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MADE IN AUSTRALIA FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU NOV / DEC 2026

LIFE LOVE EQUALITY

TIMOTHY CHRISTOPHER RYAN

A CHEEKY EXPLOSION OF COLOURFUL JOY & DELIGHTFUL CHAOS

2026 SPRINGOUT FESTIVAL GUIDE STELLA EVE MEET CANBERRA’S FEARLESSLY QUEER BOLD NEW VOICE EVERYONE’S A LITTLE BIT WITCHY NOW BE YOURSELF @ SPRINGOUT

PROTECTING YOUR PEACE

800-YEAR-OLD HUGGING LESBIAN SKELETONS

STRIPPED-BACK WELLNESS & NUDE YOGA

> LASTING HAPPINESS GROWS FROM WITHIN

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alexander Thatcher CREATIVE DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE EDITOR Christopher Powell ASSISTANT EDITOR Maxwell Elliff CONTRIBUTORS Daniela Koulikov Dwayne Lennox Rose Pappalardo Scott Malcolm Hayden Crosweller Danny Corvini PHOTOGRAPHERS Cassie Abraham Kat Fogarty Simom Caban Ante Hamersmit Artem Kovalev CONTACT FUSE 0412 309 992 hey@fusemagazine.com.au fusemagazine.com.au PO Box 844 Belconnen ACT 2616 PUBLISHER Published + designed by Lithium Innovation Pty Ltd lithium.net.au ISSN 1836-8387 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 dietary 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. Some articles in this publication may have first appeared on theconversation.com. Submissions of text, photographs or any other material will be taken as consent to publish said material.

Editor’s Rant What’s On : Movies What’s On : Events & Shows Round Up : News & Politics

2026 SPRINGOUT FESTIVAL GUIDE P33

14 14 An unapologetically queer artist, Stella Eve is electrifying Canberra’s music scene.

13 Numbers : Data Centres, Sex & Shopping 28 Spirit : Stripped Back Wellness 31 Couch Potato : Queer Streaming

16 16 Timothy Christopher Ryan champions playful art, joyful rebellion and queer visibility.

28 20

32 SpringOUT : Be Yourself In Canberra 33 SpringOUT : Festival Guide 45 SpringOUT : Sport Your Pride

20 The modern witch has arrived and is possibly living next door.

24 24 Cultivating a calm, peaceful mind to fully experience life.

47 Stargazer : Your Horoscope 48 Dear Rose FUSECONTENTS

HAPPINESS GROWS FROM WITHIN IT’S PRIDE IN THE CAPITAL AND THIS YEAR’S THEME IS ‘BE YOURSELF IN CANBERRA’. It’s a fabulous theme because being your true self is a perfect starting point for developing a peaceful mind, which is the root cause of lasting happiness. I love that our queer community encourages authenticity and the joy that comes with it. There is no doubt we serve as an example of how to embrace and celebrate life, even in the face of adversity.

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Despite this, it can be challenging to be happy when our minds are frequently agitated and life is hard for many beautiful queer souls. But even in difficult circumstances, we can all find lasting happiness by cultivating inner peace — and that often starts with self-acceptance, a foundation for genuine contentment, regardless of what’s happening around us or to us. I talk more about this and how it can help with the stress of seasonal family gatherings in my article ‘Protecting your peace and creating meaningful moments’ on p24.

Keep up with local and international LGBTIQ news, opinions, events and more!

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Being true to yourself can be tough when the world constantly promotes happiness through material and external means, and AI seems to be the latest thing promising to set us free from our suffering. A useful tool for sure, but most certainly a dead end in the search for happiness, and it could be our ultimate undoing if we don’t proceed with more caution.

FUSE MAGAZINE WHAT’S ON Find out what’s on and happening in Canberra and Australia wide.

With the highly anticipated release of Dune’s final chapter in theatres this December, p4, its author Frank Herbert’s warning could not be more timely. “Once men turned their thinking over to machines in the hope that this would set them free. But that only permitted other men with machines to enslave them.” As AI becomes increasingly capable (and devious) at breakneck speed, it raises a critical question: is it really enhancing our lives, or are we inviting laziness and surrendering the very things that give us agency and meaning? Without these, we become agitated and true happiness becomes impossible. I chatted to the very creative Timothy Christopher Ryan about his thoughts on the rise of AI and how he’s woven meaning and joy throughout his life, whether on stage, at home or deep in the Aussie bush. For those who want a casual night of giggles that morphs into a psychedelic trip of fun, chaos and colour, make sure you get tickets to his show Creative Juices coming to Tuggeranong Arts in November, p16. Local performer Stella Eve says that her queer joy comes from spinning out surf-rock bangers or tugging at heartstrings with intimate girl-to-girl ballads. In our up-close interview, she shares candid insights about music, community and love. We’re all in for a treat as she brings her signature mix of sugar and sass to this year’s SpringOUT Fair Day stage. Expect a performance full of energy, verismo and queer celebration, p14.

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In keeping with our theme, Hayden Crosweller joins us again this issue to bust some myths about practising yoga without clothes, and shares how this can foster a deeper sense of body acceptance while also nurturing your soul, p28.

Visit our new website at: lgbtiq.directory

We’re thrilled to be this year’s SpringOUT media partner once again. In this issue you’ll find the full festival guide, packed with events and activities to help you ‘be yourself in Canberra’, lift your spirits, and dance with your hands in the air and joy in your heart. Dive in, connect with the community and make the most of this vibrant month — it’s for you, p33.

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I hope everyone enjoys this issue of FUSE. From my heart to yours, may this season — however you choose to celebrate — bring unexpected moments of laughter, meaningful connections and the simple joys that make life bright. Warmly, Alexander 2

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DID YOU KNOW? The author of Dune, Frank Herbert, said that many of the ideas in the story—including the spice melange—came from his perception of fungal life cycles and experiences with magic mushrooms.

MOVIES

WILD HORSE NINE OUTLAWS, LOYALTY AND REDEMPTION After 2022’s The Banshees of Inisherin, writer-director Martin McDonagh returns with another darkly funny buddy comedy of sorts. Set in 1973, two CIA agents — the older, grizzled Chris (John Malkovich) and his less cynical protégé Jack (Sam Rockwell) — are dispatched to Easter Island, ostensibly for some R&R, ahead of the US-backed Chilean coup. It’s easily Malkovich’s best role in years, and he chews it up; Rockwell, an Oscar winner for McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, is equally as good in what Radio Times calls a “poignant, powerful film”.

DUNE : PART 3 THE EPIC SAGA CONCLUDES With this grand final instalment, director Denis Villeneuve brings to a close his ambitious space opera trilogy. Based on the novels of Frank Herbert, Villeneuve’s extraordinary world building has brought to life Arrakis and the many factions manoeuvring for control of the planet’s most valuable commodity: spice. An all star cast return, along with new addition Robert Pattinson, in this sci-fi epic about colonialism, capitalism and fanaticism, helmed once again by Timothée Chalamet, whose Paul Atreides will be revealed to be either a messiah or a very naughty boy.

WERWULF MEDIEVAL NIGHTMARES UNLEASHED After 2024’s Nosferatu, writer-director Robert Eggers returns to the world of classic monsters, going from vampires to werewolves for this gothic folk horror tale. As with most Eggers films, the details have been kept tightly under wraps, but we can expect intense werewolf action with period-perfect 14th-century England details. Nosferatu alum Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe and Lily-Rose Depp star, alongside Bodhi Rae Breathnach, a young actress making a name for herself after roles in Hamnet (2025) and Sense and Sensibility (2026).

ELSINORE A GAY MAN’S FINAL PERFORMANCE After missing out on an Oscar nomination for All of Us Strangers (2023), Andrew Scott now seems like a lock for a Best Actor nomination, if not a win, for this biopic. He plays Ian Charleson, the star of Chariots of Fire, who, in late 1989, is taking to the National Theatre stage in London in the titular role of Hamlet while at the same time fighting a losing battle with AIDS. Olivia Colman and Billie Piper offer great support in a film directed by Aussie Simon Stone, but Elsinore is very much centred around Scott’s emotional powerhouse performance.

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WHAT’S ON

LGBTIQ Directory Head to the FUSE LGBTIQ Directory where you’ll find LGBTIQ+ friendly and owned businesses, support pathways, community groups, sport and social activities, and more: lgbtiq.directory

THE BARBRA STREISAND SHOW

WORLD AIDS DAY

THE RIVALS

Experience the pure magic of Barbra Streisand’s legendary career with Rachael Grace, as she brings to life the timeless hits that have defined generations. This stunning production takes audiences on a musical journey through Streisand’s iconic songs, from emotional ballads to disco classics. A unique interpretation, this show is more than just a tribute, it’s a heartfelt love letter to one of the greatest voices in music history.

Early morning event at the AIDS Garden of Reflection, followed by tea and coffee. This event will provide an opportunity to gather and show solidarity as we remember those we’ve lost to an AIDS-related illness.

Romantic deception, identity games and theatrical excess collide. Wit meets wickedness in Everyman Theatre’s bold new adaptation of The Rivals — a queer, modern retelling of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s classic comedy of manners.

MUSEUM CHRISTMAS MARKET

AS YOU LIKE IT

KALEIDOSCOPE V

Christmas Market Day will once again transform the Gandel Atrium at the National Museum of Australia into an exciting art and design market — with fashion, jewellery, ceramics and homewares from more than 40 local and regional makers and creators. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the music, food and drinks as you search for the perfect gifts for the people you love and cherish.

Despite being exiled by her tyrannical uncle, Rosalind is witty, brilliant and brave. Bell Shakespeare’s As You Like It — the bard’s most joyous romantic comedy — has been totally reimagined by Marion Potts for our camera-ready era, where all people are merely players.

An LGBTQIA+ exhibition brought to you by Belco Arts and proudly supported by FUSE Magazine. In its 5th year, the Kaleidoscope exhibition celebrates queer uniqueness, diversity of perspectives, lived experiences and shared ambitions through art.

THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER BELCONNEN ARTS

SATURDAY 5 & SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER 9:00AM — 5:00PM NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA LAWSON CRESCENT, ACTON

TUE. 1 DECEMBER 8:30AM — 10:00AM NAT. ARBORETUM

13 — 17 APRIL 2027 CANBERRA THEATRE

4 — 19 DECEMBER EVERYMAN THEATRE ACT HUB, KINGSTON

OPENING 2 APRIL UNTIL 16 MAY 2027 BELCONNEN ARTS

MORE HAPPENINGS For more details on the above events and to stay up-to-date with other queer happenings visit us at fusemagazine.com.au/whats-on WHAT’SON

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ROUND UP

DID YOU KNOW? The first high-profile Aussie sports star to publicly come out as gay was Ian Roberts in 1995. He went on to become an advocate, community leader, reality star and actor. In 2024, Ian co-founded Qtopia, Sydney’s queer museum and cultural space.

