tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24481734365310936852024-03-08T22:34:07.263+11:00Colleen Windsorcolleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-74334599840566982672020-05-30T15:45:00.042+10:002020-05-30T17:37:05.808+10:00Quiet please there’s no ladies on stage<div class="separator">
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<font face="trebuchet" size="1">Colleen Windsor</font><br />
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Bugger this COVID 19 for ripping the arse out of life. Sure, everyone has
been affected but let’s spare a thought, for the moment, on the desolation
in the drag performers world. <o:p></o:p></span>
</font></p>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">These performers bring joy, entertaining the community both in our gay
bars and throughout suburbia. Until Rona showed up just
a short time ago, 2020 was going very well with lots of work around,
covering a broad mix of product, as creative and as entertaining as any in
recent years.<o:p></o:p></span>
</font></p>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2">Then their spotlight faded to dark. </font><font face="helvetica" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></font></span>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Glen Hansen, the marketing and promotions manager at Stonewall Hotel,
one of Oxfords Street’s main presenters of drag performance, told me how
heartbreaking it was to wave the girls on their way to – well, who knows
what. <o:p></o:p></span>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Drag industry performers are mainly sole businesses, always have been and always will be, it’s never been an industry to choose to make any kind of decent money. So, the majority are now sitting on the Job Seeker
Allowance. Fingers crossed the Government doesn’t wind it back to dole level before this industry can return to a ‘new normal’. <o:p></o:p></span>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2">This drag industry is a community – it’s a very Sydney thing that I’m
pleased to report is as </font></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">tight and relevant as it ever was. I was a
performer way back last century and the sense you </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">were part of a community
within Sydney’s LGBTQI greater community was one of the most </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">fabulous
connections to carry with you. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2"><br /></font></span></p>
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<font size="1"><font face="trebuchet">Sydney Showgirls backstage at Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi
Gras Party</font><font face="verdana"> </font><br />
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">You may have heard of a recent social media phenomenon The Make-up Brush
Challenge. The team at the Diva Awards took on the challenge, made by the showgirls of the Melbourne scene, to create the Sydney version.
<o:p></o:p></span>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">But we have this rich community bond remember, so the plan was set to make our version something extra. Use it to show support for the current performers, solidarity for the situation they find themselves in and to create a time capsule of our community for the record.<o:p></o:p></span>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Almost overnight a team was formed to collaborate, Penelope Tration from
Gender Bender Bingo, Charisma Belle from Drag Royalty and DJ Dan Murphy to mix a track. <span> </span>The premise is to catch a make-up brush,
rub the brush at the camera lens then film a second video pulling the brush away from the camera and there you are in full regalia.<o:p></o:p></span>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2">Past, present and emerging performers took part - a splendid roll call of our broad tribe. </font></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">Sheila Bliege, the Diva leader, said “We had such an overwhelming response to our call out </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">for girls to participate in our little video, which we were able to edit into a sharp piece of art </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">that we can all be proud of”.</span></p>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Meanwhile I’ve discovered that with this situation hitting everyone at once the girls are all doing what they can to stick together. Sharing knowhow on how to manoeuvre the bureaucracy of finding financial assistance. To lending creative and technical support as the queens create home studios and put themselves out there into the world of virtual entertainment. <font face="Times New Roman, serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></font></span>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">You can find many of your favourite showgirls performing online through the Facebook Live and Instagram Live platforms. Adapting and innovating to stay connected with their audiences in new and entertaining ways.<o:p></o:p></span>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2">For all of us in isolation at home, it certainly brings different and exciting viewing into our </font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2">lounge rooms, beats the endless streaming of TV
series and films for a bit of zooish. </font><font face="verdana" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></font></span>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Oxford Streets Universal and Stonewall Hotel have transferred offerings online. Universal’s popular talent quest has become Slay Live, hosted, in partnership with Drag Royalty, by the fabulous dynamic duo Carmen Geddit and Charisma Belle. Contestants compete by video which brings an exciting injection to the production value.<font face="Times New Roman, serif"> </font></span>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL7dznfpXC1PYGfetZ_sA6N3maQaAu7ooTxVsaqIbq4NW-Zs9qCvj5KE1sbAKd1NWpGGJd6ibf8vuIKmc7aTRwK0IW8pOwa_5jYZT74aatOGqmVqyuxAQhw4mFIKUgPF2AkGDPqc0Fi4/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="502" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL7dznfpXC1PYGfetZ_sA6N3maQaAu7ooTxVsaqIbq4NW-Zs9qCvj5KE1sbAKd1NWpGGJd6ibf8vuIKmc7aTRwK0IW8pOwa_5jYZT74aatOGqmVqyuxAQhw4mFIKUgPF2AkGDPqc0Fi4/w200-h198/Tration+in+Isolation.jpg" width="200" /></a></font>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Live from Stonewall is a weekly streaming comedy entertainment show
starring Minnie Cooper along with an impressive line-up of weekly guests.
Verushka Darling has seamlessly transferred her long running popular Let’s
Talk About Sex from the bar to your lounge room and picked up a huge
audience gain in doing so.<o:p></o:p></span>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2">Penny Tration has created a new brand Tration in Isolation, </font></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">streaming on
Friday and Saturdays, its raw, real and something </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">you couldn’t perform in a venue. Penny has always given </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2">good talk show, but here she takes the concept in a fresh direction</font><font face="helvetica" style="font-size: x-small;">.</font></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="trebuchet" size="2">If you love a bit of drag bingo then
Prada Clutch over at Sydney Drag Queen presents the online version via the Zoom
platform, with Prada invading your lounge room with so much energy you won’t be
able to sleep after. </font><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">That’s just the start of it, there’s lots more happening. Find a guide to many more online offerings over at the Sydney Mardi Gras website. </span><a href="https://www.mardigras.org.au/news/where-to-watch-local-lgbtqi-shows-live-online" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: small;">https://www.mardigras.org.au</a></p>
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<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span>
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<p class="MsoNormal">
<font face="trebuchet" size="2"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Time will tell how the glamour and glitter will look on its return. But evidence, based on years past, is that the Sydney drag scene is resilient.
For now, seek out an online show and please consider a PayPal tip in appreciation – it will mean the world. <font face="Times New Roman, serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></font></span>
</font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2">See The Make-up Brush Challenge on Instagram and</font></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><font face="trebuchet" size="2" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;"> </font><font><i><font face="trebuchet" size="2">Facebook </font><font face="times new roman, serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </font></i></font></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="helvetica" size="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_4Kn9BHhKQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">https://www.instagram.com</a><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="helvetica" size="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DivaAwardsAU/videos/1098592760507982">https://www.facebook.com/DivaAwardsAU</a><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com3Sydney NSW, Australia-33.8688197 151.2092955-62.177484282735108 116.0551000721054 -5.5601551172649017 -173.63650907210541tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-5157994716962642132019-12-28T12:38:00.000+11:002019-12-28T12:38:54.396+11:00The ‘twenty-tens’ decade gave the world a new level of trans visibility <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgIEhdUrnRxRwP2c3B-fiXo-Rx_RcV8ahyebA6qpuR0PZ25YC8_xzK2uxQabBzKgd-2H9IwqA3mEpfD8C9m1mcZaIbhyphenhyphenJTB_5P-oJl7e9WxxZnp2wfKAUIetPYv4A1dK2I6yiAwF3QyY/s1600/TransFeaturedImage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="610" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgIEhdUrnRxRwP2c3B-fiXo-Rx_RcV8ahyebA6qpuR0PZ25YC8_xzK2uxQabBzKgd-2H9IwqA3mEpfD8C9m1mcZaIbhyphenhyphenJTB_5P-oJl7e9WxxZnp2wfKAUIetPYv4A1dK2I6yiAwF3QyY/s400/TransFeaturedImage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As we farewell
this decade it’s fair to acknowledge that the phenomena of a transgender
awakening crossed both the LGBTI and the wider culture in such a way as to
affect a permanent and profound state of visibility that will be marked in the
history of humankind henceforth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There can be no
more a significant occurrence since the AIDS crisis of the 1980s in our LGBTI history.
Not just here in Australia but worldwide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I wrote in my SX
Magazine column in 2015 that leading this charge and putting the issues on the
the world stage was the feature in the June 2014 issue of Time magazine. ‘The
Transgender Tipping Point – America’s next civil rights frontier’ by Jaty
Steinmetz which profiled a range of transgender people.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laverne Cox</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For the first time
anywhere in the world a magazine with the credibility and power of Time put
Laverne Cox on its cover. Laverne Cox is an African-American trans women, she
stars in the Netflix drama Orange is the New Black, and has become a leading
voice for trans visibility and activism worldwide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What happened from
that point would continue until today as an increasing number of trans women
stepped into the light with strength and pride. We must acknowledge that this
then left the door open for Trans Men, Gender Diverse and Non-Binary folk to
follow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In incredible
numbers, people began to tell their story and it's exactly this that defines
the decade. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Reaching a level
of visibility of unimaginable proportions was the revealing of Caitlyn Jenner.
As the cover girl for the July 2015 issue of Vanity Fair, Jenner took the trans
story to millions all over the world. She continues to influence public
perception, recently in December 19 opening up about her transition while
appearing on the UK’s I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao1O2GzEKS2YWiDjOJiAPrkxZd457TRvnumdOxnOnly2afDPvW61CjPgmiaOh98GnXx325nBaTsMIxfPG7xjPOML7VVKlq0Jr0wIQqY3dxCyVT-2M-4KAdLVBVR2nQx3aSQ7PidxoDEs/s1600/caitlyn-jenner-july-2015-vf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1026" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao1O2GzEKS2YWiDjOJiAPrkxZd457TRvnumdOxnOnly2afDPvW61CjPgmiaOh98GnXx325nBaTsMIxfPG7xjPOML7VVKlq0Jr0wIQqY3dxCyVT-2M-4KAdLVBVR2nQx3aSQ7PidxoDEs/s200/caitlyn-jenner-july-2015-vf.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caitlyn Jenner</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">At the same time in Australia Cate McGregor had high
visibility. First known to the public as the highest-ranking trans person in the
Australian military, Cate was profiled in the Australian Women's Weekly's March
2015 issue and her Australian Story, ‘Call Me Cate’ exposed a different
snapshot of a trans life to the mainstream public. Cate went on to become a
popular speaker telling her transition story all over the country and to
wide-ranging audiences.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In June 2014
‘Carlotta the movie’ premiered on Australian TV. The movie shows Carlotta
growing up in the fifties, the gender confusion and more so the response to it.
