Pinkboard: Mardi Gras 98 Graffiti Wall 3

When selling your tickets please make sure they only go to the people that we want at our parties. I also disagree with selling tickets for more than their original price, as this is scapling, whatever the justification.
Panther - Wed Feb 25 12:57:18 1998

): Shower or thunderstorm, 25 degrees.
Forget the feathers and makeup! - Thu Feb 26 8:57:02 1998

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Seven hours until I get to Sinney. 24 hours till the boyf arrives. Two (maybe less) sleeps until that magically night. Have a great night boys and girls!
Is it Saturday yet! - Thu Feb 26 14:15:56 1998

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My partner's performing in a show, and mentioned this to people at work (without giving any details away). A (non-community) straight co-worker asked him if he was in the show with Kylie. He looked a little bit surprised as she explained to him that she had read that Kylie would be there in the Sunday papers. Is this the world's worst kept secret or what??
Every better devil and their dog knows - Thu Feb 26 16:12:29 1998

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Madonna is at the Ritz Carlton!
Thu Feb 26 17:50:59 1998

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Hah, I told you so!!! All of these rampant denials have obviously been because I hit a nerve. Well let me tell you sisters, Endora now has all the details & she ain't sharing.
Endora Finn - Thu Feb 26 20:07:00 1998

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Anyone noticed how D. Parton's been working overtime of late? And that Liza Minelli may be in town for a premiere at the same time as our fab fest? Failing that, my money's on Piers Ackerman. Bring eggs.
Callisto - Thu Feb 26 21:06:50 1998

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Heard at the hairdressers tonight- Kylie and Danni- performing together and separatly- 2 o'clock show is Janet Jackson- and 10 am is Elton- no mention of Ru Paul- heard from a friend of a committee member. Have good night kiddies!
Party Pooper! - Thu Feb 26 21:56:53 1998

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Silly Queens, at 2am its Madonna, who will also be doing a world wide launch of her new album at 7.30 in Taylor Square on Saturday, and Elton at 4am
male to male - Fri Feb 27 0:18:33 1998

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Eudora Finn - share all
Stony Chute - Fri Feb 27 0:42:58 1998

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If there is a God that can dance, please hear my impassioned plea. Let it be Marcia. If she has not already been booked, let her do an Aretha Franklin at the Grammys trick and step in at the last minute. You will make this lip synching old queen very happy.
Miracles can happen - Fri Feb 27 7:12:22 1998

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I have a suggestion. Whoever they are, just throw them all on stage at once at midnight and get it over and done with and let the real party begin.
Push and shove - Fri Feb 27 7:15:37 1998

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Looks like Male to male has already spilt the beans! That's exactly what I heard!
Endora Finn - Fri Feb 27 8:22:05 1998

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There are several hundred counterfeit tickets being sold. If your ticket has the date 3rd December and serial number 140075 then it could be counterfeit. If you have one, contact Mardi Gras on (02)9557 4332. They are offering to exchange counterfeit tickets.
Panther - Fri Feb 27 8:42:06 1998

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This Madonna rumour is apparently true !!!!!!!!!
Oh my god - Fri Feb 27 9:33:51 1998

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I am totally confused, I will have to go see every show so as not to miss out on something magical. Would someone advise what time shows are actually on, 12am, 2am, 4:30?????? 1 more sleep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Confused & excited - Fri Feb 27 10:10:41 1998

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Silly little queens! Do you really think we all want to know the gossip of the hair salon? Don't you have anything better to do when having your wash n' set honey? These rumours are boring!!!!!!! Madonna is bullsh*it, so she will not be here, Janet Jackson is tired and boring, Elton's show at 10:00 should be good, however only the real tragic types are left at the party at that time anyhow. Just surprise yourselves with the shows and stop the boring monotonous speculation.
When I am a the hairdresser I play with myself under the cape to pass away the time and aviod boring, banal, gossip. - Fri Feb 27 10:28:54 1998

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Caped Hairdressing Wanker: Why would you say it's, 'only the real tragic types are left at the party at that time anyhow.'? I'm one of those people who never leaves till the end. We are the 'party professional' thank you very much. No one parties as well as we do! Just when do you go home? I presume you go home, alone! I hope you go home at 4am, when all the Americans do. It's amazing how the party changes after the 'tourist' crowd leaves, and the serious party people can get on with celebrating what it is that we are here to celebrate. I get over the people who have flown half way across the world, eeven across the country, amd treat the whole affair as if it is some kind of 'show day', wandering from pavillion to pavillion looking at the beautiful displays in each! These are the people who just take up space and stand on the dance floor and wiggle they're bums and go 'Yeahhh, I'm a poof too because I've been to a Mardi Gras, and I can go tell all my friends!'. We'll I just wish they'd get it over and done with and leave early. I hope I'm not sounding too cynical, but the Mardi Gras party is a 'celebration', not just an event that every poof and lesbian has to attend once in their life, like a visit to Mecca! Just leave it to be the celebration that it is supposed to be, to those who wish to celebrate just that fact.
There! I've said it! - Fri Feb 27 11:00:37 1998

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Bodyline was going off last night! We even had to cue up in the street to get in. Again, the boys were gorgeous, horny and hung! It was a great way to cap off a wonderful evening. We saw Paul Capsis, and he was unbeleivable. Then it was to the Oxford for a drink. It is great to see the Oxford happening. Everyone was sooo friendly. People were so complimentary. I'm looking forward to seeing all my new friends at the party. Love my new hairdo too - thanks Robert!!
Sportsgirl - Fri Feb 27 11:05:57 1998

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Dear All, I hope everyone has a safe and happy Mardi Gras. 20 Years of celebration Enjoy!!!!!! P.S. Have a safe Mardi Gras
Fri Feb 27 13:30:03 1998

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Dear "there i've said it". Honey, the party is not about endurance, when you have had enough you have had enough. In my opinion the party all night sit in the gutter outside the Flinders all day, shower in the sauna, then to the arvo and night time recoveries is not my idea of fun. These sceney types always look tragic with their bloodshot eyes and grotty bodies. Not to mention their "cock breath", from sucking on anything that sashays past in a pair of sequined hot pants. I much prefer going home for a snooze, then a leisurely lunch and then to a recovery, or perhaps do something different. Not everyone has to party to the end, and end up looking drug and alcohol fu*ked for the entire next day Dear. So the Americans may have ot right!!!! Believe it or not honey, some people do not spend their entire life on the scene and prefer to present themselves later in the day in a pleasant and refreshed manner. On a diffrent note, many people leve between 4 and 5 because the music is so appalling at this time anyhow. Have fun in the gutter Darl.
The gutters in Rose Bay are much nicer Dear - Fri Feb 27 15:00:39 1998

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I always intend to stay till the end but usually get bored by 7am, when all the party casualties are vomiting all over the place & the music sounds like a headache. However I am Determined to see it through this time. Even if it means sitting on the bleachers for 3 hours wondering when the hell the DJ will change the record.
Party Amatuer - Fri Feb 27 17:39:43 1998

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Less than 24 hours to go, Woo! Hoo! I heard Fred Vile has backed out of his blockade threat, did'nt see that coming! Have a fabulous weekend everyone & make this the party everyone talks about for the next 20 years!
Endora Finn - Fri Feb 27 22:12:45 1998

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Have a faaaabulous Mardi Gras all poofs and dykes - party hard, play safe, and have the time of your life! Madonna has settled into the Ritz. Hopes she likes our party.
Fri Feb 27 22:19:19 1998