KINGS BEACH DENIED HERITAGE LISTING FOR A SECOND TIME

HANSON: “I STILL DON’T LIKE THE GAY MARDI GRAS”

Kings Beach, a much cherished gathering place for the gay community south of Byron Bay, has been denied state heritage listing for a second time by Heritage NSW. Despite support from historians, academics, politicians and community groups — including the Tweed Regional Museum and ACON — the site was deemed “not a thematic or strategic priority”, even as officials acknowledged it may meet the threshold for heritage significance.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has once again reiterated her long-standing opposition to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, stating she still dislikes the event and believes sexuality should be kept private. During a recent interview, Hanson admitted she has never attended Mardi Gras and does not intend to, echoing her controversial 1996 stance. She did, however, acknowledge the parade’s economic benefits and asserted that she was not homophobic. One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce defended the party, saying, “Everybody’s trying to make us out as a pack of homophobes, which we’re not”. Mardi Gras CEO Jesse Matheson rejected Hanson’s suggestion that queer people should “live behind closed doors”, emphasising the event’s role in visibility and protest, and extended an invitation to attend.

Advocates argue this decision ignores more than 50 years of Kings Beach’s role as a hub for health outreach, remembrance and as a historic community meeting place — especially during the HIV/AIDS crisis. While a few sites like the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade Route are recognised, broader queer heritage remains overlooked in Australia. Queer Family CEO Aiden Gentle emphasised the importance of these spaces as safe havens amid discrimination and exclusion. Community members have called on the government to reconsider, highlighting the beach’s enduring cultural and historical value.

HEATED RIVALRY CREATORS LAUNCH FOUNDATION TO BACK INCLUSION IN SPORT The creators of the US hit hockey romance series Heated Rivalry — streaming on HBO Max in Oz — have launched the Irina Foundation, a real-world nonprofit supporting inclusion and mental wellbeing through sport and the arts. Founded by Accent Aigu Entertainment’s Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, the foundation will fund established organisations supporting queer and other underserved communities. It is named after Irina, the late mother of fan-favourite character Ilya Rozanov, and is inspired by the fictional charity founded by Ilya and Shane Hollander in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers books. Tierney commented that their show Heated Rivalry acts as a “counterpunch” to today’s anti-LGBTIQ+ political climate.

POLAND’S GOVERNMENT DEFIES COURTS ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Despite Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist Civic Coalition Government declaring that EU members’ same-sex marriage certificates will now be recognised in their country, its Constitutional Tribunal ruled against the decision, citing the Polish Constitution’s definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. The government implemented the policy to realign Poland’s laws with rulings from the European Court of Justice. As a result, many same-sex couples have already registered their marriages. The government considers the tribunal improperly constituted and its decisions invalid, but some local officials refuse to comply, referencing constitutional arguments. Earlier in the year, the Polish parliament passed a bill that would have allowed domestic same-sex civil unions, however this was vetoed by President Karol Nawrocki. NEWS&POLITICS

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ROUND UP

DID YOU KNOW? Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir of Iceland was Europe’s and the world’s first openly gay head of government, serving as prime minister from 2009 to 2013. She retired after 35 years in parliament, shifting her focus to writing and LGBTIQ+ advocacy.

SERBIA’S FIRST GAY PRESIDENT Serbia has made history after Ana Brnabic became the country’s acting president, making her the first out lesbian woman to lead an Eastern European Balkan nation. Brnabic took office after former president Aleksandar Vucic resigned amid anti-corruption protests in Belgrade. A senior figure in Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party, Brnabic has already held two of the country’s highest offices. She served as Serbia’s prime minister from 2017 to 2024 before becoming president of the National Assembly. She is now the first person in Serbia to have served as prime minister, parliamentary speaker and acting president. Her presidency is expected to be short-term, however, with Serbia’s constitution requiring a new presidential election within three months. While Brnabic’s appointment is a major visibility milestone, her record on LGBTIQ+ reform has been criticised, with same-sex marriage remaining illegal, despite protections against discrimination in employment, housing and education.

ATTACKS AGAINST QUEER MEN IN VICTORIA INTENSIFY A new inquiry by the Victorian Legislative Council has revealed a surge in violence against gay men. Often facilitated through dating apps, the attacks — mostly perpetrated by young men — stem from a mix of homophobia, thrill-seeking and financial motives. Under-reporting was also found to be common, especially among migrants from countries where same-sex intimacy remains illegal. The inquiry found that while anti-LGBTIQ+ hate is certainly not new, it is intensifying, with digital platforms commonly used as a tool to lure vulnerable men. The committee issued 41 findings and 35 recommendations, calling for increased awareness, research and prevention efforts, as well as better victim support and legal reforms. Advocates say that the recommendations hold significance nationwide and globally, emphasising the need for coordinated action by governments, tech and social media companies, and civil society to combat technology-facilitated hate crimes.

800-YEAR-OLD HUGGING LESBIAN SKELETONS Archaeologists in Poland have uncovered a remarkable 800-year-old burial site of two women laid to rest in a close embrace, which is now recognised as the country’s first known same-sex double burial from the medieval era. DNA analysis confirmed the skeletons were not genetically related, ruling out familial ties. The grave, discovered near a 13th-century cathedral, suggests the women held special significance and raises questions about same-sex relationships in the Middle Ages. According to biological anthropologist Agata Cieslik, the way the bodies were arranged indicates a deliberate display of intimacy, making this burial highly unusual for the period. Medieval burials typically followed strict religious and social conventions, with double graves reserved for relatives. This rare find adds to growing evidence that same-sex relationships existed, even in societies that left little documentation of queer lives. While the women’s exact story remains unknown, their embrace endures as a powerful testament to connection beyond convention.

TÜRKIYE LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE CRACKDOWN Turkish police have detained dozens of people in raids on LGBTIQ+ organisations across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Mersin. Officers targeted gay bars, offices and activists’ homes, and the groups’ websites were blocked days earlier. Dubbed ‘My Family is Safe’, the operation targeted 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses according to the justice minister, who said it aimed to protect children, families and public order. Kaos GL said around 50 of its activists were detained or face legal proceedings. Rights groups say the raids escalate a decade of increasingly hostile rhetoric and restrictions toward Türkiye’s LGBTIQ+ community. NEWS&POLITICS

Because You Deserve Justice BLUMERS ARE CANBERRA’S CASE-WINNING COMPENSATION LAWYERS WORKPLACE BULLYING SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE SUPERANNUATION CLAIMS CALL FOR FREE ADVICE

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IT'S ALL IN THE NUMBERS

Estimates suggest that watching online porn accounts for about 0.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, translating to roughly the carbon footprint of the entire country of Belgium. theshiftproject.org

10 Russian military bloggers say that the average life expectancy of new Russian Army recruits is 10 days to 3 weeks, but once on the battlefield, it plummets to just 20-35 minutes.

1.5% Data centres currently use roughly 1.5% of all the world’s electricity and this percentage is expected to grow to 3% by 2030 due to the rapid expansion and use of AI. A large data centre also generates up to 100 megawatts of waste heat, which is enough to power over 100,000 homes. More than 30 countries host AI data centres, with the US leading the pack at 5,426. Coming in second place is Germany at 529, while Australia has 314.

Founded in 1978 — just two years after homosexuality was decriminalised in the ACT — Pink Tennis in Canberra, now 48 years young, is Australia’s longest-running LGBTIQA+ tennis club and is famous for hosting Bushdance, one of Australia’s most popular queer events, which has run for 42 years.

30% Single-person homes in Australia now make up almost 30% of total households. The number has increased by more than 50% since the 1980s, while the proportion of family homes has shrunk by almost 12%.

49.7% It’s no secret that some women think sex between two men is hot and now there is undeniable proof. Pornhub recently shared its latest insights for 2026, showing that women make up almost half of the viewership of gay porn on the site, compared to 50.3% of men. 18-24 year olds, meanwhile, make up the majority of gay porn viewers at 31%, with people 65 and older at only 9%.

23% A habit that took off during COVID, 23% of Australians now shop online for their groceries. Before then, supermarket online sales were under 4%. They are expected to grow at over 20% through 2026-2034.

41.3% In a recent study, Monash University found that some 41.3% of cisgender non-heterosexual Australians and 27.2% of transgender Australians had high psychological distress, compared with 15.5% of cisgender heterosexual Aussies. Researchers also noted that it was important to understand that these mental health findings were not an inherent consequence of being LGBTQ+.

91% A poll conducted last year found that 91% of Australians believe trans people should have the freedom and choice to live their lives like everyone else, while 81% agree they should have exactly the same legal rights and protections. FUSENUMBERS

Stella Eve

MUSIC, COMMUNITY & CASUAL SEX

AN UNAPOLOGETICALLY QUEER ARTIST, STELLA EVE IS ELECTRIFYING CANBERRA’S MUSIC SCENE. HER SOUND IS THE PERFECT COCKTAIL OF SUGAR AND SASS, MIXING THROWBACK VIBES WITH A BOLD, MODERN TWIST.

EARCANDY

TELL US A BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE COMING OUT. So, ‘Under the Sleeves’, my new single, came out on 7 October — the start of a new release cycle. It’s about how hopeless it can be to love someone who doesn’t love you back. To go from being in a relationship to being in a friendship, and the loss you experience after going through that. It’s about acceptance and emotional explosiveness. There’s more music guaranteed for the start of 2027, about love and luck and crushes. SOUNDS EXCITING. HAVE YOU HAD A CELEBRITY MUSIC CRUSH? No… Don’t ask me that! There are a few… But the most would be Mel C, Sporty Spice. We grew up watching the Spice Girls; Mel C was an awakening for me! FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Photo by Cassie Abraham

Whether she’s spinning out surf-rock bangers or tugging heartstrings with intimate girl-to-girl ballads, Stella’s music refuses to be boxed in. Her songs are a love letter to her journey and her community — inviting listeners to join the party. Stella’s music will likely make you laugh, cry and dance all at once. We sat down with Canberra’s fearless pop-poet for a no-holds-barred chat about music, candid songwriting, queer love, messy crushes, casual sex and building a creative community in the city she loves.

By Daniela Koulikov

I LIKED YOUR SONG ‘CASUAL SEX’. IT’S CHEEKY. DO YOU THINK LESBIANS CAN HAVE CASUAL SEX?

WHAT’S YOUR MOST PLAYED SONG?

No. Maybe that’s the point of the song. My approach to relationships is that I want to be someone’s everything. I’m a big yearner; I love focusing on one person. I’m not capable of casual. I’ve tried to in the past… it never ended well.

Fergie’s ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’. That soundtracked a lot of my bus rides into school. My second most played song would be ‘Monster’ by Rihanna. I remember a trip to the coast one year; I brought the iPod shuffle and I found that song — I’ve been obsessed ever since.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOT TAKES ON DATING?

SO MUSIC WAS A BIG PART OF GROWING UP THEN?

A situationship is a relationship that doesn’t have a label. There’s always someone who’s giving away part of themselves and not showing their full cards.

Yes, and a very eclectic household. We had a shared iTunes and an iPod on the kitchen dock with all our music on it. Pearl Jam, Black Eyed Peas, Spice Girls. But also, you know, jazz. It’s definitely influenced my music. The first EP I put out last year, ‘Here For You’, was a nod to that playlist.