This movie handled the more confronting and challenging aspects of her life,
those out of the spotlight, with great sensitivity and gave an accurate insight
to what it is to grow up and live a trans life.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These women, I celebrate,
as they were the beginning of this time of increasing visibility. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the midst of
all this, Peta Friend, an acquaintance of mine for over 20 years, invited me
and five local trans women of all ages to lunch in September 2015. She had an
idea to create a social and support group for trans men and women of Sydney. By
the end of that lunch, we created Trans Sydney Pride. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now known as Trans
Pride Australia this group has 1,200 members and hosts social and commemorative
events, acts as a channel for support and services and promotes visibility and
awareness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Sydney scene
was certainly changing and in 2018 I got the opportunity to explore this as the
guest writer for the Star Observers: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 40th
Anniversary edition.</span></div>
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</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcJHJARlNY0wdyoBTXkYjaiXtimGPvCdWajSKNw1-VzEcXfleRmkJ80s41Lmd7LpMN3GiVuLAHefqzjTTd6VUzZoAk4eLwhnOr0N35wDGLNdlibAnyKKxo6IQGMRxGRIthgdF_9o8Sso/s1600/Trans+Storie+40+Years.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcJHJARlNY0wdyoBTXkYjaiXtimGPvCdWajSKNw1-VzEcXfleRmkJ80s41Lmd7LpMN3GiVuLAHefqzjTTd6VUzZoAk4eLwhnOr0N35wDGLNdlibAnyKKxo6IQGMRxGRIthgdF_9o8Sso/s320/Trans+Storie+40+Years.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cast of Trans Stories 40 Years</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The T in Sydney’s
LGBTI felt more inclusive than ever. The community was embracing the new level
of trans visibility with a broad presence in the Mardi Gras parade, the party
and the festival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Looking back at
that time I feel proud to have been a speaker at the first Trans Stories (40
Years) telling our history and speaking my truth. This event has each year
since taken very personal stories to our community who are listening with new
respect and interest of the local trans perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In these final
years of this decade, a new generation of role models was arriving to bring us
to this moment. Georgie Stone is a transgender girl from Melbourne, Victoria.
She is an advocate for trans and gender diverse children and youth has been a
visible and passionate advocate for the removal of the Family Court from the
medical decisions of trans teens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jordan Raskopoulos
is an entertainer and trans advocate who uses her platform and profile to
promote awareness and understanding to a broad audience through humour. She is
a popular artist and presenter within our local community but has the rare
talent to engage with straight audiences in ever-increasing numbers. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Holly Conroy won
the 2019 Honour Award of Community Hero. She was a driving force behind the
first Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras Festival in 2019, which became one of the biggest
LGBTI celebrations ever held in the Riverina. She is spreading her story and
visibility of the trans experience to regional Australia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tangible results
are appearing locally. A great number of corporate businesses have adopted
policies and processes to benefit trans employment. Public sector agencies are consulting
trans people on issues that affect them and allowing that experience to
influence programs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our community
organisations are benefitting from a trans voice at the table. Katherine Maver
is the President of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association and Charlie
Murphy has recently been elected as the first trans woman to become a Director
of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Looking back at
what I wrote in 2015, I hoped that this new level of visibility would lead to a
more trans-friendly world. I could never have imagined how important this
decade would become and how it would change the trans experience forever. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
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</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJvOcihVgzU70OhoSPC9Hy2NsT2OMPc7LppR_FKVczAruzDmKqC0f070CkErtYn8wmpRVHv91ycfdNXp22Hn2wmQOnoLDcDWSmxI6FWffh-oEiEKLklyhp808u8eiWCNqpmTjYJ7Q98Q/s1600/Georgie_Stone_171208_0229_%252827243290099%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1192" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJvOcihVgzU70OhoSPC9Hy2NsT2OMPc7LppR_FKVczAruzDmKqC0f070CkErtYn8wmpRVHv91ycfdNXp22Hn2wmQOnoLDcDWSmxI6FWffh-oEiEKLklyhp808u8eiWCNqpmTjYJ7Q98Q/s200/Georgie_Stone_171208_0229_%252827243290099%2529.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Georgie Stone </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfX0KhP8QW4yaMsnGXCywgrmpXIst3Qhs0K0zNvZeAZmB-OpLEPZeoA3RsDWChxVhHLh_nT82cc5Sv1ByWYTaP-CrZLqygFNjxiVxDhQngo1Zx6fwRkv2_Re8ZUhPEUN5YmyQL_SJhS4/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfX0KhP8QW4yaMsnGXCywgrmpXIst3Qhs0K0zNvZeAZmB-OpLEPZeoA3RsDWChxVhHLh_nT82cc5Sv1ByWYTaP-CrZLqygFNjxiVxDhQngo1Zx6fwRkv2_Re8ZUhPEUN5YmyQL_SJhS4/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jordan Raskopoulos </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3EUmvXYcsKoQ74Z1h5gbVmA1UooUFIRM8XmLOrI5CLMS4ZVUF-wboDjcewxh26zPo-QtCVgU_1WStj_Fsh86CIWHgtqDf46oKfYeEC4a8ZGh6DY67mIr8ZtLOhS-Fw7aG3B6lYBhyphenhyphene8/s1600/Holly+Conroy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3EUmvXYcsKoQ74Z1h5gbVmA1UooUFIRM8XmLOrI5CLMS4ZVUF-wboDjcewxh26zPo-QtCVgU_1WStj_Fsh86CIWHgtqDf46oKfYeEC4a8ZGh6DY67mIr8ZtLOhS-Fw7aG3B6lYBhyphenhyphene8/s200/Holly+Conroy.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Holly Conroy </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com3Sydney NSW, Australia-33.8688197 151.20929550000005-34.712802200000006 149.91840200000004 -33.0248372 152.50018900000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-65879806682127914462018-02-04T15:51:00.001+11:002018-02-04T15:51:39.449+11:00Performance 1 February 2018 <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">This 40th Anniversary Mardi Gras season will be my last lap before I call it a day on showgirl performance. I was delighted to begin the season with an appearance to support Trans Glamoré for my friend Victoria Anthony who I adore. This is the video of my Spyfall number.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpolly.petrie.1%2Fvideos%2F1229887020488193%2F&show_text=0&width=267" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="267"></iframe>
colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-77644442193275877182017-12-03T15:45:00.000+11:002017-12-03T16:10:05.770+11:00Sydney Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil 2017 <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Trans Sydney
Pride were proud to present the second Transgender Day of Remembrance
Candlelight Vigil on Monday 20 November 17 at 7-30 pm in Taylor Square,
Darlinghurst. <o:p></o:p>It was a beautiful evening that honoured the resilience of our community, whilst commemorating those who suffered as a result of transphobia. A gathering of our community, of family, friends, and allies in solidarity and respect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was very proud to give the keynote address for the evening, captured in this video by the Star Observer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="373" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FStarObserver%2Fvideos%2F1678097515554278%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<br />colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-75522704089093693022016-12-24T14:38:00.000+11:002017-12-03T15:49:16.319+11:00Podcast - Nell's Noël Nonsense<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">F</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ollowing on from my holiday post - Load up your devices and dance. Here is a wonderful Christmas podcast from my friend Nell'ee Maydit.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Christmas Colleen x</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="208" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://podomatic.com/embed/html5/episode/8292901?autoplay=false" width="504"></iframe><br />
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<br />colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-77700106969892041562016-12-23T16:05:00.000+11:002017-12-03T15:50:06.262+11:00Load up your devices and dance!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
party season has begun and we’ll be dancing from now right through till early
March. I’ve been noticing at all the
home soirees that the music is fabulous, it’s like friends have a DJ hidden
behind the blinds. But it seems we can all enjoy the best sounds and what’s
more our favourite DJs are happy to supply the beats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">More
than ever before our brilliant local DJs and music producers are knocking out
promotional podcasts for us to download or stream through our personal
devices. Sample at home, in the gym or
on the beach, then follow them to the club or dance party of choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Podomatic,
soundcloud, mixcloud, iTunes, Facebook and the DJs personal websites are the go
to sites. Get searching and I promise you will be spoilt for choice and all tastes
are catered for. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38UL0fqLIlbwVwPkD9I_JldO9GQxb4W9VCeLFdHq5Pg_BMI5xdPre-wVi4fGXOCNQj2sJhKyy5CMcTNR0TxPQplZef_UzrMFMfglrg0g0NAV-pNJHgScPNjYGfJiCY6o4Nw7BfyN7xS0/s1600/Rob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38UL0fqLIlbwVwPkD9I_JldO9GQxb4W9VCeLFdHq5Pg_BMI5xdPre-wVi4fGXOCNQj2sJhKyy5CMcTNR0TxPQplZef_UzrMFMfglrg0g0NAV-pNJHgScPNjYGfJiCY6o4Nw7BfyN7xS0/s320/Rob.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Rob Davis</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Since
1985 DJ Rob Davis has played at many big parties in Sydney and overseas. I’ve
been a fan the whole time and many a Mardi Gras or Sleaze are forever memorable
because of his sets. He plays every
Saturday and Sunday night at Arq, and has done so for 9 years. Before that he
was resident at The Midnight Shift for 22 years. So imagine my excitement when
I found he uploads podcasts to his personal website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Recently
he posted a new podcast ‘2016 Anthems’ 2 hours worth of happy house and
sing-along anthems that hit number 2 on the dance charts after just 24 hours.
