Pinkboard: Party Graffiti Wall 22

What do you do when its cold outside? Curl up in front of the fire, get sweaty on the dance floor, enjoy warm companionship down at the local or snuggle into bed with someone?

If it is post-party Tuesday or Wednesday and you are feeling a bit down, please refrain from sharing your depression with the rest of the readers.

Party Graffiti Wall 21
Party Graffiti Wall 23

I love it !!!

Thank god someone has come up with something new.

Now the real question what will i wear?

toy soldier, music box dancer, teddybear, cowboy....
agh.... fashion crisis

help.
dancer boy - Sun 4 May 2003 22:09:58

see you there.
queer as - Mon 5 May 2003 13:41:24

But where are the girls? Arq needs the likes Kelly Lynch, Fiesty, Mandy Rollins and Kate Monroe every now and then.
- Mon 5 May 2003 14:17:56

QN is not a big party - Its a crush-a-thon with too many people crowded into one space all at the same time. I'd rather stay at home.
Anti Queer Nation - Mon 5 May 2003 14:26:11

Inquisition XI – 24/5/03
Mainroom: Lanny K, Feisty, Mandy Rollins, Steve Sonius
Chillout: Favourite chill tunes selected by each of the main room DJs to complement their set

Leather Pride Fair Day – 18/5/03
Sandy Hotrod
Mark Alsop

Lisa Stollznow
SLPA Fair Day Coordinator
- Mon 5 May 2003 16:45:48

Firstly, the DJs look great (I know, my own opinion, and likely that many others will disagree... but then that would be the case no matter who they were).

Secondly, a small party like Inquisition doesn't need to spend all of its (no doubt small) budget on a stack of DJs. Four over the course of the night is heaps, and spending $$ on another two or three for a small (and certainly small, given the layout of the City Live venue) chillout space - whilst not a waste of money - probably doesn't represent the best value for the dollars.

Thirdly, all of the four DJs are more than well equipped to pick suitable Chillout music.

Finally, the chillout area, in my experience at Inquisition, is more like a *true* "chillout" area... lots of sitting, chatting, drinking, flirting and general perving (rather than dancing). Having pre-selected, chillout music (with no live DJ) is fine for this.

I, for one, am happy with the DJ line-up and see no problem with there being no 'live' or different DJ in the chillout area. It's a small party, with a small party... and definitely the best on the calender. Getting caught up in whether four or six DJs if enough is beside the point for this event... this party is about more than the music...

If you don't believe me, you should try and be lucky enough to go and experience it for yourself... just make sure you make the effort a la most people.
Happy... not whinging... and wish that some of this wall would follow this lead... - Mon 5 May 2003 18:12:39

Why dont these clubs have a dance floor where they can expand it ? downstairs at Home certainly could do with it and have a little room to be able to do it.

Yes I'm being fussy but then again been spoilt. Love the feel of a big dance floor like Horderns. Sure numbers dropped year after year but as someone else pointed out last years party still attracted around 4,000 ! so there is a market to tap into there. Technology Park ? or similiar ?

And yes Mr Panties please inform what parties you have put on ? presume they were 100% perfect and 100% accepted ?

It wont happen but its about time the keyboard know-it-alls relax a bit.
Once a party and/or DJ list is announced thats it. The organiser is not going to change it. The only way you can show you dont like it is dont go ! And dont attack a DJ - the person does have feelings and they also have their fans. If you're not one , shut up. There will never be a party where all the DJ's will be accepted by all the crowd.
Boo Hoo - Mon 5 May 2003 19:25:20

An earlier poster said he tried had to be be original - AND HE DOES and FULL CREDIT. Watch him because he is one of Sydney's dedicated and enthusiastic.

Plus he is such a nice guy!! Always a pleasure to meet and hear!!!
Go Mike! - Tue 6 May 2003 12:44:17

But on past experience, this Wall will be consumed by bitching about the selection right up until the party, with a single-minded, nit-picking intensiy that I've never experienced in any other gay community anywhere. The Sydney obsession with the DJ is right up there with the Sydney obsession with the drag queen for sheer and utter pointlessness.

Sydney has a whole bunch of talented DJ's but they're people - not Gods. Put them into perspective; they're a crucial part of the party experience but they're there because of the party, not the other way round.
- Tue 6 May 2003 12:47:20

Liquor Act 1982 (NSW) No 147

Section 125   Conduct on licensed premises

(1)  A licensee shall not:(a)  permit his or her licensed premises to be used for the purposes of prostitution, or
(b)  permit intoxication, or any indecent, violent or quarrelsome conduct, on his or her licensed premises.
- Wed 7 May 2003 09:06:04

You can't open a wucking Telstra bill in Sydney without two draq queens and a couple of twink dancers being present to perform some derivative dance routine.
There is some talented drag happening to be sure but there's also a heap of talentless drag and - sorry - dressing up in chick's clothing and lip synching doesn't, in itself, make anyone a "star."
- Wed 7 May 2003 09:21:08

Don't forget that our community is made of many characters...that's why we are so colourful.

Panther......can you start a Bitching Graffiti Wall........
Can't wait until Inquisition is OVER and we can change the subject.zzzzzZZZZ zzzzZZZZ - Wed 7 May 2003 12:31:39
You are welcome to discuss whatever topic you wish. You may also choose not to read this wall.

That said, drag show at Inky? Please, no.
Evil Twin - Wed 7 May 2003 12:43:04

"Can't wait until Inquisition is..." I guess you want a board where you only bitch about topic that you have witty comments on. Face facts, there is an Inquisition party and we want to talk about it. Are you just jealous as all the big lycra and sequent parties are all vanishing?
Kitten - Wed 7 May 2003 14:29:00

Who said it was a jukeBox???
"Chillout: Favourite chill tunes selected by each of the main room DJs to complement their set " sounds like ambient sounds to me .
Anyone ever think about limitations by noise restrictions? How about working outisde of the Box? (something SLPA seems to be skilled at) it's not a statement about Chill-out DJs just an alternative. It might be nice for once to have a conversation at a dance party for once instead of having to yell or stand far away from the hall to hear.
lordy! - Wed 7 May 2003 14:33:25

This provision is SO open to interperetation that it ends up coming down to the individual magistrate you are in front of and the quality of your legal team. It is not a pleasant experience ... in one of our cases undercover police had actually filmed the entire evening with concealed video cameras strapped to their chests, so many hours of court time were spent reviewing the footage. This actually became quite amusing when we got to the point where the detective had to take a leak - shown to the whole courtroom in all his glory!

But seriously, these laws aren't a joke, and anyone bitching about not being able to f*ck on a dancefloor at a party should try putting one on and see what happens to them. Make sure you start with a full wallet, cause you sure won't end with one.

The solution is, of course, don't use licenced premises.

Anyone wanting further info about our previous court cases should email us at hellfiresydney@hotmail.com

Stay filthy people, and might see some of you at the next Hellfire Friday May 16 (featuring Mandy Rollins and Feisty - yay!)
Craig aka Master Tom - Wed 7 May 2003 15:42:45

1). its against the law
2). its a d-a-n-c-e party

just imagine how much its costing the Hellfire Club to be in Court over what has happened and as for not using a licenced premises to get around it - try
getting insurance ( at a reasonable price that is ) to cover the event - you
wont.

So can we just maybe keep sex on premises just for that ? and dance parties for what they are ? and Grace Bros and David Jones and IGA just for shopping ?

and if your really that desparate that you must have a root between the hours of 10pm and 8am - maybe ask the next promoter to put on a mini van service to and from a Sauna and/or suckatorium every hour on the hour so you can just
jump on and off anytime you want and then head back to the party.