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so has anyone got the right running order for the shows or has Mardi gras finally manage to get one over the gay and lesbian population of Sydney?
rhoda - Fri Feb 27 22:21:53 1998

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Have a dance for me. Will miss you all and shed a tear. Could'nt get a good flight out. Shit. Maybe next year. Hey you, you know who you are, have a dance for me. Still in Vancouver and less than 24 hours to go.
Garrett - Fri Feb 27 22:57:24 1998

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Madonna is currently in Paris you fools!!
Do Your Research - Sat Feb 28 1:24:59 1998

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Its raining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dicks Out - Sat Feb 28 8:46:43 1998

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Boy & Girls ... it's time to get on our knees and do what we do best - PRAY !!
Not Regligious but gotta stop this rain ! - Sat Feb 28 9:19:18 1998

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Madonna is currently at the Sydney (not Paris) Ritz. She may or may not appear at MG party, so do *your* research!
Sat Feb 28 11:20:13 1998

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Is Bronte Morris asking for $30,000 from Pride, or giving it back?
Not sympathetic - Sat Feb 28 12:54:04 1998

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I just want to wish everyone the best Mardi Gras Parade and Party possible. It is going to be such a thrill being in the Parade again, not matter what the weather is does. I am also looking forward to celebrating with all those other gay and lesbian party hards who will all be there till the end. Those who stay till the end won't be dissapointed. Love to you all! Happy, Happy, Happy Mardi Gras!
Stomper.Mistress@pinkboard.com.au - Sat Feb 28 13:18:45 1998

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Water is the secret of life! I'm not afraid to get wet! My feathers don't like the idea at all, so they may get chucked in the gutter.
gregsta - Sat Feb 28 13:49:58 1998

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Have fun everybody, enjoy your moments!!!
Cory - Sat Feb 28 15:09:14 1998

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buck naked is confermed, saw the lights go in... so the groove bar is in the loos. should keep the hetros out. and if your far enought away or on good enought drugs janet will be performing.shows are in rhi and horden as a quick look will tell, expect to bump into many well known names wandering arround, and please don't use the line "haven't i met you before' to an a list international cleb! ie mr reeves, u2, reg, kylie, et el many who are not playing but will be there... though u2 were brillent last night 'hello sydney are you ready for mardi gra.... we are" announced bono as he went into "even better than the real thing"...
not as in the know as some - Sat Feb 28 16:34:55 1998

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buck naked is confermed, saw the lights go in... so the groove bar is in the loos. should keep the hetros out. and if your far enought away or on good enought drugs janet will be performing.shows are in rhi and horden as a quick look will tell, expect to bump into many well known names wandering arround, and please don't use the line "haven't i met you before' to an a list international cleb! ie mr reeves, u2, reg, kylie, et el many who are not playing but will be there... though u2 were brillent last night 'hello sydney are you ready for mardi gra.... we are" announced bono as he went into "even better than the real thing"...
not as in the know as some - Sat Feb 28 16:45:21 1998

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Madonna 10am with her own dancers !!!! Sun is shining - is going to be a good one boys and girls !! ***Happy Mardi Gras***
I'm soooo Excited ! - Sat Feb 28 17:25:31 1998

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the parade was fabulous - well done everyone!
eyrie - Sun Mar 1 2:03:03 1998

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Well give me the dirt, I want all the stories. Hanging here in Vancouver waiting patiently. You're all still dancing your dials off though. Hurry home and drop the bomb. I need the news. Happy recouvery all.
Garrett - Sun Mar 1 5:43:52 1998

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njboy loved mardi gras. Who said where's the beef.
Sun Mar 1 14:11:29 1998

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Dear Garrett just to let you know we are thinking about you - Dannii minogue 2am, at 3am 200 drag queens doing "I am what I am". Kylie at 4am doing "better the devil I know" and then Jimmy Summervile closed the party at 10am. followed by Mogadonna who later poisened me with K in Gilligans!!!!
Sun Mar 1 17:11:44 1998

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Great Parade and Party.
Sun Mar 1 21:05:55 1998

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Oxford Street stinks of pee and vomit (visible) and there are tragic old queens, drunks in doorways, and desperate straight druggies everywhere...hardly a glamorous sight. Very disappointed with the strip, what should be a dazzling part of town, looks like Manila on a bad day. Rubbish is everywhere, considering it's clean up Australia day..Oxfoed Street sadly missed out. South Sydney council is not doing their job obviously, I was ashamed to take OS visitors out there tonight. no wonder the Yanks stayed home..why come all this way for a thrid world street scene. I think we can do much better than this..don't you ? The whole place needs a high pressure hose down, major work on the footpaths, and those poor drunks in doorways really need to be put in shelters, even for the month of Feb....This is not glamorous, it's pathetic. Sydney has to really clean up it's act before the gay games if it wants to tout Oxfors Street as "the gay golden mile", it looks more like a scaled down seedy Hollywood (also not a glamorous place these days), than the home of homos in Sydney. If we claim it is the place, then we have to make it the place. Public toilets would be a good start.
Not Impressed - Sun Mar 1 23:41:50 1998

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Oxford Street looks more and more like Kings Cross, it has really lost it's appeal. Oh sure the parade and other events liven it up a bit, but take that away and the shell is just a smelly old street, with no redeaming features. no wonder there are so many vacant shops there at the moment, looking like eye sores..particularly the once pizza shop next to the Oxford. couldn't this prime piece of Mardi Gras real estate been snapped up even for Feburary to give the street a bit more continuity ? Why not have a temporary safe sex place there where all the necessary sex aids could be distributed, or an information drop in centre, internet cafe for OS tourists, so many uses.May as well have the parade in Cabramatta, at least the drugs would be cheap on the Street. Mardi Gras is going down hill, just like Oxford Street, sure the parade is lavish and well attended (mostly by straight onlookers), but when you peel the thin glittery veneer away, you are left with a rotting shell. Lines of straights hustling to get into Stonewall, amidst rotting garbage and VB cans....ooh tacky. What do we have to be proud of ????
Also unimpressed - Sun Mar 1 23:54:31 1998

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To Not Impressed - yes, we can do better! Oxford Street is hardly gay these days - and yes, it is dirty. But the yanks are used to this - visited San Francisco lately? Filthy Streets, homeless at every corner and in between, and inadequate welfare to help bridge the gap between haves and have nots. Let's clean up our house for ourselves, not to impress visitors!
Mon Mar 2 7:06:51 1998

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So where was Madonna? Why aren't I surprised?
Mon Mar 2 7:19:18 1998

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No one told us how to get there. We turned left when we should have turned right. Then got caught up in bad traffic jams (thought I was back in New York). It was all over by the time we made it. Oh well, I promise to do it next year.
Madonna - Mon Mar 2 8:34:14 1998

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Yeah it would have been wonderful for you to have made it Maddie, but Jimmy was just soooooo excellent, so you don't need to feel bad. What can I say: Dannii, Kylie, 20 years of drag, exotic drags looking like blue birds of paradice performing elaborate dances suspended on perches from the roof, the most gorgeous and glamorous boys and girls, (thanks for the water and amyl) to party with!!!! And Carl from NZ Airlines: you're just so cute. Thanks heaps to everyone who helped create Mardi Gras this year.
The boy from Newcastle - Mon Mar 2 14:25:38 1998

