs.

‘But I just redirected any of that kind of energy to my love of music and music at church.’

Through his participation with the local congregation Sheppard not only rechanneled any Christian guilt, but also learned a great deal about acting and performance.

‘I was always kind of performing in church.

Singing. Reading from the bible. I guess looking back on it now what impressed me the most was the ability of these pastors to be able to stand up there and deliver the word of God. And to make a sermon so much like a performance and take you on that journey. It was beautiful to be a part of that.’

Chasing the Lollyman touches on this part of Sheppard’s history, and given it is a one-manshow it has elements of a sermon, but the show itself is steeped much more in the tradition of standup. In fact, Sheppard admits that various monologues within the show got their start as exercises he had to do as part of a standup comedy class he’d been taking at the time.

By Tony Hamlyn

‘I thought looking at the show stylistically, that stand up would work. I do a bit of dance in the show as well. I have a bit of a Kylie Minogue moment.’

There is dancing and there is also singing, with a song that Sheppard actually composed himself.

‘That one in particular is dedicated to my cousinbrothers who both passed away – one took his own life, the other one had a stroke; a dedication to them, which I actually feel fortunate that I’m able to perform within the show as well, and for it to find its place within the show.’

So he can sing, he can dance, and he can act. I tell him that officially makes him a “triple threat”. He laughs loudly and admits, ‘Well, I say I’m an actor because I can make it look like I can do all three.

I act like I can’.

It’s a fascinating performance that covers all facets of culture and society, and while it clearly has its message, Sheppard insists the priority for him is that people will find it funny.

‘One of the parts of the show that I do is “Aaah”.

And that’s the best way I can describe it: “Aaah”’ Not really knowing where he’s going with this, I ask him how I might spell this and he tells me it’s all through the script as ‘triple a-h’. I ask him for a definition.

‘Y’know, when you’re sitting in amongst a group of friends and the stories become bigger and better, and the laughter becomes louder, and it becomes “Aaah!”

Chasing the Lollyman is a joyous sharing of stories, a celebration of urban Indigenous identity and takes a satirical look at the media and popular culture.

Playing a variety of characters, weaving stand up with storytelling and clown, Mark pokes fun at everything from Neighbours (what would it be like if a Murri family moved into Ramsey Street) to politics.

Best known for his role in the 2006 deBASE comedy hit The Clown from Snowy River, Mark Sheppard is a must see in Chasing the Lollyman. This show has been developed in association with the kuril dhagan centre, State Library of Queensland and supported by Arts Queensland.

To get your fix of “Aaah” come see Mark Sheppard at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre on August 29 and 30. See p19.

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OUT & ABOUT

FACEBOOK Join Cube on facebook! www.facebook.com/cube.canberra

HomoHigh Friday September 21 DJ Pete Free entry in theme

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DJ Pete & DJ Matt with guest appearances by DJ KIZ Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night

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♥

FREE ENTRY & HAPPY HOUR

There is nowhere else you should be! Come and join us at Cube nightclub. We do free entry and happy hour every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until 11pm.

OPENING HOURS • THURSDAY 9PM-5AM • FRIDAY 9PM-5AM • SATURDAY 10PM-5AM • SUNDAY 10PM-LATE 33 PETRIE PLAZA CIVIC, CANBERRA CITY WWW.CUBENIGHTCLUB.COM.AU

♥

WARM YOUR COCKLES AT CUBE

It’s was a very cold Winter’s night this Christmas in July at Cube. The evening was full of Christmas delights, including costumes, tinsel, mistletoe, candy canes, reindeer and elves. There was even a surprise guest appearance from Santa himself and his three drag queens. A very huge thanks to the performers who were enormously entertaining and provided constant amusement throughout the night.

We have loads of not to be missed upcoming events, including Drag Shows, dancing boys called All Cocks No Frocks. Also do not miss the AIDS Action Council Fundraiser which we are holding where you will see DJ Pete and DJ Kiz live in Drag on Friday the 24th of August!!!

This will be an absolute not to be missed event, and we encourage all of you to get behind it and show your support for a great cause!

We also look forward to Cube’s 7th Birthday on Friday the 7th of September, with performer Wil Sabin. Plus one of the years most anticipated and favourite events, Homo High on Friday the 21st of September.

Check out Cube on Facebook and our website to keep up to date with all of the news, photos and upcoming events and drag shows.

MASQUEERADE BALL @ CUBE

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Tilley’s

Devine Café Gallery

TILLEY’S IS NESTLED IN TREE LINED LYNEHAM For over 26 years Tilley’s has been a gathering place for the gay and lesbian community. It’s famous for its breakfasts, lunches, dinners and 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.

THE CALL IS YOURS! TILLEY’S CAN DO IT FOR YOU! CORNER OF WATTLE & BRIGALOW STREETS, LYNEHAM

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Serving you breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days • Monday to Saturday: 9am – 10pm Sundays: 9am – 6pm • To reserve your favourite table or booth phone us on 6247 7753

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Healthy gay men are being denied the opportunity to save lives.

COMMUNITY

< SCAN THIS WITH THE QR CODE READER ON YOUR SMARTPHONE

MAKE YOUR

PLEDGE TODAY

By Michael Cain

IN 2004 I WENT TO DONATE BLOOD AT A LITTLE BLOOD CLINIC IN LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA. TO MY SURPRISE I WAS TOLD THAT I WASN’T ELIGIBLE TO DONATE AS I WAS A RISK TO PUBLIC SAFETY — I WAS GAY.

What I would like to see is the question changed to something that is less discriminatory, more widespread, and ultimately safer. If the Red Cross were to base their questions on safe sexual practices, there would be a positive influence on the blood supply.

I knew this couldn’t be right so I contacted a local activist who I had read about in the papers many times fighting this or that gay rights issue. Going to Rodney Croome for help was a good idea. We sought some legal advice and started what became ten months of research on the issue.