" Some " need a reality check. Get over it and move on.
Won't happen - Wed 7 May 2003 18:51:07

Stop trying to **SHOVE** your opinion down our throats. Contray to your belief you are not right all the time (but i suspect you think everyone else is always wrong and you are always right)

Try to RESPECT the fact that other people have DIFFERENT ideas. If you dont like those ideas, ignore them.

Stop being a prude.
I say TOM-AY-TOE , you say TOM-AR-TOE - Wed 7 May 2003 19:45:07

It may be prudish, but this sex space bullshit is risking the future of dance parties. cant someone organise a no alcohol sex party recovery so everyone can be happy?

Dance parties are not all that important to me, but what is important is having the option of whether or not we want to go to a party- not just going coz it "might be the last one".

Stop thinking about your own gratification and try to keep your cock in your pants-just for a while.
- Wed 7 May 2003 21:34:34

When you've written up your lengthy list of prohibitions who do you get to enforce it? The Party Anti-Sex Police - equipped with torches and measuring tapes? "You guys are dancing too close! Keep a respectable distance between you! Get your hand away from his dick!" and the ever-popular "You guys better be doing drugs in that toilet! If you're having sex we'll bust you!"

It may be you, darlin', who needs to "get over it."
- Thu 8 May 2003 08:22:55

I HATE IRQA

I have 2 legs
Mr wozzle - Thu 8 May 2003 09:23:33

If the gay community (myself included) want to be able to have sex spaces at dance parties then we need to look at ways of making that happen WITHIN THE LAW - or to change that law so that sex spaces with alcohol are legal.

Community attitudes change, no-one has the right or wrong answer, but I and other people have the right to say that we don't want sex spaces at our dance parties - just as much as you say you do. Don't label us a prudes just because we think that the law is there for a good reason - ie. drunks make lousy roots.

Whine all you like. But the law won't change until you lobby the right people.
- Thu 8 May 2003 12:14:44

The debate is on those demanding a sex space at dance parties. Read past posts.
Ask Pride what happened to them. Ask Hellfire Club how much is it costing them in the Courts for letting it happen.

Just dont shove it in the laws face or advertise the fact. We never needed a dedicated space to have sex before and guess what ? there was never any trouble
with the law before until recently.

Then have you got the guts to say sorry you mouthed off without checking your
facts first ?
Have you ? - Thu 8 May 2003 20:14:33

I posted the extract from the Licencing Act - so much for "no research - and the comment at Thu 8 May 2003 08:22:55 and I've been involved in this thread since it began. You don't seem to have addressed any of the points I raised in my comment posted at Thu 8 May 2003 08:22:55 and I ask you again; how do you believe that we can make our celebrations sex-free - and why should we?

If you and I can have sex at dance parties, who the hell are we to deny it to others?
- Thu 8 May 2003 20:32:53

Oh puhlease....so we have been fighting for gay rights so you can pull your cock out whenever you want..pff
- Thu 8 May 2003 21:27:43

For your information, you are breaking the law buying and consuming illegal drugs. How dare you say dont have sex at a party when you are breaking the law yourself.

He or she without sin can cast the first stone.
Just a reminder. - Fri 9 May 2003 01:07:03

Sounds like the "just be furtive, pretend nothing is happening and everyone will be happy" closet to me.

The reality is that we have managed to negotiate sex spaces at parties for many years. That continuum has been disrupted by the bad organisation and lack of foresight at one party held during the Gay Games. I don't accept that we should simply say "that's it." One thing is an absolute certainty; you're not going to get people to stop expressing their sexuality at parties. However you define "sex" it's going to happen. To pretend otherwise is just denial on a massive scale.

It's far better to plan for it in a way that's acceptable to all parties. We did it for years under the existing law. We can do it again.
- Fri 9 May 2003 08:28:12

"You cant have sex at this dance party cause its illegal but I can dance around off my face on drugs".

Hypocrites indeed.
Scoobydoo - Fri 9 May 2003 10:31:14

Socially, some things are frowned upon, even in our community - and sometimes they continue to happen.

When we actively spend energy and resources trying to deal with the problem. But that is the wrong discription. We actively spend energy and resources on getting to a pre-determined place ie. sex spaces at dance parties - without ever having had the community conversation about whether we WANT to have sex spaces at dance parties - do we even want to spend energy and resources TRYING to get sex spaces there. Because even in negotiations there are costs.

What kind of perverts are we as a community when this is what we are fighting for?

I don't think it's too much for people to give out condoms at the begining of the parties, but still keep the message that fucking on the dance floor is tasteless and we wish you didn't do it because it makes us look bad and there are other places that you can have sex. ie. the toilets like the good old days, or Bodyline where you can lie down if you wish.
- Fri 9 May 2003 10:47:09

This issue is also a problem at none GLBT events - some band concerts have had the same problem of sex occurring, so please, lets not see this as a polictical issue of discrimination (that was being pushed by the DV8 promoter).

Do we really want people having sex every where, where would we stop? F*cking in the middle of Oxford Street? We must remember that not every one enjoys watching.
Kitten - Fri 9 May 2003 11:53:02

They control virtually everything - their bar staff, their secruity, their licencing, their cleaners. The entire events are sanitised.

For years before it was a matter of hiring from the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds that basically took a fee and let us faggots dance and whatever else the night away.

Fox and the mainstreaming and exposure of our cultural practices are to blame for the end of the fusion between sex & music.
Pride cometh before the fall - Fri 9 May 2003 15:22:11

Fri 9 May 2003 13:55:43 - Probably, but this issue seems to be attracting more attention at the moment. I think we should also be campaigning to change the laws on recreational drug use so that we can implement harm minimisation strategies such as education and drug testing.
Arti - Fri 9 May 2003 16:36:55

So can we please move on.........
Any news on whats happening June long weekend ? - Fri 9 May 2003 19:23:31

Same goes for the music.
- Sat 10 May 2003 09:16:42

The issues arising from the Gay Games and Pride weren't about something "new" happening. It was about a breakdown in the tried and true process brought about by Gay Games Black Party producers neglecting to put the work in with Fox/Playbill to ensure the successful negotiation of a dedicated and discreet sex space on that occasion.

Your solution - just get off in a corner somewhere - was also Black's. It was a total disaster.

I see no reason why anyone should "blame" Fox. It's more about ensuring that we can go back to a process that worked successfully for many years, the Law notwithstanding.
- Sat 10 May 2003 09:42:07

Thanks for your graphic description of what caused the Black Party stuff-up. When you're too wuckin lazy to negotiate a dedicated space - as has been the case for years - then everyone is gonna find somewhere private and pretty soon you're gonna have a lot of guys who are gonna be anything but private. That's the problem sunshine and your "solution" is anything but.
- Sat 10 May 2003 09:53:08

If its that essential ask Bodyline to put on a dance party then you'd have it
all.

Move on and campaign for equal age of consent and equality in things like
partners superannuation etc. This affects ALL of us , not a couple of hundred who wanna have a root at a dance party.
Thats a good idea - Sat 10 May 2003 14:45:17

I LOVE the hypocrisy of these pill popping G swilling dance party queens who get all precious about sex spaces at parties.

Have they forgotten that they are breaking the law just as equally (and far more visually) as people engaging in sex at parties in designated spaces every time they stagger around like fools within a breathe of passing out cause they have overloaded their bodies with ILLEGAL chemicals.