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I sort of agree with some of the sentiments about some of the problems with Oxford Street expressed by Not Impressed and Also Unimpressed, but instead of whinging maybe we should be doing. Let the spirit of the first Mardi Gras always keep us active!
Keanu - Mon Mar 2 14:33:06 1998

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A straight girl from work went to Q Bar after the parade and said Julian McMahon was there. Why wasn't he at the party seeing Dannii (his former wife) being seduced by lesbians on stage ??!!
Kylie was better - Mon Mar 2 16:19:51 1998

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Mon Mar 2 16:27:26 1998

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All I can say it was so cruel and hearless of the party organisers to allow the DJ before the final show play "Like A Prayer" and Janet's "Together Again" as they were preparing the stage and rolling out the red carpet. Grrr... and the oh-so-intense push when they cleared space on the dance floor. How rude. The crush would have been worth it for Madonna... or Janet... or someone *big*. (Yes I am bitter about having my very full bladder from holding out on pee pee in case I missed the last show, squashed and distorted in the crush). The agonising wait to get through the gates was disappointing and avoidable. 1 hour to get in ? Ohmigawd ! But I had a fantastic time... with the best gang of people... :) It was the best!! (Kylie I still adore you)
Still Smiling - Mon Mar 2 17:54:30 1998

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All I can say it was so cruel and hearless of the party organisers to allow the DJ before the final show play "Like A Prayer" and Janet's "Together Again" as they were preparing the stage and rolling out the red carpet. Grrr... and the oh-so-intense push when they cleared space on the dance floor. How rude. The crush would have been worth it for Madonna... or Janet... or someone *big*. (Yes I am bitter about having my very full bladder from holding out on pee pee in case I missed the last show, squashed and distorted in the crush). The agonising wait to get through the gates was disappointing and avoidable. 1 hour to get in ? Ohmigawd ! But I had a fantastic time... with the best gang of people... :) It was the best!! (Kylie I still adore you)
Still Smiling - Mon Mar 2 18:25:43 1998

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Bloody hell - I just found out how to inadvertently repost your message a second time. Step 1) Type out your message - Step 2) Hit the submit button - Step 3) Hit the reload button - Step 4) Answer Yes to the "Repost Form" question - Step 5) Hit head against wall.
Still Smiling and trying to hide his stoopidness. - Mon Mar 2 18:27:42 1998

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Happppppppy Mardigras!!!! schweeeeety! love your work!
schlong rodgers! - Mon Mar 2 21:26:25 1998

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tooooooooooooooo camp !!!!!!!!!!. I like jopey goon. Get on the beronga love my section is gooooooood
r.u. buggered - Mon Mar 2 21:29:41 1998

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tooooooooooooooo camp !!!!!!!!!!. I like jopey goon. Get on the beronga love my section is gooooooood
r.u. buggered - Mon Mar 2 21:29:44 1998

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so mr not impressed you don't like oxford st after 700 000 people have been there all afternoon and half the night... near as bad as hollywood? where else do that many people gather on a yearly basis and keep the place cleaner? where? so we have homeless (been to usa lately sweety?) yes i expect it to be bad after the parade, but who does parades better? nyc? singapore is just what you are after, clean and fines for everything, but they are a bit homophobic and they dont allow large gathering or allow you to object to the govt. if you don't want to see the street afterwards buy a party ticket and return after it's been cleaned up...
sailorboy - Mon Mar 2 23:27:31 1998

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Tue Mar 3 8:04:37 1998

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now that the mardi gras is over for another year can we now have suggestions on how we can improve our community. being an increadibly creative crowd lets air all the dirty linen and then set about getting it to properly represent us all,
Re-invent it this year - Tue Mar 3 10:43:04 1998

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Dear sailorboy, The problem is not just the mess that is left after the parade.It is a year long problem that is supposed to be the responsibitity of the council. given that many of our community are rate-payers in that precinct and therefore could ask the council to explain the mess. every single day. As for the homeless, the cross was cleaned up and the homeless evicted from the parks and gutters and had no choice but to leave. this is bob carrs problem. given that the are not a voting majority councils will just kick them out of one area untill booted out again. its a sad reflection of society. (I must say that berryls red boots are a good attempt at a fashion statement). why have the shop owners not done something about the filthy state of oxford street,after all it is their frontyard?
matthew, Randwick - Tue Mar 3 11:02:34 1998

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That was my last MG. Never again will I brave the crowds. People where rude and extremely pushy. I had a good time, don't get me wrong, but all maners where forgotten for the night.
Tue Mar 3 12:42:08 1998

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Had a fabbie Mardi Gras and recovery. Didn't miss a show in the RHI but someone absolutely assured me Elton performed.
My drugs must have been really good to have missed Elton - Tue Mar 3 13:48:18 1998

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I have never heard so much over anticipation and over-speculation about who's performing at MG.....god you queens are boring. Get a life. Part of the thrill of MG is seeing the shows and getting a buzz....what sort of buzz is there if you already know who it is, or worse still disappointed because it's not who you thought it was? B.T.W Kylie was FAB and I loved the openning show - some of the sexiest boys in town doing what they do best.
leave it a surprise next year - Tue Mar 3 14:41:48 1998

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as a bent "straight" guy i had the time of my life at MG even though i'm sore as shit (scuse the pun) we danced our tits off from fri to mon morn with just a few compulsory hours sleep thrown in. cant wait to drive up again next year and hopefully go to the party. couldnt get tiks this time or see much of the parade. anyway i'd rather dance with you guys any day.
jag azcor@hotkey.net.au - Tue Mar 3 15:24:54 1998

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Just curious -- was there anybody who went to Mardi Gras in New Orleans Tuesday then went to Mardi Gras in Sydney Saturday? I would be interested to hear about comparisons.
angel2____me@hotmail.com - Tue Mar 3 17:17:40 1998

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Personally, I loved Jimmy Somerville's closing show, and was a bit ho-hum about Kylie (although the incredible reaction she got from some of the crowd was worth seeing, but why is she such a gay icon?). Shows you can't please all of the people all of the time.
Jimmy fan - Tue Mar 3 22:40:16 1998

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What a Mardi Gras and what a party!!! Best I've had in years. For me everything worked just right - and yeah I'm not sure why Kylie is a gay icon but the energy and the crowd and the atmosphere and the celebration of being gay was mind blowing and if it includes Kylie OK. Caught up with friends from Melbourne sydney, Auckland, San Fran and meet new people and kissed and fondled and shouted Happy Mardi Gras all night. Happy Mardi Gras!!!!!
tallbear - Wed Mar 4 10:46:14 1998

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when they pulled me outa the oxygen tent i asked for the latest party........and boy did i get yoooo hoooo poooo
jungle - Wed Mar 4 10:55:39 1998

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thanx for a wonderfull time Sydney sorry i dont have anything to moan about life is too short for that work and party work and party from your Melbourne bro xxx
dancedevil - Wed Mar 4 11:06:07 1998

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any real news on the rumour that sglmg will be expelling all non gay members to stop them coming to what is suposed to be a gay and lesbian party?????
hopefull - Wed Mar 4 12:56:13 1998

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yes!!!! all non gay/lesbian memebers will not have their membership renewed this year.this is because of the overwealming numbers of straight people at this years party. Did you go into the horden at any time of the night?Mardi Gras is for gay and lesbian people only.
bevL - Wed Mar 4 13:00:14 1998

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Great news. straight people just can't dance as well as being rude, pushy and dadly dressed.
Fabio - Wed Mar 4 13:02:28 1998

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...and the mardi gras is not for bis or tranys? Thanks very much
Wed Mar 4 15:02:37 1998

