It is the middle of the 99 Mardi Gras Festival and
there is increasing criticism being directed at the organisation.
You are welcome to discuss these topics here.
Let's have an adult discussion: If you wish to dispute someone's point, attack the point and not the person.
A 78er - Mon Feb 15 12:43:59 1999
To add to my earlier comment. I was listening to The Mavi's from the pool. The volume was great there, but I agree that closer it would have been a worry.
A 78er - Mon Feb 15 12:46:22 1999
Mardi Gras Fair Day my analysis (for what is is worth) - Started by Wendy Brady, a member of the Fair Day Committee, handed to an indigenous elder to open the day, and away we went. It appears that most of the people posting here didn't get there earlier enough to see the couples 'Say I do'. Let's hope these same people dont't start criticising ignorantly, as many were to me at the pub last night. Thanks MG for having the 'balls', finally, to show us something that was emotional, political and significant. It certainly showed who cared and who couldn't give a damn in the way the after day conversations went. Most who criticised the ceremonies, after mild questioning, didn't arrive until 12.30+. The people involved were wonderful, received the type of ceremony that they wanted as individual couples (Pagan & Traditional) and Bruno did the rest with the political wrap from hell - it is just a shame that 10,000 don't turn up to Parliament House to make the point to the people who can change the silly bloody law. The rest of the afternoon's entertainment on the main stage was balanced with what was provided 'free-of-charge' by South Sydney Council, allowing for the biggest entertainment budget ever (I'm told). Wasn't it great to see so many gay, lesbian and queer performers working? The Lake Stage had 150+ members of the community tread its boards during the day, and ran on time! Regarding the BGF debacle - perhaps the solution was for BGF to just do it until a legal process could have been ascertained. Given the closeness of the Mayor (who's Council controls the park) to very strong supporters of BGF, the matter could have been dealt with quickly and promptly without confrontation. Many collectors ignored the MG directive anyway and did what they were there to do - give up their own time to collect for a cause they believed in. Finally, thanks to the medical team and Happy for looking after the very stubborn 'show must go on' very ill member of the 'team' - I and he will never forget your love and attention. Oh and yes Panther - if they get any shorter you'll be arrested.
Normally one to complain - Mon Feb 15 15:10:40 1999
dear 'normally one to complain', I didn't comment on the things I didn't see of hear about on the day. I was aware of the committmtne tceremony and more power to them
A 78er - Mon Feb 15 15:22:32 1999
I'm just as amazed 78er! Mardi Gras should be promoting and supporting GLBT and HIV/AIDS organisations that do most of the work for our community. Instead Mardi Gras attack them like they are competition, our community is not about corporate takeovers and market share! It is about people.
Educate..who is really disgusted over what happened to BGF. - Mon Feb 15 15:55:43 1999
Fastlove, biphobia is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed (the stories of biphobic violence, discrimination and plain insults I heard is frightening!!) The exclusion of bisexuals from Mardi Gras is just an example of institutionalised biphobia, and it sends out a message to the whole GLBT community that bisexuals are second class citizen not worthy of the respect to be included in Mardi Gras. Surely you can see how damaging this is to the self esteem of bisexual people and how it gives justification to biphobic people to continue to discriminate. Why do you think bisexuals threaten Gay culture so much, is it not strong enough to continue to thrive as it has done, or are you just wanting to continue the oppression and invisibility of bisexual people for some other reason?
Educate - Mon Feb 15 17:45:30 1999
If it's true that MG denied BGF "permission" to collect cash on Fair Day, I'm not particularly surprised: MG has been raking in money from the BGF raised seating ever since it first started. By taking a percentage (almost a third last year) of the funds BGF raises through selling the grandstand seating, MG is effectively imposing a tax on BGF, something not even the *Federal government* does to charities.
Mon Feb 15 18:38:13 1999
I hear that the Fortress has been under seige all day over its appalling treatment of BGF. Tut, Tut. It's pretty obvious we should give up on the possibility of a united 2002 games altogether, give the games away, and concentrate on getting our own collective shops in order. The rot of yesterday only strenghtens the anti-2002 debate. The Gay Gaymes will need every volunteer from every organisation in Sydney to make it work - at present this is a total pipe dream and unless someone, preferbaly MG, takes the lead towards unity, we will be the collective laughing stock of Australia. Little wonder we can't get equal rights through parliament - MPs of all colours have sources deep into our community and they know we are a dis-unified mess. Wake up people or perish.
Homer - Mon Feb 15 19:23:46 1999
dear homer, "Wake up" indeed, especially to our 'community leaders': to Mardi Gras. I had actually forgotten the fact that the gay Gaymes are due to be here in 2002. Well, my friends in Chicago called me last night to ask if what they have read in their press is true? "Has MG stopped a bisexual man from joining their organisation?" "I thought they were leaders in your community?" Comments like this go to show our deteriorating international profile. Wait until the BGF fiasco and the Luncheon Club fiasco hits the international Gay Press. Well done Mardi Gras, well done.
A 78er - Tue Feb 16 0:39:46 1999
Are there any investigative journalists reading this? Can you sort out the truth in all this rumour and innuendo?
Tue Feb 16 9:05:03 1999
Just how much crap are we going to put up with from the current board? Blatant and hypocritical discrimination against some of the people we love and enjoy sex with (bisexuals), the BGF disgrace at Fair Day, the Danni and Barnsey show, the Leeson/Cobden stranglehold on our parties. When will all this stop? I can only think the next AGM. We must all be there. Does anyone know roughly when it is due?
Technowarrior - Tue Feb 16 9:40:42 1999
To be honest, I am hoping that more than one journalist is. I know Stay In Touch is reading it along with quite a few international GLBT organisations. The truth of the rot is spreading.