People engaging in sex at parties is a MINOR problem and pales into total insignificance when comapred to the major problem in Sydney at the moment regarding the intake of this evil , illegal and highly dangerous drug called G

There are higher priorities these days.
skinny thin faced 45kg twinks on G being carted into an ambulance is not a good look - Sat 10 May 2003 17:37:23

Why do you think sex on premises venues are not allowed to sell alcohol ? because there is the possibility people wont do the safe sex thing , same with dance party queens shoving stuff down their throats also can forget to do the safe sex thing. And yes I know you can get drunk/drugged before you arrive but a line has to be drawn somewhere. Just as I've seen many a queen literally stagger into the sex space and I just think to myself I hope they can at least remember to be safe.
If these venues allow it too happen they open themselves for being SUED.

Way too many issues for than this silly one just so a minority of attendees can get it off.
Do you think QN will fix the too packed dance floor thing this time ? - Sun 11 May 2003 09:11:32

Try and define for us what "indecency" is in terms of the indecent conduct that's prohibited in the Licencing Act 1982 and you'll maybe begin to understand how this has really got stuff-all to do with sex. It's more about what the various stakeholders might - or might not - think is "indecent" and who's offended by it and who's not and who might complain and who wouldn't.

It worked for years to everyone's advantage. There's no reason why it can't work again.
- Sun 11 May 2003 18:33:31

can we now go back to discussing SLPA using a juke box at Inquisition ?
Mr Panties - Tue 13 May 2003 12:15:21

All-grrl DJ's and all-grrl shows will set the tone for an evening celebrating the female face of the fetish scene.

Sexy Galexy raises the temperature with a midnight show, Lizz K & Zoo get right to the point with some serious piercing while Ultra & The Ultravixens whip up a storm on the dancefloor.

All your other questions can (hopefully) be answered on the website http://www.hellfiresydney.com
Tom - Tue 13 May 2003 15:26:02

re: QN slagging off. maybe try writing letter to the organisor's if you feel this strongly, might achieve something over time.
- Tue 13 May 2003 17:04:05

If you dont like being crushed at a party then steer clear of Queer Nation.

The event is too popular and too oversold for anyone to party in any real comfort.

Strongly suggest you look for alternatives if you dont like being treated like a sardine jammed in a can.

There will be plenty of options on that weekend. The money raised at the ACON event at the Shift on Saturday June 7 at least will go to a good cause/charity. Money raised at Queer Nation goes into the pockets of individuals.

Explore your options, the most crowded event on a weekend is rarely the best.
Support ACON ! - Tue 13 May 2003 17:47:00

It is very nasty of you to accuse people who give 100's of hours of volunteer time to put on a party for you to attend of misappropriating money. As a member who has spent around 500 hours and much of my own money to assist in organising and operating many Leather Pride Week events, including Inquisition, I am insulted by your accusation.

I would appreciate if you could retract you vicious and none factual statement and refrain from further comment of its ilk.

Let me know who you really are and why you are hell bent on being destructive. I am sure many of our other hundred or so volunteers would love to let you know just how wrong you are.

Lisa Stollznow
SLPA Fair Day Coordinator
- Wed 14 May 2003 09:18:19

All a belligerent response gets is more of that which caused your belligerence in the first place. It's community involvement golden rule number 1: avoid threatening the punters. Rule 2 is: don't respond to baiting. Hissy-fits aren't a good look.
- Wed 14 May 2003 10:41:38

Given the recent situation with other organisation (Old MG, Gay Games) it is not a time to make discouraging statements. The SLPA team has worked very hard to be absolutely transparent in our organisation of this years events.

His attitude makes people feel unappreciated and then they don't volunteer. If he wants to have fun he could do it by being supportive. My statements are not a "hissy fit" but a request to act like an adult and be encouraging not distructive. This is a public forum and he has made a statement that offended me, so I have just as much right to tell him how it makes me feel.
Lisa - Wed 14 May 2003 12:23:54

you are doing fine
- Wed 14 May 2003 13:05:19

ps Lisa, stop worrying about the nonsense that gets posted here & start concentrating on hiring the Fairy Floss machines for the your Fair Day
Mr Panties - Wed 14 May 2003 16:44:05

Being someone who has also volunteered many hours to keep a vital community organisation strong, I can sympathise with the frustration of being accused of things that are just plain wrong.

I think these people will not be happy until everyone who volunteers just gives up. Or may be that is the aim of some people, possibly there is some incentive in destroying community run events?
Not impressed. - Wed 14 May 2003 18:01:01

Its about time someone pulled them up. Its fine for people to comment on things but not to accuse ( maybe Panther could refuse to post unless they supply evidence ??? ).

I love this wall when its getting close to party times and people have fun with who will be appearing or what they will be wearing and so on but I hate and loathe when they attack the DJ's ? Dont they realise that others may like the DJ in question ? thats its all the different styles being played at a party that makes it fun.

The bitchiness just confirms to the rest of the world what they think of queens when really its probably only about 30-50 posters.
You go girl - Wed 14 May 2003 18:37:01

Unfortunately Prince Alfred Park is too rain effected for us to hold Fair Day this Sunday 18/5/03.

We have rescheduled for Sunday 1st June 2003 (11am to 5pm). The same great line-up of entertainment and stallholders will be there.

INQUISITION TICKET COLLECTION
If you have pre-ordered tickets (SLPA member, SLM member, MEN member, Interstate or International) and were intending to collect them at Fair Day, they will be available for collection from the Pride Centre (Upstairs) between 11am and 3pm on Sunday 18/5/03.

The Pride Centre is located at 26 Hutchinson Street Surry Hills.

Tickets may also be collected:
Wed 21st May between 5 - 7 pm
Thur 22nd May between 5 - 7 pm
at Sydney Leather Pride office on first floor of Pride Centre.

PLEAE ENSURE YOU BRING IDENTIFICATION TO COLLECT YOUR TICKET.

LIMITED TICKETS (the Fair Day allocation) WILL BE ON SALE ON SUN 18/5/03 at 11am PRIDE CENTRE. Credit card sales or exact money only.
LIsa Stollznow - Thu 15 May 2003 15:47:08

Inside info boys and girls - you will find QN will be selling approximately 250 less tickets for 08 Jun. My inside contact said they had so many emails /
complaints from the last 2 parties they will sell less tickets.
Just busting............... - Thu 15 May 2003 18:54:08

Perhaps it had something to do with the amount of posters on this board who requested one of those DJs for the actual party.
- Thu 15 May 2003 20:03:47

There is NO street available in the Surry Hills/Darlinghurst are that can be closed off to hold the fair- these options were explored with the Council's involved.

In addition last year the number of people that attended the Fair exceeded the capacity of Forbes Street.

If you don't like it don't attend - quite simple. And for that matter, I hope you have not purchased a ticket for Inquisition as you may be disappointed it does not meet you standards - I would be happy to refund your money rather than you sledge the Association any further. You can find my details on the SLPA web site.

Do you mean to say that after all that hype and hoopla Inquisition did not even SELL its 1900 tickets?? We have sold all but the 100 reserved for Fair Day sales. This was always the policy that these would be available at Fair Day. None members who have contacted us in the past 3 weeks were directed to attend Fair Day to by their tickets. In fact we have had 100's more requests than tickets.
LIsa Stollznow - Fri 16 May 2003 08:39:50

Happy about QN being less squishy. It's just such a good party. We're looking forward to June long weekend.