It has three effects.

The more and more we started to look into this issue, the more it became apparent this was a case of discrimination.

In effect, the question that the Red Cross ask is ‘In the past 12 months have you had male-to-male sex?’ In Australia, it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on a quality listed in the Anti-Discrimination Act. In this case it was based on a lawful sexual activity and sexual orientation. So at the end of the day the claim sits that men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) cannot donate blood unless they abstain from sex for 12 months.

The argument from our side is that sex itself is not dangerous but it’s how people do it that provides higher risks. The Red Cross give me the impression at times that we are asking for all MSM to donate, no questions asked. But this is far from the truth. What we want is for them to stop branding us all as dirty and dangerous factories of blood borne diseases.

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One, it screens every single person who wants to donate blood based on risky sexual behaviour that can transmit disease. By widening the pretesting safety from whatever the latest predictions are within the MSM community, let’s say 10% are LGBTI leaving 5% MSM; we’ve suddenly increased our safety net by 95%, not a bad start.

Second, it stops treating all MSM from the one bucket. The current policy continues to paint all gay and bisexual men as promiscuous pill popping disco queens. While some people may enjoy that, it’s hardly representative of the greater MSM community. A change in policy will be another brick pulled down from the homophobic dogma wall.

Thirdly, while some people from the heterosexual community may be screened out by a question based on safety of sexual practice, and rightly so, it will allow for an influx of men who have sex with men to donate blood. Each donation we can provide as a community can save up to three lives, and that’s worth a proper look at the policy.

That’s why it’s important to stand up and fight these issues. You may not be a particular fan of needles, but looking beyond that is an important issue on how we continue to be perceived as a community. I know I’m not a risk factor. I’m in a monogamous, safe, loving relationship. I know that my blood would pass the test, and all stereotypes aside, I know yours would to.

TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT — Please sign our pledge to Federal Health Minister, Tania Plibersek, so a full federal review of the current policy can be conducted. You can access the pledge at fusemagazine.com.au

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ELECTION 2012 ✔ Katy Gallagher MLA Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA Deputy Chief Minister

ACT Labor believes that every individual is entitled to the right to participate fully in society and receive the support and protection of the law, whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to legislative and social equality for LGBTI Canberrans. We want Canberra to be the most LGBTI friendly in Australia.

Cities need to actively shape and project their competitive proposition to attract people. It is people – their innate skills and talent – that drive social and economic development in modern cities. The great strength of our city is our people and our relationships. We will grow as a community by supporting diversity.

Ageing: ACT Labor will develop policies that promote social inclusion and participation of older LGBTI people in Canberra.

Labor aims to reduce the experiences of discrimination that many older members of the LGBTI community through workforce training development and improving standards of care.

Parenting: ACT Labor supports a Legislative Assembly review of surrogacy arrangements in the next term of the Assembly.

Combating Homophobia: ACT Labor will undertake a broad range of campaigns to combat the homophobia, harassment and vilification experienced by the LGBTI community. This will include a specific anti-homophobia campaign in sport and recreation.

ACT Labor places a high priority on policies and actions to broaden social inclusion and support community development. Strong partnerships between government, the community sector and business will position us to take advantage of our strengths and build on our capabilities.

Marriage Equality: ACT Labor supports amendments to the Federal Marriage Act to ensure equal access to marriage under statute for all adult couples irrespective of sex who have a mutual commitment to a shared life.

A key role for the ACT Government is to foster LGBTI community development and nurture new social inclusion opportunities.

ACT Civil Unions: ACT Labor will ensure that two people regardless of gender are able to enter into a legally recognised civil union under Territory Law. ACT Civil unions will allow a formal ceremony with a celebrant if the couple chooses.

Single service hub for LGBTI Canberrans: ACT Labor supports a single service hub for LGBTI Canberrans and will provide appropriate financial and in-kind support to assist in starting up the service. We also commit to working with Diversity ACT, A Gender Agenda and other community organisations to establish a permanent LGBTI community centre.

Social Inclusion: ACT Labor is committed to involving LGBTI groups and other community based organisations in the process of making decisions and setting priorities on issues affecting the community.

Health: ACT Labor commits to delivering specialised health promotion and health services addressing the particular health needs of the LGBTI community in Canberra. We recognise LGBTI people as a priority group for suicide prevention and mental health services.

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Education: ACT Labor will continue to run anti-homophobia campaigns to reduce discrimination in educational institutions. We support the inclusion of anti-homophobia policy and enforcement in ACT High Schools and Colleges to reduce homophobic bullying.

We support the expansion of programs to educate and support both teachers and students to address homophobia.

Anti-Discrimination: ACT Labor commits to providing LGBTI sensitivity training for public sector employees and contracted service providers to reduce discrimination.

HIV/AIDS: ACT Labor commits to ongoing financial support to the AIDS Action Council of the ACT as the best investment in combating HIV/AIDS in the Territory.

Festivals and Events: ACT Labor supports a LGBTI Pride Festival as a major event in Canberra’s annual event calendar.

We will also support existing successful community events such as the annual Bush Dance by providing cheaper public liability insurance at Yarralumla Woolshed.

Business and Tourism: ACT Labor will actively promote LGBTI business and tourism in the city though support for the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Business Association and the development of a LGBTI tourism guide.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

POLITICS WE INVITED THE LEADERS OF THE THREE MAJOR PARTIES IN THE ACT TO WRITE AN OPEN LETTER TO THE GLBTI COMMUNITY TO SHARE THEIR VISION FOR CANBERRA LEADING UP TO AND BEYOND THE ELECTION IN OCTOBER.

Zed (Zdenko) Seselja MLA Leader of the Opposition

I’m the son of immigrant parents and my family was neither wealthy nor privileged. This meant that we didn’t have a lot, but we didn’t waste a lot either. My parents escaped an oppressive regime to Canberra — a city which allowed their children to achieve.