IS THE QUEER ASPECT OF LIFE IMPORTANT TO YOU? Yes. When I look out at an audience and see people who really see me, I feel like I can deliver. A lot of my music is about relationships and women — it’s often sweet and soft. I like to take those nuances and add a surf-rock approach. My upcoming album artwork features me with women. It feels right. Being at shows and seeing other queer people who say they love what they’re experiencing feels special. HOW WAS GROWING UP AND COMING OUT FOR YOU? My parents were supportive — but growing up, I wasn’t popular. I came out early to myself. I wasn’t afraid to say what I wanted. I recall one day in primary school when I went up to a group of girls and proclaimed, “I’m a lesbian”. They replied, “Ew, do you have a crush on me?” I said, “No, I’m just a lesbian”. I believe that my own experiences have made it natural for me to create stories and music that are queer.

WHAT’S IMPORTANT WHEN YOU WRITE A SONG? Putting myself in the first person. A lot of my life, I’ve sort of lived like a second character. I think music that celebrates my point of view is healing in a way. The more you write music from that point of view, the more other people can relate to it because you’re writing it from a place that’s vulnerable and self-deprecating. I remember in high school a teacher once said, “Stella was so self-deprecating, which is wonderful” — a strange thing to comment about a kid. WHAT DO YOU THINK PEOPLE MISUNDERSTAND ABOUT BEING AN INDEPENDENT MUSICIAN? That it isn’t an independent thing. You manage a lot of things yourself, but you do rely on other people’s skill sets. It’s all about your community and engaging with people around you with humility and honesty, beyond your music.

It’s interesting you bring it up. A lot of the story that we’re telling in this new album is about being in and out of love and the in-between. One track is about making it through the tough stuff and, despite everything you’ve gone through, believing that you can love again. Believing in consequences and coincidences, angel numbers and clovers. Knowing that your luck can change and that love is always there.

Photo by Trent Poulos

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST: BEING IN LOVE, FALLING OUT OF LOVE OR THE IN-BETWEEN?

WHAT’S A MOMENT RECENTLY THAT’S MADE YOU HAPPY?

Stella Eve’s music has a heart-aching rawness. Her music feels like a journal entry: an intimate glimpse into her life, like hearing a familiar story from a friend. She explores experiences so many of us in the queer community have gone through: situationships, on-and-off dalliances with someone you’re in love with (but probably shouldn’t be) and falling in love (hard!), while singing about love that happens to be queer — a refreshing change.

Definitely gardening with my dad. Getting out in the garden, getting dirty — it’s been a big part of my happiness. We’ve just planted our tomatoes for the season; we’re doing five different heirloom varieties — I feel so connected to them, like they’re my children. My dad says I have some problems around that! WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL CONNECTED TO THE UNIVERSE? Definitely laughter. If I weren’t doing music, I’d probably be a comedian or writer of some sort. I love making people laugh. Karmically, I grew up Christian and went to a Catholic school. I’m not deeply religious, but I am spiritual. I’m a big believer that if something is meant to happen to you — it will happen. Fatalist, almost. More recently, I’ve become more comfortable with the idea of leaning into the things that open doors for me.

You can catch Stella lighting up the main stage at this year’s SpringOUT Fair Day on Saturday 31 October from 4pm to 5pm. She’s also bringing her music to venues across Canberra — and taking her solo tour to Sydney, Wollongong and Melbourne to finish the year with a bang. For all her updates and to catch her on tour, you can check her out on Instagram @_.stella_eve._ EARCANDY

TIMOTHY CHRISTOPHER RYAN WILD AT HEART, CALM BY NATURE

Timothy Christopher Ryan is one of those fascinating, intriguing humans — a multifaceted chameleon who lives several lives all at once. He is a kind, fun guy who contains multitudes: a nature-loving bogan, nightlife creature, arts powerhouse and professional agent of delightful chaos. He claims to be a hyper-coloured introvert who constantly bursts out with unexpected laughter. It sounds confusing, I know.

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The creative force behind Scratch Arts and Q-Lit, Timothy is just as comfortable lounging in a flanny at home as he is drenched in glitter, tearing up a dancefloor until sunrise. Fuelled by queer joy, he’s a man who regularly needs to recharge by packing up his van and disappearing deep into the bush as he seeks out the best swimming spots around the country. Ask him which one is his favourite, and he’ll share a story splashed with wonder and mischief. When he needs to create, expect colour, camp, humour, vulnerability and a healthy disrespect for boring things.

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Photos by Kat Fogarty

CreativeJuices

By Alexander Thatcher

AHEAD OF HIS HIT ART SHOW CREATIVE JUICES COMING TO TUGGERANONG ARTS CENTRE, WE CAUGHT UP WITH TIMOTHY TO TALK ABOUT JOYFUL REBELLION, QUEER VISIBILITY, HEADING BUSH, TEENAGE CRUSHES, AI AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT HE WOULD THRIVE IN A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE.

What is the most unexpected thing people learn about you if they get close? That I’m an introvert. I come across as a high-energy ball of hyper colour, but after an evening of being around people, I’m gonna need time alone to recover. If you put me on that TV show Alone, I’d probably win… and be very, very hungry at the same time.

What do you do when you’re away from theatre that fills your heart with joy? I go out into nature. I’ll literally decide at lunchtime that I wanna go on an adventure; I’ll throw some things into the van and drive off into the bush for a few days. Being in nature is rejuvenating, but what actually brings me joy is finding a bloody good body of water to swim in! If you’re interested, my top three swimming spots are the Murray River (specifically at Yarrawonga), anywhere on the north side of Rottnest Island, and number one: Nellies Glen in Robertson, NSW. You should definitely go check them out this summer.

Your creative work includes lots of paint-filled, camp fun, vulnerability and a decent amount of chaos. Where did your appetite for these things come from? This is where the gift of ADHD kicks in and takes over my mind and body. I must do things constantly and can’t stand boring things. Camp, in particular, is an opportunity to bring a bit of joy and silliness to the world around me, and it breaks up the monotony of the capitalist hellscape that decided years ago we should work all the time. The kids on TikTok these days call it ‘whimsy’, but it’s the same thing as camp.

“Queer joy” seems to be the latest catchphrase. What does it mean to you in the messy real world? I feel that true queer joy rejects the narrative that LGBTIQ+ life is always hard and a struggle. Throw in some glitter, a few parties, stunning outfits, silliness and, for me, a Euro holiday or two and voilà, you have “queer joy”. It shows our haters and naysayers that we’re fine and their attacks won’t bring us down.

Has the definition of joy changed for you as you have grown older? I’ve had a funny realisation recently: although I’m 36, I rarely feel like an adult. It hit me that this is because I focus on putting joy first in everything I do. Joy used to come naturally to me when I was younger; there was wonder in new experiences and less weight in my mind.

Nowadays, I have to remind myself to seek it out. I’ve also noticed that I used to be very outwardly expressive, showing it in what I wear and how I act; now it’s more me-focused… what do I enjoy and who around me is bringing joy?

When the news and the world seem grim, what keeps you hopeful, happy and motivated? I’m actually hopeful that one day soon the world might fall into a zombie apocalypse. I think I’d do well killing zombies by day and running a touring circus in the evening from settlement to settlement. But in a less world-ending way, I’m generally optimistic, which helps because I can see the world I want and am happy to fight for it.

What is the most gloriously ridiculous thing you have ever done? I have big ideas and love following through on them. In 2015, I opened and ran an arts warehouse in Melbourne for two years — it was huge! It had artist studios, a gallery, a theatre and an events space with parties two or three times a week. In 2022, I started Australia’s largest queer literary festival, Q-Lit, and it’s still expanding wildly. But the most gloriously ridiculous thing I have done recently was touring Creative Juices in South WA and convincing a five-star hotel to trade a few nights’ stay for a private show for their staff and guests. The staff loved it; the guests had a great time… the hotel owner was mortified that I stripped down in their dining hall and had all their fancy guests smear paint on my body. >

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What are your thoughts on AI’s emergence in the creative and art space? I love it; let AI make all the theatre and art, ha! It’s time for humans to get universal basic income and do nothing but play all day. Oh, I’d actually get bored of this quickly, but I still think everyone should have their basic needs covered! On a serious note, I can see its benefit in the arts — very slight benefits. It can be a useful tool for independent artists to apply for funding or to help run their operations. Nowadays, artists have to be small business owners, marketing professionals, accountants and so much more, and there’s lots we don’t know. AI could help with these things and assist with admin. The key, I think, is to keep it to a minimum and use it for those boring business bits.

For someone encountering your show for the first time, what kind of night are you inviting them into? Creative Juices is a fun, casual night of giggles that morphs into a psychedelic trip of chaos and colour, something simple for your Friday night out. By the end of the evening, you might find yourself up on stage dancing wildly with me while I’m in nothing but my underwear.

The show has a lot of audience participation, what happens when someone becomes part of the work? They have an experience they can talk about. Something weird and unique, but also an opportunity to safely explore their creativity and self-expression. They wake up, let their natural impulses take over, and allow themselves to react in the moment to the silliness of chaos. Participants get to play, and adults don’t play enough.

What can audiences expect to take home? At least six artworks you can put on the fridge, or somewhere your mum will see them so that she can say, “Aren’t they…nice”, with a stressed smile on her face. The art won’t be good; there’s no time for a Rembrandt or a Monet, only time to embrace the silly and find the absurd. The last piece of art is the most important. I can’t give away too many secrets, but as a hint, my body hair makes a good paintbrush, and we learn techniques like printmaking — the word “learn” is used very very loosely.

Do you have rituals before stepping on stage? My favourite ritual is simply hanging with the audience. I realised this on a six-month tour of Creative Juices. I was touring out of my van up and down the coast of Australia. I discovered that saying g’day to the audience before the show makes me human to them, and they’re far less scary for me. By the time the show starts, we’re just a bunch of friends having a gay time together.

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What do you think are the biggest issues facing the world and society today? The power of capitalism and the self-obsessed, moneyobsessed people at the top. We have the resources to take care of everyone, but they’re being restricted so powerful people can get richer. We shouldn’t be made to feel bad about ourselves, worry about how much protein we eat, or worry about whether we have the latest iPhone, just so big business can sell us things. And nobody should go without healthcare because they “haven’t worked hard enough” — everyone deserves a decent life.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self? Keep doing new things; you don’t have to choose one thing and be perfect at that. New experiences will open you up to lovely people, wonderful tastes and landscapes that will blow your mind.

Who was your teenage crush? Firstly, the models in the underwear section of Myers in that pre-internet world that I grew up in. Then perhaps Orlando Bloom, which is weird to realise now as he’s so different to my current type. Oh, and also Brian Kinney from the US Queer as Folk; I watched that show with the volume down on the lowest notch on the smallest TV. His confidence and loft apartment were such a turn-on.

Finally, what do you think is the most radical thing a queer person can do to make a difference? Be your true self and be visibly queer in a regional area. I think straight people need to see us everywhere; we need to live openly and normalise our existence in every aspect of society. Promising laughter, connection and delightfully ridiculous artworks to take home, you can catch Timothy’s show Creative Juices at Tuggeranong Arts on Friday 6 November.

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NFSA’s Arc Cinema Diverse stories take centre stage at the NFSA’s Arc Cinema in Acton. We’re proudly LGBTIQA+ friendly. Find your community at our monthly Queer Flicks. Gather for Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap, where film meets live performance and a shared love of cinema. Plus, keep an eye out for our special events! Grab a drink, settle into our art deco surrounds, and experience the movies the way they were meant to be.