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Only one big complaint...the night went far too fast! Best one b/f and I have been to (our 4th). Another small whinge...keep the RHI free of straights. Gays and Lesbians know how to party together.Any moves by M/G to restrict straights attending will have our total support. Thanks for a great night. Anyone know the date for next years Party?
Still smiling... - Wed Mar 4 18:20:46 1998

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My friend & i loved the party..... we were nomads on the RHI floor and visited everyone - almost like a welcoming committee (maybe that was the drugs?). Since we were like Rose Leaf is at The Albury, we think we should get free tickets next year off Bev .... now who has her number?? My only gripe is the straight bitch with the whiping hair ..... next year i'll have my sicissors - that'll learn her! (We think that she was there coz its the only way she could dance with good looking guys.... just like all fag hags.) We were also the shirt patrol for the night - any one half cute with a shirt on was stripped of it..... I think you owe us a "thank you" for that too. Thanks people for the great night and will strip you, sorry, see you at the next party.
Groper - Wed Mar 4 20:17:12 1998

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I actually found the Horden rather gay whenever I was there.
Wed Mar 4 21:37:03 1998

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Well what a loooong parade and what a crooooowded party! The parade seemed interminable, didn't it, and from the balcony where I was, near the cnr of Sth Dowling and Flinders, I could see loads of onlookers just wandering off after the first two hours. Call me old fashioned but I could. And remember the good old days when we used to gasp at the in-yer-face open sexuality of some of the floats? Or when we used to roar with laughter at the wit and daring of it all? Where has all that gone? Puh-lease! This was more sedate than A.N.Z.A.C. Day... though at least those diggers knew how to keep in step... even on stronger drugs. And didn't it use to be good when only gay businesses wanted representation in the parade: I mean, do we actually crave exploitation at the hands of vodka merchants, for example? (Stand by for the Myers float...)Though I must say, cut down, the parade did make nice telly (who's that gorgeous boy in the Omnia ad?); clever the way they (almost) managed to screen out the name F*xtel from Uncle Rupert's rather ostentatious but not particularly queer float (I couldn't see Stuart or Dita anywhere); but why was I not surprised to see that the only blatancy in the whole show, that rather, er, large member from Headquarters, was quietly excised for the viewing public? Thank God for the telecast though, the triumph of 1998 in my opinion: Nicely done, Bob, and your Bev-y of guests! (Here's an idea: Why don't we ask Lamond to do the closing show next year?) (Come to think of it, she'd better go first.) Anyway, back to Saturday and THAT party... I missed last year, and so I hear this is not the first time the bleachers have been removed from the Hordern. Excuse me? Did I miss the riot over this or something? Whoever heard of a dancefloor with nowhere for us wallflowers to recline? And with no bleachers to climb up to, hands up everyone who saw not one sequin of a show! No, with nowhere to sit inside or outside the pavilions (remember those lovely wooden picnic tables?), it was either cram onto the hot and asphyxiatingly overcrowded dancefloors (dehydration, anyone?) or leave the building altogether to totter what seemed like miles to park our lycra on some ugly plastic chairs under naked fluoros! (Perhaps this was meant as a re-enactment of the '78 arrests.) It was either that or squat in the gutters. I wonder, SG&LMG, if you'd get away with it, if we weren't all so sweet, darling and - surprisingly, for revolutionaries - docile. And then - in these health conscious times - how about some decent food? I've seen better catering at a football match. There was only one little stall selling whole, fresh food and juice and they sold out of most stuff early on. Isn't there room for more? (How about a mini-bazaar?) And finally (major grouch alert!) what is to celebrate about a men-only space in a toilet? Even if Buck was spinning the best grooves of the night... I mean, sleaze is okay in small doses (!), but those toilets, with people vomiting in the corner and sweat dripping off the ceiling, not to mention the ubiquitous stench of shit, were an insult, not just to our humanity, but - correct me, do - to the very liberation we're meant to be celebrating.... Don't get me wrong: I can get off on toilet sleaze like the best (read: worst!) of us, but to point to a public urinal and proudly claim it's our fabulous (and only) men-only space is so sad... Is this what 20 years of (r)evolution have brought us to? Yes, dearies, I was disappointed. But somehow, you may be breathlessly relieved to hear, I still had bags of fun, and maybe I should be grateful for that, and actually I am. What I am.
Close friend of Sylvia - Thu Mar 5 0:35:26 1998

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Peter Tully - Alan Booth- Michael Tipper and my darling PABS - Paul Bryant - All of you made the Mardi Gras so special for so many years. Your vision combined with your spirituality accompkanied your talent on a journey that certainly took me to places that inspired my own creativity....Bless you
Michael Michelle - Thu Mar 5 4:34:04 1998

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Maybe it was just me, but I found people at this years party dressed a bit dull, not the glitz/glam I saw last year. This is my only negative observation, I also found the Hordern was full of mostly poofs and lezzos, much more gay than the RHI, much more room to shake the tail feather
Thu Mar 5 9:14:06 1998

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I would like to thank everyone who put in so much effort to make this year a Mardi Gras to remember. Firstly, all the members of the board and the main commitees put in hundreds, even thousands of hours of unpaid work to get the event happening. All the staff (office and workshop) put in effort above and beyond the call of duty. Then there are all the volunteers: office, workshop, bump-in, security, parade marshalls, etc. Medical at the party deserves special thanks. Then there are all the participants in the parade and all the people who make an effort to make the party come alive.
Panther - Thu Mar 5 9:26:46 1998

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Latest goss. on th party tickets.all straights will be expelled no more straights allowed to attend our gay and lesbian party It is a gay and lesbian mardi gras after all and if you dont fit the name then you should not be there
gay - Thu Mar 5 11:20:40 1998

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Sydney gay and lesbian mardi gras is just that. for gay and lesbian people, not anyone else that just wants a great night out
Fabio - Thu Mar 5 11:23:27 1998

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Sydney gay and lesbian mardi gras is just that. for gay and lesbian people, not anyone else that just wants a great night out
Fabio - Thu Mar 5 11:25:18 1998

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and thanks for the men only space, in the toilets. is that what you think of your gay members Bev?? only good enough to have space in the toilets along with the stench of urine and shit if thats what you think of us then watch out at the next general meeting
pissedoff - Thu Mar 5 11:27:29 1998

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Yeah so when the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was just called the Gay Mardi Gras it was not for lesbians? Yeah right.
Thu Mar 5 12:47:49 1998

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Maybe it would be a good idea to rename the organisation to represent all people that identify as non hetrosexual, As a community our sucess depends largely on our combined voice and unity.if we cannot accept each other in our common struggle then these disagrements will continue far longer and generally not achieve any real acceptance.As a combined force we are stronger than any expression of a percentage. Are we 10% of the population or less?
Re-invent it this year - Thu Mar 5 14:23:13 1998

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Mardi Gras office has had an answering machine on all week and does not respond to messages. Please, anyone know the date for next years Parade/Party? Gay friends from O/S want to start their plans for it. Thanks. Had a fab time by the way - best party ever. Except for the little straight girl who seemed lost on the RHI dancefloor with her cig in hand burning whoever she got too close to.
Planning for next year already! - Thu Mar 5 17:12:13 1998

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Planning: Rip the cigarette out of her hand and put it out. I've done that before. It is dangerous on the dance floor.
Thu Mar 5 19:37:14 1998