We value participation in sport, so we will cut the cost of sporting ground training and match fees by 50 per cent, and inject an extra $3.5 million into improving community sports facilities.

We believe students deserve every safeguard the government can provide them, so we will install flashing school zone signs at every ACT school.

We understand how frustrating it can be trying to find up to $12 in change for parking every day, so we will install credit card parking machines across Canberra.

The values and love of Canberra my parents instilled throughout my childhood have led me to where I am today. I want to give the best city in Australia the best local government in Australia. A government which gets back to basics, provides better core services at a lower cost, and is sensible with taxpayer money.

We value the work of veterans’ organisations which support ex-service personnel and their families, so we will help them through grants of $100,000 every year.

Since 2001 rates have doubled in many suburbs, electricity has risen by 85 percent and water costs have tripled. The average price of first homes in the ACT is now above $400,000 and the health system has gone from national average to national worst, with the longest elective surgery and emergency department waiting times in the country.

Our solutions to Canberra’s first home affordability crisis include a genuine land bank, which would have a pool of land ready to release, infrastructure improvements, taxation reform, streamlining the planning system and improving competition in the market.

With cost of living pressures skyrocketing, the Canberra Liberals secured a cost of living implication statement with this year’s Budget. This statement revealed that the average Canberra family will soon pay around $10,000 in government fees and charges every year, while receiving poorer basic services than ever before.

We believe Canberrans deserve to know the cost of their government’s decisions, and are proud of securing this for the future.

We are committed to reducing cost of living pressures for Canberrans and getting back to the basics of local government. We’ve already released policies to help achieve this, with many more to come.

We don’t believe those who can least afford it should be charged extra to pay their car registration quarterly, so we will remove these penalties for everyone, saving up to $100 per year.

We will also establish an independent Public Administration Commission to enhance the integrity of the public service, and ensure the government pays small business on time.

We would also establish an independent infrastructure commissioner backed by an industry board to ensure that housing is delivered in a more timely and targeted manner, and that infrastructure projects are delivered on time and on budget.

While it’s well known that we don’t support changing the definition of marriage, we support everyone’s right to happiness and freedom in their own lives, and the right to have loving and caring relationships recognised in law.

To this end, in 2007, we put forward the Registration of Relationships Bill.

I am very proud of what my team has achieved over the past three and a half years, but I will be even prouder when I am able to say that Canberra’s core services are not just matching national averages but are leading the way.

Only then will the best city in Australia have the best local government in Australia.

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ELECTION 2012 ✔ Meredith Hunter MLA ACT Greens Leader

Making change happen in the world takes time, energy and commitment. It takes time to argue your case and slowly change the minds of people. It takes energy and commitment to keep picking yourself up when the campaign for change suffers a setback. Greens politicians know this well and enjoy the ongoing challenge of making Australia a better place to live for everyone.

Here are four issues where the time, energy and commitment of the ACT Greens are beginning to pay off. There are many more issues you will hear us speak about during the coming months and we look forward to hopefully seeing you out and about during the campaign.

Legal rights of sex and gender diverse people: Under current law in the ACT, someone who wants to change the record of their birth sex must undergo compulsory sexual reassignment surgery. A Gender Agenda have been campaigning on this issue for many years. The Greens have been pleased to lobby alongside them and call for legislative reform. This work paid off when the Attorney General announced he had asked the ACT’s own Law Reform Advisory Council (LRAC) to investigate the potential for law reform. LRAC has concluded its investigation and has recommended that compulsory sexual reassignment surgery be abolished. The compulsory surgery was found to be invasive, expensive, inhumane and in some cases completely irrelevant.

The Greens have committed to continuing to work with A Gender Agenda and the community to ensure appropriate legislative reform occurs in the next term of the Assembly.

Equal Marriage: An ongoing campaign run by the Greens around Australia is the move towards equal marriage rights. The campaign is lead by the Greens who continue to be the only party who is unanimous in their support for equal marriage. In 2011 the ACT Legislative Assembly became the second parliament in Australia to express support for marriage equality.

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A Greens motion was passed which put on record that the ACT “Supports marriage equality; and, calls on the Commonwealth Parliament to amend the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 to provide for marriage equality.” We certainly believe that the time, energy and commitment from so many people will deliver equal marriage sooner rather than later.

This year marks eight years since the Commonwealth Marriage Act was amended by John Howard to restrict marriage to heterosexual couples. Shane Rattenbury will be speaking at an event on the 11th August at 1pm in Petrie Plaza which marks this date.

A better public transport system: It is a key priority of the ACT Greens to create a high quality public transport system for Canberra. We envisage a Canberra where public transport is reliable, rapid and frequent — with free Wi-Fi. First rate public transport is the mark of a great city, and it has community health benefits, reduces congestion and pollution, saves people money, and will make Canberra a much more sustainable and liveable city. The Greens have pushed this issue constantly with the Government and our work has helped deliver real improvements. The Red Rapid bus service from Gungahlin via the city and Kingston to Fyshwick is a great example. It is now the 4th most popular bus route in Canberra.

The Greens will continue to prioritise quality public transport; it’s an investment that pays well into the future socially, economically and environmentally.

Mental health services: Mental illness represents approximately 12% of the burden of disease, but doesn’t receive 12% of health funding. When four Greens were elected in 2008 to the Legislative Assembly we argued that the Government should increase the amount of funding going to mental health services. Progress has been made with close to $50 million invested in mental health services such as educating police and teachers about how to respond to people presenting with a mental illness. There is still a gap to close before we reach the 12% target but the progress is important and welcome news for people who need these services.

There are many more issues that matter to the Greens and we look forward to highlighting them throughout the campaign and, with your vote, continuing to work hard over the next four years.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Come out! Come out, whoever you are!