Tue Feb 16 9:44:48 1999
Normally one to complain - I didn't get to fair day, but I was interested to read your comments on the commitment ceremonies. I'm glad they worked for the people who took part. What I find odd however, is that Mardi Gras is prepared to promote these events - as part of the campaign for legal recognition of relationships - but its leadership is not prepared to support a Bill that will (1) enable people in relationships to make commitments to each other, have their relationship legally recognised, and have their rights guaranteed without having to do anything else, will also (2) provide a safety net for people who don't want to take that step - similar to what exists for de facto relationships, and (3) will give legal recognition to relationships where people don't live together, or for various reasons, don't want to tell the world or the courts that their relationship is a sexual one - ie don't want to "out" themselves to assert their rights. That Bill is Clover Moore's Significant Personal Relationships Bill. It's a much better Bill that the Lobby's bill - yet Mardi Gras' leadership backs the Lobby Bill over Clover's. Perhaps now, with the commitment ceremonies being a success - people out there might star thinking about the kind of legal recognition they really want - rather than settling for the legal recognition the community elite (including the Mardi Gras leadership and its allies) have decided they are going to get. Interested in people's comments.
lgalbraith@wr.com.au - Tue Feb 16 10:09:09 1999
dear larry, an interesting pint about the GLRL Bill Vs Clover's Bill. This issue may well be raised this weekend on Kevin Klehr's programme on OUT.FM but in a rather unique forum, that of polyamoury. I think that our culture tends to embrace such a dynamic of relationship, yet many people (in 'authority') shy away from addressing this very real issue. This is not meant to detract from monogomous issues as this (in itself) is something that organisations such as MG is supposed to be leading us in. I note the calls over the last few years for these relationships to be legally recognised. At the very least, co-habitation issues should be addressed in a defacto sense (in my opinion). However, apart from 'calling on the Government' to address these issues, i don't know (and correct me if I am wrong) if Mardi Gras (as ostensible community 'leaders') has actually organised anything which demonstrates its overwhelming committment to this issue (apart from the recent committment ceremony). If this is a new affirmative step by Mardi Gras, then I applaud it and expect to see such things happen regularly at various Mard Gras events. To make a stand on Valentines Day is one thing (it's warm and fuzzy and makes good press) but for MG to make their own committment to support, encourage and promte such ceremonies on a year-round basis may send a stonger message to the legislative powers-that-be.
A 78er - Tue Feb 16 10:35:24 1999
Larry, ours is not to reason why..........
Tue Feb 16 10:36:01 1999
As a Fair Day stall holder, I dug out my copy of the application for stallholders to find out whether or not BGF had breached a general condition of their application. No where does it say you can only collect within your stall. What it does say, however, it that stallholders must obey the instructions of Fair Day officials. To my knowledge, BGF followed these instructions - it was the many other stallholders, the Sisters etc. who defiantly made sure the day was a success for the ill members of ours, and the general community, that BGF supports. So basically, it was the 'instruction' of the Fair Day officials in dispute here. Whether MG likes it or not, BGF is a sacred cow and should be treated as such. BGF is going through its own major management re-think without all the public crap hindering the process. Why, you ask? Because they did it properly by getting professional outside guidance first. The philosophy of no action until the damage is done at MG doesn't work. Similarly it didn't work at Pride either, causing both organisations much public grief over the last year or so. Directors have a responsibility to keep an eye out for this sort of crap before it becomes headlines. The problem, or advantage, with this wall, is that it is not limited to the small, relatively speaking, readership of the SSO & Q - the world can read this - perhaps the Directors of our g&l organisations should wake up to that fact. With small exceptions to keeping relative to the topic, there is no editorial interference on this wall, unlike the SSO & Q who are too gutless to properly address the issues far too often. Thanks Panther, we appreciate the freedom very much.
Homer - Tue Feb 16 10:49:01 1999
There is a message on one of the other Boards - The Festival Board - that states that the decision to attempt to ban BGF from collecting donations at Fair Day was made by the Fair Day Committee Director and backed by the Mardi Gras President. This (of course) is apocryphal until proof can be garnered, but seeing as the message boards are read by activists, journalists and community-members, it may as well be the truth. I haven't heard of a public statement by the MG President regarding this, as yet. Has anyone? If so is the excuse real or is it lip-service?
A 78er - Tue Feb 16 11:28:56 1999
A 78er - I fully support the idea of mardi gras (and anyone else) holding commitment ceremonies - or providing opportunities for people to hold commitment ceremonies which they can design themselve - the whole point of the SPR Bill is to give people *choice* in the way their relationships are recognised. Regarding cohabitation issues - the submission we (the co-author of the SPR Bill and I) have just made to the Social Issues inquiry takes a large axe to the idea that legal recognition of relationships should be based on cohabitation. Last year the SSO published a feature about the census in which the Mardi Gras Prez and his boyf talked about the reasons they didn't live together. That article is in our submission. Interesting the difference between the MG Prez's public political position on legal recognition of relationships is at odds with what he does privately or as MG President - ie backing the commitment ceremonies.
lgalbraith@wr.com.au - Tue Feb 16 11:43:21 1999
Panther - a thought. Why don't you establish a wall related to relationship issues - legal recognition, personal experiences arising from the lack of legal legal recognition. Contrary to what the GLRL would have you believe, the debate is not yet over. As the Lobby admits in the Bride Wore Pink, there is *no consensus* among lesbians and gay men on the best model for legal recognition. I happen to know that submissions have gone to the Social Issues Committee inquiry supporting Clover's SPR Bill over the Lobby Bill. Pinkboard could give people a chance to say what they really want. And if you do establish it - I won't post more than once a day ... all right once every couple of days ...promise. I'm more interested in what other people have to say.
lgalbraith@wr.com.au - Tue Feb 16 11:48:09 1999
I spoke to David Mc on fair day and he complained about the "bully" BGF volunteers and the trouble they had had in keeping them "contained." Basically he confirmed what has been alleged so far on the board.
Tue Feb 16 12:01:01 1999
I spoke to David Mc on fair day and he complained about the "bully" BGF volunteers and the trouble they had had in keeping them "contained." Basically he confirmed what has been alleged so far on the board.
Tue Feb 16 12:01:10 1999
Larry, I understand and agree. The mold of relationships, which can/should be recognised are many and varied. I narrowly used the cohabitation example because it's easiest for people to follow. However, I agree that relationships (especially ours in this community) are more fluid than that. As to the MG President practicing one thing and endorsing something else, well perhaps there is something subtly indicative there. The MG President (I suppose) should be prepared to put his practices where his statements are (and/or vice versa) or perhaps be prepared to give reasons regarding the differences between what he endorses in his 'office' of Presedent and what he prefers privately. Like it or not, the office of Mardi Gras President is somewhat open to scrutiny and comment.