It is sad about Fair Day being postponed, but I'd hate to get my boots muddy or my leathers wet. Much better to have it on another day once things have dried out. Good call, Lisa. Hang in there, matey.
Evil Twin - Fri 16 May 2003 09:22:16

You say "Happy about QN being less squishy" - Where have got this information from ???

Please explain !!!
sardine can - Fri 16 May 2003 10:52:38

Next G.A.Y is going to be late June (either the 3rd or 4th Saturday of June)

Enjoy.
G.A.Y YAY !! - Fri 16 May 2003 10:54:32

You can't blame people for filling in the blanks if you don't provide them with the necessary info. It's outrageous for the Council to close you out on one complaint. Caritas and Forbes St Fair have co-existed for years. I for one am getting damned sick and tired of Vinnie's homophobia. This community saved their holier-than-thou asses when Refshauge wanted to move them out to Kogarah in 98. He should have.

If I'd been SLPA, I would have let the community know the background to this before now.
- Fri 16 May 2003 10:59:29

The membership has been informed. SLPA has also had much press in the gay papers over the past 3 months at least - do you take PinkBoard as the only truth?
How about you make your comments to Caritas instead of on a party wall. They have blocked more than the LP Fair.
A letter would be much more useful

Are you going to blame the organisers for the rain too?
looking forward to a sunny June 1st - Fri 16 May 2003 12:04:32

I think I have been very honest with the members and our community. I contacted SSO immediatley once we lost Forbes street but it was their choice not to run press on it. We notified the members and recieved no objections.

We must remember that we live in a dynamic world and things do change. If you want to have an influence on the shape of that change work within the system, get involved and support other. The SLPA members are happy so that is my primary concern.

On to the rescheduled date: 1/6/03
All the stallholders and entertainers have confirmed their attendance at the revised date. And for the person who said above I could not organise things, bet you never knew I had a contingency!
Lisa - Fri 16 May 2003 12:36:22

Their web site does not offer a "contact us" section (which is a bit rude in my opinion). All the site offers is dates for the event and a never ending supply of pictures from previous events.

Can somebody please supply details where i can email a complaint to ?
Thanks - Fri 16 May 2003 14:16:32

see you there.
Countdown Boy - Fri 16 May 2003 14:19:35

My friend works at Home and thats what they have been told ie 250 less tickets.

Also the other post is right, if everyone wants the main floor its still squishy but I've had that at other venues and even in the Hordern and RHI and look how big they are.

I just wish Home had a way of basically just pushing a wall and some sofas back to reveal extra dance floor , and can put them back on nites when they are not needed.

Let me know what you're gonna wear Evil Twin and will definately buy you that beer at QN.
Just Busting........... - Fri 16 May 2003 18:02:46

Thanks to the poster above re superannuation.
PaulD - Fri 16 May 2003 19:32:52

But if the SSO didn't pick up the story about the Forbes St problem, why didn't you get on here to tell people? Is Pinkboard only useful to SLPA for yelling at people? Lots of us aren't members of SLPA because it's history in recent years has been commensurate with that of a particularly dysfuctional Central coast bowling club with anti-depressant supply problems.

That doesn't mean than many of us haven't been leather community members for wucking decades and WANT leather pride to succeed.

You've taken on the role of revitalising a moribund organisation - and good on you for doing it - but understand that there's a lot of your community that won't be reached by membership only newsbriefs. And lighten up for God's sake.
- Fri 16 May 2003 19:53:50

Their web site does not offer a "contact us" section (which is a bit rude in my opinion). All the site offers is dates for the events and a never ending supply of pictures from previous events.

Can somebody please supply details where i can email a complaint to ?
Thanks - Sat 17 May 2003 11:11:33

Thats a gutless response.

I have an issue that I feel strongly about and I have a right to voice my opinion. Which I will.

Now has anybody got any idea how to reach these people who seem to be impossible to contact ??
Thanks - Sat 17 May 2003 15:40:19

I strongly disagree with your post. Queer Nation in the middle of the night in the main room is disgraceful. Thank God I stay in the silver room.
- Mon 19 May 2003 18:22:05

Three cheers for Arq security. Multiple BOO's to Stonewall security, you are a shame to your patrons and DJ's.
Andrew - Tue 20 May 2003 06:54:09

http://dancemusic.about.com/library/weekly/aa012201-3.htm
- Wed 21 May 2003 16:17:06

http://www.yourallgay.com/

Bound to put a smile on your face. Tell me what you think :)
- Thu 22 May 2003 10:25:19

http://www.gaydar.com.au/ethel.yarwood

http://www.houseoflove.com.au/cnt/blog/archives/00000032.php
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble. - Thu 22 May 2003 17:19:06

We seem to have fewer problems generally than they do in the States. "Crystal" can be anything here from the real thing to majorly cut street speed. But gay guys also tend to buy from people they know who aren't generally bent on ripping them off.

I think the important thing to remember is that any and all drugs can cause problems and that, at the end of the day, most people will use drugs most of the time, without crashing out into a cycle of dependency and despair. If we keep preaching that all drugs are bad, all the time, then the message sounds like bullshit and it's ignored.

And all things in moderation. It's important to remember that the pursuit of pleasure is part of life. It isn't the whole of life. Life isn't a continuous party and a continuous party soon becomes something other than life. Having something to get up for other than another bump is incredibly important. And doing drugs more than once a week on average is a recipe for problems. Also, if you're losing control, stop. It's not actually as hard as it's painted. And you can always go there again once you've got yourself sorted. "Addiction" is oversold. It's much more about taking control yourself - and knowing you can do that.
- Thu 22 May 2003 20:54:56

I think he is slipping dangerously close to presenting a stereotype that all gay men are drug abusing circuit boys.....sure, G and crystal are on the scene in sydney, but they are not the predominant drugs of choice.

....the Daily Telegraph's recent edition on the age of consent laws must have been edited by Piers Ackerman - it was absolutely disgraceful in its bias and repugnant resort to the "evil pedophiles praying on our youth" angle. So please, Mr freelance journalist - let's not provide the tabloids with any more ammunition.
Tabloid or Broadsheet - I'm concerned - Thu 22 May 2003 23:18:41

And maybe the guys who thought they were being chased by the CIA... well, ASIO and police are increasingly surveilling people in Australia and sniffer dogs are everywhere- it's unsurprising people feel anxious in 2002. Whilst I understand that paranoia is toxic, i also feel it often comes from a place- deconstructing psychiatry etc
- Fri 23 May 2003 10:28:24

"If you don't like it don't attend - quite simple. And for that matter, I hope you have not purchased a ticket for Inquisition as you may be disappointed it does not meet you standards - I would be happy to refund your money rather than you sledge the Association any further. You can find my details on the SLPA web site."
- Fri 23 May 2003 12:21:54
Thankyou for this explanation. Your first message did not make any of this clear. - Panther

Drug use is seen as intrinsically "evil" - this extends to alcohol - and there's zero tolerance for, not only drug use itself, but also for any public discussion around a normal/safe use context for it. In fact, there's virtually no drug discussion permitted within American gay culture unless it's confined to "addiction" and/or "recovery" contexts. The fact that most people use drugs without becoming addicts is never addressed. "lifeormeth" is a classic example. Is it really a choice between "living" = no crystal and "death" = doing crystal? If so, how come thousands of us who've done so are still going to work, still living our lives happily, still balancing partying with earning a living, still balancing hedonistic excess with paying the mortgage? Isn't it important to work out why it is that humanity has been using mind and mood altering substances since the beginning of time, and we're still here? If the just say no crowd was right we'd have died out millenia ago.