Rob said “I feel very privileged to have had such a long career. I owe a huge
debt of gratitude to the club owners and clubbers of Sydney for allowing me to
not just pursue, but maintain a job that I love.” </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Mason Andrews</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Bursting
into the music scene early in 2012, at just 22 years old DJ Mason Andrews is a star
on the ascend. Mason has been doing podcasts monthly now for about 5 years and
tells me he loves experimenting with new genres and sounds, and sharing that
with his many followers. Mason will be
playing a set at the very popular Babylon club night on Boxing Day and is
currently making us a main room/circuit mix with all the camp vocal house
trimmings as a teaser. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">DJ Kitty Glitter released Mixset #1 on Christmas
Day 2009 and 7 years on is up to Mixset #78. Kitty has had a spectacular year
she has sprinkled her magic on dancefloors in New Zealand, New York, Miami, Fire Island, Las Vegas, Los
Angeles, Toronto, Singapore, Shanghai, Paris and of course Sydney. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Loved
for her vocal house, remixed pop sets, her unique style and uplifting energy
behind the decks which radiates across every dancefloor she plays on is there
in all her podcasts for us to enjoy. Her latest podcast includes new remixes of
tracks by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Adele and Ariana Grande – but be warned
you’ll sing and dance in pure delight.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Kitty Glitter</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Sending
a message to her fans Kitty said “Thanks for keeping me in the podcast Top 10,
week after week, year after year! I feel blessed knowing we are on this ride to
Glitterland together.’’ </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">From
DJ'ing at Space in Ibiza, to Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, DJ’ing for
Madonna and DJ’ing all around Australia for over 25 years; DJ Alex Taylor
brings his hugely popular ‘OMG’ podcast series to life this Christmas. Taking
the brand into a club night at Arq on December 29 he’ll be giving the biggest
club-hits from his sets a night of their own as he launches his OMG 2016 podcast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Alex Taylor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
first OMG Podcast was in 2012 and each year these epic sets have become more
and more popular. OMG 15 was downloaded or streamed over 55,000 times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I
asked Alex what we might expect in the latest edition to this series and he
told me “So far the track listing is a secret and still in submission, but if
you've been on a dance floor where I've been DJ'ing over the past 12 months
you'll have heard some of them for sure. The podcast and party are my way of
saying thank you, with love, to anyone and everyone who's danced and enjoyed
themselves this year to my music.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">My
good friend Nell'ee Maydit, whilst seldom seen in clubland these days, turns
out some of very favourite podcasts on her page at Podomatic. The latest is the
best ever Christmas music podcast with a slew of unusual Yule time suspects
singing a mix of old and new Christmas tracks including Courtney, Ru &
Michelle, Eartha, Kristine W, Kylie, Dannii, Mariah, Britney, Dame Nicki...the
list just goes on. Bring a little bit of
Nell into your home this Christmas and you and your guests will be sure to go
off!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTKlPmZnvDdJ5yUR_gUQ8O91U9_ZTSBM-J9U2Hi4cWVPzG95Cadvp1UL2ADl0PMBn8-SEG8TIysCjwpvtBXqraDV6ehkmKzSxIEzpwSjIi0iqr5BNTMEcurjoNOaaoeB5MZta_FPZ7Ns/s1600/Nell+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTKlPmZnvDdJ5yUR_gUQ8O91U9_ZTSBM-J9U2Hi4cWVPzG95Cadvp1UL2ADl0PMBn8-SEG8TIysCjwpvtBXqraDV6ehkmKzSxIEzpwSjIi0iqr5BNTMEcurjoNOaaoeB5MZta_FPZ7Ns/s320/Nell+2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nell'ee Maydit</td></tr>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-9446051842205852142016-11-26T17:12:00.000+11:002016-12-15T14:57:22.285+11:0025 Years of Polly’s Follies<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It’s
the longest running drag show in Australia – Polly’s Follies is about to
celebrate its silver anniversary. The story of this phenomenon is now
legendary amongst the history of Sydney drag and its star Polly Petrie, well
she’s achieved what no other performer is ever likely to again. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It
all began at the Albury Hotel 25 years ago when Leigh Jennings introduced a
Sunday evening show that had a sense of difference from the famous production
show format that played every night. It was all about having fun – the same purpose
continuing right through to today.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polly Petrie</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The
format was, as it still is, a drag variety show. A place where up and coming
drag queens can make a start, learn the ropes, have room to experiment and as
many have, blossom into the performers we have all enjoyed so much over the
years. While it has never been a talent quest, it has launched stars. Some of those who started at Polly’s include:
Vanity Faire, Beyonce G-Spot, Christina Dior, Natasha Knowles, Jessica James
(Drags Aloud, Melbourne), Feminem (Perth) and Sandy Crack (Brighton, England).</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But
make no mistake the star of the show is Polly. All the bouquets are hers. Polly
holds the whole show together, making it look almost like a fun party, but
really it takes commitment, focus and heaps of talent to guide three hours of
entertainment, where anything can happen and no two shows are the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">When
the Albury Hotel closed, Polly took the show on the road. First to the Venus
Room in Kings Cross then to the Lizard Lounge at the Exchange Hotel and to its
current home for the last 11 years The Stonewall Hotel. Punters of a certain age will have been in the
audiences for the whole journey, and even some of the showgirls will have
performed on all of the Follies stages.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polly, Jessica James & Genna Talia </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Brad
Hall AKA, Miss Genna Talia first performed at Polly’s Follies just after it
first launched in 1991 and has performed at each venue since. Hall said “I
think the show has an amazing camaraderie and friendship within the performers.
I feel that Polly fosters the best in people.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">She gives the opportunity for people to learn their craft and to refine
their performing skills. I have met so many lifelong friends through Polly’s
Follies and by being part of that encouraging environment it taught me how to
be confident in any situation.”</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Christina
Dior first graced a stage as a baby drag 15 years ago when Polly’s Follies was
at the Venus Room. Christina has a special relationship with Polly and over
time has been a co-host, DJ, edited music for production numbers and performer.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> “Polly is a lovely queen, passionate about the
stage and a firm believer in the show must go on. She's a wealth of knowledge
and whether you like her style or not there's always something you can learn
from her” Dior said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polly Petrie & Colleen Windsor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Each
week Polly’s Follies has a special guest, drawn from the stars of the day or a
visiting queen from out of town. Over the years every showgirl would have had
their turn. No one ever declines the invitation; I’ve done it myself and its
some of the best fun you can have. You get to see firsthand the way Polly
mentors and guides ‘her girls’ and the love and respect they have for her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">All
those special guests and all of the Polly Follies girls of the last 25 years
have been invited back to the fold to help mark this really special achievement
and some are planning surprise performances on the night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Glenn
Hansen the Promotions and Marketing Manager at Stonewall told me “The
management of Stonewall would like to congratulate Polly on this wonderful
milestone. Polly’s Follies is an institution that started back at the Albury
Hotel 25 years ago and found a new home at Stonewall in 2005. The last 11 years
we have had loads of mayhem, mischief, fun and laughs and we look forward to a
lot more Sundays together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">“Polly’s
Follies 25th anniversary will definitely be a party night and everyone is
invited. Lots of showgirls will be calling in to do a spot and raise a glass to
Polly. We will be celebrating the anniversary with lots of surprises on the
night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-70998776751203562372016-11-23T16:45:00.000+11:002016-11-25T16:47:04.754+11:00Something special happened at the Sydney Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJtisROT6uIBWrEhB-_O_Zcajo6nx3AdQ0L8yYM0N1KG4e3dQUwO-2did8mtyX1xW-e_6BEK3X104Ox4cAb04XZzCMgHLhd1P_gy_H-donN8ktrYt48GRClXx6syPZ9YCAII5gF61o08/s1600/cnadel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJtisROT6uIBWrEhB-_O_Zcajo6nx3AdQ0L8yYM0N1KG4e3dQUwO-2did8mtyX1xW-e_6BEK3X104Ox4cAb04XZzCMgHLhd1P_gy_H-donN8ktrYt48GRClXx6syPZ9YCAII5gF61o08/s640/cnadel2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Last
Sunday night at Taylor Square Sydney, the traditional heart of the LGBTI
community, something very special happened. Trans Sydney Pride, TSP, a social
and support group for the Sydney trans community, held the first Sydney Transgender
Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">From
7-30 pm on a warm spring evening people began to gather under the large Pride
flag that fly’s on Gilligan’s Island. My trans sisters in a large number, our
trans brothers, our beautiful friends and allies and a sprinkling of our
community leaders and community organisation’s representatives. The gathering
was estimated very conservatively to be of 250 plus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Just
before 8 pm as the light was fading a group of transmen and women, who had
marched from an earlier event at Harmony Park, arrived via the South end of the
Square led by Police transwoman Sargent Val Wagstaff carrying the Transgender
Flag. She took centre position on the Island under the Pride Flag and quietly
and with great pride gave the event a visual heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Peta
Friend the founder of TSP set the mood, as everyone held their flicking
candles, with some short well-chosen messages and context of the day,
mentioning that our sisters are also gathering at similar events all over the
world. Greg Gould sang a very elegant arrangement of ‘Somewhere over the
Rainbow’ before the crowd marked a minute of silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">At
the invitation of Peta we all began placing our candles along the Island’s
perimeter wall as Naomi Palmer, accompanied by Koko D’Vyne on guitar, sang a
tender ‘Now is the Hour’.<i> </i>That site
of all those flickering candles on mass gave the now dusk light the same glow
as many of us had in our hearts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This
wonderful event was produced by Katherine Wolfgramme of TSP with such style and
simple grace that combined the spirit of the day’s remembrance aspect with a
sense of respect and togetherness of the Sydney community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Why
is this special? Because I think at last we in have found an annual event that
the trans community can mark in such a public way, in such an important space –
that we can in the now, and moving forward mark November 20 in the diary as a
way of acknowledging the T in Sydney’s LGBTI family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-22150618262738734662016-11-12T17:38:00.002+11:002016-11-23T16:06:28.660+11:00Sydney marks Transgender Day of Remembrance 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTIL9gi77QYMmX67I9INwwV0D_AbXtcZvxf-HvjeoMDh835ReHEyaYPkufPT4bWHb7wf99Pz0lsIOyxd_1U4bdgd2iYVtCVZL3MLendA7NddAW8VArCduadD_PpfVnW5MLKRCUbOrdOQ/s1600/transgender-day-of-remembrance-banner-graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTIL9gi77QYMmX67I9INwwV0D_AbXtcZvxf-HvjeoMDh835ReHEyaYPkufPT4bWHb7wf99Pz0lsIOyxd_1U4bdgd2iYVtCVZL3MLendA7NddAW8VArCduadD_PpfVnW5MLKRCUbOrdOQ/s640/transgender-day-of-remembrance-banner-graphic.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
Transgender Day of Remembrance was established in 1999 as a memorial to those
who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
event is held annually on 20 November to honour Rita Hester, whose murder in
1998 instigated the Remembering Our Dead web project and a San Francisco
candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like many anti-transgender
murder cases remains unsolved.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">This
year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance in Sydney will be held in Harmony Park,
Surry Hills and is sponsored by the Gender Centre, with the support of the
Inner City Legal Centre, City of Sydney, NSW Police Force, Queer Screen and
Trans Sydney Pride. There will be a free BBQ, with tea, coffee and cake
provided throughout the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Commencing
at 3pm a Police Plaque is to be unveiled in the area around the Police Memorial
adjacent to Harmony Park. This Plaque will honour the Trans community and those
who have suffered because of transphobia. Following this and back in the Park
there will be talks from Edward Santow, the Human Rights Commissioner and
Superintendent Tony Crandell of the NSW Police. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLRqDfrwDVcnXU8Vb6eGPhqiOc_Kptae_-lhF2aCPdcGId9J4F_USNill_5_Vk9i9Ldh7WXBGer-G502kicFFyxHMcpB_8y9RpsQ-SuP5PuOky5y27qQw-SKPL1ZqsKnfI4BuqxjLj2I/s1600/Gender+Centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLRqDfrwDVcnXU8Vb6eGPhqiOc_Kptae_-lhF2aCPdcGId9J4F_USNill_5_Vk9i9Ldh7WXBGer-G502kicFFyxHMcpB_8y9RpsQ-SuP5PuOky5y27qQw-SKPL1ZqsKnfI4BuqxjLj2I/s200/Gender+Centre.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">These
talks will be followed by a Living Library Book feature. The aim of the Living
Library is to facilitate conversations between interested members of the public
and individuals from marginalised communities. These are the ‘books’ and they