DiversityACT are holding their inaugural

ComingOut GalaEvening

The evening promises to be a spectacular night of entertainment for all with amazing performances and much much more! All proceeds from the evening are going towards DiversityACT Community Services, providing much needed LGBTIQ focused resources & services in the ACT. For more information visit www.diversityact.org

Friday 31 August ~ 7.00pm The Hellenic Club Woden $50 per person, $30 Concession or $500 per table of 10 for ticket bookings email: events@diversityact.org or call (02) 6231 3126

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MUSIC

By Katie Boxall

EAR CANDY MUSIC REVIEWS FLO RIDA

WILD ONES For a rapper whose bread and butter is bland party tracks of the go-to-the-club-and-drink variety, Flo Rida’s new album Wild Ones proves surprisingly easy to listen to. Sure, there are questionable double entendres a-plenty — including, but definitely not limited to, opening track “Whistle”, in which Flo describes exactly how he’d like a pretty lady to blow the eponymous whistle — but that fails to totally destroy the charm of Wild Ones. Flo Rida knows exactly which pop niche he slots into, and he fulfils his duties more than adequately.

Outstanding tracks are, of course, the Sia-featuring title track “Wild Ones” and the outstandingly successful “Good Feeling” which samples 1960’s songstress Etta James. While Flo Rida continues to be the least interesting part of his own album, he at least has a talent for sampling that should be congratulated. Perhaps the same could be said of Flo Rida as Sherlock Holmes said of his faithful Watson: it may be that Flo is not in himself luminous, but he is a conductor of light.

ELTON JOHN VS PNAU

GOOD MORNING TO THE NIGHT One of my earliest memories is bopping around to Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” with my older brother. I must admit though, in the intervening years he’s barely been on my radar.

So, when I heard Pnau was planning to use his lesser known, early 70’s trip pop as a basis for a new album, I was a little unsure.

Pnau, it turns out, is more than up to the challenge. Whether it’s the funk-infused “Black Icy Stare”, or the flat-out awesome “Karmatron”, Good Morning to the Night is eight tracks of retro-flavoured fun-time party music. Pnau are at the top of their game, mixing complex and interesting beats that modernises old school Elton without losing what makes him cool. The original tracks certainly aren’t completely lost under a film of generic dance beats — they’re celebrated instead.

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SKII HARVEY

BOUND BY HISTORY

While I’d describe this CD as chilled out jazz, don’t think for a second that it’s boring. Skii’s vocals are constantly fascinating — oscillating between an intimate, smooth whisper and booming out with pure emotion. According to Skii herself, the album is intensely personal, drawing on her own experiences. In her own words, “Bound By History is the next chapter. It is about being strengthened and encouraged by your past as well as cautioned. We are all made up of our history both singularly and collectively but it is how we step into the future that truly counts.”

“Angels” and “Unnoticed” are a little kitsch for my tastes, but overall Bound by History is lovely. Crank it up while you’re in the bath, and relax.

MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS

ELECTRA HEART Electra Heart, the sophomore album from Welsh singersongwriter Marina Diamandis, is the pop CD I’ve been dreaming of. Incisive in terms of satire but still a bag of fun to listen to, it’s a concept album tailored to the modern pop demographic. Diamandis sings from the perspective of wannabe diva Electra Heart, a selfish (but somewhat sympathetic) seeker of the American Dream.

As with all good concept albums, it stands stronger as a whole than in its composite parts, but that’s not to say individual tracks can’t stand alone.

“Radioactive” and “Living Dead” were my particular favourites, with their excitable pop sound, catchy hooks and surprisingly deep lyrics. Electra Heart comes highly recommended for anyone who likes pop music they can sink their teeth into.

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

SONGS OF THE SOUTHERN SKIES

LANIE LANE

Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp in Concert

ON MY OWN TRACK SOLO TOUR

SAT 15 SEPT 8PM BOOK

NOW

“Noonan and Schaupp will no doubt shift the way you perceive classical and contemporary music…” Jacklyn Yap, Junior

SAT 13 OCT 8PM & SUN 14 OCT 6PM

6247 1223 WWW.THESTREET.ORG.AU

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE AND ENDA MARKEY PRESENT

“This is a dream of a show... happy, funny, witty and so compassionate.

It makes you feel good!”

THE NEW YORK TIMES

21-22 SEPTEMBER

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Pain when you pee?

A sticky discharge?

Don’t sweat: Just get it sorted

Gonorrhoea is on the rise in Canberra It’s easy to test and treat. Just see your doctor or the Canberra Sexual Health Centre

For more info visit www.aidsaction.org.au 36

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

TOP QUEER

By Stuart Poole

CT J oi n A

nz e r f a t Mo lia’s oldest

Austra rgest car a and l the queer r o f club unity. m co m

If you’ve not heard of Motafrenz it’s Australia’s queer car club. It’s also not your typical car club in that they are not aligned to any one particular type of vehicle.

Members’ vehicles range from vintage cars and to post-war classics, modern cars, sports cars, 4WD vehicles, everyday cars and even motorcycles.

Having met the guys from the Victorian branch of Motafrenz and hanging out at Mardi Gras with them, my partner suggested that I start an ACT branch.

It all sat on the back burner for a while, but one day I just thought ‘OK, let’s do it!’

I approached Gordon Campbell the president of Motafrenz, who was very receptive to the idea of a Canberra club and keen to see us get off the ground.

He offered assistance and encouragement and soon we were ready for our first meeting. I invited everyone I knew who had an interest in cars and posted on ACT Queer. Yes, there was enough interest to get started, and it could only grow from there.

So we had the inaugural meeting — which included a few bottles of champagne and some munchies — and got things rolling.

I was selected as the ACT Convener and we set about coming up with some fun events and organising membership, etc.