To find out more visit NFSA.GOV.AU/EVENTS 19

By Daniela Koulikov

THE WITCH IS BACK

Once, according to the Church, the witch was the true villain — feared, blamed and often burned for their misunderstood wisdom and for denying the religious dogma of early European life. Today, while some stigma still lingers, the witch has transformed into something profoundly different. A symbol of autonomy and spiritual liberation, grounded in the natural world with a sense of belonging. In our modern era — one that often feels lonelier and more disconnected than ever — many people are drawn to old Wiccan practices: crafting with earth-based materials, learning herbology, working with crystals, casting spells and finding solace in quiet rituals. Some gather in intimate groups known as covens. Wicca has become an antidote to modern alienation — offering a deep connection to the universe and others. One Canberra coven is manifesting and weaving the kind of community that feels like chosen family.

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Photo by Simom Caban

She’s Not Who You Think

IT SEEMS EVERYONE’S A LITTLE BIT WITCHY NOW Do you ever wonder whether witches still exist? I set out to uncover why some people are leaving behind burnout, doomscrolling and rigid norms in favour of old crafts, herbs and crystals to help nurture radical self-creation and genuine connection. Along the way — spells cast and rituals tried — I discovered healing with everyday magic and the power of chosen family. Let’s blame Mercury retrograde for our lost emails, buy a rose quartz candle to bring love into our lives, journal our intentions, grow some herbs on the balcony, and casually talk about manifestation over brekkie or at a cafe with friends. Does taking part in any of this make you a witch? Probably not. Still, these things all draw on ancient traditions once considered sacred, magical or even occult. By living in today’s high-stress, hyper-connected world, studies show we’re lonelier and more fragmented than ever — cut off from nature, seasonal rhythms and, yes, each other. More and more people are searching for ways to escape this disconnection and create more meaningful lives. If you look closely, you’ll see “witchiness” everywhere — not just at the fringes, but woven into everyday culture. What was once feared as dangerous and supernatural has re-emerged as an antidote to modern alienation.

Hysteria and fear were rampant. In 1486, the German Dominican inquisitor Heinrich Kramer published The Malleus Maleficarum, a guidebook on how to identify, interrogate and execute witches. People were told that magic was a rejection of Christianity and witches were beholden to the Devil. In addition to other charges, alleged witches faced accusations of perverse sexual behaviour, including participation in forbidden rituals with other witches, animals, objects and, of course, the Devil. It’s important to note that views on witchcraft have always been culturally diverse, and much of what we hear about witchcraft and prosecution stems from medieval Europe and the subsequent witch trials that took place across Europe and the American colonies. Today, the witch has undergone a radical transformation. Attracting many people, including queer folk, into their fold, witches are no longer seen as villains but as symbols of non-conformity, autonomy and liberation. The witch exists outside social expectations, subverting strict gender binaries and refusing to conform to the traditional nuclear family. In a world that polices identity, the figure of the witch offers an alternative blueprint for living on your own terms: free from patriarchal archetypes, rigid sexuality norms and relentless productivity.

THE MODERN WITCH... FROM HERETIC TO ICON We’ve all seen the movies: pointy hats, dancing naked around a bonfire, stirring frogs in cauldrons. Witches have been portrayed as weird and dangerous — although not always negative — for centuries. When we think of witches, we often connect to the Christian understanding of the term. Someone, usually a woman, who has entered into a covenant with the Devil and uses their powers to cause destruction and suffering. The truth is, witches actually predate Christianity by centuries. Take Homer’s Odyssey (c. 800 BC), where Circe is described as a powerful witch who turns men into animals. In On Superstition (c. 100 AD), Plutarch refers to witchcraft, and illicit magic featured heavily in Roman law statutes, some of which were passed down into Christianity. Interestingly enough, many of those Roman law statutes were laws against sorcery, not witchcraft. The difference? Sorcery requires special skills, tools and words, whereas witchcraft was believed to operate through nature and the power of the mind. Over hundreds of years, the Church skilfully orchestrated a witch-craze, making them responsible for all sorts of things like failed harvests, sick livestock, bad weather, illness, miscarriages and unexplained deaths. Terror spread quickly, and in the following centuries tens of thousands of people were accused, tried and executed. Most were women, often elderly, impoverished or living on the edges of their communities.

FROM THE SALEM TRIALS TO ETSY AND TIKTOK So, what does a witch actually look like now? No more thatched-roof cottages deep in the forest or bubbling cauldrons on the fire — although maybe the modern witch has kept a black cat or two and some flowers in her hair for show. Her modern magic likely lives in ordinary spaces. Some crystals soaking up moonlight on her balcony, fresh herbs in the garden, or maybe she has an Etsy store or a thriving social media account. Perhaps her magic lives on local market tables and inside quiet spaces where folks gather to build community. We spoke with Natalie Laura, owner of Simply Magick, a Canberra-based small business that makes beautiful handmade witchy wares while building a local community for modern witches. >

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For Natalie, it started with selling candles on Etsy before expanding to the Queen Victoria Markets. She says the COVID lockdowns accelerated this movement — people wanting to go back to their roots: crafts, gardening, baking and reconnecting with nature. It grew from there. “I still do markets, like the Geek Expo, Sutton Village Country Markets, the Queanbeyan Markets. It’s a great way to spend a weekend and connect with the community”, Natalie says.

Photo by Elizaveta Boitsova

She also runs a coven every two months, where members catch up for a few hours. Don’t jump to dancing around the fire naked — they tend to do clothed hands-on activities instead. Their last coven meeting focused on anointing oils. The tables were covered with herbs, recipe cards were handed out, along with bottles and jars for whatever folks wanted to make. It’s a lovely experience. “We run through the safety of things as well. Are these herbs going to affect your pets? Will they affect someone pregnant? Are you allergic to anything? For example, we love to use almond oil, so if you’re allergic to almonds…” Usually, people bring a plate and spend the last hour sharing food and building community. “Finding their people”, Natalie calls it. Although it’s open to everyone of all genders, mostly women attend. It helps provide a place where they can relax and be themselves. For Natalie, who came from a Catholic background rather than a Wiccan one, practising witchcraft isn’t about rigid religious dogmas. It is about caring for animals, respecting the land and honouring natural cycles like the solstices in a way that fits her everyday lifestyle.

A SPELL FOR BELONGING When speaking to Natalie, it is clear that witchcraft is far more than just craft. It is about connection. In a world where third spaces — places outside home and work where we can meet for casual interaction and community — are eroding and where traditional queer venues often centre around nightlife, her bimonthly coven offers a rare, genuine sanctuary. It functions much like a chosen family: an intentional space where people gather to share food, swap knowledge and exist without judgement. “When you’re at home, you likely carry the weight of responsibilities: your job, your kids, your house, your partner”, Natalie explains. “Coming to these events gives you time to yourself. Witchcraft, at its core, creates space for you to pause. It might be five minutes to set an intention or say your daily manifestation. It creates space for people to support each other and bring each other up. It’s about celebrating who we are”.

Photo by Khrystyna Lyseyko

Although mostly women attend, Natalie emphasises that her space is open to all genders and identities. For queer, trans and gender-diverse folk who have often been excluded from traditional religious institutions, this offers a rare spiritual home where they will be accepted and celebrated.

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Witchcraft rebels against the fast-paced, isolated nature of modern life. Perhaps the most potent spell a modern witch can cast is giving people a community to belong to, and the opportunity to take a breath for the first time in a long time. For those who often feel like outsiders, the modern craft offers a powerful space for self-creation, determination and celebration. Thank you to Natalie Laura for her time and insight. She can be found at @thesimplymagickcoven and @simply.magick

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BECAUSE EVERYONE’S SMILE IS IMPORTANT

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peace

By Alexander Thatcher

PROTECTING YOUR

& CREATING MEANINGFUL MOMENTS

BETWEEN WHAT SOMEONE SAYS AND WHAT WE SAY BACK, THERE IS A SPACE JUST BIG ENOUGH FOR ONE BREATH — IT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING. As the end of another year approaches, we find ourselves gathering with colleagues, friends and family. Some of these events will bring genuine joy. Others may spark worry as we anticipate the emotional gymnastics of spending time with people who know exactly how to push our buttons.

This article isn’t about turning you into someone endlessly serene, never rattled by Uncle Bill’s opinions or a sibling’s passive-aggressive remarks. My goal is simpler: to share some practical ways to protect your peace and find deeper connections. Because gatherings, wonderful as they can be, come with their own challenges — even with the best of people, and even with those we love most. As I’ve grown older, quieter and perhaps a little wiser, I’ve found that a peaceful existence has less to do with getting what I want and more to do with how I meet what’s already in front of me: the difficult person, the awkward conversation, the family pattern that hasn’t changed in 30 years, the old hurt that still shows up at lunch. I’m certainly no guru, and like all humans, I get things terribly wrong sometimes. But I know this much: a more peaceful life begins with small choices. Like showing up with kindness, taking a mindful breath, actually listening, letting things come and go without judgement, and keeping your heart open where you can.

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THINGS DON’T NEED TO BE PERFECT While some gatherings may be filled with warmth and love, others may stir up old wounds, difficult memories or new tensions. Things don’t need to be perfect; however, for an experience to be meaningful, whether good or bad, a little mindfulness can help you protect your peace and create deeper connections, even around difficult people. At its simplest, mindfulness means noticing what is happening as it happens, rather than getting swept up in the stories our minds constantly feed us. Those narratives can be misleading, as they are often influenced by the feelings we’ve created around them rather than facts. If we can pause and notice a thought or emotion before reacting, we create room to choose our response. You don’t need a meditation cushion, incense or a spiritual awakening. Sometimes it starts with a quiet moment to settle and take a breath before you act or speak. That small pause won’t make difficult people disappear, but it can change what happens next.

START WITH A PAUSE If you can carve out a few minutes to centre yourself, quiet your mind and set an intention before a big gathering, it can make a world of difference. Take a walk, sit quietly or savour a cup of tea in the sunshine. As you pause, bring your attention to your body. Do you feel stressed? Are your shoulders tight? Is your mind racing? Don’t judge what you find; simply notice it.

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“ First keep peace with yourself; then you can also bring peace to others.”

Thomas à Kempis

This is useful because understanding your state and how you’re feeling before you walk into a busy room helps you respond to others with more care and presence. I often ask myself a simple question: “How do I want to show up today?”. Sometimes the answer is “Calm and kind”. Sometimes it’s “I will try not to react instantly”. Simple intentions can change the tone of a whole day and the energy you project, making a big difference to how others interact with you.

MAKE GOOD MOMENTS BETTER Of course not every gathering is a minefield. Sometimes you’re with people who make you laugh until your face hurts, feed you delicious food and remind you that you’re loved. Peace isn’t only about surviving difficult moments. It’s also about being present for yourself and others when joy arrives. So when something good is happening, allow yourself to really take it in. The shared laugh, the story that has everyone leaning in, the afternoon light that’s falling across the room. Pause, take a breath, and let the moment land. Good things can slip by unnoticed when we’re already reaching for what’s next. You can also change the energy in a room with some simple actions. Make eye contact while listening, smile when it feels genuine, introduce people who don’t know each other, ask the quiet person a question, or tell someone you like their outfit. Small acts of attention can become big moments of connection.