are available to the ‘readers’, who can reserve a one-on-one conversation and
discuss the life experience of the ‘book’ for half an hour. The aim is to challenge prejudices and
stereotypes and provide the chance for greater understanding in a safe,
respectful space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">At
5.30 pm there is an outdoor film screening of The Trans List, hosted by Queer
Screen. Featured are some of the most fascinating and accomplished individuals
of today (or any day), including Janet Mock, Caroline Cossey, Buck Angel, Laverne Cox, Caitlyn Jenner, Justin Vivian
Bond and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HAieAjK2xcJjtu-qMsttYgjyvC3Ns80CheIkTG-BHxmP1FBFdcALNtoRuvyeAmrTDzeoPJHUySjXni_egB6E0Rvx70r8wHQZV7CY4zmRMQ7xrAOpQqwDnY3BNdBUQs5I-ahyphenhyphen0y4m28o/s1600/The+Trans+List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HAieAjK2xcJjtu-qMsttYgjyvC3Ns80CheIkTG-BHxmP1FBFdcALNtoRuvyeAmrTDzeoPJHUySjXni_egB6E0Rvx70r8wHQZV7CY4zmRMQ7xrAOpQqwDnY3BNdBUQs5I-ahyphenhyphen0y4m28o/s400/The+Trans+List.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">These
are activists, artists, athletes, models, porn stars, military personnel, and
entrepreneurs. Their stories extend beyond discussions of identity to deeper
realities of politics and pleasure, telling captivating tales of love,
prejudice, and rebellion—from Cossey’s difficult days as an outed ‘James Bond
Girl’ to Griffin-Gracy’s striking memories of the Stonewall Riots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Paul
Struthers the Festival Director at Queer Screen said “The Trans List breaks
down stereotypes and ideas of what it’s like to be transgender in today's
world. The stories reflect an ever changing media landscape, which is building
and accepting love, for all portions of the queer community. Queer Screen is
continuing our promise of screening more Trans content, from all parts of the
world, as well as working with the local Trans community on these screenings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
Trans List has been a massive hit at LGBTI Film Festivals throughout the USA
summer and is sure to be an inspirational highlight of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RmwTqFaQqfKWYQFCXZoKDPCaCbaZfAGvSRAt43tYMfaqLH6WJ_-RAbdzv447om3dxKzOh202B5fX-obxaYpVenuiwkvRmLbYcGSKFW5l33gu95bgUfKdg2wMDN8So2YUwKlThLq2uOQ/s1600/Peta+%2526+Katherine+TSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RmwTqFaQqfKWYQFCXZoKDPCaCbaZfAGvSRAt43tYMfaqLH6WJ_-RAbdzv447om3dxKzOh202B5fX-obxaYpVenuiwkvRmLbYcGSKFW5l33gu95bgUfKdg2wMDN8So2YUwKlThLq2uOQ/s320/Peta+%2526+Katherine+TSP.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> TSP - Katherine Wolfgramme & Peta Friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Trans
Sydney Pride are organising the inaugural Transgender Day of Remembrance
Candlelight Vigil at Taylor Square. At the conclusion of the screening everyone
will be invited to join them and the LGBTI community at the vigil. Candles and
a police escort will be provided as everyone walks together up Campbell Street with
love, goodwill and silent contemplation to Taylor Square. The vigil begins at
7.30 pm and ends at dusk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Katherine
Wolfgramme for Trans Sydney Pride said “TSP are so excited to be able to
support the Gender Centre event at Harmony Park and feel very honoured to
organise and facilitate the Candlelight Vigil at Taylor Square. Both
events are so important to help bring Trans awareness to not only the LGBTI
community but also to the broader community.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">It
will be a beautiful day and evening that honours the resilience of our
community, whilst commemorating those who have suffered as a result of
transphobia. A gathering of our community, of family, friends, and allies in
solidarity and respect.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-81965082988454429602016-10-20T14:41:00.001+11:002016-11-12T17:00:25.090+11:00A Showgirl Memorial for Taylor Square, Sydney <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In
February 2014 The City of Sydney Council endorsed Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s
proposal to install a permanent artwork at Taylor Square to mark the 40th
anniversary of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This
decision came about after the early removal of our loved Rainbow Crossing by
the State Government and a well-attended Rainbow Rights Forum held by the City
at Paddington Town Hall in July 2013. There were numerous ideas, several of
which incorporated a rainbow motif. Ideas included a rainbow suspended over
Taylor Square, a rainbow fountain, ideas for sculptures, lighting, and plaques
that told our communities stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Apart
from the range of different ideas, strong views were expressed about the role
such a symbol should play. Foremost was the desire that it be permanent and
that it capture the character of the Sydney LGBTI community, in both its
playful and serious modes. That it should serve as a landmark, a destination and
a meeting place. Something people wanted to photograph and share with others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Earlier
this year David Lang, who is remembered for his Cynthia Randall drag queen
persona and who was very much front and centre of the drag community of the
late 80s early 90s, established a Facebook memorial group for ‘Our Dearly
Departed Gay Entertainers’. And for many months this group has been very active
in discussing how our community could celebrate and remember their contribution
to Gay Sydney.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lang
said “For some time I have believed that this group needs to be remembered and
their names etched into history by giving the future a chance to glance
back. It is because of their tireless
efforts, strength and determination we have enjoyed the most dynamic cultural
LGBTI community in the world”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1f7oz36QFEd1wKzNG65W744uRlL8Xs0gV5u6JLOzcmKTL0TNSPaVbAzTU_vU0wPrrGp1aj4uqth0HgOIepter5uV1AblCUpKg223snsl3uIm5tt7vi4-hBTt8_93upwt-WcAp5582Q4/s1600/ColourProof1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1f7oz36QFEd1wKzNG65W744uRlL8Xs0gV5u6JLOzcmKTL0TNSPaVbAzTU_vU0wPrrGp1aj4uqth0HgOIepter5uV1AblCUpKg223snsl3uIm5tt7vi4-hBTt8_93upwt-WcAp5582Q4/s320/ColourProof1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lang’s
vision for the memorial is a bronze statute at Taylor Square. This will be a
life sized version of the DIVA (Drag Industry Variety Awards) awards statue
designed by Ian Jopson and placed on what would almost appear to be the purpose
built pedestal outside the Oxford Hotel and adjacent to the disused toilet
block. He estimates that the entire cost will be approximately one hundred
thousand dollars and a small trust fund would also be set up for maintenance
and the addition of more names as time passes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">While
there are many Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorials around the world, including
our own Sydney Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial at Green Park in
Darlinghurst, there are fewer gay specific public art statues of significance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhJuQj1g-lwAyeRGeFlfqO6tGbSmY-saN-GUaH8UiaIVcRCvA7jMHzMZ5kYorPrJzVc-o16KKSlQsURhQT2RpyB6UjfOcbQv_vG0xG9rgOu98t3H5ap-arubHym6Cc33acnchXq0KP-E/s1600/george-segal-gay-liberation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhJuQj1g-lwAyeRGeFlfqO6tGbSmY-saN-GUaH8UiaIVcRCvA7jMHzMZ5kYorPrJzVc-o16KKSlQsURhQT2RpyB6UjfOcbQv_vG0xG9rgOu98t3H5ap-arubHym6Cc33acnchXq0KP-E/s200/george-segal-gay-liberation.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gay Liberation by George Segal</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The
Gay Liberation Monument is a monument featuring the bronze sculpture Gay
Liberation by American artist George Segal, located in Christopher Park in the
West Village section of Manhattan, New York. Located at the northern end of the
park, the art installation commemorates the Stonewall riots and features four
figures, two standing men and two seated women, in affectionate poses. The
monument was dedicated in June 1992 and is part of the Stonewall National
Monument.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ypUF15fHMS0aAuV_VnQfZaswfGX4OiwZTm6pPpkFF33XXbtdaFIE-LkMDs8QoUiMBlZqbPOWSBTZhRi3_jDucCxFCjNbjCSt_otVhLsCV9U_9hiD6PWPzgAii22W14-7p5qTZkvX878/s1600/alan-turing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ypUF15fHMS0aAuV_VnQfZaswfGX4OiwZTm6pPpkFF33XXbtdaFIE-LkMDs8QoUiMBlZqbPOWSBTZhRi3_jDucCxFCjNbjCSt_otVhLsCV9U_9hiD6PWPzgAii22W14-7p5qTZkvX878/s200/alan-turing.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">Alan Turing </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">by Glyn Hughes</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Visit
Sackville Gardens next to Canal Street, the gay epicentre of Manchester in
England, and you will find the statue of Alan Turing sitting on a bench. Turing
is one of Manchester's most famous gay figures. The life-size bronze figure,
made by Glyn Hughes in 2001 tells the story of how he helped defeat the Nazis
in World War II but was shunned by a country unable to accept his homosexuality
and is both a reminder and celebration of how far society has developed in the
years since. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lange
has since received a response from the City that the Public Art Advisory Panel
carefully reviewed the proposal and has advised not to accept any proposals for
Taylor Square as the current focus is the planning for the permanent
installation celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Mardi Gras.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lang
is now proposing that a temporary version of the proposed statue be installed
for the duration of the next Mardi Gras Festival in 2017. He tells me this has
been met with enthusiasm and the plan is to have a structure built using
perhaps fibre glass and other less expensive materials however appearing as it
would if cast in bronze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Lange
said “I am hoping that this will look so good and compliment the surroundings
leaving the Advisory Panel no alternative but to approve the permanent statue”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This
opens a can of worms as to what we want as a community to be our permanent
public art installation at Taylor Square. Everyone will have great ideas and
let’s hope we all get to have a say. But you have to admit just this one
proposal is so so Sydney! </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-60291524110292058302016-10-14T14:54:00.000+11:002016-10-20T14:40:41.578+11:00Who is Sydney’s Favourite Drag Personality?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
DIVA for Sydney’s Favourite Drag Personality is an award introduced several
years after the awards began as a response to the massive change in social drag
that began taking off. This year she – your favourite comes of age. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Any
award decided by audiences is cherished by the winner, it’s the ultimate
response to their work. But it goes further, it acknowledges that very Sydney connection
performers have with the fans. Visit any bar or club and you’ll see showgirls
taking the time to chat and meet fans after the show and with the explosion of
entertainment options without a stage, more so than ever, the performer and the
patron are connecting.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">With
the drag persona larger than life, it’s no surprise that past winners of this
award have been some of our biggest stars. Chelsea Bun was its first and still
today when she makes a now rare appearance on the scene fans are lined up for
their Bun fix. Minnie Cooper, Tora Hymen, Karen Kardashian and Kitty Glitter all
past winners are infamous for a bit of mixing and mingling!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRPUR_0ElnBF5HBzFS3H9wVCGLCVKPzSKFAQvBQ6BXQSpJmoW9_WYTEp6tBRwekKPueOZm63vlWlCBMo95oWWXLapnj2qfqX_nQhyphenhyphenC9zzbTot0UED44gbDbftQ68HISJlG3O8DTtK7TY/s1600/Belle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRPUR_0ElnBF5HBzFS3H9wVCGLCVKPzSKFAQvBQ6BXQSpJmoW9_WYTEp6tBRwekKPueOZm63vlWlCBMo95oWWXLapnj2qfqX_nQhyphenhyphenC9zzbTot0UED44gbDbftQ68HISJlG3O8DTtK7TY/s320/Belle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Charisma Belle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Charisma
Belle holds the record for this award, she has four of them, and so I checked
in with her and asked how important to her this is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> “It’s an important award, for me it’s one of
the most important. In my mind it means the winner is doing something right. It
shows the performer is making a good impression on the audience and hopefully
adding something positive to the LGBTI community and beyond.” Charisma said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Charisma,
like many performers, covers all the entertainment options on offer, from the traditional
production show, through trivia nights and talent quests as both a host and a
judge. So I asked what she tells the new kids about how to look after their
fans?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISwc6SE9tY6RJOoznhw9_hlhvW_X2N8V_OCjPVdTN50rrJr8ihiroH1Hzm19FGLUt0P4hafKhYiHYBoFSWrAwTE_GUHV6QVgfyoDV2GbJ-K_UDNvPlMl0SnWbZvDdl1SP1rn3qTC3AWc/s1600/5Bun_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISwc6SE9tY6RJOoznhw9_hlhvW_X2N8V_OCjPVdTN50rrJr8ihiroH1Hzm19FGLUt0P4hafKhYiHYBoFSWrAwTE_GUHV6QVgfyoDV2GbJ-K_UDNvPlMl0SnWbZvDdl1SP1rn3qTC3AWc/s320/5Bun_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Chelsea Bun</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“My
advice is to remember that without the fans there is no show. I try to remind
my girls that some people find queens intimidating. If someone is looking at
you a little longer than usual, it probably means they want to say hello but
don’t have the courage. Be the first to say hi, give them a wave, and let them
see that it’s ok to approach you. If our fans are making the effort to come out
to see and support us, the least we can do is offer a hug, a smile or a wave.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I
know this is the same attitude of many of the working girls. With the much
smaller scene now on offer, and the diversifying of work options, it’s
important to have your followers and venues will even take this into
consideration, its part of the job spec.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Jockeying for votes is in full swing, social
media is abuzz and no queen with a microphone in her hand is missing a beat.