A 78er - Tue Feb 16 12:08:03 1999
re: DMcL and the BGF. Nice to know that the issue is somewhat confirmed. BGF being bullies? I can suppose that they (like the bisexual members of the community) are simply standing up to unfair treatment by (what appears to be) an unjust organisation, which purports to represent them and the community. I like the comment of "keeping them contained" sounds a little draconian. I also believe that not only is MG HQ under seige (from outraged Luncheon Club, BGF and Bisexual supporters) by email and letters, but also from phone call s from the media and outraged members of the community whicg MG are supposed to represent and show leadership to. The more pressure which can be brought to bear on this (now, apparently) narrow-focussed organisation, the better.
A 78er - Tue Feb 16 12:16:39 1999
Using the "cultural purity" argument to defend the policy of bisexual exclusion is a little like saying "I'm not phobic, but I don't want bis moving in next door. They'll lower the tone of the neighbourhood." All cultures change. Cultures either evolve to accommodate the changing needs of those they serve or they die. What aspects of g&l culture do you wish to preserve so conservatively? What purpose would a strictly separatist culture serve gays and lesbians in 1999? Separatism is a myth. There's more to Australia than Darlinghurst, darlings. Get out of the ghetto and enjoy the real world.
GhettoBlaster - Tue Feb 16 12:40:37 1999
talking about getting out into the real world ghettoblaster, reminds me that what is going on with the MG-Biphobia issue is a microcosm of what is ailing the rest of the world as well. What was once my refuge has bought into the rest of the world's sordid mess.
Tue Feb 16 12:46:13 1999
Mardi Gras sent a standard letter to all community stall-holders in January regarding no cash collection outside of the immediate stall area at Fair Day. BGF responded, in wirting, late January, to the General Manager of Mardi Gras pointing out its charitable status and requesting the same conditions, restrictions etc. as the 1998 Fair Day (which allowed for controlled collection). No written reply was ever received from MG. Please don't kick the Fair Day Committee too hard over this (they did an enormous job), it's the same old problem of internal communication and arrogance once again. When are MG going to deal with the Directors constantly having to cover for the senior staff's inadequacies. It is totally unfair that Fair Day Director, Ilana Kaplin, has to take the blame solely on this one.
Good One MG of MG - Tue Feb 16 13:00:42 1999
You know, I don't think anyone here is saying that Fair Day was bad. There are issues which need to be addressed, yes, but overall it was good. However, the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation issue is an issue pertaining to -allegedly- 2 people; The Fair Day Director and the Mardi Gras President. Regarding the written nature of the communication between The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and Mardi Gras, no there was -allegedly- no written reply received by the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation regarding their request for continuing the 1998 status of cash-collectors. However, there were telephone conversations between the two organisations after the Stall-notices had gone out. This is what inflamed the issue. The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation were -allegedly- specifically told that they would not be allowed to do their normal cash-collection at Fair Day, in these discussions. The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation -allegedly- responded that it is a public park and that they are a registered charity, with X-years connection to the community, etc... (I would assume that they also asked why they would not be allowed as well). You know, in a way it may have been better had the cash-collectors not been allowed in the park, but been kept outside on the footpaths. That way, it would have made a better photo-opportunity for the media to illustrate how Mardi Gras -apparently- treats it's charitable community organisations.
Tue Feb 16 13:23:51 1999
Larry you know yourself how the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Cocktail Cabinet works as a branch of the ALP. Just look at the way the ACON hacks dropped a very badly needed campaign so as not to embarrass the Carr Government. My question is - how popular is David McLachlan Murdoch with the real power behind the throne after what he said about Carr at the launch? Is another Patmore Solution being organised at this very moment?
The Phantom Insider - Tue Feb 16 14:16:58 1999
The President has been heard on Out-FM defending his staff members' neglect again - I defer all to last year's mishaps. Oh dear, are all directors expendable due to the way the office runs (or doesn't, as the case may be). These directors are our representatives (and accountable to us), the staff are their servants on behalf of us - it's about time the organisation ran this way. At $70k, MG can expect a better standard of performance by its GM who must have known the letter from BGF needed 'special' attention.
Here we go again - damn, I thought it was all over - silly me - Tue Feb 16 14:53:15 1999
Could someone give a condensed version of what was said on OUT.FM by the Mardi Gras President?
Tue Feb 16 15:06:29 1999
"Every organisation that forgets about the people who give it power and, instead, concentrates of keeping its secrets, keeping its perks, maintaining its rituals and preserving its own hide, eventually implodes. Day by day the International Olympic Committee proves its self more and more incapable of rising above the corruption scandal surrounding it and further and further from the honesty and openness that the Olympic Games represents." SMH 16/2/99 Opinion, David F. D'Alessandro president and chief operating officer of John Hancock Financial Services - a major international sponsor of the Olympic Movement. Just substitute Mardi Gras board for Olympic Committee and you could sum up the situation our community is currently in. How long will it be before we end up reading a similar article in Q or the Star from one of Mardi Gras' sponsors?
mcmc - Tue Feb 16 16:30:07 1999
What has Poland done to deserve David McLachlan. Surely one dictator this century is enough!
Tue Feb 16 17:53:56 1999
That's Hitler and Stalin
ska - Tue Feb 16 18:28:46 1999
Okay. Two is more than enough. It doesn't need a third.
Wed Feb 17 0:41:26 1999
Actually, I would also like to know what The MG President has said in his (and MGs) defense, on OUT.FM.
A 78er - Wed Feb 17 8:16:19 1999
Actually, I would also like to know what The MG President has said in his (and MGs) defense, on OUT.FM.
A 78er - Wed Feb 17 8:29:17 1999
What'a Poland got to do with David mcLachlan ?
cheche - Wed Feb 17 8:30:48 1999
Poland is where Rob Patmore now lives. It's connection to DMcL - I don't know.
Wed Feb 17 8:38:36 1999
Psst! Like I said last night in another place. Hey! remember that there was a thing in CapQ about Bisexuals sending a violence threat into Mardigras about the launch - and that there was, supposedly, a warning from the Security employed by Mardi Gras to keep an eye on the Bisexuals during the launch? Well CapQ also said that David Mclachlan stated that he, nor Mardi Gras, knew nothing about it. Well, guess what? The Security is employed by Mardigras, so why would they just decide to keep an eye on the Bisexuals? Also, according to this insiders sources, the person who gave the Bisexuals their official warning was none other than the ex Mardi Gras head-of-security, this years Parade Co-ordinator. Now, if Mardi Gras knew nothing about the warning being given, why would someone of that caliber be the one to warn the Bisexuals off? Hmmmmm? More cover-ups to follow.