In 1990, two guys wondered whether they were the only ‘non-straights’ at a motor racing meeting? They were determined to see if their theory was correct. Advertising in the gay press was undertaken and an initial meeting convened. Motafrenz, Australia’s first GLBTI Car Club exists today as proof their theory was correct.

AUNT DOROTHY’S

MOTORING TIP

So far we have had a winery tour, visited and exhibited at various car shows, and even attended the Summernats — see our article in FUSE27 (p43).

We also went to the annual Collector Pumpkin Festival, which was a real hoot I have to say, and probably my favourite event this year. And we have joined the Melbourne folk for a weekend in Albury.

Motafrenz ACT plan on having 4WD trips in the future — which seem very popular with the Melbourne chapter — and over the coming year we hope to attend more joint events and to join the Council of Car Clubs ACT. We will also look at enlisting to be able to participate in the Historic Motor Vehicle Registration Scheme, which will enable members with vehicles over thirty-years-of-age to apply for concessional registration. The president of the council was happy and positive on hearing of our interest in joining the Council of Car Clubs ACT, which was a very refreshing sign of the times.

Our members drive everything from Minis to Bentleys, even some classic American and British cars, as well as older historic vehicles and some new European cars and of course, Aussie muscle cars. But, what you drive isn’t important, it’s more about a genuine desire to have fun and be part of a group of like minded car nuts, with the added bonus of the “pink link”.

So a big thank you to Gordon and the members of Motafrenz Victoria for accepting our proposal. We look forwards to many happy miles with Motafrenz! If you would like to be part of the fun — everyone is welcome — contact Stuart: act@motafrenz.org.au

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN ACT MOTAFRENZ

• • • •

Motafrenz is for people who like cars and socialising.

Not a club which is all about the technicalities of cars.

You do not need a special car.

Come along to an event and meet us — you do not have to become a member first and everyone is welcome.

Joining a social club like Motafrenz can be a lot of fun and a great way to make new friends. The technical advice and camaraderie is fantastic! I have even been able to source parts at the right price too.

And yes, Motafrenz ACT will even let the owner of a 1984 Corolla join in for the fun! And remember it’s not what’s under your hood that matters, but whether you keep it polished or not!

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qnet

qnet.org.au

queer youth canberra

Su pp

or Fo t ru ms Ar ti cl es Ev en ts Re so ur ce Ne s ws

Canberra’s queer youth cyberspace - a safe space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ‘not sure’ young people

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WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Daniel Edwards ART DEFYING

TALENT

STEREOTYPES AND GENDER BOUNDARIES

LOCAL CANBERRA ARTIST DANIEL EDWARDS COMES FROM A FAMILY OF CREATIVE PEOPLE — HE IS INSPIRED BY COLOUR, TEXTURE, TRADITION AND MUSIC. WITH HIS INNOVATIVE AND CONTEMPORARY APPROACH TO WEAVING, TAPESTRY AND FELTING, HE DEFIES COMMON STEREOTYPES AND GENDER BOUNDARIES. Serious about his devotion and love affair with fibre, Daniel studied at The ANU School of Art, graduating in 2009 with Honours. He currently works with the Textiles Department at the ANU where he is the Project Manager for The Canberra 100 Centenary Community Tapestry.

FUSE caught up with Daniel — who is also a resident at the Canberra Contemporary Art Space — to discuss his gender breaking art and his new exhibition coming in September called ENP19.

F: Your work is diverse — what’s your favorite medium?

D: Working with wool and yarn is probably my favourite.

There are many ways you can approach and use them and I am always keen to push and explore the boundaries.

F: Are your choices affected by cultural traditions?

D: I am heavily affected by traditional textile practices.

I find that it is important to understand the relevance and meaning behind a particular style or technique. Having a well thought-out artwork that shows the craft behind the object is what I endeavour to show in my work.

F: Where does your inspiration come from?

D: I listen to a lot of music when I am in the studio.

There is a place that you can get your creative mind to, where inspiration flows, and I find music is a key element in my creative process.

F: Do you work with any recycled materials?

D: Yes, I often head to the op-shops around town and find old garments or discarded art and craft supplies.

Sometimes a particular find will inspire a new work.’

F: Weaving, tapestry and felting are not things that are seen as a masculine art form — what are your thoughts about that?

D: Actually, there has always been a strong history of men working with fibre and I have never felt that being male should limit my creativity. If you look at the arts and crafts movement throughout history men have been at the forefront of these creative endeavours.

I think that we can be quick to judge what we don’t understand.

Working with traditional craft methods is simply doing what I love to do.

F: What are you exploring and do you make any political statements?

D: My art explores the self, whether that be gender, culture or place.

Sometimes my work has some tongue in cheek political statements but I don’t often set out to make any political statements.

F: How much does colour and texture define your work?

D: Colour is quite important in my work. I use it to talk about the relationship between gender, culture and place. To the viewer the work can just be aesthetically pleasing but often it holds an underlying meaning, thought or idea.’

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F: Tell us a bit about your up and coming exhibition ENP19.

D: This exhibition is about exploring colour and geometric forms. It’s been exciting placing colours next to each other to see the conversations that form.

From this I see rhythms forming in the work which then inspires the next work to be formed, and so on it goes.’

Everything Nothing Project 19 : 18-30 September 2012 Level 1, Center Cinema Building 50 Bunda Street, Civic everythingnothingprojects.com | canberra100communitytapestry.com

39

HEALTH

HIV HOME TESTING APPARENTLY NOT IN AUSTRALIA

b It is equally important to recognise that these kits are not actually tests, but screening devices and a positive indication requires a confirmatory traditional test before HIV status is truly known.

There are a lot of arguments put out by those opposed to even discussing what possibilities self-administered testing might offer those of us engaged in trying to minimise the ongoing transmission of this virus. One that is invariably put forward is the idea that there is a risk of self-harm should somebody try the test without support in place and get what they think is an adverse result.