Of course people do - and will continue- to have terrible problems with drug use and abuse. But let's own that most of us won't have our lives wrecked by it. We need far more research into why that difference exists and how we can ultimately provide some solutions for it. We're not going to get there by turning life into a series of addictions with 12 step program solutions.
- Fri 23 May 2003 12:36:39

I agree that you have probably not experienced anything like the States here yet, but buckle up, because I am seeing it now here, and just as you have described it. Most of the people I come across on drugs are on crystal, in addition to their personal favourites. People are going for continual pipe-smoking top ups (which I don't get as I have only swallowed the stuff and it keeps me up for days - someone please explain)

I cannot agree that this stuff is not hurting us and our lives because i would hate to delude people. After watching thousands of drug users and their development, people seem to go into a pattern of use where at the end of a six months to two years use period it occurs to them that they are frequently using a drug that harms their mind and body and they cannot seem to stop, even if only a psychological addiction by this point. Awareness

Unfortunately, it is at this point that I notice people either give up or choose not to, and go into excess. Those who choose to keep going and going do so until they often have one very loopy weekend indeed. Even still this is not necessarily a good reason to stop.

I have a lot of very unhappy friends and they do not realise why - a clue: take a look in the pipe?

Crystal meth is not the problem, addictive/susceptible personalities are. If you are one, skip it please. If you are not having problems, please get help.
just concerned - sorry if a drag - Fri 23 May 2003 13:23:20

Time for some education- how do the drugs affect different activities, pain thresholds etc. Education can have people making choices, ie "i didn't know (insert alcohol/drug here) affected my body like that- i'm not going to do that again- it's dangerous"; or "ok, i know what the risks are- i'll continue what i'm doing but with more knowledge of what's going on".

Zero tolerance attitudes never stopped people from doing something. Education (and an acknowledgement that drugs and bdsm sometimes DO mix- in the bdsm world whether people recommend it or not) means at least we're facing reality.
- Fri 23 May 2003 14:44:37

I also beleive that ice/crystal is more of a problem than heroin (whether you eat, drink, smoke or inject it!)
Good ol' Oz - Fri 23 May 2003 16:02:56

I know someone who 1st. tried 20mg of Methamphetamine (Methedrine[tm]) at the age of 18 and didn't really come down for at least 30 years. It used to be available easily on prescription. Prohibition just stoked the fire.
- Fri 23 May 2003 16:17:32

Drugs are bad

If you take them

You are sad.
.
.
.
.
poet - Fri 23 May 2003 16:36:23

Pretty sensible message dont you think ??
- Fri 23 May 2003 19:06:28

Within 20 minutes I had to go home - i fell asleep!!!! (do ya think i smoked my k instead?)
Ms Golightly - Fri 23 May 2003 23:27:50

Does anyone know how many people have been hospitalised/in therapy because of
G ? just wondering as have been partying for years, have stacks of friends who party and not one uses it ? yes its deadly but is it a bit of a media hype ? are there more "casualities" than heroine ? or e's ? or speed ? or coke ?
Just curious - Sat 24 May 2003 10:44:21

ALWAYS consider your mental state and body weight; if you are half-again the weight of your partner then you may need half-again as much. Factor in TOLERANCE because the stronger the drug, the faster the body adapts (it's only natural)

NEVER forget that the high is deceptively crystal clear. Write it on your hand if you have to. Try only to use when you are happy and not sad otherwise it can get quite tragic.

Finally, be considerate. Most mistakes that I make are when I have overdone it. If your mates say that you are losing it, they are probably right!!
eat and sleep - Sun 25 May 2003 14:28:47

Drugs can't make you happy if you're not already. And blotting out reality ain't happy.
- Sun 25 May 2003 16:54:01

I'm sorry some people had a crap party. But I had a really good time and partied my arse off with a heap of my friends. It seemed like all the nice people were there.
Evil Twin - Mon 26 May 2003 12:29:28

If people like you didn't like it, then that's great.
If the shows didn't shock or offend or make someone like you squirm a bit, then what's the point?
It's supposed to be transgressive.
If you want fluff, there's plenty around.
- Mon 26 May 2003 14:00:30

A fluffy dance party with out a soul where profits go towards a few individuals so they can make their next payments on their 100k sports cars.

OR

A community run event with subversive shows, sexy leather men and women everywhere you look and profits going towards the community so they can run educational and social events.

I am not saying that you go to party just because it is run by a community organisation, a good party matters a lot! This Inquisition despite some of the complaints was still a hell of a lot more fun than a 100 fluffy parties put together.

I know where my money is going.
filth - Mon 26 May 2003 15:11:05

We got what we were told we'd get, a smaller, membership-based party that moved away from the huge Hordern events (where most of the leather seemed to have been purchased the day before) to something that was actually about the leather community ... and didn't make concessions to non-leather punters who were out for a good dance party.

There are plenty of other dance parties and club nights.

Inquisition comes but once a year. Please judge it on it's own terms, not those of Queer Nation etc.

I thought the shows were great (especially having the projections so that everyone could see them!) and all the DJ's played well (as we'd expect from that line up). Yes, the venue was less than ideal and the lighting sucked, but given the dramas that surrounded City Live's recent demise and reopening I'm pretty pleased that the event happened at all ... I'm sure there must have been some very stressed out volunteers pulling some serious overtime to make it happen.

And isn't that part of the point - unlike Queer Nation etc. it was run by volunteers - and hey, it worked. No bad debts, no creditors, no liquidators ... and no profit in anyone's pockets!

So thanks to all who must have worked so hard to pull it off. You did way good under what must have been difficult circumstances.
Craig aka Master Tom - Mon 26 May 2003 15:38:21

However, I have to agree with many of the posts above re the venue. It was too crowded and the lighting was all wrong (too brightly lit and no creative lighting effects at all). The result was that the party seriously lacked the sexy atmosphere that I've come to expect from Inquisition.

As for the show with blood play (which isn't really my thing), I still enjoyed it but did think it was little too long.
- Mon 26 May 2003 16:09:13

Yes, yes the venue wasn't fantastic - but all that was available, from what I understand. Given that the venue wasn't ideal, I thought SLPA made the best of it.

Music = great (especially Mandy)
Projections = nice atmostpheric (what other kind of 'scenic' can you do in that venue anyway)
Crowd = very friendly, lots of appropriate outfits

Whilst the venue was quite crowded (not at all helped by the rain), the levels (to watch the dancefloor) were good. The dancefloor was full, but not jam packed (we, as a pack of girls, could even get a spot without being jostled... rare).

My only criticisms: too much peripheral light (a Fox/Playbill insistence), not enough seating (inside), and the shows were only so-so (how about more BDSM play and something for us uniform fetishists?

But you can't have everything... as as a highlight of my calender year, it certainly made for a great night overall.
- Mon 26 May 2003 16:41:42

The lighting on the upper level and the corridor was way too bright - but sometimes it's nice to be able to check out the amazing fetishwear that people were displaying...

I personally thought that the levels worked quite well, I usually wander around for a fair bit of a party - and it was nice to have different areas to wander. We saw a lot of people we only seem to run into during Leather Pride week, as well as lots of good mates.