A Phantom Insider - Wed Feb 17 8:44:00 1999
Welcome to the team ghettoblaster. I agree with every word you typed.
Technowarrior - Wed Feb 17 9:11:40 1999
 How
about commenting on so much of the good that comes out of Mardi Gras. Without
Mardi Gras the month of Feb would be just like every other...I for one would
miss it greatly. If people keep bitching and whining about every detail,
without getting the entire story, there is a good chance that the board
of Mardi Gras could be pushed out in place of inexperienced members with
little clue of how to run the organisation. I know that this seems simplistic
and I know I'll get shit flung back at me, but it seems to me that know
matter what the current board does, there is always something terribly wrong.
Imagine being on the board next year. What decisions would you make? Would
they be accepted by every member? How would you cope working long hours
for no payment, and then having every piece of your work picked over and
pissed on by people who in many cases are not in possission of all of the
facts and issues surrounding decisions.The board cannot possibly consult
each member on every issue. They were elected to make decisions, and some
of those made will not make each one of us happy. But get some perspective
guys. The launch, Fair day, Festival events such as the Pool Party etc give
me so much happiness and pride. You may have noticed I have made no reference
to people of specfic events because I do not have any connection to the
board or any inside knowledge about decisions etc. I read the papers (but
most of what is written in there is slanted against Mardi Gras) and attend
some events, and I talk to friends, who like me enjoy so much of what MG
(a non-profit organisation) provides and arranges for its members. blue ridge mountain boy - Tue Feb 16 23:26:47 1999 |
A 78er - Wed Feb 17 10:22:35 1999
Without MG, blue ridge, the parade and pride of the people who take a stand for who they are would continue. Don't you get it? We ain't there for MG. It's there for us. And our self worth is larger than a single organisation or event. As for inexperienced members geting in - well that's why you open up the possibilities for as wide a group as possible - to share the experience around. Not clutch tightly onto power. I don't really care to comment on the rest of your letter except to remind you that what makes the fair day, pool party etc so powerful is you. You attending and you giving voice by being visible. This would happen in any situation where numbers gathered together. The organisation running these empowering events, on the other hand, is going way off rails with many of it's members and is making decisions for which it must be held accountable. And finally I know what's it's like to work long hours for no pay to have every piece of work pissed on by ignoramuses. You pick yourself up and start again. So that's no excuse either.
GG - Wed Feb 17 10:44:28 1999
GG, actually (in relation to 'picking yourself up, etc...) you listen to the criticisism and abuse; distill the issues from any vitriol; see if the alternatives suggested are really workable; see if they can be implemented and then implement them. Sorry, work getting in the mix here
A 78er - Wed Feb 17 10:57:48 1999
The bisexual debate and their worthy fight can be summed up in one sentence, shamelessly lifted from the SSO 11/2/99. "The [MG Launch] evening ended with a mass chant, led by [Vanessa] Wagner, of: 'The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.'"
Wed Feb 17 12:20:07 1999
To cheche - see message left on Tue Feb 16 14:16:58 1999 - Is another Patmore Solution being organised at this very moment? - The Phantom Insider
Wed Feb 17 13:15:29 1999
what was/is the 'Patmore Solution'? You are being at your cryptic best, Phantom.
keanu - Wed Feb 17 13:22:47 1999
What indeed was the Patmore solution and what issue(s) does it refer to?
Wed Feb 17 13:25:05 1999
The Patmore solution was to shaft him and kick him out
Another Phantom insider - Wed Feb 17 13:42:49 1999
He was not providing leadership to the organisation and was making some not very good decisions, and you guessed it, Cobden and Harben planted Bev in his place. It was fortunate that in the most part she was a good president, although at times she was pretty lame and nothing more than a pawn.
Wed Feb 17 13:46:14 1999
Impeach McDictator? Excellent! On the grounds of misrepresenting the community? Misrepresenting community groups? On the grounds of insulting 8.8 thousand members with his straight approach to Mardi Gras? Excellent! Impeach away, you have my vote!
Wed Feb 17 13:48:36 1999
Call an Extraordinary General Meeting! One months notice is all you need (by law) and if you call it now, there will be Press galore because of the Festival being on. Excellent! I hope the media have seen these notices.
Wed Feb 17 13:53:20 1999
But darls you need resolutions for an EGM. Resolutions sweetie resolutions. And at least 200 members must requisition the company in writing before the directors are bound to call such a meeting. And then the directors have up to 2 months to convene the meeting from the date of deposit of the requisition. It will probably be time for the next AGM by the time this procedure is gone through in any case.
Corporations Law - Wed Feb 17 15:22:22 1999
tick, tick, tick.....
Wed Feb 17 16:53:21 1999
Perhaps A 78er or anyone else out there who feels they may like a place on the board of MG, or who feels the current board is misrepresenting the community etc could briefly coment on what they would do with issues such as: *keeping membership to MG as gay/lesbian as possible *ensuring all charity organisations have a share in funds raised through events such as fair day *ensuring male & female-only spaces are found at parties, even though the space at present is so limited. Don't forget to include some specifics on how you would consult the 8000 of so membership on so many issues. so that they all feel their opinions are valued and listened to. You may care to add who you would have chosen to launch a commercial record label (one which has the possibility of makinggood money for the community- if successful); add to this a possible list of D.Js for the party, and of course a list of your performers. Then let us see how many of these decisions are popular with all of the whingers and would-be board members out there. Saying that you would would do the " utmost to represent the community and make the decisions which would be best for the majority of them, whilst keeping in mind, and consulting, with other members of the same community" is all when and good, and I truly believe the majority of the board set out to do the same thing, *but* putting this into practise is quite another thing. All I ask is that some balance is placed into these comments- that along with all of the slagging off and the idle bitching is comments on how well MG have planned and organised many of the events.
blue ridge mountain boy - Wed Feb 17 18:05:25 1999
P.S 78er: I do hope that you et al attended all of the strategic planning days & public forums that the current board held to deal with community issues. Such events were advertised in the gay press, and I assume provided members the opportunity to vent criticisms etc. I am sure that attending such forums would be a much more positive way of being heard and sharing your experiences.
blue ridge mountain boy - Wed Feb 17 18:51:16 1999
Dear Blue Ridge - I did attend every forum I was allowed to attend and am aware of the contents of at least two other specifically based ones. I am very concerned that the summary of the draft misses a hell of a lot of what was raised at these forums. Youth especially, was only mentioned as an example, in passing. I am still hoping the next document will be a little more detailed regarding the long-term future of MG and truly addressing the needs of the 'next' generation. We will see. I am still optimistic, despite all the recent bad publicity (some justified, some not), that David and the Board will show the same courage they did on Sunday with the 'Say I Do' Ceremonies, regarding the strategic planning document.
damonofsydney@hotmail.com - Wed Feb 17 19:18:31 1999
yes, get rid of the President and his lackeys. Mardi Gras is for our community not a greedy few.