By Andrew Burry

IN THE WAKE OF NEWS FROM THE UNITED STATES THAT HIV TEST KITS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER TO ANYONE WHO CHOOSES TO BUY ONE, THERE IS AN OBVIOUS QUESTION ABOUT WHEN WE WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THESE KITS IN AUSTRALIAN PHARMACIES? The answer is, not anytime soon.

We don’t yet have any real availability of rapid tests, which are the technological basis for so-called home testing kits.

Despite ten or more years’ international evidence about their efficacy, Australia finds it necessary to conduct expensive clinical trials on the off chance that Australian gay men are somehow physiologically different to every other developed country, where rapid testing is widely and successfully deployed.

Handing the control of HIV status directly to the person who ‘owns’ it; that is, the individual being tested, is anathema to the traditions in our testing and prevention program. The notion that a gay man, for example, has the right to be the only person on the planet who knows they have HIV might seem logical, but doesn’t reflect the medical reality of our times.

It is important that we acknowledge that home testing kits are already available in Australia and can be legitimately purchased online by individuals for personal use.

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This argument is based on a time when HIV was a life-threatening disease, but the reality is that this is simply no longer the case. If a person receives a diagnosis relatively soon (weeks or months) after the transmission occurred, the physiological impact is likely to be so close to zero that it may well be considered to be of no impact.

The personal and social impact, on the other hand, remains much the same as it has been for a long time.

It remains a stigmatised condition and discrimination is commonly experienced from both inside and outside the gay community.

Rapid tests, administered in the privacy of your own home, are not as definitive as those run through a pathology lab, and hence we call them screening. But they will accurately determine the absence of HIV antibodies and give a negative result. The result is subject to all sorts of criteria, such as window periods, interpreting the result itself and so on.

But we have to question whether a result that has an extremely slight chance of being wrong, is better than having no result at all? What if home testing availability reduces the number of people who have no idea of their true HIV status, and who we are told contribute close to one third of new transmissions?

LET’S TALK ABOUT SUICIDE THE ACT HEALTH DIRECTORATE IS CONCERNED THAT THE LGBTI COMMUNITY HAS A 14% HIGHER REPORT OF SUICIDE THAN THE REST OF THE ACT POPULATION. Although most LGBTI Australians live healthy, happy lives, a disproportionate number experience worse health outcomes than their non-LGBTI peers in a range of areas, in particular mental health and suicidality. These disproportionately poor outcomes are found in all age groups of LGBTI people.

Concerning data that was uncovered by the National LGBTI Health Alliance was: • The mental health of LGBTI people is among the poorest in Australia.

• At least 36.2% of trans people and 24.4% of gay, lesbian and bisexual people currently meet the criteria for experiencing a major depressive episode, compared with 6.8% of the general population.

• Lesbian, gay and bisexual Australians are twice as likely to have a high/very high level of psychological distress compared to their heterosexual peers (18.2% v. 9.2%).

ACT Government Health Directorate Let’s Talk campaign aims to promote suicide and suicide prevention across the Canberra community. Given the higher rates of suicide amongst the LGTBI community, it is important for people to talk about how they are feeling and to know that they can help someone else who is feeling suicidal.

IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU: • Offer your support and ask them if they are thinking of suicide. People are often fearful that asking may introduce the thought to the person. This is a myth.

• Encourage them to talk about how they are feeling and to get further professional advice.

• If necessary, talk to someone else who can help make sure that the person is safe.

No one is saying we just throw home tests into the market and see what happens! What we can do is accept their inevitability and begin identifying the opportunities they can offer.

If you are feeling suicidal talk to someone you trust. This can be a family member or friend, a colleague, teacher, minister, your local doctor or an anonymous 24-hour telephone counselling service such as Lifeline on 13 11 14.

For information on all HIV testing options available for you, contact the AIDS Action Council on 6257 2855 or email support@aidsaction.org.au

HELPFUL WEBSITES w health.act.gov.au/suicideprevention lgbthealth.org.au genderrights.org.au

WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Supporting someone who is feeling suicidal

If you are thinking of suicide

o Talk t Avoid being alone Set yo urself small go

ey erson if th Ask the kping of suicide are thin Spend time with them Make su ongoing re they receive support

You can recognise the signs

To help those left behind

one some

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als

www.health.act.gov.au/suicideprevention

ed changes?

Have you notic

Has someone you kno w withdrawn from act ivities?

Have thingsthey stop that t ped do in hey e njoy? g the

Be a friend Listen, keep in touch Give them time

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DID KN YO 1 INOW U PEO 14 CHLHAVPELE AM YDI A

GET TES TING TE IS Q AN UICD DE K ASY

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHLAMYDIA Getting tested is very simple. All you need to know about symptoms and where to get a test is at socproject.net

CANB E R RA HO S P I TAL A division of ACT Health

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DID YOU KNOW? Chlamydia is the most common Sexually Transmissible Infection (STI) in Australia, and affects 1 in 14 sexually active young people.

Chlamydia affects both men and women and is easy to catch, but usually doesn’t have any symptoms, so many people don’t think to get tested for it. Find out more at socproject.net

socproject.net WWW.FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

STARGAZER SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

By Melisa Paz

YOUR HOROSCOPE

Pluto and Jupiter will be leading these two months with their retrograde. By September Pluto will begin its retrograde, effecting those under the sign of Capricorn, this means that everyone may experience some transformation in their life. Since Pluto runs everything that has to do with change and transformation, September will be the perfect month to think about doing new stuff and altering those things you want to change about your routine. But be careful because some of the changes that are going to be made are unexpected and may be difficult initially. By October, Jupiter will be with us, and its energy will particularly affect everyone under the sign of Gemini. However everybody else will feel Jupiter´s energy in different ways. Since Jupiter represents growth it will make the perfect team with Pluto to help you re-think some things about the way you are acting right now.