WHEN PEOPLE PRESS YOUR BUTTONS One of my favourite sayings is by Ram Dass: “If you think you’re enlightened, go spend a week with your family”. It’s funny and true. The people closest to us know exactly how to send us straight back to being 14, because old relationships run on old patterns. When someone presses your buttons, stop and make some space for yourself. Observe what’s happening in your body and your mind. Is your heart thumping? Do you feel the pull to defend, explain or retaliate? Take a breath and let the moment pass before deciding what to do next. That small gap is where change happens. Buddhist teachings offer a useful metaphor known as the second arrow. The first arrow is what hurts: the comment, criticism or provocation. The second is everything we add afterwards: pain, anger, rumination, retaliation. We can’t always stop the first arrow, but we can avoid the second. You don’t have to engage. You don’t have to make everyone understand you or respond to every opinion. A simple “Is that so?” or “That’s one way to see it” will often do. This isn’t surrendering; it’s choosing peace over your ego and the need to be heard. Sometimes the best move is silence, changing the subject or quietly walking away. No fuel, no fire. Kindness doesn’t require you to stay in an unpleasant conversation. If things heat up, step outside, walk the dog or sit somewhere quiet for five minutes. Slow your breathing and notice your breath until your mind and body settle. It’s worth noting that forgiveness can also nurture your peace. It doesn’t mean pretending something didn’t happen or letting anyone off the hook. It means no longer letting someone else’s actions affect your life, and freeing yourself from those negative and repetitive thoughts.

“Inner peace, or mental peace, is the source of all happiness.”

Photo by Ante Hamersmit

Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

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Every gathering is an invitation to practise being the person we’d like to be. MEETING THE MOMENT

BE KIND WHEN YOU MESS UP

There is a valuable teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh, the well-known Buddhist monk who is considered the father of mindfulness: “The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion”.

You may lose your cool, say the wrong thing or join that argument you promised yourself you’d avoid. Welcome to being human; it’s a tough gig. Growth is messy and ongoing. Expecting perfection from yourself, or anyone else, will only bring suffering.

Meeting a moment with presence and listening fully is one of the greatest gifts you can offer another person. It will also bring you great peace. Most of the time our “monkey minds” swing between the past and the future — replaying old conversations or worrying about what’s ahead. This constant chatter can stir up anxiety and distract us from the present moment. By bringing your attention back to what’s happening right now, you can meet others fully and calmly. Have you ever noticed that, while someone is speaking, you’re already thinking about your reply instead of actually hearing them? When we’re doing this, it keeps us from truly connecting. When you let go of the need to respond right away, you create space for real understanding and presence. You don’t always need to have an answer; being attentive can be enough. Often, holding back from replying or asking a thoughtful question instead is the better choice. Curiosity can deepen our interactions far more than the urge to have your say.

COMPASSION IN PRACTICE Gatherings can also offer a chance to cultivate compassion and bring a gentleness to your interactions. When you arrive with an open heart, you give yourself the chance to see those around you more fully and connect more meaningfully, meeting challenges with warmth rather than armour. If any situations catch you off guard and you find yourself reacting negatively, let that be OK, because compassion should extend to yourself as well. What matters is returning to the person you want to be. It can help to remember that everyone at the table is carrying something we can’t see. That doesn’t excuse bad behaviour, but it can ease the urge to take things personally and allow us to act with more kindness and clarity. People often cause hurt because they carry fear, shame or pain they’ve never faced. Understanding this means you can be more compassionate with others and don’t have to bring their pain home with you.

Getting everything right isn’t the goal — it’s about noticing when you drift off course and gently returning to the person you want to be. The real growth is in the returning; and with time, those course corrections come more quickly and naturally. I like to think of myself as a little sailboat — adjusting course is simply part of the journey. Meet your mistakes with the same compassion you’d offer an old friend, because failure can be our greatest teacher. When things go south in my life, I find it helps to take a few deep breaths and remind myself that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for anyone. It’s a gentle reminder that today, no matter how difficult, is worth meeting with authenticity, presence and kindness, as these moments may be the last. We all want to feel loved, heard and seen. Each gathering is a chance to be the person we’d like to be, so every small step toward self-awareness and kindness is important. Consistency matters and every moment you choose to pause, breathe or return to yourself is a quiet act of courage. Over time, these gentle shifts add up — creating more space for joy, connection and peace.

Setting clear boundaries and being able to say no can go a long way toward supporting your wellbeing. You don’t have to attend every event or discuss every topic, and you’re certainly not obligated to manage anyone else’s emotions. Like most of us, you probably have enough work with your own feelings.

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Photo by Artem Kovalev

A peaceful heart also comes from knowing that not every thought we have reflects reality, and that stirred-up emotions often echo the past rather than the present. The practice isn’t about ignoring or suppressing our feelings, but meeting them with curiosity and kindness. There’s a meditation teaching concerning this that I like, which goes, “Let them come, let them be, let them go”.

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By Alexander Thatcher

STRIPPED-BACK WELLNESS

why guys do nude yoga IT’S NOT ABOUT THE DANGLY BITS — OR IS IT? First off, the nudity in nude yoga isn’t about being all sexy. In fact, most guys who go along say it’s the least sexual thing you can do naked with a bunch of strangers. Hayden told us that nudity helps people break down barriers — physical, emotional, even spiritual. Nude yoga is about being present, flaws and all, and realising that, actually, most of us have got odd bits of weird skin hanging somewhere. Hayden says comfort and change in perspective can come from that shared vulnerability.

LET’S GET A FEW THINGS STRAIGHT — OH, I’VE MADE A YOGA PUN ALREADY — STRIPPING OFF FOR YOGA ISN’T ONLY FOR GAY MEN, IT’S NOT ABOUT SHOWING OFF YOUR ASSETS, AND IT’S DEFINITELY NOT JUST FOR THOSE INSTA-FAMOUS GYM BOYS WITH FABULOUS PECS AND ABS YOU COULD GRATE CHEESE ON. Nude yoga is for real, everyday guys who want to ditch more than just their jocks — maybe some baggage too. Judging by the steady rise of men’s nude yoga classes worldwide, and right here in Canberra, there’s clearly something about birthday-suit yoga that keeps regular guys coming back. I already know there’s a keen interest in nude yoga, and this is likely to be one of the most-read stories we’ll run. After 17 years of hosting a Canberra Nude Yoga page on both the FUSE website and the FUSE LGBTIQ Directory, our stats show that it’s hands-down our most consistently clicked subject. From Canberra to New York and Berlin to Thailand, nude yoga isn’t just an Aussie thing either. It’s a global trend popular for all genders and you can find classes worldwide.

BUT WHY? WHAT’S THE DEAL ABOUT DOING THE DOWNWARD DOG IN THE BUFF? Let’s be honest, anything with the word “nude” in it is bound to prick up a few ears — so there’s that — plus yoga is also pretty popular these days too. But there must be more to uncover, so I’ve gone down the internet rabbit hole and had a chat with Canberra’s own nude yoga guru, Hayden Crosweller, who cheerfully agreed to spill the beans. As someone with my own spiritual practices, I was keen to find out why so many guys are wanting to strip off in the name of a better life.

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“DROPPING YOUR CLOTHES MEANS DROPPING YOUR GUARD, SO YOU CAN NURTURE BODY ACCEPTANCE, STAY PRESENT AND BUST THROUGH ANY SHAME YOU MAY CARRY ABOUT HOW YOU LOOK.” “Many men, me included, have experienced the overcoming of deep-seated body shame and low self-esteem. Growing up in religious communities taught me to be disgusted by my body and its natural desires. When I initially joined the men’s nude yoga community, I knew I had a lot of baggage to unpack. Nude yoga helped me a lot.” Here in the ACT, Men’s Nude Yoga Canberra offers classes for men 18 and up, and Hayden tells me the demand is real. “Men want spaces where they can just be, without judgement or pressure. The nudity isn’t the point; it’s just a tool to help guys feel at home in their own skin”. That’s not to say everyone’s instantly chill about it. Most newbies rock up nervously, clutching their yoga mats and wondering if they’ll be the only one who doesn’t look like Chris Hemsworth. Hayden says the class vibe is very supportive, light-hearted, and once the initial nerves settle, surprisingly normal. So what keeps guys coming back? Sure, there’s the physical stuff — improved flexibility, less lower-back pain, that sort of thing. But the mental shift seems to be the real drawcard. The Journal of Happiness Studies examined the impact of naturist activities on the human psyche and found that individuals who regularly spend time naked in safe, social settings report significantly higher percentages of self-confidence, positive body image and overall life satisfaction than those who do not.

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Photos by Hayden Crosweller

PRACTISING YOGA WITHOUT CLOTHES CAN HELP CULTIVATE BODY ACCEPTANCE — LEARNING TO INHABIT YOUR BODY WITHOUT IMMEDIATELY JUDGING HOW IT LOOKS. THE PRACTICE ISN’T ABOUT BEING SEEN; IT’S ABOUT BECOMING MORE COMFORTABLE SIMPLY BEING YOURSELF IN YOUR OWN SKIN.

Another study from the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies looked at how nude yoga improved body image for men. The researchers found that, after only a few sessions, guys felt more comfortable in their own skin, less likely to compare themselves to the ripped men on social media, and felt more connected to others in the room.

A regular attendee of Hayden’s classes shared what brings him to yoga every week.

And there’s that word: connection — something often lacking in many people’s lives. It seems it’s not just about stretching naked — it’s also about community. Men who might usually be shy or quiet end up having honest conversations about their life, and the things we’re normally quiet about.

“For me, the classes are more than exercise; they are a safe and friendly place to interact with other men, some of whom have become good friends.”

“I go to yoga classes because I’m getting on in age and not as flexible as I used to be. Yoga definitely helps. However, I get a lot more from the nude yoga classes, compared to clothed and mixed classes, as I enjoy the physical, emotional and relational benefits of the community. Men of different ages and body types come together in a very body-positive, supportive environment, and it’s nice to feel part of a community.”

IS MEN’S NUDE YOGA FOR EVERYONE? Well, no... and honestly, some people just aren’t going to get it; they’ll think it’s all a bit weird, worry about how they look or what other people might say. Despite this, guys in Hayden’s classes say it’s worth pushing through those initial thoughts and any possible stigma or awkwardness you may have.

“I TURN UP EVERY WEEK BECAUSE IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO NURTURE MY BODY AND CONNECT WITH A COMMUNITY OF MEN THAT, OVER TIME, HAVE BECOME SOME OF MY GREATEST FRIENDS, CONFIDANTS AND WITNESSES TO THIS BEAUTIFUL LIFE.” So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s all about — or if you’re just looking for a way to feel more connected and at home in your skin — maybe Men’s Nude Yoga is for you. Worst case, you’ll have a good story for the next Sunday arvo BBQ. Best case, you’ll find a new kind of freedom you didn’t know you were missing and people you can truly connect with. For more details and class times visit mensnudeyogacanberra.com

FUSESPIRIT

Fantasy Lane is your home of Adult DVDs, Sex Toys, Essentials and The Ranch — Canberra’s only male cruise lounge. Meet other guys and enjoy our safe play rooms. Open 7 days 10am – 11pm

SCAN NOW TO SHOP ONLINE

19 MOLONGLO MALL, FYSHWICK 02 6280 6969 • FANTASYLANE.COM.AU 30

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By Dwayne Lennox DID YOU KNOW? A black-and-white film titled Un Chant d’Amour (A Song of Love) was one of the earliest films exploring gay leather and BDSM culture. Released in 1950, it was the only movie directed by French writer Jean Genet.