Wed Feb 17 19:30:05 1999
Hi blue ridge mountain boy, I'm more for changing *keeping membership to MG as gay/lesbian as possible * to *gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT)*
Educate - Wed Feb 17 19:41:21 1999
Hey! blue ridge! How long have you been ainvolved with McMardi Gras? When you can say 21, then you can go up against people from 1978. Apologies A 78er, I just had to leap in. Name describes the Organisation.
Bad is bad no matter what the wrapping - Wed Feb 17 19:44:56 1999
We are still waiting for the draft strategic plan document to be posted on the Mardi Gras web site. It is now over 4 weeks behind schedule. The web site is pretty limited in its coverage of Mardi Gras Festival (only press releases for Mardi Gras Music and Razor Baby)and dull. Has the web master walked?
Wed Feb 17 19:47:19 1999
Those of you wondering who was going to be next on Mardi Gras' hit list. Well add PRIDE to the ever growing list, Mardi Gras are trying to over take PRIDE's main fund raising event the New Years Eve party. So we now have PRIDE, Luncheon Club, BGF and the Bisexual community......who is next??
Wed Feb 17 20:48:07 1999
blue ridge mountain boy - you wouldn't be an associate of pollyantha's would you? You wouldn't be pollyantha would you?
Wed Feb 17 22:14:12 1999
Hey Blue McRidge! Nice to know that you support the biphobic stance against BGF and Luncheon Club! I guess we can all see where your sympathies lie.
I was there in 83 - Wed Feb 17 22:27:40 1999
The Mardi Gras website is useless. It is all on citysearch anyway- if you can be bothered with the 'tour'. I emailed Mardi Gras months back (3 times) and have never ever had a reply. (It was a simple question re dates for 2000 to make holiday plans) If there is so much concern about current Mardi Gras ways, where was everyone at the last AGM? Hope they are there and vote this year.
Vote this time - Thu Feb 18 0:21:14 1999
I'm sorry, but who the hell do bgf think they are??? on sunday they were clearly outside the terms of the licence agreement - the same terms that every other community group managed to abide by. why is it now that bgf start bitchin' about mg when they should accept responsibility for their own actions. Let's try and look at it quite rationally - mg clearly support bgf abd this is evidenced by bgf beig given the licence to collect *solely* at the mg parade as well as the inclusion of "shop till you drop" in the mg festival. bgf are the only community group allowed to cash in on the parade by erecting seating - albeit for a small fee. And this fee os collected *not* for mg's purposes but as a way of ensuring that smaller community groups may also benefit. Further, mg are not required under this licence agreement to match dollar for dollar the bgf contribution - but they do anyway (seems likea real greedy organisation to me). And over the last couple of months, mg have returned around $30,000 to commnity groups via its commuity disbursements fund - again another example of a greedy organisation. And as for the Rainbow Party and the Luncheon Club. Obviously everyone here is in the "know". Well let's have some real facts: carol ann king had no idea about the party until she saw the ads for it; she is only going to get 50% of the profits - actually, make that the *net* profits. It's going to be real interesting to see how much money she does get from st. dawn of the toolshed. It was interesting to see that next to the "dawn stabbed in the back" article in Q last week, a small piece that revealed that mg donated 50 party tickets to the luncheon club. And finally, carol will tell you how much she relies on doing the passouts at the mg parties - one of her major fundraisers. But yet again all you whingers out there choose to ignore the good that mg does. If only life was so simple and we could also ignore whinging c*nts as well.
Phoenix Rising - Thu Feb 18 7:58:05 1999
Well, lets look fiscally, shall we? 50% of net profit is obviously greater than 0% of no profit. This is basic maths. To try to undermine the Luncheon Club's fundraiser is simply disgusting. To claim that only 50% of the net profit is going to an organisation which would not get that extra money is simply figure-juggling and mischievous. Golly! 50 Party tickets (an outlay cost of $0.00) donated to Luncheon club. Not bad as a lame apology or palm-greaser to try to keep those wronged from making waves. Look beyond the surface, people.
AQIS - Thu Feb 18 8:45:26 1999
I notice that Phoenix didn't address Mardi Gras' bisexual issue, I guess that's indicative.
Birdwatcher - Thu Feb 18 8:51:35 1999
"Who the hell do BGF think they are?" One of the premier cahritable organisations in the G&L community, simple really.
Info-boi - Thu Feb 18 8:59:15 1999
AQIS - you seem to be forgetting that without the profits from the party, there would be NO parade and festival. Phoenix Rising - your comments are quite interesting. I have had concerns about the Rainbow Party since it was first mentioned, and even asked here exactly what percentage of the profits would go to the luncheon club. That question was greeted with silence, and at that time there was clearly someone involved with teh Rainbow Party on this board. I do wonder why it is that the BGF need to raise so much money these days. Everyone I know with HIV (myself included) is coping fine these days, thanks to the new treatments (despite occassionally nasty side effects). Re Pride, what the hell do they do for the community? Where does all the money from the NYE party go? A party that I stopped attending three years ago because frankly I think they are shite. I can, however, see where a lot of the money from the MG parties goes - as we'll all see on the 27th. As for claiming that 78ers have more right to be heard than anyone else, what bollocks. Mardi Gras represents the entire gay and lesbian community (and should also represent bi's and transgenders). Therefore each person who identifies with that community and is a member of MG should have an equall right to voice their opinion.