The very best thing about this party was the size and the ticketing policy - to me and my partner, Inquisition is a very special night - it's *our* party as leather grrls and not just another excuse to have a big night... the bigger horden parties diluted the energy too much by having a broader audience, and to be honest gee-whizz shows aren't really all that interesting, who wants a host of feathery lip-syncing drag queens?

Shows - well, the first one was great, wish they'd bring back some of the sexy grrly aerialists that I've seen in the past though ;) The others, well I actually do like bloodsports but I did find it a bit dull, but then I'm not good with shows...

Music was great - the lowest ever Inquisition nadir was in 01 when Kate Monroe played 9-5 <shudder>... Mandy in particular was fatastic!

All in all - a sucess, thanks to all the hard work of the Leather Pride Committees... it's not a "Big Party" - its not supposed to be, going to big in the last two years nearly destroyed the organisation - thank goodness we've still got a community leather event!
Cuirqueer - Mon 26 May 2003 20:15:00

Either way the bulk of the money goes to the venue, which is owned by an individual earning far more money than many of the independent (queer) venue operators and event promoters. Why make it a choice? Go to both:) They both keep each other honest and have their moments
when is sleaze? - Tue 27 May 2003 08:21:51

As an exhausted Volunteer who spent up to 20 hours a week on top of a 9am-6pm 'real' job plus having a semblance of a life over the last 4 months I am offended by these kinds of assumptions. Leather Pride is a membership organisation which puts on events for their members and their friends - become a member and contribute or don't go. Inquisition party raises funds for the association to be able to exist for the next 12 months.
I want to know where this imaginary 'bucketloads' concept comes from - do you have any idea how much rent and general costs are for a small operation?
weary volunteer - Tue 27 May 2003 12:20:24

where do you think the perfect Inquisition venue would be?
B - Tue 27 May 2003 12:41:03

> Towards the very end of the party, near the stage,
> two dykes were rolling around fighting

For some strange reason I still have not managed to attend
the Inquisition. But with all due respect to DJ's, has an Inquisition
EVER had Live Music ? The historians amongst us may be able to edify.

Live Music Is Best
T. - Tue 27 May 2003 14:14:47

Dome/Horden with far less lighting, far less security next year..

Xane
- Tue 27 May 2003 15:24:07

Party, party...
Torquemada - Tue 27 May 2003 15:42:58

Rhiannon is a Fleetwood Mack song that I have zero copies of.
Mr Panties - Tue 27 May 2003 20:58:30

Well what can one say;-

Although your vision is correct to some extent, you must also look at the general attitude of the paying public. These punters are the ones that keep any organisation alive. The hard part is that they expect and demand value for money and rightfully so.

While I agree with you that INQ is the main source on income for SLPA. It is by no means an excuse to overcharge the community in the process.

The idea of 'bucketloads of cash' is being made is quiet simple to comprehend.

Last year INQ X was $82 or there abouts. For that there was huge expenses for Lighting, Sound, D,J's (8), Entertainment(30 odd acts), Rent of the Horden for 5 days not to mention greater Security (numbers), Poster prodution, Scenic Elements but to name just a few.

Moving INQ to "City Live" curtailed a huge amount of these costs. Marketing of this event this year was to say, at least poor! let me say minimal. But when you only have to sell 1900 tickets, why bother! The Horden carries a liscence for 5000 people, but can be extended by the amount of outside space that you are prepared to Hire and Fence. Insurance costs for this year must be well down (always a major budget line item).

As for Community, well one only has to look at the advertising in last weeks star to make that comparison. ACON (EGG) $35.00/25.00 (one that I would consider "Community") and Queer Nation $40.00 a business. The point is that both of these parties are of a Nightclub style, so why such high prices of $85.00 for Inquisition??? These people are not doing all this work to make a loss.

Please don't get me wrong. SLPA must continue and be able to hold it's head high, but not at the expense of the community for a few members. Thats why people are saying it is a rip-off! and I believe righly so.

Having worked over the years on too many Parties and Fundraisers I have a very good grasp of producion expenses.

In this instance I believe that SLPA has crossed the line in not providing value for money or something even close to it.
RippedOff Punter - Tue 27 May 2003 22:37:34

Much love ;)
LoveMuch - Wed 28 May 2003 00:05:03

People tend to view Inquisition as a sexy, dark, down and dirty party with a rolling groin-based dance vibe. Dome may take fewer people but the whole venue is one big dancefloor. Let's hope it, or the Hordern, or something similar presents next year.

A lot of people have commended SLPA for at least putting the party on this year, some feel ripped-off, the general consensus seems to be that it would be a mistake to do it at City Live again.

If you're going to get involved in community-based organisations then you have to get used to criticism - some of it will be unreasonable, some won't. You also need to put the criticism in perspective as part of the bigger-picture.

There's huge attachment to - and ownership of - the leather party ideal among a lot of tribally identified people in Sydney and not all of them are SLPA members by any means. I think their feedback - represented here - has been pretty balanced and a lot of people have acknowledged the effort SLPA put in.
- Wed 28 May 2003 08:28:45

SILENT NIGHT_01

Sydney's Silent Recordings is proud to announce the launch of 'Silent Night' on the 31st May at Bar Broadway.

'Silent Night_01' will coincide as the launch of 'Nocturnal Emissions' -
a compilation of local electronica and Telemetry Orchestra's new LP 'Children Stay Free'

Silent Night_01
Bar Broadway
31:05:03
9PM-3AM

Live: Coda, Tracky Dax, Telemetry Orchestra
DJ's: Seymour Butz
Performance Art: imogen kelly & gang

Tickets $15



_________________________________________________________________________
humphrey ! - Wed 28 May 2003 15:58:49

But Momma probably has to work on this silly software.
(it's a 24/7 thing). Please somebody make it stop and
come and visit this little Bear !

> hey Torquemada - check this out... This bear will gladly take you along...
> SILENT NIGHT_01

kind regards
Torquemada - Thu 29 May 2003 09:16:11

Xane
- Thu 29 May 2003 11:37:50

Read the review in today's SSO, then come and meet the artists. From Sodomsonic to Cherry 2000 to Mark Murphy, they'll all be there.

CHRISTA HUGHES (Machine Gun Fellatio) will MC the evening, which features live electronica from RANTZEN & SPINOGLIO (yes, THE Andy Rantzen!), twisted performance by POODLE PARLOUR, and the dj lineup from hell including SVETA, MARK MURPHY, LANNY K, MISS YETTI, OBERON and VOVANOVA. All this for only $10 PLUS there's $5.50 cocktails between 930pm and midnight.

The CD will be available to buy on the night for the special launch price of only $20.

It all happens at The Icebox - 2 Kellett Street Kings Cross Friday May 30th.

ear pimp nose ears
smell the difference
Craig - Thu 29 May 2003 13:27:59

OH REALLY??? Thx for the support Xane, I'm sure it is well-intended. Now, just what would this 'I'm sure Women feel the same' bit be supposed to mean? That We all want segregation? Have you actually asked any Women? Not presuming to speak for the entire Woman-identifying population but: THIS Woman wants her parties sweaty, stinking like testosterone and estrogen and Crisco and amyl and lube, dirty, dark, sleazy, kinky, and full to the rafters with leather boys, grrls, womyn, men, trannies, bois, bears, cubs, intersex and anyone else willing to slip on the latex, pull out the paddle and have the type of time that would probably make you run and hide behind your Daddy. And baby, you can watch this Woman anytime (and if I really like you I might take you on as Lube Assistant *g*).