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Planning, a campain of stopping space cadets from using cigarettes as dance bantons ought to be started. Apart from stubbing it out in their faces, we could suggest they try holding it in with the burning part hidden in the palm of their hand.
Thu Mar 5 20:34:41 1998

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What an abismal effort at covering the parade by Chanell 10. Being in the parade I was looking forward to seeing it on TV. Was very disapointed to note that half of the parade was not shown. Hopefully Mardi Gras will go back to the ABC for a decent coverage.
Upset Parade Entrant - Thu Mar 5 22:38:21 1998

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as a typical confused but cannot help it BI person, i agree that most straights dance like farm haks and dress like boring ole farts and are often aggresive, intolerant and do not, understand or respect our lifestyle. i agree that that they should be banned from the party. i just think the whole thing has got far too big and commercial and is been diluted by these aspects. the strength of any struggle is the intensity and passion of its followers for which the straight community has none. gee i'm glad i got that off my curvaceous and slightly hairy chest. P.S by the way we had a ball tearing time, its taken me 3 days to recover after Mondays recovery party. love and kisses james
brazenbitch - Thu Mar 5 23:22:18 1998

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I agree with comments made about cleaning up Oxford St. There is definatly a need for more toilet facilities. We need to lobby for more homeless shelters in the area to get rid of the drunks and Deros. The Proposed tunnel would aslo mean less traffic along Oxford and Flinders St. Talk and write letters to Clover Moore and South Sydney Council!
Red - Fri Mar 6 0:38:37 1998

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Keep the Queers at our parties but don't eject the straights, the bi's and the trannies that indentify as queer. Those that identify as queer are on our side. But as for the flicky haired little back pack girls. Go Home. Shave your head and ditch those horrid little back paks.
Queerly speaking - Fri Mar 6 0:42:57 1998

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Well it was the best night of my life. Thank you for that Mardi Gras. However, there were a few problems, come on guys and girls, we can show the straight community how to party, lets organise it a little bit better, ie ticketing pick ups. I also agree don't let the straights in. Its our night and our party.
Died and gone to mardi gras heaven - Fri Mar 6 5:21:50 1998

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Why not be as open and welcoming as you want the straight community to be toward you. Who cares what we do in bed (or whereever) - isn't that the message we want to express? Love to all - no hypocrisy now boys and girls.
Fri Mar 6 9:05:52 1998

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Channel 10's coverage sucked big time, I marched this year for the first time and was also looking forwardto sitting down monday night to watch the parade, as I obviously missed most of it. You didn't here any music!!!!!!!!, I mean most of the floats have a theme of some sort and music is critical. Instead we get to listen to Bob Downe interviewing a bevy of international guests??????? Very Very Very disappointing,
Fri Mar 6 9:23:00 1998

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Channel 10's coverage sucked big time, I marched this year for the first time and was also looking forwardto sitting down monday night to watch the parade, as I obviously missed most of it. You didn't here any music!!!!!!!!, I mean most of the floats have a theme of some sort and music is critical. Instead we get to listen to Bob Downe interviewing a bevy of international guests??????? Very Very Very disappointing,
Fri Mar 6 9:23:33 1998

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I guess coz its one of the few nights in the year that we can as a community get together and bust our proverbials. We can thank those very straights and narrow mindeds who do care what we do in bed aka Freddy, garden gnome Howard, et al, that mardi gras exists at all. I guess if they didnt have their immature attitude in the first place MG wouldnt have got off the ground. Still I think the once in a year party is no place for the straight community or at least those of them that are not our friends. as they say. 'When in Rome do as the Romans do' and boy did they know how to do things then, all that yummy young flesh covered in red wine and fruit how exquisite. Toga party here we cum. jay
Fri Mar 6 9:32:39 1998

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Hear Hear. Is one night of the year too much to ask for???
Fri Mar 6 12:38:42 1998

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Well I thought the Channel Ten coverage was great, although I would have liked to hear more of the music from the floats. How much more could have been shown in one and a half hours (30min comercials). If there's anything to complain about it was the lack of seating and bins.
Fri Mar 6 13:52:21 1998

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Anyone know the date for this year's Inquisition party?
Dome queen suffering from dance party withdrawal - Fri Mar 6 14:05:02 1998

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In the words of the lovely Portia Turbo, Minogue-gras was fabulous
Fri Mar 6 14:49:22 1998

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So....where does one start! I had a ball and thank everyone, intentionally or otherwise who helped create such a wonderful night! I do have a problem with straight girls( or anyone else...but it seems to be only straight girls) who sit on their boyfriends shoulders and then look at me like I'm shit when I ask them to get down so the 400 people behind then can see.( Next time I won't be polite). Likewise people who walk thru the dance floor leading the way with a lit cigarette. After all the hype I found the shows a bit of a yawn......names , names and more names and all we were served up was The Minogue Girls ( admittedly Kylie had me soaring!) and a spaced Jimmy sommerville . Call me jaded, but for the 20th I somehow expected something really!! spectacular. How many times can ya se a group of dancers walk up and down steps? and as for the hanging from the ceiling bit!!!! what was that all about? I still don't see why the men can't have a men only space ( and not a smelly old bog!...even if it did have a DJ< was this some not so subtle insult> after all the women get there own pavilion, to which we were refused entry!. One last thing....I was not impressed with the ,main bar in the rhi running out of water, coke and beer ( as well as scotch) you've done it often enough to know queens like to drink, esp when the temp is 40C. Apart from that I had a ball in the parade, a great time in the Party and The people at the Beauchamp deserve a medal! Happy mardi Gras only 10 weeks to Inquisition!
Thanks Sydney - Fri Mar 6 15:28:06 1998

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Hey Dome Queen! I am told that Inqusition is on the 23 may but ya may want to confirm this! There seems to be some douybt over the venue ( almost certainly not the Dome!
Fri Mar 6 15:33:39 1998

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Perhaps they should install some of those unisex self-cleaning automatic toilets like the one in Hyde Park in Oxford Street?
need more loos - Fri Mar 6 16:44:16 1998

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How about using the flicky hair and bimbo backpacks for chewy gum disposal? They might get the message. As for cigarettes on the dance floor, there is nothing ruder or more painful.
Had a great time - Fri Mar 6 17:53:05 1998

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Yes, for those of hanging out for another party, I just confirmed that Sydney Leather Pride Association will hold Inquisition on the 23rd May, but I forgot to ask about the location. Will call again.
Dome Queen - Fri Mar 6 18:09:08 1998

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my drugs didn't work
ho hum ! - Fri Mar 6 20:48:02 1998

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For those that didn't see the parade, Pinkboard's Parade Gallery is getting close to completion. Owen took some fabulous photos. Or you can see all his photos at Hester Gallery, 355 King St, Newtown.
Panther - Fri Mar 6 20:48:25 1998

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Am I the only only person who thinks 25,000 people at that party was way too many, and 7 shows in the RHI was completely over the top? How about space and time to dance folks? We could have done without the I Am What I Am reprisal, though it was very speccie. We could definitely have done without that poorly rehearsed and plain boring ‘I Believe in Dreams’ number. And we didn't need Mogadonna — no offence dear — after Jimmy Somerville's fabulous HiNRG close. Actually I thought Steve Carley played a brilliant trick on the crowd with his little Like a Prayer joke, especially the throng of backpacks who as usual elbowed their way to the front. Warren Gluck, you did well honey. Steve, the music hardly changed at all, but thanks for Amoreuse (is that how you spell it?) and Mary Kiani. The Dome was way too frigging hot, and thank god for room to dance in the Hordern. Time to change the formula though Mardi Gras. And guys, get over the men's space. There is one, it's the RHI, just do a head count okay!? Now, look back over this wall. I tried to tell you about the special guests but you just kept crapping on about Madonna. One day maybe.
Not yet Recovered - Sat Mar 7 4:32:37 1998