Technowarrior - Thu Feb 18 9:06:41 1999
The rainbow party is donating 100% of it's net profit to the Luncheon club. Dawn doesn't want or need the money. I think Dawn is upset that MG didn't take up her ticketing idea, and David Mc is not an ally like Bev was. Whatever you may say about Dawn, she is not a bad old stick...anyone remember her 70th birthday and how much money that raised ? The only problem I have is that she gives all the money to boy's charities.
give us lesos$ dawn - Thu Feb 18 9:59:52 1999
Dear Blue Ridge, You asked me for some input and so here it is. Disclaimer: This is just off the top of my head, so I'm happy to get constructive criticism and input. "Keeping membership to MG as G&L as possible.": I believe I have already given some ideas on this topic in earlier posts, but I'll summarise. SGLMG was started in 1978 and was all-inclusive, not segregated. Thus I would do my utmost to ensure the mainenance of G&L culture by ensuring that Gay Men, Lesbians, Transgender persons and Bisexuals were given either automatic entry (with nominators of course) *or* I would make the 'appeals' process a true 'appeals' process where people who are initially rejected have their supporting documentation actually looked at and taken into account. If (for some *real* reason) a membership was rejected, I would consider having another tier of membership (such as that which I proposed for supportive hetrosexual persons) which would *not* have MG Party or Sleaze ticket rights, nor voting rights, but recieved both supporting businesses-discounts and discounts to Mardi Gras Events. "Charitable organisations being given a share of monies raised at events such as Fair Day": This would, of course, be dependent on what you actually mean. If you refer to a donation of funds from proifit derived from (eg.) Fair Day, then I would need to see the current policy to comment of form an ammendment. My thoughts on *collecting* monies, though, would be to allow any registered community-based charities to openly collect throughout the Fair Day area (or at any other open-area event). However, if they were not community-based charities, they would then be restricted to an area around their stand. Of course some of these would have to be addressed on a case-by-case basis, but I think that this is more equitable. "Male & Female spaces at parties." This has always been contentious, but my feelings are that a female only space is important and so, to is a male-only space, but not for the same reasons. There have been demands for a Male-Only space (not the toilets, that was an insult) and that would be honoured - even if there was to be a portable aream erected for such. "Consultation of 8,000 members" For all issues which really concerned the community, I believe that I would institute an emailing programme (blind-list) which would send announcements out to all who elected to sign onto the service. I would also make it a point to send a simple hard-copy of this mailer regularly out to those without email, possibly once-per-month. Also, I would expect that Board-members would look to keeping an eye on community notice-board areas for community feedback. In regards to "launching a record label". I wouldn't have done it without community/membership consultation. If the money were available, then I would look to see what would be appropriate (with such consultation - even publicly calling for community comment). "A list of DJs?" I haven't commented on this, but I would probably take the same approach as the current Board on this issue, I'd call for a demo tape from all of them, unless I personally knew of their talent. The list of performers? Well that is something that is always open for speculation and I am a supporter of having community-based performers and/*or* performers who actively and openly support the community. Therefore, these are the people who would be asked firstly. Then as 'headliners' I would probably call for a poll in S.S.O and/or Q to ask who the community wanted. Then tally these responses and see the appropriateness of the choices. Then, approach those who fit the community wishes mostly. Of course not everyone will be happy with the final choices, but the consultative process would have been observed and honestly used. Of course, as I stated above, these are just off the top of my head. In regards to the strategic planning meetings, yes I did attend all that I could (ie: all that were publicly available). I was also amazed to see how much of the relevant discussions were glossed over or omitted. To attend these meetings does not mean that your view will be taken as serious. The Board forgets that there are many people in the membership and the community with as much experience as they have (if not more). Their POV's are equally valid, and if they don't agree with a POV, it's generally because they have the experience that backs the opinion up.
A 78er - Thu Feb 18 10:31:25 1999
100% of the Net profits that is, after naughty Dawn has taken her slice of the cake out!
Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow - Thu Feb 18 10:48:43 1999
Hi Techno, good to see you back. I think AQIS was referring to the Rainbow Party and the percentage of moneies from that going to Luncheon club (I am assuming that you were referring to the MG/Sleaze parties). The comment, after techno's, states that 100% of the profits are going to Luncheon Club. I have no idea about Pride, so I'm leaving that alone - although to subsume an 'alternative (as in organised) dance party' needs to be looked at closely. One doesn't want to see a monopoly forming. Regarding the comment about 78ers having more of a say in matters than anyone else....er...no. As a member *and* 78er, I have the same say in the operations of Mardi Gras as any other member. Just how much of a say that ends up being is (perhaps) one of the subjects open to debate here.
A 78er - Thu Feb 18 10:59:17 1999
Naughty Dawn? Tsk tsk tsk. Raising money for Luncheon Club! Naughty, naughty Dawn. Without her, that donation of 100% of the net profits wouldn't even exist! So, naughty naughty Dawn. whaddya want Pot'O'Gold, 100% of the net profits, or nothing at all?
Leprachaun - Thu Feb 18 11:07:37 1999
Thanks, A 78er, the comments were about Rainbow Party profits not Mardi Graft party profits.
AQIS - Thu Feb 18 11:43:02 1999
Hey! I agree! Call for an Extraordinary General Meeting! If you get 200 signatures you can present the call, with reasons for the call, to the Board this month. If you copy it to the media it'll cause a storm of publicity. If they ignore it, then they're in breach of guidelines.
Mardi Gras for the people - Thu Feb 18 11:48:33 1999
Some more thoughts on the bisexual discrimination matter.
mcmc@netspace.net.au - Thu Feb 18 11:58:11 1999
Many times on the dance floor we've heard the samples "Free at last, free at last" and "I have a dream" (Farley Jack Master Funk and various others). These words of Martin Luther King Jr are catch phrases of the modern civil rights movement. A social revolution that as it continues to unfold still demands equality no matter what a person's identity maybe - male or female, rich or poor, heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or transgender, and no matter the colour of their skin or what their disability. A culture where the concept that "the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened" is the guiding principal.
Thu Feb 18 11:59:16 1999
In 1963 a watershed occurred when the South Christian Leadership Conference decided to march on Birmingham, Alabama - the most notoriously brutal hotbed of racism in the USA. King led this nonviolent march and did not discriminate among the participants. He was advised that he should place their white brothers in the frontline. This he did and the media exposure was intense. Both whites and blacks were arrested that day, and from the Birmingham Jail King wrote his most famous letter.
Thu Feb 18 11:59:34 1999
"Injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. What ever affects one directly affects all indirectly."
Martin Luther King JR, Letter from the Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963. - Thu Feb 18 12:00:07 1999
"I am thankful, however, that some of our white brothers have grasped the meaning of this social revolution and committed themselves to it. They are still too small in quantity, but they are big in quality. Some like Ralph McGill, Lillian Smith, Harry Golden and James Dabbs have written about our lives in eloquent, prophetic and understanding terms. Others have marched with us down nameless streets of the South. They have languished in filthy roach-infested jails, suffering the abuse and brutality of angry policemen who see them as "dirty nigger lovers." They, unlike so many of their moderate brothers and sisters, have recognised the urgency of the moment and sensed the need for powerful "action" antidotes to combat the disease of segregation [and discrimination]."