BLUE JEAN HIDDEN LIVES, UNSEEN COURAGE

PLAINCLOTHES DESIRE AND DANGER COLLIDE

If you loved the recent film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, you may want to check out director Georgia Oakley’s debut feature film. A period piece of a different kind, Blue Jean (2022) is set in Thatcher’s England in 1988 where conservatism and homophobia are pervasive and oppressive, and where closeted school gym teacher Jean (Rosy McEwen) could be about to have her professional and private lives upended by the arrival of a new student. Empire magazine calls it “a gorgeously presented, stirringly performed slice of British queer history”.

In the late 1990s (and long before), it was common practice for police to entrap gay men in public toilets for lewd behaviour; George Michael’s arrest arguably the most famous instance of this. Lucas (Tom Blyth) is a police officer enlisted for this very practice; luring men into shopping mall toilets before arresting them. But a brief encounter with one such target (Russell Tovey) ignites something in Lucas, threatening the life he’s created. First-time writer-director Carmen Emmi plays it more like a thriller than a coming out story, but Blyth and Tovey give it humanity, not to mention heat.

PILLION SALTY LEATHER AND SWEET ROMANCE

LA BOLA NEGRA LOVE AND ART IN TURBULENT TIMES

Billed (somewhat facetiously) as a dom-rom-com, writerdirector Harry Lighton’s Pillion explores a gay man’s sexual and romantic awakening through the lens of a sub/dom relationship. Colin (Harry Melling), a meek man who lives with his parents, becomes enamoured with leather-clad biker Ray (Alexander Skarsgård) and after an odd courtship of sorts, moves in with the handsome but silent giant. Comic without being played for laughs, Pillion is a nuanced take on relationships which, no matter the set-up, are each romantic, complicated and rewarding in their own ways. This film will most likely get some juices flowing.

Touted as a major Oscars contender, and perhaps the strongest competition for The Odyssey in Best Picture, La Bola Negra (The Black Ball ) could become Netflix’s first film to win the big prize. Directed by Los Javis (Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo) this is a period drama set in Spain in 1932, 1937 and 2017, criss-crossing time and generations as it explores art, love and freedom against the rising tide of fascism (sadly, just as prescient now as in Franco’s Spain). Penelope Cruz and Glenn Close feature among a strong Spanish ensemble in what The Hollywood Reporter calls a gay war epic of “scope, soulfulness and invention; vivid and transporting”.

SBS ON DEMAND

STAN

HBO MAX

NETFLIX

FILM&TV

By Danny Corvini SpringOUT Festival Director

Be Yourself

@ SPRINGOUT

IN ITS 27TH TIME AROUND THE SUN, CANBERRA’S SPRINGOUT PRIDE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2026 WITH THE THEME ‘BE YOURSELF IN CANBERRA’. Be Yourself in Canberra. It’s a reminder to show up as your authentic self while getting together with friends and lovers in this beautifully queer little capital of ours. The SpringOUT festival kicked off a week earlier than usual this year with the unveiling of the new Courtney Act portrait at the National Portrait Gallery and Canberra went “wow!”. The traditional festival program commences at Fair Day with a powerhouse line up of local performers including Jett Blyton, who’s returning with his band this time; the ever-kooky Etcetera Etcetera; the much-loved Stella Eve (check out her interview in this issue of FUSE on p14); and an endlessly spinning carousel of drag acts, singers, dancers and First Nations performers. We are fortunate to have a strong network of supportive local businesses and community groups here in the ACT and they’ll all be showcasing their wares and services at Fair Day. There are plenty of delicious food and drink options, too, along with a quiet space curated by Marion and a craft space curated by Diversity ACT. Make sure you scan one of the QR codes dotted throughout Fair Day to get extra info about all the performers and stalls, a detailed map, a timetable and the accessibility info. There are plenty of interstate and international performers coming to Canberra for this year’s festival too. They include Edu Diaz (pictured), an accidental drag queen from Spain now living in NYC; the comedian Josh Hauville, known for his French sketches and who’s headlining the SpringOUT Comedy Gala; Timothy Christopher Ryan, who is bringing his Creative Juices comedy art show to Tuggeranong Arts (see the FUSE feature interview with Timothy on p16); legendary ’90s singer Mary Kiani, who returns for the One Night in Heaven 3 party (at Fiction this year); and South Coast non-binary singer Val Moogz, who you can catch at both Fair Day and Loud & Proud. Loud & Proud will once again showcase the depth of Canberra’s trans and nonbinary live music scene too, with local performers including Salty Goodness, nonbinarycode, Mundt Phais, JAIDE and Kalokairi. 32

FUSECOMMUNITY

Is being active outdoors more your thing? Well, look no further than Sport Your Pride, which offers a whopping 17 queer sport options this year over three packed days from its new home base at the Lyneham Sports Precinct and across town. Want to meet ACT Policing’s LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officers? They’ll be at SYP and the Latte With An LLO event. Want to experience Pride in the suburbs? Join us for Pride-Day Night Shopping at Westfield Belconnen. Meanwhile, our community event partners have gone to incredible lengths to make sure that you’ll barely see the inside of your homes during November with every kind of event, to satisfy every queer desire, happening during the month. Wanna party on after a SpringOUT event? Canberra’s newest gay bar, ChiChiz, is our official venue partner this year and will be open until late throughout the month. We feel incredibly fortunate to have an artwork by Canberra-based, asexual Bangladeshi artist Dipa Mahbuba Yasmin setting the kaleidoscopic tone for this year’s SpringOUT. “I sought to merge my ongoing artistic style with local Canberra architecture and native Australian tropical birds, utilising a vibrant palette of pride flags colours to represent diverse spectrums”, Dipa said. “My inspiration comes from the vibrant visual language of Bangladeshi rickshaw and truck art — a popular folk tradition across South Asia. While traditional rickshaw painting often reflects heteronormative stories, I reimagine its bold characters and motifs through a queer lens.” Queer, diverse, local and international — that’s SpringOUT and Canberra in a nutshell! FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

FESTIVAL GUIDE 2026

23 OCTOBER – 1 DECEMBER PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

MEDIA PARTNER

springout.com.au #springoutcbr SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

BE YOURSELF IN CANBERRA SPRING FEVER RETRO DISCO WHERE CHICHIZ 32 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER • 7:30PM — 12:30AM Grab your glitter, flares and sequins and boogie the night away to non-stop retro hits at ChiChiz Bar. Money raised on the night goes to Diversity ACT’s projects and programs. FREE EVENT FREE EVENT

THE PLACES THAT SHAPE US WHERE THE Q EXHIBITION SPACE 253 CRAWFORD STREET, QUEANBEYAN WHEN 23 OCTOBER — 9 NOVEMBER This exhibition examines queer lived experiences in regional Australia. Based in Braidwood, the artist weaves his own memories with those of his peers and collaborators; through immersive collages, they explore the emotional landscape of growing up queer in the country.

DRAG STORYTIME WITH COURTNEY ACT WHERE FREE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY EVENT KING EDWARD TERRACE, PARKES WHEN SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER • 10:30AM — 11:30AM

WHERE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY KING EDWARD TERRACE, PARKES WHEN SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER • 1:00PM — 3:00PM Pick up a pencil and find an easel for an afternoon of sketching in collaboration with FLESH Queer Life Drawing. To celebrate the newly commissioned portrait of Australian drag icon Courtney Act by Paul Yore, this session will feature three drag artists in all their finest drapery.

Join Courtney Act for a special reading of Confetti and the Rainbow Garden, followed by a book signing. After listening to the story, families are invited to continue the fun with a self-guided creative activity inspired by the book’s themes of nature, belonging and self-expression.

FLAG RAISING DAY

IN CONVERSATION COURTNEY ACT AND PAUL YORE

Pride flags will be raised outside the ACT Legislative Assembly, marking the commencement of SpringOUT’s 2026 festival celebrating Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community.

WHERE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY KING EDWARD TERRACE, PARKES WHEN SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER • 5:30PM — 7:00PM Join drag queen, singer and television personality Courtney Act in conversation with artist Paul Yore as they discuss their new portrait. Facilitated by Bree Pickering, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, this special event offers insight into the creation of Yore’s intricate work and explores the shared experiences that brought artist and subject together. 34

DRAWN IN DRAG

SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

WHERE CIVIC SQUARE, CITY WHEN THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER • 12:30PM

FREE EVENT

GIRL FOR A DAY (UN JOUR FILLE) WHERE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE 1 MCCOY CIRCUIT, ACTON WHEN THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER • 7:00PM Jean-Claude Monod’s acclaimed drama explores identity, gender, desire and self-determination. A film event celebrating Intersex Awareness Day. FUSEMAGAZINE.COM.AU

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23 OCT – 1 DEC FRUITBOWL : HALLOWEEN WHERE CHICHIZ 32 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER • 6:00PM TIL LATE SpringOUT’s Fair Day Afterparty! Get ready for a spooky night at Canberra’s fruitiest dance party! ChiChiz’s will serve up juicy beats, deliciously haunting drag, and a dancefloor crawling with fruity creatures, freaks and fabulous fiends!

BIG GAY PIANO BAR WHERE CHICHIZ 32 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER • 6:30PM — 10:30AM

SPRINGOUT BLESSING SERVICE

Come along to Canberra’s gayest piano bar at ChiChiz, featuring the talented John Milligan on the keys as he plays all your camp song requests.

ALIAS CABARET : VICE

WHERE CANBERRA CITY UNITING CHURCH 69 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE, CITY WHEN SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER • 7:00PM — 8:00PM

FREE EVENT

Join the open and affirming Uniting Churches of Canberra for a welcoming SpringOUT worship service.

WHERE SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE 76 ALINGA STREET, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER • 9:30PM — 11:30PM Celebrate your indulgences and wicked habits with a show of questionable morals where drag, burlesque, circus, poetry, dance and music will tempt a further fall from grace.

QUEER FLICKS : WOLF CAT FEVER Q&A

FREE EVENT

SPRINGOUT FAIR DAY WHERE GLEBE PARK CORNER OF AKUNA & BUNDA STREETS, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER • 11:00AM — 5:00PM Connect with your queer tribe while you enjoy a free fun-filled day with music, song, dance and drag. Fair Day will also include a market village filled with stalls representing our diverse community and local businesses, plus heaps of delicious food and drinks to keep you fed and happy all day.

WHERE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE 1 MCCOY CIRCUIT, ACTON WHEN THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER • 6:00PM — 9:00PM A glitter-soaked, fuzz-guitar fever dream of Australian independent cinema, brought to you by Queer Flicks — a series of LGBTIQA+ film favourites presented by NFSA in a welcoming space for community connection.