Nice to know that 'Xane is cool with Lesbians' but could he please state his position on filthy no-holes-barred Bi Chix?
stinkfist - Thu 29 May 2003 21:39:28

I say that the big dance parties are dead and we are watching the very last few struggle for air - look at the comments for the ALSO parties, which used to be fabulous nights but even 3/4 years ago were full of twinks and surburbanites (book Your tix at Bass) ... MardiGras events went the same way once the tix were through Ticketek.

It's over.

Now for the next wave whatever it will be

- such a pity that NewMardiGras booted Livid out of the Horden for Sleaze03 and didn't take the opportunity to go off and find a new venue that we could all admire.

Let's go back to the cool spaces like Alexandria Stadium by starting a petition against noise-complaining residents who move into industrial areas then change all the rules ... _I_ would _Love_ to live right near that kinda venue (it's the wander home I'm gonna miss the most)
Who's with me?
Lil - luscious in leather and longing for a new venue - Fri 30 May 2003 13:22:30

I too miss the vibe that places like the Stadium provided but in those days you didn't have much of a choice. Funnily enough, even today we still don't have much of a choice finding appropriate spaces with character.
help! - Fri 30 May 2003 17:58:04

It is a little frustrating to put a stack of time/effort into a party that is not there to be a money-maker for its presenters when people then go to the nearest superdj at the latest superclub, or not out at all.

This is the case with a lot of club/party promoters at present hence the lack of successful one-off or recurring parties besides those contracted/promoted by the venues themselves.
go out now - are you there yet? - Fri 30 May 2003 18:32:00

Isolation, poverty and illness is scary, not change!
Deeper - Sat 31 May 2003 10:24:35

Paddington Town Hall is inappropriate in this day and age for a dance party for 2 reasons -

1. Its been nearly 20 years since a dance party was held there. Back in the early to mid 80's when parties were held they tended to be earier finishes (like 4-5am) and because gay lifestyle wasnt "OUT THERE" like it is today the local residents in the area tended not to know in advance that Paddo Town Hall was about to be used as an "all night disco" until the actual night itself. By the time the event was actually happening and noise was blarring all around the neighbourhood it was too late to close it down (and it had council approval).

The residents of paddington would NEVER allow a current style all night to 8am dance party occur in this day and age. It would never get approval from council.

2. I attended a few of the parties at Paddo in the 80's and I can tell you categorically that the acoustics of that room are HORRID !! It would be a music disaster waiting to happen trying to get a half decent sound in that space. I shudder at the very thought.
Andrews Big Sister - Sat 31 May 2003 12:01:13

Not a truer word said!
- Mon 2 Jun 2003 09:07:07

So well put. But some advice...start attending any form of consultations and let board members know how you feel- get their email address and lobby. I have started doing it of late. As unless you officially let them know the political correct crap and "happy together family shit parties" will continue for the suburban mass.

Segregation and cultural privacy is not a bad thing.
Sea change - Mon 2 Jun 2003 11:42:52

May I retract "segregation" and replace it with "separation" to make things clearer.

As for South Africa. South African politics and society has and probably always will be extremely complex....do some research before spouting and using that country for "feel good liberal" platitudes.
"Waiter! My chardonay hasn't got wood!" - Mon 2 Jun 2003 13:44:58

Mon 2 Jun 2003 14:49:31 - Please give us more details than just you had sex with him...... don't you know how to make polite conversation? follow the 4W's + 1H rule. Who? (covered) What? (covered ..kinda) Where? Why? and lastly HOW?
- Mon 2 Jun 2003 16:17:02

Answer - The cost of a Queer Nation Ticket :P
- Mon 2 Jun 2003 17:26:51

You asked a question about what time Tom Stephan is playing and that was fair enuff. Then you pathetically had to justify yourself and went off on a mud slinging adventure. Why couldnt you have just asked the question rather than adding all the dribble after the question.

you're so pathetic
- Mon 2 Jun 2003 23:58:50

An area for Boys Only (the Hordern say)
An area for Girls Only (the Dome/ City Live say)
A mixed area for people to party togther (the RHI say)

Then it means that the gay boys and gay girls can have their own private space (which we want, need and deserve) but then when anyone wants to be in a mixed space then they can go to the mixed hall as well as all the inbetween open areas that are mixed
Let's remember what these celebrations are really about! - Tue 3 Jun 2003 09:06:24

-Firstly, every patron has to be mindful of where they are and why others are there. You can't ban the 20-year old straight girls but you can remind them of where they are. Alot of straights just forget that they have countless places to meet and interact without judgement AND simply don't realise the social significance of this environment.

-Secondly, straight couples blatantly kissing in gay venues - why the f*** do they do it? Is it the "E"? Are they feeling threatened or are they just inconsiderate?

-Thirdly, there are never enough lesbians in clubs like Arq. Pity, because they add a great dynamic. DON'T forget how much JOY the lesbian DJ's bring to us. Where would steamy,hypnotic,tribal music be without Mandy? Having said that, thanks for bringing Sveta into Arq.

My advice to reducing the amount of problematic straight boys? Bring in more lesbians - they will sort out them out for you (after all, how many lesbian venues have a problem with 20 yo straight boys?)

As for the 20yo-girls-with attitude? Don't worry, their men eventually bring them both undone. Me? I would tell them that they look fabulous in drag!
kake your comments about pushy, obnoxious and rude people to Security - Tue 3 Jun 2003 10:03:28

Oh, and next time you see a suspected "het" snog, look closer cause it could well be a gay boy on E deciding that girly tits actually *do* feel nice and are worth a grope.

No Queer Nation for us this time :-( All partied out for the moment. I hope you all have a great night.
Evil Twin - Tue 3 Jun 2003 11:35:22

A mixed space for instance doesn't necessarily equate to a bi-friendly space, and so on....It's simply not politically correct.

Mardi Gras has toyed with a number of round-the-edge variations on this theme over the years but always pretty reluctantly. The girls space for instance has always been sold on the principle that it's about ensuring the safety and security of dykes - a minority in terms of overall partygoers -rather than about same-sex partying per se. The guy's space concept has generally been sneered at or, at most, grudgingly addressed by successive Boards because it's obviously just about fags getting their rocks off. Gay boys are assumed to be the majority of the crowd and clearly need "protection" from no-one. If anything, the rest of the partygoers need protection from us and our vile behaviour.

The amount of disgust and disapproval within our own community about gay men and their entirely natural desire to do it a lot - and with lots of people - never ceases to amaze me.

Regardless, after the black party stuff-up I can't see the venue managers/licensee ok'ing a gay male-specific party space. "You know how disgusting poofs are mate," etc.....
- Tue 3 Jun 2003 12:03:55

Why if 95% (or the main majority and no-one can argue with that really) of the constituency of New Mardi Gras and the parties are Gay Men and Lesbians do we have to cater for the alphabet of sexualities and non-sexualities???

It may not be PC but our parties (and organisations for that matter) are under threat of becoming irrelevant to their actual constituents. They both need to be relevant to gay men and lesbians. Having a sexuality/gender specific area at a party as well as mixed areas means we can achieve this.
Let's remember what these celebrations are really about! - Tue 3 Jun 2003 15:31:06

Once you start segrating ? separating? out boys and girls, then some group will want bears only and/or twinks only and/or ballroom dancing and/or and/or
and/or and on it goes.

I know its the old story but we strived for acceptance and now we want to change things by saying straights or certain sexualities not accepted here or there etc........the sex space argument will never end but beyond me why they dont canvas Arq or the Shift or any of the pubs for one as they dont get them
there ? but then again I suppose those venues think like me. If you want it, go
to a sex venue thats what their there for.