Martin Luther King JR, Letter from the Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963. - Thu Feb 18 12:00:30 1999
On June 11, 1963, in response to King and his supporters' campaign, President John F Kennedy called out the National Guard to escort two clearly qualified students onto the campus of the University of Alabama. That evening Kennedy gave a televised address to his nation, and in this new era of mass communication his message was soon broadcast around the world.
Thu Feb 18 12:01:08 1999
"[Democratic society is] founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened."
John F Kennedy, University of Alabama, June 11, 1963 - Thu Feb 18 12:01:49 1999
"A great change is at hand, and our task, our obligation is to make that revolution, that change, peaceful and constructive for all."
John F Kennedy, University of Alabama, June 11, 1963 - Thu Feb 18 12:02:12 1999
On August 28, 1963 King led the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His address on this occasion is popularly known as the "I have a dream" speech.
Thu Feb 18 12:02:45 1999
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred."
Martin Luther King Jnr, Address at March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963. - Thu Feb 18 12:03:13 1999
"The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here to day, have come to realise that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We can not walk alone."
Martin Luther King Jnr, Address at March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963. - Thu Feb 18 12:03:43 1999
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. ... I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day ... right down in Alabama little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and little white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today!"
Martin Luther King Jnr, Address at March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963. - Thu Feb 18 12:04:05 1999
"Let freedom ring! And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every tenement and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up the day that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, [by extension women, heterosexuals, homosexuals, bisexuals and transgender] will be able to hold hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.""
Martin Luther King Jnr, Address at March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963. - Thu Feb 18 12:04:47 1999
Well, thank you for the rememberance of Martin Luther King Jr. How does this american activist relate to this forum? To be honest, the opressive management of McMardi Graft appears to not give a damn. They have the numbers to bury any activism and the money to campaign for their issues to ensure that votes go their way.
Thu Feb 18 12:32:09 1999
Re: How does this American activist relate to this forum? King et al in 1963 basically launched a worldwide Human Rights campaign. These ideals spurred others into action to defeat discrimination where ever it occurs and in what ever form. (ie inspired Stonewall and the first Mardi Gras) If we as gays, lesbians, bis and transgenders want equality we can not then turn around and discriminate against others. We will gain equality quicker if like King we can enlist people outside of our "group" to help us forward our campaign. The logic behind the concept that "[Democratic society is] founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened" is very powerful and ultimately seductive. To me Mardi Gras is about promoting Human Rights with a same-sex focus.
mcmc@netspace.net.au - Thu Feb 18 14:41:33 1999
Back to something more important. Is it really Marcia ???? Now I understand - Martin was black and Marcia is black. It's a hidden message from the party committee. The cat's now out of the bag. I'm not as one dimesional as some people say I am.
I've just wet my pants in anticipation. - Thu Feb 18 14:53:46 1999
Mardi Gras was always about Human Rights, mcmc. In 1978 we (the GLBT community) had none. Now, 1n 1999, 50% of us do have some human rights yet a great many of those 50% (with the open support of their current community leading organisation) now discriminate against those which *they* see as 'inferior' to their cause. Strange, seeing as the downtrodden 50% are stanch supporters of the cause.
A 78er - Thu Feb 18 15:00:29 1999
Hey! I wonder where most of these performers stand regarding this discrimination thing? Would they like to be known as performers who are pro-discrimination? What would happen isomeone contacted their agents and the newspapers with this little spin and see what the press thinks of that.
Thu Feb 18 15:13:01 1999
Is is true that Mardigras has bowed to community pressure and cancelled Dannii's show? Is it also true that she will now represent the G&L community by being on the lead float? A Straight girl representing the GLBT community in a GLBT parade?! That's worse!!! Remove one foot just to insert another MG.
I can't understand the logic - Thu Feb 18 15:33:17 1999
Hey! Maybe Dannii withdrew when she heard about the bisexuals being banned from Mardi Gras. Is there something we should know about Dannii? After all she does kiss both sexes in her video.
Thu Feb 18 15:37:51 1999
Daaaannnniiiii did a Royal tour of the workshop the other day with body guards, hairdresser, stylist, caravan, four photgraphers and lalaleachson in toe. She was photographed in front of various floats and tonguing a paint brush so may be she is going to be leading the parade.
Thu Feb 18 17:14:36 1999
But there have been other straight people on the lead float: Ms. Kirkpatrick (aka The Freak) and oh god whats her name, she was married to Derryy Hinch...apologies, its late i'm just about to leave work and I can't remember her name...not saying i want dunnii on the lead float, but there are precedents....thats all
keanu (in a flustered state) - Thu Feb 18 17:23:17 1999
Jackie Weaver!
Thu Feb 18 17:29:58 1999
Technowarrior wrote - way up the list somewhere " Everyone I know with HIV (myself included) is coping fine these days,thanks to the new treatments (despite occassionally nasty side effects)." I'm glad you and your friends are coping well, as a health worker I see lots of people who aren't. Most of them had low paying jobs to start with, and now life is worse because they still do lose quite some time from work, despite the new treatments. The other point is, that of course the new treatments are not working so well for everyone. So there are still great numbers of people in need.
LK - Thu Feb 18 17:33:35 1999
Rest assured I am not, and never have been, known as pollyantha! Nor am I associated in any way with her/him, unless I know her/him under a different name. There is no conspiracy here- surely there is room for at least two people out there who can see the good in what MG does (I take it that polly has a similar view point as myself- if this is the case, I need some support here pollyantha!) To A 78er, good on you for delivering some of your "policies" & ideas from the top of your head. I think a lot of what you suggested (esp about those people who are denied membership having a right to a valid appeal process) makes good sense. I'm glad that you attended the public forums- if more people with valid suggestions spoke up at such occassions perhaps positive changes might be made. I will be interesting to see whether much of what you said is accepted by other members.
blue ridge mountain boy (naka pollyantha) - Thu Feb 18 20:04:22 1999
You ever noticed that Maggie Kirkpatrick (aka The freak) was a dyke icon? A butch, in control, dyke icon. That's why she's been asked back again and again. Jackie Weaver? Hmmm, I have no idea.