It’s all great fun and the fans love it. Never has the field for Sydney’s
Favourite Drag Personality been more open. Who do I think will take home this 21</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
anniversary award – well my favourite of course.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-88183657347838233072016-10-13T12:19:00.001+11:002016-10-20T14:39:42.822+11:00DIVA 16 - A refresh for the times!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB-syouWY7D_Clu1F6ErdbYd7VUtgfbdYYUuo1jGq2V2V-YmvCatr4UthvICgWMoiWPVW2wzzc4nhslS2mffmBzcg0n6hY8zMhTpy3G6Bd3er8Jojc4x9MrNiWDfg7IMvQHMFslroDDg/s1600/diva+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB-syouWY7D_Clu1F6ErdbYd7VUtgfbdYYUuo1jGq2V2V-YmvCatr4UthvICgWMoiWPVW2wzzc4nhslS2mffmBzcg0n6hY8zMhTpy3G6Bd3er8Jojc4x9MrNiWDfg7IMvQHMFslroDDg/s400/diva+14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
often said that our community organisations must change with the times to
remain popular and dare we say relevant. For several years now DIVA has been
reflecting the changes we’ve seen in the drag scene and the audience numbers at
the annual awards adjusting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Although
the scene is much smaller now the enthusiasm of the audiences is still driving
an industry, fuelled somewhat by the RuPaul Drag Race phenomena and the fact
our performers are still as good as you’ll see anywhere else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">DIVA
have found it difficult over the last few years to establish a judging panel of
experts and consequently, who won what and why, was questioned more than ever
before. Change was needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Kudos
to the small team behind Avid Events who have been presenting the awards since
2009. Mostly these days a two hander of Greg Steel and Tim Millgate who have built
the event again, year by year, and it was so great to see last year at our 25<sup>th</sup>
anniversary awards how successful they have been.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">As
soon as those celebrations faded the guys began a process of analysis, what is great
about DIVA and what was due for a tweak? Because at the heart, the fact that
its main purpose is to recognise the often unsung success of the Sydney drag industry
is still as important as it was 26 years ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45CEPMtdRjibuFOx5hAMCreyt77kGQ8pp68YZ2UuoL7Bx0lT2RqCYyWbxQRgWermluPZODDtjzJUjcaRts-aV8GtXJLlqMG6NXoZrqejXpdo-HiRUgQ8VxW1x4Zo2jmA4rkrjmX4oatc/s1600/diva-2016-vote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45CEPMtdRjibuFOx5hAMCreyt77kGQ8pp68YZ2UuoL7Bx0lT2RqCYyWbxQRgWermluPZODDtjzJUjcaRts-aV8GtXJLlqMG6NXoZrqejXpdo-HiRUgQ8VxW1x4Zo2jmA4rkrjmX4oatc/s400/diva-2016-vote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">It
appears their response is genius. Determine the nominees and consequent winners
by a voting process that gives showgirls 50% of the voting base and audiences
the other 50%. I’ve heard incredibly positive feedback from showgirls who tell
me things like ‘the balance will be brilliant’ and ‘any bias is buried’. For
the fans, well they now get to vote for the Variety Award, Technical
Achievement and the loved Bitch of the Year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Tim
told me “DIVA is so excited to make changes to this year’s awards and voting
process, after listening to the community feedback over the years. We have
streamlined the awards available and opened some new ones up to the public for
the first time. We encourage the Sydney Drag community to get their fans
voting, as it will be a close race to the finish this year!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
DIVA Committee will continue to select the inductee to the DIVA Hall of Fame
and the Belle of the Ball at the event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The
big one, the Entertainer of the Year, was selected solely by the judging panel
in the past, and was always the most debated at the Bitch and Boast after
party. From first hand I can tell you that sometimes it became very heated,
wine throwing, storming out and tears all par for the course. Now in our new era
Entertainer of the Year is decided by a combined vote, 50% showgirls and 50%
Diva Committee.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We can’t guarantee the
end of the hissy fits but it sure opens up the field to change– and may the
best queen win!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-66957920810371175832016-09-09T16:25:00.001+10:002016-10-06T13:31:12.841+11:00The Benefit<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It
seems to come up often when I’m asked about different aspects of my life on the
‘Golden Mile’. And I seem to always say, “I have lived in the best of times and
the worst of times”. It’s from these thoughts that I’m reminded of ‘The
Benefit’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">A
tradition of Sydney drag queens and showgirl performers for over three decades
now, doing the benefit was born out of a sense of duty and passed on with
reason and smothered in love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It
is traced back to 1985, when the newly-established Bobby Goldsmith Foundation
organised the first Boys Own Bake Off at the Oxford Hotel and our performers
rallied to do a spot number to help the cause. The inaugural event raised
$8,000 and started a tradition of The Benefit still carried on today, raising
serious money over the years for HIV/AIDS.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8Bv5IgBqhujrQnOhb-j-rw8LWkXA_oggUUcMOxcpL0WiLanVL9qsD6yaBl-3RTnTq6WExfbFu8yxf7OouWkTzBOw9DrOOPutvbi1GHnjlCqE41ztrn5R4MRzaI8Yn91OLENYs-pW2gk/s1600/Oxford+Hotel+80%2527s+benefit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8Bv5IgBqhujrQnOhb-j-rw8LWkXA_oggUUcMOxcpL0WiLanVL9qsD6yaBl-3RTnTq6WExfbFu8yxf7OouWkTzBOw9DrOOPutvbi1GHnjlCqE41ztrn5R4MRzaI8Yn91OLENYs-pW2gk/s400/Oxford+Hotel+80%2527s+benefit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first Benefits held at the Oxford Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Many
will recall the great sadness in the ensuing years that were to define our time,
and the ways we all helped each other. So many of our friends and lovers were
becoming sick and the services being established to help them were generally
underfunded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Our
playground of pubs and clubs were mostly found around Oxford Street, and throughout
the year every venue would take their turn to organise a benefit night. Their
purpose was sombre but their form was celebratory, as is our way. Always at the
heart of these events were the performers. <o:p></o:p></span><a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Between
the venues, funds were raised for BGF, ACON, St Vincent’s Hospital Ward 17
South, the AIDS units at Prince Henry Hospital, Little Bay, and at Royal Prince
Alfred Hospital, Camperdown and The Luncheon Club. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Luckily
there were enough performers to go around. You’d help organise the event if it was
held at your home venue, but happily drop in to do a spot number with your
sisters elsewhere. I often talk about the Sydney showgirl traditions of being a
family and here was an example of our tribe at its best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It
wasn’t easy to walk out on stage to perform and see friends and the boys who
you’d come of age with so sick. But I still remember now the faces would light
up for a few hours and the joy of the drag show shine. Many tears were spilled
in those dressing rooms, along with the usual banter and a bevy – it was our
way of coping and supporting each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG46HX2UmXaHT0K1qii3q2q7Y92PT6QR4FB6ijffrbqjaivKPLO8BENXu5FUFKtviRhD9fKNZoIpdgKl_ZtJwmHAZ0kMTCCL7e0-Bqq_e_dSIa8KQJrL7fNfzmDrA_5M4r-P1rR4P15vQ/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG46HX2UmXaHT0K1qii3q2q7Y92PT6QR4FB6ijffrbqjaivKPLO8BENXu5FUFKtviRhD9fKNZoIpdgKl_ZtJwmHAZ0kMTCCL7e0-Bqq_e_dSIa8KQJrL7fNfzmDrA_5M4r-P1rR4P15vQ/s400/image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coco Jumbo performs at Orgy of Drag 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fast forward 30 years, and I popped along to
the recent Orgy of Drag, an annual fundraiser at the Stonewall Hotel, which
raises money for ACON programs. The hotel was shoulder to shoulder with regular
customers and community supporters, the atmosphere was electric, and it had all
the hallmarks of the benefit at its brilliant best.</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This
event, which has been running for 18 years, raised $4,300 through entry
donations and an auction, all thanks to that great community support, the ACON
volunteers, donations from local businesses and the performers donating their
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Kat
Vass is the Events and Marketing Assistant at Stonewall Hotel. She has
organised Orgy of Drag for the past five years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">“It’s
a night I always look forward to as all the drag of Sydney comes together for
charity. It’s difficult for some of the girls to get to the night when they
have other gigs, so it was an amazing feeling when they came along to support
the night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">An
incredible 23 performers took part this year, including all of the current
girls working the strip each week along with heaps of baby drags, many of whom
were experiencing the benefit vibe for the first time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It’s
wonderful to know this showgirl mentality to give back to the community through
a few complimentary performances a year continues to thrive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Coming
back full circle, the BGF Bake Off is on Sunday, September 18, at the Beresford
Hotel. As always amongst the splendour of the cakes and the marvellous
volunteers will be local Sydney drag queens and showgirls. Just as it was, just
as it is!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG6qUoHBrhK3yBbJ2GGw8z39PRs4VVMVXAohcrsS8t80mE15Y8XHAPtl3cUcmEahdgWVqC2pqXpK7aC1I5jwTO5QR9K26Y-ciBWosNKhXw3Hk6XzRYz5d0NdKFLLm2C7Dc-fbK-zhdyU/s1600/Orgy+of+Drag+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG6qUoHBrhK3yBbJ2GGw8z39PRs4VVMVXAohcrsS8t80mE15Y8XHAPtl3cUcmEahdgWVqC2pqXpK7aC1I5jwTO5QR9K26Y-ciBWosNKhXw3Hk6XzRYz5d0NdKFLLm2C7Dc-fbK-zhdyU/s400/Orgy+of+Drag+16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kat Vass (front right) and performers Orgy of Drag 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-14015536415984419502016-08-01T16:39:00.002+10:002016-09-07T14:32:07.525+10:00Ask not what your community can do for you; ask what you can do for your community. <div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwxbXbONyOd1Ppqi8LqCvi3TCpZk31pUTtN5uKp0F634ySryvHchjSFogQWP6EV_IvwXz2bWgsJg8MRMMdM2hvqdm-y3_MXhC3ci5-O3FUxXTOHlFrOrVTNCXKM8oCtfBQLWhePkL0YQ/s1600/volunteer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwxbXbONyOd1Ppqi8LqCvi3TCpZk31pUTtN5uKp0F634ySryvHchjSFogQWP6EV_IvwXz2bWgsJg8MRMMdM2hvqdm-y3_MXhC3ci5-O3FUxXTOHlFrOrVTNCXKM8oCtfBQLWhePkL0YQ/s400/volunteer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Grounded
for winter – no way. I’ve been out and about taking in some of the many
community events held over the recent Sydney Pride Festival. It was great to
see how this grassroots festival has grown and developed its own identity. It
has become a wonderful opportunity for many of our community organisations to