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Considering that both sydney papers have hinted strongly that this will be Bev Lange`s last term in office as President.I cannot help but wonder if the incomming President will be any different?..........Regardless of gender.....That person will still have to work with the same board." as did Lange", How much influence does this board have on the President ................I think that this board needs to explain itself also......We all have seen Ronald Regan used as the puppet for the people. Anyone care to explain the influence of the Mardi Gras Board and their responsibility and concern for all of us ?
Puppet for President...... - Sat Mar 7 10:42:22 1998

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Is it too early to start bitching about Sleaze?
Obsessive Compulsive - Sat Mar 7 21:29:21 1998

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Dannii Girl is an icon at last. May she grace our dancefloors 4ever!
All I Wanna Dooooooo - Sat Mar 7 21:34:54 1998

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Never mind bitching about Sleaze... How about Mardi Gras office. They do not answer the phone (a/m on but no calls get returned), faxes go unreplied to, emails the same. How the hell do you contact them? Actually just wanted some info re full membership as a gay man and gay friends, so supporting the issue of keeping tickets within the community. But seems like they are pretty up themselves to not be available the very week after Mardi Gras! Oh well, if I can get full membership, I will have a vote... LOL...!
Sat Mar 7 23:30:35 1998

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Had a fabulous party and parade, not to mention the whole damn mardi gras thing. No "not yet recovered" you are not the only person that thinks that the party was way too crowded and seven shows was way too overkill. What has always made Mardi is the ability to get down and really party. Can we do that again one day instead of cramming too many people in making a good dance out of the question. I had lesbian friends who I never got to dance with because they were intimidated in the RHI at the density of the crowd and testosterone. OK, I liked the testosterone, but it seems that Mardi Gras has to offer the dyke bar because dykes are basically smaller then men and are physically threatened in the RHI due to overcrowding. By the way, I saw you girls with your flicky hair on the dance floor and wasn't impressed until I saw you both doing a toungue tango - lesbians looking like straight girls, now that's confusing me.
a few less people please - Sun Mar 8 2:43:32 1998

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Dear "a few less people", Who cares about the " toungue tango" honey?? It is such a shame that your lesbian friends were not brave enough to enter the RHI, what a load of crap. Intimidated of what in particular, Darling???Sure the density of the crowd was a little heavy, but it so typical of certain whinging dykes. The Dyke Bar was not created becase the dykes are "smaller" then men and are "physically threatened", what planet are you on Sweetie?? The Dyke bar was created because they complained to their head honco "top dog", the Big Bev, and her pussy lickin' board who created it. The party is supposed to celebrate the strengths and togetherness of the community, but instead we have separate halls for different folks and then complaints from the dykes (or in this case Dyke Hags like you), that they could not dance with their friends. Did you seek admission to the girls bar? Why didnt you all head of to the Dome, where the testosterone was a little less "heavy". The RHI has always been predominantly men, but no, you and your gals cannot accept that, and dance somewhere else, you just have to whinge and whine. The Dykes wanted their own space and got it, so in my opinion, they should stick to it instead of complaining of the ambience of other spaces. Is this what 20 years has come too? Honey??
I think you should "think" about what you write next time Dear. - Sun Mar 8 10:41:01 1998

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Dear dear. Who's coming down of their eccies in a bad way? Isn't it awful when us boyz can't have 100 percent of everything we want 100 percent of the time without those awful fish trying to move in on us. Methinks you need 20 years away from Mardi Gras to grow up a bit you sad misogynist little boy.
A Grown Up Poof - Sun Mar 8 15:23:20 1998

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I don't have one bad word to say about the parade or party. My belief is that if you didn't have a good time at either blame your friends. If you're having a great time celebrating who you are with your friends then you're just very lucky to have all the entertainment and fantastic atmosphere added to make your night even more special. The 'Frisky' recovery party at the Metro was without a doubt the highlight of the whole weekend. The best music, lighting, crowd and most of all the best dance spaces. So a big thank you to everyone who volunteered, organised, participated in the whole weekend and to all my friends who make being a part of the gay community so special.
Andrew - Sun Mar 8 18:16:42 1998

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"I think you should "think" about what you write next time Dear." Calm down sweety, your full of sh.t.
Dicks Out - Sun Mar 8 18:28:03 1998

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Pinkboard's Parade Gallery is now open with almost 200 of Owen's faabulous photos. Unfortunately I couldn't identify all the floats everyone came from. So if you can help me with the ones I missed please drop me an email. If you want to see or buy even more of Owen's photos, go to the Hester Gallery.
Panther - Sun Mar 8 20:30:28 1998

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Who cares about a men only space in the Hordern toilets - who needs one. Was anybody in the Dome at 6:30 am (was anyone here on me in the Dome). And Dome Queen - the venue for Inquisition isn't confirmed yet as no one knows whether the Dome will still be available. Mephisto told us that the Hordern (with some very dark dark areas and lots of things to make it smaller) could be used. And hey everybody - thanks for a wonderful Mardi Gras
Just found myself again - Mon Mar 9 0:58:23 1998

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If Bev is standing down - then I'll be voting for David McLachlan to replace her. He's a leader and would keep Mardi Gras political! David for Pres!
Big DMc fan - Mon Mar 9 2:09:34 1998

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I would be interested to hear what David Mclachlan has to say on things he believes need to be done for our community to be turned around and prepared for its entry into OUR 21st millennium....................... even better would be a letter in Capital Q
Re-invent - Mon Mar 9 4:45:37 1998

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Our 21st and the next millennium is what I meant to say!
read before sending ! - Mon Mar 9 4:52:58 1998

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It is really so typical that when one comments on a men's space or comments on dykes not liking the RHI they are instantly labelled a misogynist. Why bother in the first place to even write that your lesbian friends did not feel comfortable in the RHI, and who really cares. They do after all have their own space, but as usual, they are never content with it. Instead of relaxing in their own space they wish to cross they divide into the men's hall and then whinge. Of course, then all the labels of misogynist start when one comments on the issues raised. The RHI captures the essence of the earlier parties where, may I remind you, lesbians were very very scarce. And who said anything about wanting 100% of something anyway, "Dicks Out", you silly old queen...... I suggest that if they wish to experience something a little more relaxed with an abscence of testosterone then they stick to their boring pool competitions at the Leichhardt Hotel, or somewhere as equally unsalubrious.
I'm with think before you "think". Daaaarling. - Mon Mar 9 15:06:18 1998

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Once again being in the parade was one of the highlights of my life : once again, the party brought us back to earth with an unpleasant thud. Not enough food, toilets or seating (for the aching tootsies post march.) Do we think MG may have oversold just a little bit? (7 or 8 thousand ish???). As Rupert and his badly closeted little boy keep shrinking the Showgrounds access wise, maybe it would be good to limit the numbers so those that do go really can move, breathe, eat, dance, etc. Pleas get rid of the hets. Please give the boys their own space - it's only fair. Please attend the AGM if things don't suit, and let's all get involved to change the things that give us the shits! Anyhoo - only 51 weeks to go.. Love you all, and a slightly teary "Happy Mardi Gras" until next year....
Get involved and make it so! - Mon Mar 9 17:17:41 1998