Aquarius

January 21 – February 18 Thanks to Venus by early September you may feel like you really need to re-think the way you are acting in the love area. Don’t worry, by the third week of September Pluto will give you a nice surprise that will make you feel so much better. Tip: Put yourself first.

Taurus

April 21 – May 21 Jupiter is telling you to wait. Try to be patient and don’t force anything into giving you the results you think you want.

October will be a really great month for you — you might be surprised on just how big things get. Tip: Come September avoid discussing issues with a co worker.

Leo

July 23 – August 23 Pluto is going to play a little bit with you in the love area by mid September, but don’t worry, everything that the universe has planned for you is good.

Tip: Around October 9th you will need to discuss an important issue at work, do it politely.

Scorpio

October 24 – November 22 October is going to be good for love and by September the Sun is going to give you the energy you need to make those changes at home. Tip: Don’t be frightened if by the first week of September you feel like everything is taking an unexpected course.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20 By mid September Pluto will make sure the transformation for Pisces is in the area of heath and well being. You will have to evaluate the way you are treating your body and what you are doing to make it feel heathy and happy.

Tip: Try to avoid stressing situations.

Gemini

May 22 – June 21 October will be your month Gemini!

You are going to experience some nice changes in your routine, so don’t freak out but let the universe give you some new things to learn and do.

Tip: September will be the perfect time to try new things in the love area.

Virgo

August 24 –September 23 By early September you will feel like work is consuming your life and taking away all your precious time. Don’t panic though as Pluto is going to make any time spent well worth while by the last week of the month. Tip: Don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones.

Sagittarius

November 23 – December 22 Changes that Pluto is planning for you are going to mess with your head and your priorities. So by mid September you are going to have to re-think a lot of your goals. Tip: Try exercising a little bit more. Your body is going to thank you by late October.

Aries

March 21 – April 20 In early September Pluto is going to help you to find some stability in those areas you need to take care of the most, so keep a look out for the signs.

Tip: Don’t give up on that thing you have been working on for the last weeks, it is about to show some nice results.

Cancer

June 22 – July 22

By October you may feel like you need a rest from everything. Go ahead and take it, you will feel so much better and more clear about the things on your mind. Tip: By mid October you are going to need to use your creativity, don’t doubt your instincts.

Libra

September 24 – October 23 September is going to be a great month for you at work, and Pluto, with the help of Venus, is going to take charge of everything related to your emotions, so be prepared for a nice surprise.

Tip: By the first week of October try going out more than you usually do.

Capricorn

December 23 – January 20 September is going to be a month full of changes, so keep a positive attitude and enjoy the nice things coming your way.

Pay special attention to the sexual area, the universe is going to teach you a lot by middle September, so listen carefully. Tip: If you feel you have something to say, say it.

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OUT & ABOUT

Capital Queers hosted a sell out trivia night at the City Hellenic Club on the 30th June 2012 raising significant funds towards the 2013 float, while bringing together the Canberra community and providing a huge night of entertainment. A big thank you to all those who made the night possible, both volunteers and guests.

CAPITAL QUEERS : QUEER AND AWESOME TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE HELLENIC CLUB â&#x20AC;&#x201D; PHOTOS BY LYNX PHOTOGRAPHY

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY AIDS Action Council The AIDS Action Council provides information, support and services.

More info: aidsaction.org.au A Gender Agenda A resource for transgender, intersex, gender queer and gender variant people. genderrights.org.au ACTQueer A free email list for LGBTI people in Canberra and surrounding region. groups.yahoo.com/group/actqueer Bent Lenses Canberra’s very own queer film culture group. Check out movie times online at bentlenses.org Bit Bent Youth Group Meet other young people, get support or just hang out. Mondays at Belconnen Youth Centre 6pm–8pm and Thursdays at the Woden Youth Centre 5pm–6.30pm.

Email: bit_bent@hotmail.com Canberra Gay & Lesbian QWIRE Want to be involved with Canberra’s own gay and lesbian choir? Singers and non-singers encouraged. More info: canberraqwire@yahoo.com.au Dyke Dinner & Movie Group More info on FUSE website or see Canberra Lesbians on Facebook.

Fruits in Boots A social and support network for rural GLBTI members outside the ACT. Email: fruitsinboots@gmail.com Gay ACT Squash Group Wednesdays 6.30pm–7.30pm. National Sports Club, Mouat St, Lyneham. groups.google.com/group/gayactsquash PFLAG-ACT A support and friendship group for parents and friends of LGBTI people.

More info email pflag.act@gmail.com

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Long Yang A friendly social club for Asian and non-Asian gays and their friends.

Canberra: lyccanberra.org Sydney: sydney.longyangclub.org Motafrenz is a GLBTIQ Car Club Contact Stuart Poole ACT Convener Motafrenz on 0420 523 238 or email act@motafrenz.org motafrenz.org.au

✪ Come and play at CUBE Nightclub!

CANBERRA HANGOUTS

Pink Tennis Gay & Lesbian Tennis Group meets Mondays 6pm–9pm at Turner Tennis Club, Cnr McCaughey & Condamine Sts.

Cube Nightclub Canberra’s premier gay nightclub venue.

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

Qnet — Queer Youth Cyberspace Qnet is an online community for GLBTI people under the age of 25. qnet.org.au

Phoenix Pub The Phoenix is a chilled out friendly pub where everyone is welcome to drop by for a beer or some Drag Bingo!

21 East Row, Canberra City. www.lovethephoenix.com

Queanbeyan GLBTI Youth Support Make new friends and discuss issues.

Mondays 4pm–6pm at Axis Youth Centre, Campbell Street, Queanbeyan Park.

Queer Scientists of the ACT For queer scientists of all disciplines for networking, support, socialising, and to combat discrimination. Email damien.huffer@gmail.com for more info.