inform, educate, entertain and raise funds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
one thing you notice at every event is the number of people now giving their
time for community charities, support and social groups. All genders, all ages
– volunteers are the cogs of our community’s heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I
know from my own personal experience over the years just how much fun and
personally rewarding the volunteers’ experience can be; to anyone considering
joining in – I say jump!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I
spoke to my friend Steph Sands, who in 2015 won the Honour Award for Community
Hero. For over 15 years, Steph has developed, guided and supported a broad
range of LGBTI community organisations and events, including as co-chair of
Mardi Gras and founder of Women Say Something. She said she originally got
involved as a volunteer because she wasn’t meeting the type of people she
wanted to in the clubs and bars. She was looking for more.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnDxqMM9Aeo_WCHd_G664Zn-kY6TfpwPgZaPDP0Rg1U9sk9G5JiXJu69o1PFd5Q8cN01tltPKEKlEGPCWcg-cKYRN5z-07cvJijfNGJkPqRnpA0fdEsqCoX1AgG2di6U5pa2nZH6j7oA/s1600/Steph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnDxqMM9Aeo_WCHd_G664Zn-kY6TfpwPgZaPDP0Rg1U9sk9G5JiXJu69o1PFd5Q8cN01tltPKEKlEGPCWcg-cKYRN5z-07cvJijfNGJkPqRnpA0fdEsqCoX1AgG2di6U5pa2nZH6j7oA/s200/Steph.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“If
you want to create community you have to be community,” Steph said. “It doesn’t
matter how you get involved, or how much: just be involved. Do what you feel
comfortable doing and be open to meeting some other community minded people in
the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“I
simply wouldn’t have the skills, the network or the professional experiences if
it weren’t for volunteering at Mardi Gras,” Steph added. “I had the privilege
of sitting across board tables with individuals from many diverse professional
backgrounds and it was both an experience and an education to work with them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Steph’s
service is exemplary, but scratch around and volunteers are important at every
level and in every one of our local organisations.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Queer
Screen is mostly run by volunteers. They have a core set of about 30 people,
including the board, and a pool of several hundred that help on a project
basis. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklvbFtEFuda_KVGWpuNHy-rS64jwj71_FJYDCntIXk0antmw7RrCU_TLRiz3qjVJTQWOU-HoPHzYyNXXfS9Fn7WXnwOoROn3FBVGMqbOnFRYdh-wrQ-FA74h7gpI0XUHIm9arqjnKa4Q/s1600/Queer+Screne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklvbFtEFuda_KVGWpuNHy-rS64jwj71_FJYDCntIXk0antmw7RrCU_TLRiz3qjVJTQWOU-HoPHzYyNXXfS9Fn7WXnwOoROn3FBVGMqbOnFRYdh-wrQ-FA74h7gpI0XUHIm9arqjnKa4Q/s320/Queer+Screne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Queer
Screen president Giovanni Campolo-Arcidiaco said: “We have a great friendly
team where people’s talents can shine. It’s a great opportunity to make a
difference by supporting the power of queer storytelling on screen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The
Pollys Club have been running since 1964, all thanks to volunteers. Currently
they have a membership of 33 people who are dedicated to their mission of
providing a safe, friendly and fun social outlet for the LGBTI community. As a
not-for-profit organisation, money raised from these functions goes towards an
annual grants program where they support charities and other not-for-profit
organisations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
Pollys are always looking for new members and welcome all skills and talents as
long as they share the Pollys’ passion and purpose. President David Haynes said
without the hard work of volunteers over the last 52 years, The Pollys Club
would not exist today – he is always amazed how people are prepared to work to
keep something wonderful alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
a sentiment echoed by Sam Hartland, manager of volunteers at Sydney Gay and
Lesbian Mardi Gras.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1M6odRFWUtUTCYsP_iXwXYk51JnRNx9zA3CjAxgBlTPCYA9Xhgxd2zfhZn4afTs32JyGt-6zPS2jCxdajwZGT8sEf0Vn4K_1yo6G_nrgmSvT6JhXtyBH2SoN8eI0xks-JYR1sUBEZf0/s1600/Mardi+Gras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1M6odRFWUtUTCYsP_iXwXYk51JnRNx9zA3CjAxgBlTPCYA9Xhgxd2zfhZn4afTs32JyGt-6zPS2jCxdajwZGT8sEf0Vn4K_1yo6G_nrgmSvT6JhXtyBH2SoN8eI0xks-JYR1sUBEZf0/s320/Mardi+Gras.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Mardi
Gras just wouldn’t happen without our volunteers,” Hartland said. “It is a way
to contribute to our communities, meet new people and be a part of something really
special. We have many long term volunteers, but what is really exciting is new
volunteers becoming involved and wanting to join working groups and committees.
It is so important that new people are getting involved so that new ideas and
ways of working are influencing the organisation.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mardi
Gras are currently recruiting for their finance and budget working group as
well as the constitutional working group. Soon they will start recruiting for
the leadership teams and working groups for the events, such as next year’s
Fair Day and Parade. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">These
examples are just a flavour of the kind of opportunities available in our
vibrant and diverse community. To find out more about these or any organisation
or group that presses your buttons, give them a call, visit their websites or
begin a conversation with one of those volunteers at a community event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-77610273628607111992016-05-13T17:24:00.001+10:002016-07-22T15:58:05.279+10:00Come join the Dami Army <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I love the Eurovision
Song Contest – always have. As a kid growing up in Wales I was lucky to
experience the UK glory years. The representatives were the big names of the
day, Sandie Shaw, Lulu, Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton-John were just some.
Those songs were the massive hits of the decade and are still played on
nostalgic radio stations here in Australia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Now some sixty
years later the event is the biggest production in the world, it has more than
a fair share of camp layered over the performances, some of the best looking
people ever to grace a television screen and fans – well it’s said there is
nothing quite like the Eurovision fans.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And I know this
first hand. My friend throws a Eurovision party each year and it’s always one
of the year’s best nights. In 2011 we watched the contest broadcast from the German
city of Dusseldorf with great anticipation as it had been decided a group of my
friends would travel to the winners city the next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Bam – off to
Azerbaijan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The Baku
edition brought Europe one of the biggest stars in Loreen, as well as amazing
pop songs and grannies telling everybody to dance. My friends had the
experience of a life time to remember.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Recently, along
with my Eurovision fan friend, I had a Eurovision-ish moment. As part of this
year’s Mardi Gras Festival, Conchita Wurst, who won the contest in 2014,
performed at the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It too was a marvellous evening. Anyway,
towards the end of the second act Conchita was joined on stage by Guy Sebastian
and as he sang ‘Tonight Again’ the song he sang at last year’s contest and came
a very respectable fifth place, TV cameras appeared in the aisles of the centre
stalls. They were about to announce Australia’s 2016 entrant live to the
evening news and to Europe’s breakfast TV shows. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBDgILsik_I40R56qeMubiHnxJL-CTJ73pnIwXozsAQTXFn6IYLGWqhdnQhsleD4jn9ctSFqE9bxFQXhwzmyaKwWClupSPWqeYaEBB0pJ_NRPDbPnNNPN5K-gMkKoHkCNCkFPFszHsis/s1600/Dami-Im-Eurovision-announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBDgILsik_I40R56qeMubiHnxJL-CTJ73pnIwXozsAQTXFn6IYLGWqhdnQhsleD4jn9ctSFqE9bxFQXhwzmyaKwWClupSPWqeYaEBB0pJ_NRPDbPnNNPN5K-gMkKoHkCNCkFPFszHsis/s400/Dami-Im-Eurovision-announcement.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To be fair,
after a week of insane speculation that it was to be Tina or Delta, Conchita
announced Dami Im. There was respectable applause but also quite a bit of “Who”
to be heard. Dami took to the piano and began to perform an acoustic version of
ABBA’s 1974 winning song ‘Waterloo’. The orchestra joined in, the tempo took
off and we got a very contemporary take on this song. As Dami was bringing the
song home the whole concert hall leapt to its feet, clapping and cheering with
approval as is the custom for a room full of queens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Dami grew up in
South Korea, coming to Australia with her family at age nine. In addition to
singing, her musical talents stretch to playing the violin and piano. Oh and
she is the winner of the fifth season of The X Factor Australia and has a
recording contract with Sony Music Australia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But it’s a song
contest. Dami’s song is the ‘Sound of Silence’ written by Australian hit makers
DNA Songs (David Musumeci and Anthony Egizii) who have written for some of the
biggest names in pop music, including Ricky Martin, Jessica Mauboy, Delta
Goodrem and The Veronicas as well as penning Dami Im’s X-Factor winner’s single
‘Alive’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The song is a
polished power ballad, the kind the Europeans like and is about feelings of
nostalgia, distance and missing the one you love. It’s going down a treat in
Europe even though it has failed to make the top twenty charts here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63BOxuE5BzZ8sS2trQa1NEO2ACGTVsJ8TFRNOC1FCP457GtOte3b9rdWaxa9LPDoRrJ66-gTXLetbxXbK8vBY8pDVzbNr3sZErVVqWJ8Cfv-ewwd-Z0Rly_-fQut07v5g9rENppt_bdc/s1600/Dami-Rehearsal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63BOxuE5BzZ8sS2trQa1NEO2ACGTVsJ8TFRNOC1FCP457GtOte3b9rdWaxa9LPDoRrJ66-gTXLetbxXbK8vBY8pDVzbNr3sZErVVqWJ8Cfv-ewwd-Z0Rly_-fQut07v5g9rENppt_bdc/s400/Dami-Rehearsal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dami Im in rehearsal Eurovision 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Dami is currently
sitting number three with the tipsters behind the two hunks from France and
Russia (in fact this year’s viewing will include male soloists from 14
countries). Just as well, as she has to sing for her votes in Semi Final No 2
to make it to the big night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Locally, DJ
Brett Austin, who remixes under the pop alias Glamstarr has given the track his
special magic. He told me once he heard the song he instantly fell in love with
it and knew he’d be able to do it justice with a big anthem remix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Brett said “I
wanted to give the song that extra lift, and really give it those hands in the
air moments. The vocal is so exquisite,
and powerful, it was just begging for it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We’ll get to
dance to it at ARQ Sydney where Brett has a residency, meanwhile it’s already
been well received by our local DJs and abroad - the promo was released by Sony
Music to DJs here and in the UK in early April and to us in mid-May. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">“The buzz it’s