Thu Feb 18 21:17:21 1999
A Mardi Gras prez named Davo
Thu Feb 18 21:18:04 1999
Had a mate who was a bit of a ravo
Thu Feb 18 21:18:25 1999
But who would have thought
Thu Feb 18 21:18:52 1999
that he'd end up in court
Thu Feb 18 21:19:11 1999
and cop a bit of an avo!!
Thu Feb 18 21:19:27 1999
Re the 50 Mardi Gras tickets donated to the luncheon club; no tickets were donated to the luncheon club, 50 tickets were donated to the plwha community, to be distributed by a ballot administered jointly by acon and the luncheon club. And frankly, 50 tickets aint much, certainly not when considered against the 3000 comp. tickets handed out every year to the great and the good.
Thu Feb 18 21:22:59 1999
Given the great organising the BGF can muster, and the shambles that McMardi-Graft create, maybe BGF should run the Party, and Mardi-Graft try to help the HIV Community. We would have a great party! but our unwell brothers and sisters would be doomed!
Stanly Livingstoned - Thu Feb 18 22:12:30 1999
To "educate" and the other bisexuals, I'd like to hear how you would tackle the problem of the flicky haired girls and their homophobic boyfriends at the parties? Ask any of them and they identify as "bi". They are the problem, how do we address it? I fully support bisexual membership of Mardi Gras, I also know str8s that I consider part of our community, but so many are using the bi label as a loophole so they can "party" and treat us like freaks with contempt. They display no empathy for our community. This has alienated so many from the party experience and is possibly the cause of so much biphobia from the gay and lesbian community.
veteran volunteer - Fri Feb 19 4:25:02 1999
veteran volunteer - Clearly, it would be better if "the flicky haired girls and their homophobic boyfriends" weren't at the parties. But who buys them their tickets? And what was the sexual identity of the people who bought them their tickets? Oh, they bought their own. They're members! Who signed their application forms to become members? Who on the Board approved their membership? Oh, they ticked the gay/lesbian/homosexual box did they? So they got automatic membership. The point is, the members of Mardi Gras have (or more correctly had) the chance to control who goes to the parties. The parties are private events for members and their guests. Back in 1991 when the ticketing policy was introduced, MG had less than 300 members. Those members, and the members they signed up, had the opportunity to keep the membership predominantly gay and lesbian. Bisexuals who were part of the community also had no trouble joining. Why didn't the membership do that? The reason is simple. The Board at the time failed in the way it sold the ticketing policy. Rather than taking the community and the MG membership into its confidence by calling a community meeting, let existing and potential members debate and discuss it, and through that process own the policy, the Board met in secret and imposed it. The debate happened afterwards. It succeeded, but only succeeded, because the then president Richard Cobden made it quite clear Mardi Gras would not back down. "We have to keep faith with those members who have joined because of the policy" were more or less his words to me when I interviewed him about it. Sadly, as it turned out, not the best way to implement what otherwise was a sensible solution to the "straights at parties" problem. Sadly, the existing Board (which really is a continuum of Richard's board) hasn't yet learned.
Fri Feb 19 6:22:47 1999
Hi Veteran Volunteer. My suggestion regarding the 'flick-haired (I assume you mean straight) girls and homophobic boys is simple. As part and parcel of the membership of Mardi Gras, they must accept that their names *will* be published in the community media. (This isn't policy yet, but should be). In regards to tickets being bought *for* them by members, well that's something that we can only start curbing by educatioof the membership base, I'm afraid. Of course there are hetrosexual members of Mardi Gras, they may gert caught in the net of list of members names idea, but some will not care one way or the other. Remember that the allocation of tickets (per member) is up to the individual member. The education of the membership base is such that you want people at the parties who are supportive of our cause and sensitive to the space they are in. (ie: A GLBT event). Of course complaints to a dedicated security force would be handled (ie: this guy is hitting on the girls over near the dyke bar) with swiftness and immediate ejection, confiscation of ticket stub and the member who gave the person the ticket should (in my opinion) be subject to disciplinary action by the Board (ie: explain and/or resign membership yes, this is harsh but to begin with you must be). These are but some suggestions, not fully rounded out and off the top of my head. You could probably reduce the problem this way, but I don't know about the total eradication of it. I'm open to suggestions, though.
A 78er - Fri Feb 19 9:14:49 1999
Hey! Who mentioned Maggie Kirkpatrick? Did you notice that she was at Fair Day supporting the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation? Clearly, she is in the right mind and spirit, unlike a certain high-profile prez who lost his cool.
Fri Feb 19 9:26:54 1999
Dawn is not keeping any of the profits from the Rainbow Party. She is most upset with mardi gras...and I mean most....If you don't have a party ticket get one to Rainbow...I hear sales are a little sluggish. If no-one supports it this year, any alternative will be canned for next year, and that will be a headache.
Fri Feb 19 9:33:35 1999
Hey! I just had a thought. Maybe Jackie Weaver led the parade because of all the musical theatre she had done at the time. Was she a Queen-Icon?
Fri Feb 19 9:37:41 1999
A group of actors and performers got together last night to discuss the 'discrimination issue'. A few were current working high-profile actors. They were all Equity members. The words 'industry concerns' were mentioned. Is something in the air?
Equity Insider - Fri Feb 19 9:54:02 1999
Syd Star 11/2/99 - "We only gave the market researchers members’ names, membership status and home number," he said. David gives away confidential information about mardi gras members for market research ..what only their names and home numbers..what about their favourite colour and shoe size ?
charming - Fri Feb 19 10:28:13 1999
What is the "discrimination issue" with actors and performers ?
curious queer? - Fri Feb 19 10:30:37 1999
Were any of the members consulted about the release of their names and *home* phone numbers? I think not. I am a member and I wasn't consulted!
disgusted - Fri Feb 19 10:43:53 1999
With "Best Friends" like that who needs enemies? (letter is this weeks Star)
AVO here we go - Fri Feb 19 10:51:05 1999
I'm so glad P. Finlay of Potts Point got that off his chest.
The courier is on the way with a whole bundle of VIP passes - Fri Feb 19 10:58:13 1999
Hey! Some of the actors and performers involved in the 'discrimination meeting' aren't involved in Mardi Gras but they are high-profile Australian actors. Apparently the initial discussions were held at a certain acting school's recent anniversary. The issue discussed and concerns raise