QUEER READS WHERE FREE EVENT BOOK FACE 33 HIBBERSON STREET, GUNGAHLIN WHEN THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER • 6:00PM — 7:30PM Join a panel of local queer poets, writers and publishers for a joyous discussion full of exciting LGBTIQ+ reading recommendations and community connection. SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

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QWIRE : GO WEST WITH LOVE

WHERE THE B (BICENTENNIAL HALL) 253 CRAWFORD STREET, QUEANBEYAN WHEN SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER • 5:00PM An evening of song inspired by geography, community and connection. The concert showcases the beauty and breadth of choral music, performed by Canberra’s very own Qwire.

CREATIVE JUICES WHERE TUGGERANONG ARTS CENTRE 137 REED STREET, GREENWAY WHEN FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER • 7:00PM — 9:00PM Promising laughter, connection and delightfully ridiculous artworks to take home, Creative Juices brings a cheeky, adult twist to the messy joy of ’90s kids’ art shows.

LGBTQIA+ & ALLIES PROM WHERE CANBERRA REX HOTEL 150 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE, BRADDON WHEN FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER • 6:00PM — 10:00PM

QUEEREST OF THE QUEER WHERE SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE (UPSTAIRS) 76 ALINGA STREET, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER • 8:30PM — 12:00PM Club Cornucopia and Venus Mantrap bring you all your iconic queer favourites.This disco haven will feature a celebratory soundtrack of iconic queer favourites.

CULT CLASSICS : DEATH BECOMES HER WHERE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE 1 MCCOY CIRCUIT, ACTON WHEN FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER • 8:00PM

Prom provides a safe space where LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies can freely express themselves, forge meaningful friendships and create unforgettable memories together.

Venus Mantrap presents the cult classic film Death Becomes Her. Two hollywood frenemies (Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn) turn to the dark arts to gain everlasting youth, with outrageous results.

GAYCT HISTORY BY BIKE TOUR

A DRAG IS BORN

WHERE STARTS AT ON-LAKE CAFE ON THE KINGSTON FORESHORE & FINISHES HAIG PARK IN BRADDON WHEN SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER • 10:00AM — 12:00PM

WHERE THE STREET THEATRE 15 CHILDERS STREET, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER • 7:00PM

Join Russell Nankervis from the Canberra Series and Paris Lord from Canberra by Bike for a slow, social ride showcasing sites integral to the city’s queer history.

A wordless blend of clown and drag to celebrate queer joy. In a twist of fate, an ordinary man with limited talent and abundant body hair becomes the Queen of the Carnival. SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

FUSE MAGAZINE PRESENTS

Big Gay Breakfast SUNDAY

AN LGBTIQ+ AND EVERYONE INBETWEEN EVENT!

22 NOV

BE YOURSELF IN CANBERRA TILLEY’S DEVINE CAFÉ

9AM TIL 12 NOON BUY YOUR OWN BREAKFAST

Cnr Brigalow & Wattle Sts, Lyneham MORE DETAILS

AN ALL WEATHER EVENT!

Eat, drink and be merry with all your fabulous friends. NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED!

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FOR MORE DETAILS & EVENT TICKETS VISIT SPRINGOUT.COM.AU

INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS (TEA) PARTY WHERE A BLOCK THEATRE, GORMAN ARTS CENTRE 55 AINSLIE AVENUE, BRADDON WHEN FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER • 5:30PM — 8:00PM In a two hour workshop queer author and multi-disciplinary artist Emma Batchelor will share the creative process behind the development of her new novel Bloomwaves.

BAD TASTE BINGO WHERE DICKSON TAPHOUSE 30 WOOLLEY STREET, DICKSON WHEN SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 7:00PM — 10:30PM Come for the bingo, stay for the bangers! Hosted by Venus Mantrap, this escape portal promises a Saturday night you won’t forget, filled with performances, prizes and big laughs!

23 OCT – 1 DEC

SPRINGOUT COMEDY GALA WHERE THE STREET THEATRE 15 CHILDERS STREET, CITY WHEN THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER • 6:00PM & 8:15PM The SpringOUT Comedy Gala is back again with another side-splittingly hilarious line-up of some of the best queer comedians from Canberra and interstate.

DRACULA : A COMEDY OF TERROR WHERE CANBERRA REP THEATRE 3 REPERTORY LANE, ACTON WHEN 19 NOVEMBER — 5 DECEMBER Perfect for audiences of all blood types. A play packed with pop-culture references and other gender-bending silliness.

MOONLIGHT MEANDERS : CITY WEST

JOSHY IN PARIS

WHERE MEET OUTSIDE SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE 76 ALINGA STREET, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 8:30PM — 10:00PM

WHERE CHICHIZ 32 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER • 8:00PM

This feminist-led walking tour is designed to improve health and wellbeing through collective walking and urban play. Meet invisible sheroes, local artists and activists, past and present.

Aussie comedian Joshua Hauville blends stand-up, theatre and clowny burlesque to share his experience of trying to make it, find love and learn French in the streets of Paris. Will he triumph or will France smoke this fag? SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

5PM 7NOV 2026

THE B, 253 CRAWFORD STEET, QUEANBEYAN

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RAINBOW CONNECTIONS

FREE EVENT

PRIDE-DAY NIGHT SHOPPING

WHERE BALANCED YOGA 39 JARDINE STREET, KINGSTON WHEN SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER • 1:00PM — 5:00PM A wellbeing and creativity event for the queer community and allies, showcasing Canberra’s leading health and wellbeing practitioners, with expertise in movement, breathwork, meditation, mental and physical health.

WHERE WESTFIELD BELCONNEN LEVEL 3, NEAR MAX BRENNER WHEN FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER • 5:00PM — 8:00PM A pride shopping experience like no other. Enjoy non-stop Pride anthems from DJs Raydar and CandyCane, check out the shows and visit the pop-up SpringOUT stall.

TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE VIGIL 2026

FREE WHERE EVENT CIVIC SQUARE, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER • 6:00PM — 8:00PM The transgender community honours those of us who came before and who were killed by transphobia and hatred.

FREE EVENT

BIG BBQ BASH WHERE HAIG PARK, BRADDON END WHEN SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER • 11:00AM — 2:00PM Come join ACT Aces + Aros for a BBQ Bash! Utensils, condiments, blankets, sunscreen all supplied. The BBQ also includes vegan and vegetarian options. You’re also welcome to bring a salad, dessert or something you want to share. The asexuals appreciate a cake!

COME WRITE @ TAC WHERE FREE EVENT TUGGERANONG ARTS CENTRE 137 REED STREET NORTH, GREENWAY WHEN SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER • 12:00PM — 2:00PM An opportunity for writers to work on their projects and connect with fellow writers in a quiet and focused space.

LOUD & PROUD WHERE DISSENT CAFE AND BAR 181 CITY WALK, CANBERRA WHEN SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER • 4:00PM TIL LATE A live music event you won’t want to miss, featuring an all-trans and non-binary lineup. Powerful voices, fresh sounds, big feels. Featuring nonbinarycode (pictured), Salty Goodness, Kalokairi, JAIDE, Mundt Phàis and Val Moogz.

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE WHERE TUGGERANONG UNITING CHURCH FREE EVENT 17 COMRIE STREET, WANNIASSA WHEN SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER • 7:00PM — 8:00PM A prayer vigil to honour the memory of trans and gender diverse people whose whose lives have been taken by transphobic violence and discrimination. SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

WORLD AIDS DAY 1 DECEMBER

meridianact.org.au/wad_26

End stigma. Start respect.

8:30 to 10am AIDS Garden of Reflection National Arboretum Canberra

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23 OCT – 1 DEC LATTE WITH AN LLO FREE WHERE EVENT BEARDED BEAN CAFE 2/21 GENGE STREET, CANBERRA WHEN SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER • 10:00AM — 12:00PM FREE EVENT

Do you have questions, suggestions or something you want to say, this is your chance to chat with an ACT Policing LLO.

BUY YOUR OWN BREAKFAST

FUSE BIG GAY BREAKFAST WHERE TILLEY’S DEVINE CAFÉ BRIGALOW & WATTLE STREETS, LYNEHAM WHEN SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER • 9:00AM — 12:00PM BOOKINGS NOT REQUIRED | BUY YOUR OWN BREAKFAST

QUEER JUNK JOURNAL WORKSHOP

Join us for the FUSE Big Gay Breakfast, now in its 18th year. It is an LGBTIQ+ and everyone-in-between event. Eat, drink and be merry on a beautiful spring morning with all your fabulous friends and make a few new ones. Champagne is generously supplied by Tilley’s.

If you like craft, sticking things on things and expressing yourself creatively, this is the low key workshop for you.

WHERE YOU ARE HERE LEVEL 1, 131 CITY WALK, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER • 2:00PM — 4:00PM

REIMBODIED ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH WHERE FREE YOU ARE HERE EVENT LEVEL 1, 131 CITY WALK, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER • 6:00PM — 7:30PM Join Flighted Pages at the launch of Reembodied Anthology, an anthology created by queer and disabled people.

3 ONE NIGHT IN HEAVEN 3 WHERE FICTION NIGHTCLUB 50 BUNDA STREET, CITY WHEN FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER • 8:00PM — 4:00AM Relive the ’90s and 2000s dance anthems, the DJs you adored, the friends you partied with, and the memories that defined a generation. Expect drag queens, go‑go dancers, performance art, gay anthems, handbag house, club bangers, techno house, and a deep dive into the rave‑soaked roots that made Heaven iconic. Experience the night of your life as three generations of club‑goers celebrate together.

SPRINGOUT CLOSING PARTY WHERE CHICHIZ 32 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE, CITY WHEN SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER • 8:00PM TIL LATE Join us for the festival’s final event, a chilled evening of music, drag and community hosted by ChiChiz Bar.

WORLD AIDS DAY WHERE FREE EVENT AIDS GARDEN OF REFLECTION NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA WHEN TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER • 8:30AM — 10:00AM Meridian will mark World AIDS Day with an early morning gathering followed by tea and coffee. SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

ALL IN! EXERCISE FOR THE

LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

DO YOU IDENTIFY UNDER THE UMBRELLA AND FIND IT DIFFICULT TO ACCESS MAINSTREAM EXERCISE SERVICES? All In! is an inclusive exercise space for LGBTQIA+ and Gender Diverse people. Driven by Holly Hazlewood, a queer Exercise Physiologist, with the aim to provide a safe and welcoming clinical exercise setting for the queer community. We understand some of the barriers to accessing mainstream healthcare services, and our goal is to help you prevent, treat and/or manage any chronic conditions through physical activity in a queer-friendly exercise environment. Every new client will have an initial consultation with our exercise physiologist, where your health and injury history will be documented. From there, a personalised exercise program will be designed to address your areas of concern and personal goals. Your program will be delivered in a one-on-one, ongoing basis from a proud member of Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community.

ALL-INCLUSIVE, SAFE EXERCISE SPACE FOR LGBTQIA+ AND GENDER-DIVERSE PEOPLE.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? CALL US ON 6251 2055

Arthritis ACT is a registered provider of NDIS services

arthritisact.org.au 44

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SPRINGOUT PRIDE SPORTS THE GREAT FITNESS BOARD GAME

WOMEN & MEN’S RUGBY

REID OVAL • FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER • 6:00AM It’s a giant board game with a fitness twist! Teams battle, collecting cones, laying traps and throwing obstacles!

SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 12:30PM — 2:00PM Take part in a friendly football session, plus activations.

SPORT YOUR PRIDE SOUTHWELL PARK, LYNEHAM

SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 2:30PM — 4:30PM Get your groove on at our wrap up Hawaiian Beach Party.

PRIDE HOCKEY + COME & TRY FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER • 5:30PM — 8:00PM Your chance to come and try hockey, followed by a game — Police & Emergency Services versus ACT.

SPORT YOUR PRIDE LAUNCH PARTY FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER • 8:00PM — 10:00PM Launch party featuring DJ, performers and great vibes.

MULTI-SPORT GALA DAY BEACH VOLLEYBALL + COME & TRY SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 8:00AM — 5:30PM Enjoy a full day of summer series beach volleyball. Including a ‘come and try’ from 12:00pm-2:30pm.

AFL 9S SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 11:00AM — 12:00PM Footy that fits into real life. It’s fast-paced and action-packed with no tackling, no training, no pressure.

HOCKEY WITH THE SYDNEY BENTSTIX SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 12:00PM — 1:00PM The thrills of hockey with Sydney’s premier LGBTQIA+ team.

ARCHERY + COME & TRY SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 12:00PM — 2:00PM Experience archery, learn to use a bow and test your aim.

NETBALL EXHIBITION + COME & TRY SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 12:00PM — 2:00PM Come and try netball, a fast-paced, non-contact team sport.

FOOTBALL/SOCCER SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 12:00PM — 2:30PM Join a friendly game, plus activations like the dart board.

HAWAIIAN BEACH PARTY

MORE SPORTS TO LOVE COME AND TRY SQUASH WODEN SQUASH CENTRE SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 1:00PM — 3:00PM Give squash a go with Rainbow Racquets! Our free ‘come and try’ sessions are a fun, relaxed way to experience squash.

PRIDE ICE HOCKEY GAMES PHILLIP ICE SKATING RINK SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 4:00PM — 7:30PM Harbour Lights and Capital Riot ice hockey clubs are celebrating Sport Your Pride with three games featuring players from across the LGBTQIA+ hockey community.

A VERY QUEER GYM SALLY BROMLEY PRIVATE STUDIO, OAKS ESTATE SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 6:00PM — 8:00PM Want to learn how to lift weights, but don’t know where to start? Want to be in a supportive sapphic environment, that allows for full self expression and safety?

SPORT YOUR PRIDE AFTER-PARTY CHICHIZ BAR, CITY SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER • 6:00PM TIL LATE Continue with the fun, in your best sports attire!

ROLLER DERBY + COME & TRY EVELYN SCOTT SCHOOL SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER • 12:00PM — 4:00PM Ready to find your people and discover a sport like no other? If you’re looking for community, confidence and a whole lot of fun, Varsity Roller Derby’s ‘come and try’ day is for you! Catch a glimpse of what you could be part of!

RECOVERY PRIDE LAWN BOWLS RUC, O’CONNOR SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER • 12:30PM — 2:30PM Join Sport Your Pride for our final sporting event with a relaxing fun game of social lawn bowls. SPRINGOUTFESTIVALGUIDE

1300 772 643 OUR VALUES-BASED FINANCIAL PLANNING APPROACH BRINGS TOGETHER THE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND HUMAN TOUCH TO CREATE A SOLUTION TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS.

WE WORK IN AREAS OF: • SUPERANNUATION INCLUDING SELF MANAGED AND PUBLIC SECTOR • WEALTH CREATION • SALARY SACRIFICE • REDUNDANCY • ESTATE PLANNING • RISK MANAGEMENT PLANNING

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YOUR HOROSCOPE NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2026 UPLIFTING ENERGY, NEW OPPORTUNITIES & CLARITY We’re all invited to slow down, reflect and reconnect. With Mercury in retrograde from 24 October to 13 November, expect possible delays and communication mix-ups, but also opportunities to revisit old issues and gain new insight. It’s a time for growth, so use it to create positive change. December brings optimism and inspiration, helping us all move forward with an open heart.

Aquarius

January 21 – February 18 With relationships in focus, you may need to revisit some conversations if the waters have been murky. If you have been feeling unsure about life, expect a welcome boost in confidence as summer progresses. TIP: Set a new intention to help you move forward.

Taurus

April 21 – May 21 Unclear expectations could cause tension with others, so straightforward communication and patience will help with any misconceptions. December brings new revelations and a chance to let go of an old worry. TIP: Express yourself honestly and with kindness.

Leo

July 23 – August 23 Emotional foundations may need your attention as your year winds down. December brings a much easier and lighter mood, offering more room for flirtation, creative expression and time with people you care about. TIP: Create your own novel version of festive fun.

Scorpio

October 24 – November 22 You may find yourself at a crossroads as the year ends. Mercury in retrograde will affect Scorpios the most, so take your time — and don’t rush into big declarations until you’ve considered all the ramifications. TIP: Back yourself without forcing the timing.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20 Over the next few months, new long term ambitions will be on your mind as the stars encourage reflection, while December may bring a shift in perspective tied to a creative endeavour. TIP: Trust the direction you’re heading; the universe has its reasons.

Gemini

May 22 – June 21 Mercury rules your sign, so prepare for scrambled plans, things going missing, technical hiccups and more overthinking than usual during its retrograde. The coming full moon will bring an invaluable insight. TIP: Try to keep things simple during November.

Virgo

August 24 – September 23

Aries

March 21 – April 20 Intimacy or trust issues may pop up with someone significant in your life, so your emotional honesty will be your strongest asset. December sparks a desire for adventure and a bigger view of what is possible. TIP: Let your values guide any new decisions.

Cancer

June 22 – July 22 A meaningful gesture will help you reconnect with someone close and feel more like your best self again. Pay close attention, as the full moon will stir up some important feelings. TIP: Try not to judge — something negative will turn out for the best.

Libra

September 24 – October 23

If you have a busy social schedule planned, make sure you carve out some space for yourself and the things you love. December shifts your attention to family and friends as you may be called on for something important. TIP: Work on being more OK with imperfection.

The warmer seasons bring uplifting energy as the year’s intensity clears away, helping you step forward with renewed clarity, inner peace and harmonious balance. TIP: Return to what restores your equilibrium and everything will fall gracefully into place.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Your summer brings a welcome sense of renewal and encourages you to rest, reflect and finish what’s been asking for closure. The new moon supports a fresh start, especially around identity and confidence. TIP: Let go and make room for the person you want to be.

A collaboration opportunity offers something uniquely special. The stars encourage you to recharge before your birthday comes around again, so you can move into the new year with clear emotions. TIP: Choose people who uplift you and feed your soul.

November 23 – December 22

December 23 – January 20

STARGAZER

EMAIL DEAR ROSE WITH YOUR PROBLEM

By Rose Pappalardo

Dear Rose, My GF and I broke up last year, but we are still in the same friendship group. Every time I see her, it feels like a reunion I didn’t ask for. I feel like I can’t move on because she’s everywhere. Do I have to leave my friends behind to heal? Lilly

Dear Lilly, No, don’t surrender your friends because a relationship ended. But you do need a plan. I suggest you choose a few of your closer friends, tell them how you’re feeling and arrange smaller get-togethers on your own terms, while avoiding larger gatherings that may include your ex until you feel like you have moved on. I will say, however, that healing isn’t about never seeing her. It’s also about learning to sit with the discomfort when you do — so that, over time, her presence stops feeling painful, your heart stops hurting, and she’s just another person.

Dear Rose, I have been seeing a guy for just over a year now. We go on dates, spend weekends together and know each other’s friends. But when I ask what we are, he says labels ruin things. I am trying to be chill, but I’m keen to know where things are going. Am I being too needy? Ben

Dear Ben, I don’t think wanting clarity about your relationship is needy — it’s adult. A year seems like plenty of time to ask where things are going and whether your boy is serious or not. It’s not as if you are demanding a wedding or matching towels. It seems to me that you’re asking whether you are building something together or just filling space in each other’s calendars.

Dear Rose, I’m 22 and dating a woman who’s 43. We get along brilliantly. Some of my friends think she is too old for me and I think maybe I am too young for her. I feel self-conscious about something that makes me happy. Is our age gap a red flag? Kat

Dear Kat, A large age difference can sometimes be an issue once the honeymoon period is over, but it’s not a red flag. The question you should be asking yourself is whether your relationship feels equal, whether you both like similar things and whether you’re emotionally matched. Age can bring different expectations. One person might be thinking about settling down while the other is still figuring out where to live next year. That type of issue doesn’t make the relationship doomed; it just means that, like all successful relationships, it needs honest and frank conversations. Love does not need to look conventional to be real. It needs to be genuine and respectful. It should nurture you both and create space for each of you to grow and flourish. If you ever feel the equality in your relationship shifting, pay attention, as this could be a red flag. No matter the age difference, you need to be able to be yourself and feel free to say what you think, want and need, without fear of being dismissed for your youth or overshadowed by her experience.

“ There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.”

“Labels ruin things” can sometimes mean “I do not want the responsibility that comes with being clear”. That might be fair if he is upfront, but it’s not fair if he enjoys the closeness of a relationship while leaving you to carry all the uncertainty. It’s important that he knows where you’re at, so try this: “I like you and I enjoy what we have. But I am looking for more in our relationship. Is that something you want too?”. Then really listen so he knows your serious, and don’t settle for vague answers or you’ll end up feeling the same.

Jane Austen

From her 1815 novel Emma, about a young woman who wrongly believes she is a skilled matchmaker.

Need help or someone to talk to? Support is available for anyone in distress by phoning Lifeline 24 hours on 13 11 14, QLife on 1800 184 527 or Meridian’s counselling services on 02 6257 2855. If you require relationship support or services call Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277

ASK DEAR ROSE 48

DEARROSE

If you need help or have a question email : dearrose@fusemagazine.com.au

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Free sexual health care in the ACT For free, non-judgemental and friendly care, come to the Canberra Sexual Health Centre.

We offer: STI screening, some vaccinations, PrEP, DoxyPEP, cervical screening and treatment when needed. Don’t have Medicare? We can provide you with free HIV PrEP!

Exposed to HIV? PEP should be started as soon as possible but may be taken up to 72 hours after the exposure. Acknowledgement of Country Canberra Health Services acknowledges the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognises any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and contribution to the life of this region.

Make an appointment to discuss your needs. We’re not a walk‑in service so call 02 5124 2184 to book. Telehealth appointments sometimes available. Free interpreter services are available. Accessibility

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ART, STORIES AND COMMUNITY IN FULL COLOUR

CHRO MATIC CIRCLE A monthly queer-led program for LGBTQIA+ community and allies

VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS FILM SCREENINGS LIVE PERFORMANCE & MORE

Artwork: Lee Evatt, hand cut stencils.

TAC acknowledges funding received from the Capital of Equality Grants Program.

2–4PM | FREE SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH TUGGERANONG ARTS CENTRE

FUSE Magazine #74 Timothy Christopher Ryan