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to all the closeted guys out there... Being openely Gay does not have to mean telling everyone....most people will ask if they are interested............... Its how you feel within yourself that is most important. nothing else!. And to Andrew, believe me............. you miss the point on blaming friends if you had a bad time at the Party! The idea is that we are all friends..............
$5 a can......its a joke... - Mon Mar 9 21:24:54 1998

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At $5.00 dollars a can I think it is time for the backpack to become fashionable......once again!
Hann Ice Drinker......? - Mon Mar 9 21:45:02 1998

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Mmmmm. Possibly some of us poofs don't really want the dykes around do we "think" 1 & 2. Ever heard of completely missing the point? It would seem to me that all that was being said was that it was pretty bloody crowded, and it was. Some of the dykes seemed to find that threatening. Why should any gay guy go to the girls space to dance with dyke friends? I expect straights to respect my party space and not come to the party, so I would respect the girls space for what it is and stay away. Just think : if it wasn't for people like you the dykes would never have needed their own space in the first place.
some of my best friends are lesbians (and now I know why) - Tue Mar 10 0:05:30 1998

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Hey Queer People. I am not offended by that term so hope you are not.I am queer and proud to be gay. But please, don't post messages if it offends you. I think it would just be so much better if M/G Party was a really straight free zone. I am able to enjoy and celebrate my sexuality on the dance floor with a Dyke, but hey, not with some little back swinging smoking straight 'why am I here' girl... We know why we are there and do not need to have straights attend our parties to 'understand' and 'accept' us. I do not need to be 'accepted'. Just leave us queer boys and girls to have the night to ourselves to celebrate. We moved several times on Saturday night due to the little straight girls, but hey, love to dance with our sisters.
Keep MG Party Queer. - Tue Mar 10 1:10:22 1998

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Whinge, whinge, whinge - that's all you people can do. I'm glad I wasn't there. And to all those people who were certain Madonna was in the country and would be performing - I tried telling you she wasn't in Australia and I got that from the New York Times, which I'd believe before I believe a bunch of gossipy queens.
Told You So... - Tue Mar 10 3:04:15 1998

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Has any one been able to contact Fortress Mardi-gras of late. ?
support voting at the AGM... - Tue Mar 10 12:34:48 1998

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True, Maddie was absent. She was in fact in Italy and not at the Ritz (Mr Smartarse from earlier on the page). How could you possibly hide the fact that Madonna had flown into the country from the press? She would be travelling with a huge entourage for godsake. Even when Kylie started singing Somewhere everyone around me refused to believe it wasn't Madonna. Sheesh. But anyway, have U heard her new album? Ray of Light is gonna be a humongous dancefloor hit. Maybe she'll do it at Sleaze … ah, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha …
Zephyr in the Sky at Night - Tue Mar 10 14:56:31 1998

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Mardi Gras used to deliver cutting edge shows - now we have the same formula shows with the same pyros igniting on the same beat every year. We now have shows that our mothers want to see. Cutting Edge no more.
Stony Chute - Tue Mar 10 16:13:41 1998

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How dare you Mardi Gras. Women only in a pavillion & men only in a toilet. I've never been insulted like this by a so called "gay & Lesbian" organisation. You can shove it mardi Gras -
Stony chute again - Tue Mar 10 16:19:02 1998

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did anyone actually go to the mens only space (the loo)?? can someone fill me in on what is was like - was far too busy all night to get there and have a look !
curious - Tue Mar 10 18:51:57 1998

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Why should women be barred from the only good dance space at the party? For serious dancing the Dome was the only place.
Tue Mar 10 19:49:54 1998

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Had a fabulous night. Wished everyone happy MG and felt all the love in the world......if any criticisms, the overcrowding and heat in the RHI were mindblowing....thanx to all and especially to those dancing 3-4 pillars down from the stage on the right hand side of the RHI...you were all beautiful and made the night so special. Thanx Todd and monica....see you at sleaze!!!
Love Clay - Wed Mar 11 0:08:12 1998

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No the shows aren't cutting edge "Stoney Chute", and the pyros do go off on the same beat every time, but it seems that a lot of people like it like that! Personally I give it about two or maybe three more years before one of the alternative parties is the place to be and the numbers start dropping off at Mardi Gras (except for the straights). Still managed to love this party though.
Fading light - Wed Mar 11 1:22:01 1998

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The only good thing about the men's space was that a doorbitch kept the straight girls and their backpacks out — much to the delight of their (ho ho) boyfriends, who were able to relax all their muscles. But seriously, it stank, as toilets do.
Too busy trying to dance - Wed Mar 11 3:04:42 1998

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Mr "think" 1 and 2, I'm sorry but it may be that you don't really understand what misogyny is. It doesn't really mean you hate all dykes. Like all forms of prejudice, it refers to the making of inappropriate generalisations about individuals, simply because they are members of some identifiable group. Just as this graffiti wall shows that individiual queers/poofs/gay men can be enormously different from each other, so the same is true of our queer/dyke/lesbian sisters. What I found offensive about your messages was the fact that you seemed to be talking about all dykes as if they were the same, some frighteningly monolithic force bent on destroying men, or at least determined to complain about the party. This is prejudice. Undoubtely some dykes whinge (as do poofs on this graffiti wall), some are power-hungy and plotting the lesbian take-over (some fags appear to be planning the gay men's reclamation of MG, despite the fact that lesbians and, yes, even bisexual women and men marched with us and got arrested) but most of them appear to be at the MG for the same reason as you or I - to have a great time. It is not inaccurate to say, however, that on average, women are smaller (shorter, slimmer) than men, and it is not an exaggeration to say that the vast bulk of MG party-goers are men, so I can understand how some lesbians may feel (I danced with a very small dyke friend of mine at the bear's end of the RHI, and she did feel a little uncomfortable). Don't get me wrong, I'm interested in the idea of a men's space myself and feel that the MG Board has to respond to this desire in the gay male community. I did, however, have a great time at the party without one, as it always seems possible to find unofficial men's spaces scattered through the Dome, Hordern and RHI (the rest of the time I enjoyed dancing with the mixed crowd). It's ironic that you ask others to "think" before scrawling on this wall. Physician, I say, heal thyself.
Dome queen - Wed Mar 11 9:05:21 1998

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Dome queen, if you are expecting the MG Board to respond to to any requests from the gay male community you may also be tempted to ask. "for how long have we already been waiting". There comes a time ..................................
names,names,names Sweetie. - Wed Mar 11 9:57:47 1998

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gays do not hate dykes, the reason we wnat a boy only space is so that we dont have to put up with all those straight idiots who somehow get tickets to our party. I say get rid of all strraights from our mardi gras and from the membership I dont care what straight people do for our community, its our night and its our party. Straights out!
gayboy - Wed Mar 11 13:02:00 1998

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lets have a straight free area for Sleaze ball, in fact lets have a straight free party. It is gay and lesbain mardi gras not straight, gay and lesbian mardi gras. Straights out!
gaybear - Wed Mar 11 13:04:07 1998

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Sydney Gay and Lesbian mardi gras is just that, for gay and lesbian people ( and all those others who call themselves by other names) The only straight people who should be at the party work behind the counters. Straights out. straights out.
gayman - Wed Mar 11 13:07:37 1998

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No more straights at our parties
gay - Wed Mar 11 13:08:43 1998