Personally if NMG wants to address the situation, then lets say every one who is a member gets to vote on the issue and we will just have to go with the
majority. Sometimes I get the feeling its a hardcore minority wanting these spaces/segration etc whilst the majority just too lax to put up their hand and say yes or no. I dont know how many members NMG have but if they are getting up to the figure old MG had then that should be fairly representative of the
gay community and take the vote.

And to " Let's remember what these celebrations are really about " - I wish I could remember an article written not so long ago that discussed whether being Gay was becomming passe ? sure it said equality wasn't fully there ( partners
superannuations etc , legal age etc ) but it discussed how a lot of people now think we have come most of the way and its just not the issue it used to be.
You could disagree or agree with what was written, but "mostly" I agreed.
Just when is Sleaze and where will it be ? - Tue 3 Jun 2003 18:06:18

What's so wrong with straight couples pashing at gay events? I wonder why they do it - sometimes it's so blatant and stagey it's clearly designed to make a point - but it doesn't offend. Specially if the guy's cute.

I enjoy having women next to me on the dance floor but, equally, I enjoy a couple of brief trips to the men's space - just for diversion if you take my point. These spaces (remember the blue curtains in the Dome?) were tolerated by Fox and the law until last year. I did wonder if the decision not to turn a blind eye was connected to the NSW elections.
Paul Diamondo - Tue 3 Jun 2003 18:51:52

Try kissing another man in any licensed venue in the Sydney metropolitan area outside the inner city and you'll find out how "warmly accepted" you are......pretty quickly.

You mistake the empathy of people who've decided that our events are great, for a general social acceptance that's pretty much non-existent. And how many of your hip straight friends could put up with a couple of gay guys making out - and why should we be worried about it if they can't?
- Tue 3 Jun 2003 20:04:30

Having separate areas for the boys and the girls is not just about having a sex space, there is much more to it. It isn't being suggested that there only be gender specific areas. What was suggested was that there are mixed areas (one huge hall where all can dance together as well as all the open areas say) and then a 'real'space for the boys and girls.

As for comments about 'gay being passe' - you may ahve agrred with the articel and your sexuality may be passe to you - but I am certain it is not to the majority in our community. It is a key componenet of who we are!

- Tue 3 Jun 2003 20:04:30 - thanks for your comments -the reality we should be aware of!
- Wed 4 Jun 2003 09:11:49

Having a male only space and a women only space allows gay men and lesbians a space to connect, celebrate, dance and have privacy as well as a host of other things that just cannot be explained in words. And more often than not these things cannot happen in the main parties current format. And before the moralists amongst the readers of this board begin to heckle.....it is not just about a a place to have sex!

As for the music, scnenic and other things I am not sure but firstly such spaces need to be created
- Wed 4 Jun 2003 10:46:21

This Saturday night ( June 7 ) at the Midnight Shift 10 pm - 8 am
A fundraising party for ACON.
DJ's Main room Luke Leal, George Hadilo and Mandy Rollins
Small floor Garry T and Richard Weiss.
Lighting -The legendary Allan 'pearl' Parkinson
3 shows and great decor.
Tickets $35.00 @ Bookshop Darlinghurst, House of Priscilla and ACON.
Concession $25.00 (health Care card) and ACON members $30.00 @ ACON only till 6pm Friday 6 June
ACON - Wed 4 Jun 2003 12:56:50

How I possibly be excited about Ruby when i'm not even going to be In Sydney on the date Ruby is on this weekend.

I hate people who havent got the imagination or the braincells to get their own gimmick. And that goes for the other fake countdown boy doing the countdown to the next G.A.Y
The real countdownboy , heading to the country to see his folks this long weekend - Wed 4 Jun 2003 14:36:18

BEYOND - http://www.theorganisers.com.au/beyond/

Tix at Sax, see you there.
Tim of Zetland/webmaster for ethel yarwood enterprises - Wed 4 Jun 2003 16:18:14

DV8 was a fun couple of nights, but losing it is not the heat death of the universe. Maybe Melbourne will be kinder to the boys.
- Wed 4 Jun 2003 17:00:30

What was good about dv8? Are they worth supporting in Melbourne. The venue sounds odd (a str8 pub).
Paul Diamondo - Wed 4 Jun 2003 18:51:34

However this is not the only complaint to be levelled at the DV8 organisers. I attended the 2nd event at the Dendy and the cloak room was a shambles. Better than the 1st one apparently. I lost items that were secured inside my bag and when I left the attendant THREW my bag at me.

When I sent the organisers an email to express my complaint, I did not receive the courtesy of a reply. Nor did a number of my friends.

Also I sent an email correcting statements that were made by James Rennie regarding the expulsion of the Weapon Inspectors made in SSO659, cc'ed to the SSO, which also was not responded to.

Refer to <a hef="http://www.yarwood.com.au/dv8-20030405/media01.html" target="_blank">http://www.yarwood.com.au/dv8-20030405/media01.html</a>

There is more to this issue than the licencing laws.
Phyliss Stein/customer complaints for ethel yarwood enterprises - Wed 4 Jun 2003 20:01:36

proudly introducing....

"LAVISH"
A Fetish Dance Party With A Twist!
July 12th, 2003.
CANDY'S APARTMENT
22 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross
10pm - Late
Main show by "Lytex" 12 midnight
Dj Mandy Rollins + guest dj
Tickets: $30 + b/f pre-sales / $40 @ the door
------------------------------------------------------------
TICKETS ON SALE NOW from: Gallery Serpentine, The Wild One, Reactor Rubber,
Fish Records @ Newtown, ToolShed @ Newtown, Karnal Leather, Rubber Emporium,
Sax, House of Fetish, Demon Leather.
poster @ http://www.screamzteam.com/html/lavish.html

At LAVISH .... ALL the
fetish/bdsm-related groups
within this rich community in and around Sydney can expect a unique
experience that is part dance-party and part "Theatre of the Bizzarre!".

Medieval/Fetish is the central theme and "Lytex" provides the main show of
the night with a performance that aligns the elements of "medieval/goth -
meets fetish/bdsm". Other Performers are Garth Knight - Artistic Bondage
Suspension Installation and various Roving Performers.

The venue: Candy's Apartment is elegant and spacious, with 2 bars, one of
them a chillout bar. Parking is available across the road at a Parking
Station.

ALL welcome. See you there, if you dare!

kinky smooches
brainchild
info - brainchild@iprimus.com.au
view poster at: http://www.screamzteam.com/html/lavish.html
Sam - Thu 5 Jun 2003 01:19:34

This is the problem. It has never been explained in words. No one can understand what it is because no one has been able to say that it is.
If you don't like where you are, try the other side of the dance floor. - Thu 5 Jun 2003 12:48:11

You missed the point of the poster's meaning - it about magic not politics or a bit of fun for the mainstream.

Press release time for all dance parties purport magic but do little to create it or indeed honour it.

It IS inexplicable. That is why the parties are (or were) so coveted.
- Thu 5 Jun 2003 14:54:13

not so, DV8 was aimed at boys. Hellfire is way queerer
QueerLeatherChick - Thu 5 Jun 2003 19:52:58

Im no Molly Meldrum thats for sure, but i do like that other image of me being a groovy hedonistic sydney party boy... actually that sits very well with me indeed , thank you very much :)
countdownboy - Thu 5 Jun 2003 21:22:32

panther@pinkboard.com.au