Radio Q Canberra LGBTI community radio show on 2xx 98.3FM 2xxfm.org.au Rainbow Bubs A playgroup and support group for same sex parents and their kids.

Email: hoogied@yahoo.com South Coast Pride NSW From Wollongong down to Merimbula come out, come out, wherever you are!

Email: southcoastpride@live.com Uni of Canberra LGBTI group A social group for all LGBTI students and staff. Queer Space is located at the UCSA building 1 at the Uni of Canberra.

Info email: sexuality@theucsa.org.au

Tilley’s Devine Cafe For over 26 years Tilley’s has been a gathering place for the gay and lesbian community. Warm and sumptuous, it’s famous for its food and fabulous coffees and cake. To reserve your favourite table or booth call us on 6247 7753.

Cnr of Wattle & Brigalow Sts, Lyneham.

Bar32 Bar32 is a gay friendly bar and nightclub with a mixed younger crowd. Indy and alternative dance music and bands.

32 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City. www.bar32.com Ranch Men’s Lounge Canberra’s mens’ space. They are located at Unit 19, Molongo Mall in Fyshwick ACT. A safe venue for men who want to meet men. See ad p47.

Want to know ‘What’s On’ or be listed here, then visit us at www.fusemagazine.com.au

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BENTLENSES PRESENTS QUEER FILM AT ITS VERY BEST! JITTERS

FRI 28 SEPT @ 7PM

A sensitive portrait of a group of teenage friends.

A quiet teen Gabriel has an unexpected encounter and now his head is swimming with feelings.

Jitters has been likened to an Icelandic version of Skins.

THE SEMINARIAN FRI 26 OCT @ 7PM

A story about Ryan, a closeted gay student in his final semester of seminary studies. As he enters into a troubled relationship, he begins to question everything he had known about God and love.

SCREENINGS AT CSIRO DISCOVERY CENTRE NTH SCIENCE ROAD, ACTON CANBERRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S VERY OWN QUEER SCREEN CULTURE GROUP WWW.BENTLENSES.ORG

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DEAR ROSE

‘‘

Dear Rose, I have fallen in love with my best mate’s boyfriend and I think he really likes me too. What can I do, this could destroy our relationship for ever.

JJ

JJ, @ Dear I hate to sound all doom and gloom on you, but I am afraid

to say that yes, if you start dating your best mate’s boyfriend, you will more than likely destroy your friendship with him.

So my question to you is: are you truly in love with this guy and prepared to lose your best mate? Or is it the grass seems greener on the side? It’s really easy to misinterpret the boyfriend being overly friendly with you because you are the BFF. It’s his job to be friendly to his partner’s best mate.

Your first place to start is to have a one-on-one conversation with your BFF’s boyfriend and see if the feelings are reciprocated. If this Boi is serious about having a relationship with you, my best advice is that as soon as possible, both of you need to face up to your best mate and be honest about what is going on. Be prepared for him to be upset with you, he may say nasty things to you, he may never speak to you but maybe eventually he will calm down and realise that at least you were honest with him up front.

‘‘

Dear Rose, My Girlfriend is always out lately and I think she might be having an affair — I’m afraid to ask in case I’m wrong and she’ll be really upset with me.

Worried

Worried, @ Dear Nothing is worse than having a gut feeling that something

is amiss. However, this might not be what you think it is.

Giving someone the benefit of the doubt to start with can be a wise head space to put yourself in before you have any discussions with your girlfriend.

Firstly, don’t be afraid to ask if something is wrong, as you may find that your suspicions may be way off. She may be having issues at work, family problems, health issues, money etc. and may not be sure how to deal with the problem. By asking her the question, you can open a dialogue for her to come clean with what is bothering her.

Once you identify the problem, whatever it may be, you can offer her the support she may need.

If indeed it is an affair, then you need to decide whether the relationship is worth working it out. Either way for the sake of your own sanity you need to speak up and find out what is going on with your GF.

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EMAIL DEAR ROSE WITH YOUR PROBLEM TODAY!

By Rose Pappalardo If you would like to write to Dear Rose email her at: dearrose@fusemagazine.com.au

‘‘

Dear Rose, I’m 18 and a pretty conservative guy for my age when it comes to sex and relationships.

I recently gave up my virginity for somebody that said he loved me, and then promptly left me in the cold. Are all boys bastards?

Tim

Tim, @ Dear I am so sorry that you have been hurt by this thoughtless boy, but I like to think that having these kinds of experiences prepares you for the right one to come along. They say “you have to kiss a lot of frogs, before you find your prince”.

To answer your question though, “are all boys bastards?” Some are, but there are also a lot of lovely boys that are just waiting out there for you!

All of us at one point or another have experienced some form of deception from someone who has said they loved us and at some level I like to think they believe it too. I am not sure what gay boys do but most lesbians will load up on the ice cream and chocolate, watch some romantic DVDs and cry their eyes out. But never stop believing or dreaming that the right one is out there for you!

“My mom blames California for me being a lesbian. ‘Everything was fine until you moved out there.’ That’s right, Mom, we have mandatory lesbianism in West Hollywood. The Gay Patrol busted me, and I was given seven business days to add a significant amount of flannel to my wardrobe.”

Coley Sohn Actress, Director and Writer

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5 NIGHTS ONLY • CANBERRA

WEDNESDAY 26 SEPT – SUNDAY 30 SEPT 2012 – 6.30-10.30PM Live Entertainment • Spectacular lighting • Cocktails and DJ’s at the Butterfly Lounge Night markets • Comedy acts • Stylish Glow Bar

Buy tickets at www.ticketek.com or 13 28 49 $25 adult • $10 child/concession • $50 family (2 adult/2 child) • Children 4 years and under FREE Price per night. Transaction fees apply

INFORMATION – FLORIADEAUSTRALIA.COM

TICKETS – TICKETEK.COM OR 13 28 49