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when i can kiss my lover in a straight pub safely, then straights can come to our party. Until then stay the hell away from our party. Straights definitely out and not welcome
gaymale - Wed Mar 11 13:11:39 1998

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If our parties were just gay and lesbian then we would not be asking for a male only space. Straights you are no longer welcome at our parties and will be treated as such. straights out and stay out!
gayboy - Wed Mar 11 13:14:02 1998

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Gay only space this sleaze, its the whole showgrounds!!! stay away straights, you are no longer welcome to our parties
gay/lesbian only - Wed Mar 11 13:16:05 1998

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Why do I suspect that gayboy, gaybear, gayman, gay, gaymale, gayboy (again) and gay/lesbian only are all the same person? Could it be the repetition, or the same bad punctuation? I didn't say anything about all gays hating dykes. I thought my comments were pretty specifically addressed to one person (mr "think"). In some ways, I'd like to see gayer/queerer parties too, but I did have a great time at MG anyway. I actually thought the MG was a little gayer than usual, but these things often depend on where you danced, who with and for how long. Of course, a complete ban on hets coming to the party is not even feasible, let alone desirable. How would you enforce it? And are bisexuals welcome? What about transvestites (who may be gay or straight or both or...)? What about transexuals? What about all those people who fall somewhere in between? My over-the-top camp male friend who everyone assumes is gay but who happens to be straight, and who enjoy the company of gay men? A female friend who recently ended a very long term relationship with a woman, and is now open to suggestion? My straight woman friend who lives and works with gay men, who joined our demos, who volunteers for Ankali, CSN etc, who participated in ACT-UP? The male 78er who was bashed by the cops but who later formed a relationship with a woman? I may be 100% screaming faggot, but not all of us are like that.
Dome Queen - Wed Mar 11 16:28:15 1998

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It would seem that Dome Queen is getting closer to the answer that we all want......... A party that celebrates ourselves along with our friends and supporters .............. an if we could just add a bit more space, refreshements, food and oxygen.......
queer rights at our parties - Wed Mar 11 18:17:51 1998

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i just completed a telphone survery for the MG festival and party - was anyone else called ??? I hate survey's, it's always Yes, but and No, but - but you never get a chance to tell your buts - if that makes sense. You do get to add a few suggestions, mine of course were 1.Less people would make for a better fun night, 2.Do something about the straights (suggested, re-start membership drive - probably impossible thought, but what else is there?) 3.Move BGF reserved seating down to either Liverpool St or Taylor (we dont pay $63.20 to see exhausted people march and have no fireworks - there wouldnt be a need for commentators who also dont know what they are talking about [not all, but some]).
Answered every question honestly ! - Wed Mar 11 20:24:46 1998

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Mardi Gras Office! Ring, get the answering machine and leave a message - they don't reply. Send a fax - they don't reply. Email - they don't reply. Have they closed up shop?
Thu Mar 12 0:23:37 1998

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How about this? Two entrances at the Mardi Gras party. One for each sex, and at completely different areas of the showgrounds. That way any straight couples have to separate and go in on their own. What's more there's the possibilty that straight girls who are a little worried about why their boyfriends are really going may realise that its possible that their boyfriends won't actually meet them again. It might just make it uncomfortable enough to discourage some straights, or am I being totally optimistic that this might work?
MMMmmmm... - Thu Mar 12 1:22:19 1998

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Listen guys, there are solutions to all these problems, but you have to take them on if you want them solved. That means standing for election to the board, and probably developing a strong ticket to run on a platform of returning Mardi Gras to its roots in the community — and steering it away from the elitism that is creeping in (check the list of heterocelebrities in the VIP viewing room who have done zilch for us). But bear in mind that whatever you think of, say, Bev Lange, to name one current board member, and her possible ambitions, Mardi Gras is a mighty big job to tackle on top of a full time career. Kiss your relationship and your private life goodbye for a year or two. It's worth it of course if you have the stamina, but are you willing to take up the challenge?
I Dare You - Thu Mar 12 2:04:50 1998

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Anyway who the hell in mardi gras is going to read any of these messages so all the complaining about straights taking over our parties is going to waste and it seems that even some of our community don't even care if some gay people couldnot get tickets to a party that celebrates their lifestyle while other people who do not belong to our community can get tickets and even scalp them all I am saying is that the mardi gras membership should be for gay and lesbian people only which Domequeen means people who are even a tiny bit gay/lesbian so any name you want to call yourself either dyke/queer/bi/lesso/poofter/queen/drag queen/etc you are included in this but if you are straight then stay out as as for punctuation who gives a shit as this is a message board not a novel and I don't have unlimited access to the net like some other people who can compose the longest messages in history oops look at me catch you all later
gay/fag/queer/homo/ - Thu Mar 12 6:27:02 1998

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Anyway who the hell in mardi gras is going to read any of these messages so all the complaining about straights taking over our parties is going to waste and it seems that even some of our community don't even care if some gay people couldnot get tickets to a party that celebrates their lifestyle while other people who do not belong to our community can get tickets and even scalp them all I am saying is that the mardi gras membership should be for gay and lesbian people only which Domequeen means people who are even a tiny bit gay/lesbian so any name you want to call yourself either dyke/queer/bi/lesso/poofter/queen/drag queen/etc you are included in this but if you are straight then stay out as as for punctuation who gives a shit as this is a message board not a novel and I don't have unlimited access to the net like some other people who can compose the longest messages in history oops look at me catch you all later
gay/fag/queer/homo/ - Thu Mar 12 6:35:11 1998

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The straights will still get in. What do you propose - gay testing at the door? Besides, I don't see how anyone would want to go - gay or straight. From the sounds of it, it was an awful night. How anyone could believe Madonna would perform at something so tacky. And as for the parade - it looks like a cross between a tacky RSL show and a bad school play.
Thu Mar 12 7:27:37 1998

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Mardi Gras is closed for 2 weeks after the parade & party - that's why you can't get through - try next week.
Thu Mar 12 12:46:39 1998

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" I Dare You " Correct me if I am wrong but we still have 3 months untill the election, There is still much dust to fall from the ceiling and I would like to see the inside clean first.......
Re-invent .............. - Thu Mar 12 16:18:55 1998

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The straights are not the problem. The real problem is the Mardi gras money making machine and those who sail in her. We need to stop thinking big, bigger, biggest — thanks for the career opportunities, and think good, better, best — thanks for the opportunity to serve my community and be satisfied with the applause. Has anyone seen New Weekly? Why weren't the gay and lesbian press invited backstage or to the VIP room to take photos, when even the putrid Telegraph was?
Fed Up - Thu Mar 12 17:10:03 1998

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I get so sick and tired of reading such rubbish from poofs and dykes. If you don't like the way Mardi Gras is run get off your fat arse's and get youself elected to the Mardi Gras board.
Regional Queen - Thu Mar 12 22:08:07 1998

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Regional Queen, Thanks for the advise. Not......................... In the words of the famous, "it is better to say nothing and let everybody think you are an idiot. Than open your mouth and remove all doubt"
Surfed in on a whim...? - Fri Mar 13 6:15:42 1998

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Surfed in on a whim - that's the pot calling the kettle black!
Fri Mar 13 8:29:24 1998

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That's it for another year. We've recovered from the depression. The tourists have gone home. The costumes have been dry cleaned. But the debate about the Men's Only Space continues.

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Everywhere I go
Every smile I see
I know you are there
Smiling back at me

We'll be back together again:
Sleaze Ball 3rd October, 1998
Mardi Gras Parade & Party 27th February, 1999

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