generating for Dami in Europe is outstanding!” said Brett. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tUxrpqtDSCvJpVwrRT_d1d94eethgecDfVb8Y34O0m31YFjqcgbZnpkU2SWkprNENWiVUBZ-jQ9AYDl-aVGgFG_bSkyrkZR0hOEXtsDDf0-2_PV9GnaG0ch2qLPXmWFalXbHG5FZYm8/s1600/_27A6897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tUxrpqtDSCvJpVwrRT_d1d94eethgecDfVb8Y34O0m31YFjqcgbZnpkU2SWkprNENWiVUBZ-jQ9AYDl-aVGgFG_bSkyrkZR0hOEXtsDDf0-2_PV9GnaG0ch2qLPXmWFalXbHG5FZYm8/s320/_27A6897.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Brett Austin</td></tr>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-41991384031015016932016-05-04T15:50:00.000+10:002016-05-13T17:12:32.628+10:00Will we Sleaze again?<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">There’s a growing buzz about the return of Sleaze
Ball. It began with the creation of a </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Facebook page <span style="color: #444444;">dedicated to the issue last month and has already amassed
1800 followers. The admin behind the page - former Sydney Mardi Gras chair
Marcus Bourget - is active in keeping the momentum going and followers are
posting their Sleaze Ball memories, photos of what they wore and the shows they
remember as favourites. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The first Sleaze Ball was held at the
Paddington Town Hall in September 1982. I recall it with great humour because
after spending hours getting ready and pre-party drinks, our group arrived only
to be turned away as the place had been full almost since the doors opened.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">The next year we all headed to the Showgrounds – the
start of 27 years of unforgettable experiences. Sleaze Ball, by definition, was
always the more rugged, darker and sexier partner of the Mardi Gras Party. It
was, for the greater part of its existence, the main fundraiser produced by
Mardi Gras to cover the cost of the parade and festival.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQQqqccaYnG7hyh4XcigDGqlID39GpyxpM4KtsBjqGYG0h_rH5NOy-Bp0ujqmKJyZGWUNVTSqvNPguyIgCMCYgwQ-drdnAeysnu_Da25j7t5kR_zKFwhMBtAvnNoSM0IhgJOPOtPBqGU/s1600/Sleaze+1992+%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQQqqccaYnG7hyh4XcigDGqlID39GpyxpM4KtsBjqGYG0h_rH5NOy-Bp0ujqmKJyZGWUNVTSqvNPguyIgCMCYgwQ-drdnAeysnu_Da25j7t5kR_zKFwhMBtAvnNoSM0IhgJOPOtPBqGU/s320/Sleaze+1992+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Over the glory years Sleaze Ball had enough punters to
fill the RHI, the Hordern and the Dome. It hit its peak in 1997 with ‘Atlantis
Sleaze’ when 17,000 tickets were sold. Sadly, by 2010 it had become
unrecognisable and the then-Mardi Gras Board decided to delete it from its
annual program. Former co-chair Nick Parker described the last dance party as
“'the fund-raiser that didn’t”'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The reasons behind its loss of favour with the
community are complex: the rise of small boutique parties, the changing way gay
men cruise and hook-up, the move away from the old ghetto suburbs, longstanding
partygoers finally growing up and developing family priorities and ever-evolving
challenges in engaging the younger people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">So here is the rub, given how we have all moved on
from those heady days – is there enough community spirit and goodwill that
could actually make this work?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Re-staging the event means it can never be an avenue
to fundraise and, in my opinion, that would be the wrong reason to bother. But
I support the notion I’m hearing why we should try – to create a second, very
local opportunity for all our tribes and generations to come together to
nurture, maintain and celebrate community. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVVC5oqz6fNB-imVDJaY1URB8iSFhzzleZYw2rHlqD4AnD9a8gU12ybwylx9f2bk2tr32wJPRyCg-IFYfN5ByLNmWa6DUxnifMUWitACTIUHtUio8Bylpicrf4E_L3Abix6Q0Yyb_dUo/s1600/DIVA+showgirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVVC5oqz6fNB-imVDJaY1URB8iSFhzzleZYw2rHlqD4AnD9a8gU12ybwylx9f2bk2tr32wJPRyCg-IFYfN5ByLNmWa6DUxnifMUWitACTIUHtUio8Bylpicrf4E_L3Abix6Q0Yyb_dUo/s400/DIVA+showgirls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mardi Gras showgirls 2016</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">You may be one of the sceptics: does this ‘community’
exist? I’m more optimistic than I have been for some time. Walking around the
2016 Mardi Gras Party I was delighted to notice many groups of young people
like I had not seen before. So props to Mardi Gras for the work they have been
doing in this area – looks very promising. For my own tribe, well, I’m thrilled
to say that famous Sydney showgirl fraternity is alive and well. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I was invited to perform in the 1.30am show with 41
other drag queens and showgirls along with eight of our male dancers. George
Savoulis, the Creative Director for the Mardi Gras Party, told me the show was
part of the continuous effort to reconnect Mardi Gras to the community. That
when starting to plan the 2016 party, he knew the party needed drag back in a
big spectacular way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">When it was time to construct the party, Ripley Waters
– a member of the MG creative team - helped bring DIVA to the table to
co-produce and David Olsen, aka Decoda Secret, was bought in to choreograph.
Conchita Wurst and Courtney Act were the featured stars and there was one more
surprising ingredient – all these queens working together to create a memorable
party moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">What I experienced was all these personalities – four
generations of performers, from the older girls to the latest crop of baby
drags – minus the sign of any ego, dedicated to giving good show! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLJv7tTXDRmwHTyCLgm8KLlkprgOYzB1Z0NclPcku5pSvasWK6zwJ6D5GDqFQio1jR_leCOJsdXPKoVsZfx0gRONmeztrlElb8zT4I8zuQOwB6OR7D9ZKLqxXsg0sW7dI4GIaPPP5OTQ/s1600/MG+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLJv7tTXDRmwHTyCLgm8KLlkprgOYzB1Z0NclPcku5pSvasWK6zwJ6D5GDqFQio1jR_leCOJsdXPKoVsZfx0gRONmeztrlElb8zT4I8zuQOwB6OR7D9ZKLqxXsg0sW7dI4GIaPPP5OTQ/s400/MG+show.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mardi Gras show 2016 starring Conchita Wurst</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">Professional dancer and producer Heath Keating summed
up everyone’s sentiment when he said: “It’s been 11 years since I was
introduced to this community and this was one of the proudest moments I’ve ever
felt, to do this with people of the LGBTI community that I am lucky to call my
family – that’s the true Mardi Gras.” </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">asked Savoulis with this sense of growing community spirit,
did he see the return of Sleaze as a possibility? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“This
year the Mardi Gras Party was a sell-out,” he said. “We are seeing a trend of
people returning to the party – numbers similar to when Sleaze was around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Will
Sleaze return? That decision is currently with the Board of Mardi Gras.
Personally - I think all signs point to the return of Sleaze, it’s just a
question of when.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxJ0ovQgah7BySUa5I-wgWR6JSOwhBuj9uoO4boCHlZpRDTGEdByN1PTYpfa_mJXcVj5xHbCqa6tdAR98aliCliX1WkIa3jfxLCZfPmVBbYERbwjX1J_8WHmCpNeMq3Soupp5NPgGgJc/s1600/Sleaze+Ball+Sydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxJ0ovQgah7BySUa5I-wgWR6JSOwhBuj9uoO4boCHlZpRDTGEdByN1PTYpfa_mJXcVj5xHbCqa6tdAR98aliCliX1WkIa3jfxLCZfPmVBbYERbwjX1J_8WHmCpNeMq3Soupp5NPgGgJc/s400/Sleaze+Ball+Sydney.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleaze Ball poster 2010</td></tr>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-25424592340151333502016-04-08T16:24:00.000+10:002016-05-04T14:24:06.262+10:00Fundraising Through Friends<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The late Dawn O’Donnell was an important figure in
Sydney’s LGBTIQ history. She is often credited as a driving force in the
creation of our gay mile – Oxford Street – and for helping to make Sydney one
of the gay capitals of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Iconic venues, long gone but fundamental to our
heritage such as Capriccio’s, Patchs, The Exchange, Newtown and Imperial
Hotels, were all created by Dawn. She is remembered for being a tough
businesswoman but also someone who was often quietly guiding and assisting
those she knew were working for our greater good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Long-time friend Bruce Pollack said Dawn was as much
noted for her quiet philanthropy as her commercial success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“She was a tireless supporter of charities, both
lesbian and gay and mainstream,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">It was from this respect and gratitude that a group of
our community movers and shakers arranged a huge community event to celebrate
Dawn’s 70th birthday. A sold-out fundraising dinner took place in the late
summer of 1998 at the Paddington Town Hall with the proceeds benefiting the NSW
Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby and the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> It was such a massive success that some of those
organisers, led by Bruce Pollack and encouraged by Dawn, began to think that
this could be an annual event. It was workshopped and developed – and the next
year, we all attended the first Aurora Dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Bruce said he has always considered Aurora his baby
and from the beginning wanted to raise monies to disburse to gay and lesbian
community organisations in need of support. Thus the organisation’s many
events, including the annual dinner, The Aurora Ball, have become important
charity fundraisers that also bring fun, glamour and joy to our community. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTgDjnb_rk6o5Hq7WZS-FD-szj5HH8dLXeo-j-E9hryUh0upB1b-LF1Fd8rkKIzjDjD6hzV-EZZ2yksb9q_zEoVMgBOT5obZXUurjyoQfQyJXoTb4N3MkUx2dm1jwDPU54c-8GK7TNZA/s1600/1047927_577045655679611_1113711668_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTgDjnb_rk6o5Hq7WZS-FD-szj5HH8dLXeo-j-E9hryUh0upB1b-LF1Fd8rkKIzjDjD6hzV-EZZ2yksb9q_zEoVMgBOT5obZXUurjyoQfQyJXoTb4N3MkUx2dm1jwDPU54c-8GK7TNZA/s400/1047927_577045655679611_1113711668_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Aurora Board of Directors and Trustees</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">Among the key beneficiaries of Aurora funds are LGBTI
youth agency Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“The work of Twenty10 and the GLCS is just as
important now as when we first started to fundraise,” Pollack said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“It is a joy to see that Aurora has continued to grow
and importantly, it is still an organisation run by a committed group of
volunteers who have enormous fun serving the community.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Aurora also prides itself on the support it provides
other organisations, program and initiatives through its grants program. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Some of those that have benefit from Aurora grants in
the last few years include The Benevolent Society, who used funds to produce a
story book depicting LGBTQI foster care families. The Gender Centre used their
Aurora grant to create a short film addressing transphobic bullying in schools.
The Inner City Legal Centre were able to create a community campaign and
provide legal assistance around the expungement of historical homosexual
offences thanks to Aurora’s help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Through my time with Aurora I have become aware of
some of the truly amazing work being done to support the different subsets of
the LGBTQI community, addressing issues and needs that I was previously unaware
of,” said Aurora Chair Alison King. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“We have to make sure appropriate support and services
are available to those members of our community in need.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwvslqvSnXjDQNUGVawpCeGlshyCnG_5v0vR3NDOXNbtjQy5MYUQIwW8RD2ycOHBVr8rZQnLMYuBwTjd3yrZQeezOs0-U0cCBhtAYjdwQi89aEmsVwmgtGppEXCD1hUIdrwxmJIKCOuQ/s1600/1052645_577045462346297_681547683_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwvslqvSnXjDQNUGVawpCeGlshyCnG_5v0vR3NDOXNbtjQy5MYUQIwW8RD2ycOHBVr8rZQnLMYuBwTjd3yrZQeezOs0-U0cCBhtAYjdwQi89aEmsVwmgtGppEXCD1hUIdrwxmJIKCOuQ/s400/1052645_577045462346297_681547683_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Aurora Group founding Directors now Trustees</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">It’s almost time to round up friends for this year’s
Aurora Ball, to be held this year on Saturday, June 18. If you’ve never been,
it’s a highlight in Sydney’s LGBTI social calendar, truly the grandest night of
the year. It’s not cheap but everything you enjoy is of top quality and you
contribute to the great work the Aurora group is doing.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">As for the entertainment, rest assured, we’re in for a
treat. I’ve always been blown away by the star power of the performers who drop
by to entertain and show support for this organisation. Previous guest have
included Todd McKenney, Paul Capsis, Caroline O’Connor, Debra Byrne, Joey Arias
and Katie Noonan, to name just a few. Can’t wait to see what 2016 has in
store. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And of course, the highlight for me is the keynote
speaker. I recall being touched by the stories of Neil Armfield, David Marr,
Georgina Beyer, Magda Szubanski and Virginia Bell in the past. With so many
amazing people in our community today, we’re sure to get one that will move,
rouse and inspire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Aurora always tries to find a keynote speaker
relevant to LGBTQI people, the issues we’re currently facing and speak to a
topic important to us as a community,” King said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Save the date and join me. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-74136810136599344012016-02-18T17:22:00.000+11:002016-04-08T16:13:54.267+10:00So We Can Dance!<!-- Open Graph Meta Tags BEGIN -->
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf5XciBcB_PErQD3z5ULK-r4lLVkKIpQ5oNXYTXxWpJaVIhXEFhP7_yz4dir_nWDN7Wh5e5HEHL5c-hfnLo3roz3r2TZ9LzNQ7k14Om57rglMfPCmEMjyblR1RF1etCWFl0e7xOz4Rh0/s1600/Sydneys-Mardi-Gras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipf5XciBcB_PErQD3z5ULK-r4lLVkKIpQ5oNXYTXxWpJaVIhXEFhP7_yz4dir_nWDN7Wh5e5HEHL5c-hfnLo3roz3r2TZ9LzNQ7k14Om57rglMfPCmEMjyblR1RF1etCWFl0e7xOz4Rh0/s400/Sydneys-Mardi-Gras.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">“Aren’t you a bit old to be here?” </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">That was the question – or for him, the statement –
that greeted me in the early hours of a recent Saturday morning on one of our
local dance floors. I must admit, I gave this twink the look of death to show
my indifference to his perception. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I mean, since when have we, as a community, even given
contemplation to this idea, that age deems us no longer a spot on the
dancefloor? Surely it’s a place of joy and escape, a place to let your hair
down, and to be yourself – no matter your age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I’ve been around many years and I know the sense of
celebration dance floors at big parties like Mardi Gras brings. It’s always
been where our tribes, of all ages, share their place in our community, our
family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Some people of my vintage no longer take the plunge by
choice, but I know they will agree that if we want, we will dance until we
drop. The way our tribes come together and share these spaces is a Sydney
phenomenon. Many visitors remark they don’t see this camaraderie elsewhere,
which many of those who went before us worked so hard to establish and
nurture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">For me it’s been a place where magic has happened and
where memories of our shared social history have been created. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">We used to have a very talented and avant-garde DJ,
Bill Morley, who at the Sleaze Ball 1987 played The Blue Danube waltz by
Strauss in its entirety. It must have gone on for ten minutes. I remember
everyone being shocked at first, but slowly we all went with it and couples
began to dance their version of a waltz. I will always remember a leatherman in
full regalia including dark glass, tapping me on the shoulder and taking me off
for a spin. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8aKFefn5-NNquU2SQ_VQonk0JkHmJIQMmXCaRdg5yXAWxrc4wxZrlbCXlmuCOxhBdk3hb1fJ4UeYFyxsKmznv16dnqE0T0xMau6-nz-bOOA7bQa3ROz_PccyB12R9Iu4gpkkWeObSOA/s1600/Rob+Davis+%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8aKFefn5-NNquU2SQ_VQonk0JkHmJIQMmXCaRdg5yXAWxrc4wxZrlbCXlmuCOxhBdk3hb1fJ4UeYFyxsKmznv16dnqE0T0xMau6-nz-bOOA7bQa3ROz_PccyB12R9Iu4gpkkWeObSOA/s320/Rob+Davis+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Rob Davis</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">DJ Rob Davis recalls one of his magic moments: “At the
1990 Mardi Gras, the Government Pavilion had to be evacuated due to a guy
climbing the girders. After, for my first song, I played ‘Free Nelson Mandela’
by The Specials and everyone went mental because it was just after he’d been
released from prison. It was a big moment for everybody, because we were all
celebrating, and sharing with him in that common experience of having overcome
oppression. And we were all in costumes and dancing with our friends. That
track, at that moment, rocketed everybody back into party mode, it was magic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">At Sleaze Ball 1995, our wonderful DJ Dean Essing, who
was at the top of his game then, dropped a new remix version of the Love Boat
theme in his closing set. Amidstt a whole lot of late night soulful tunes, that
was about as camp as it could get. The crowd were so up for it that morning,
the roof of the RHI nearly took off. At a recovery party the next evening I had
a drink with Dean and his partner Les, and heard of the angst he had suffered
all week over the decision to play it. No need to worry – that track became the
song of summer 1996 and that moment became dance floor legend.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">DJ Kitty Glitter agrees that when magic happens on the
dance floor and the crowd is up for a great time, you can pick up on it – even
feel the love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">"When they hear
a song that they’re loving at the time, they sure let you know,” Kitty
said. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Playing a five-hour set at Montreal Pride in 2014
Kitty had everyone with their arms in the air swaying to Queens ‘We Are The
Champions’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Seeing that many people at that moment united and
full of pride was electrifying – I felt like Freddie Mercury,” Kitty said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe the dance floors of the local clubs are the
domain of the regular Saturday night kids, but take yourself to any of the
one-off dance events and I see a bit of everybody. Some local promoters target
an older crowd and are doing very well in filling their spaces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">After touring overseas most of last year, Kitty
agrees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Dance floors are the same all over the world these
days, comfortably mixed, with punters of all ages. People don’t want to stop
dancing as long as they are having fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">So as the local celebration season kicks off and were
all planning our diaries, I say make room kids, were coming with our well worn
suite of unauthorised steps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">We can all share in the magic!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc4KL7fdJaVCxGlJP3hy7RUSClrXgnhwTb8h_0Rb_g3udYsi62Bs3jF8ytPgTzMuyZQlAQRGusGazlsPmZrCGPmkesvErUUv05kd0nBjDTCgsibST06gv05quVHITnwj1y-R6Rr4xQFU/s1600/feat-colleen-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqc4KL7fdJaVCxGlJP3hy7RUSClrXgnhwTb8h_0Rb_g3udYsi62Bs3jF8ytPgTzMuyZQlAQRGusGazlsPmZrCGPmkesvErUUv05kd0nBjDTCgsibST06gv05quVHITnwj1y-R6Rr4xQFU/s400/feat-colleen-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ Kitty Glitter</td></tr>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-90853416731066745612016-01-29T14:13:00.000+11:002016-02-17T16:14:00.296+11:00Trans Sydney Pride <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Many people in the transgender community were taken by
surprise by just how much of a watershed year 2015 was for trans people. Never
has so much been written about what it is to live a trans life and these
stories have appeared in many of the world’s most prestigious titles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">Of course the transition of Caitlyn Jenner and the
subsequent television series was the catalyst. Indeed, Barbara Walters named
her the ‘Most Interesting Person of 2015’. Many others also broke through with
positive messages. In the US, trans activist Janet Mock published her
best-selling memoir Refining Realness while Laverne Cox rose to become one of
the most respected transgender advocates. In Australia, Cate McGregor has been
working tirelessly as a diversity champion and is the Queensland finalist for
Australian of the Year 2016.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In the midst of all this, Peta Friend, an acquaintance
of mine for over 20 years, invited six local trans women of all ages to lunch
one early September Sunday. She had an idea brewing in her mind to create a
social and support group for trans men and women of Sydney. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">
</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“I felt inspired to create something within the trans
community where trans men and woman can come together in a social environment
and have some fun, share our stories and support each other,” Peta said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRaCbBv6wJTsnE4hf9Zv2zhBkHGp_jyKC7TWi1wpG8Gz3dxYDtL4yqvphi-CAMXY-FJ6VMcm659Bcq6ItRE0hUN98vPvkphY_w5pGwVv8ObeUe6XUGXQDh__EqDNXG91souA0EYR055U/s1600/feat-trans-sydney-pride-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRaCbBv6wJTsnE4hf9Zv2zhBkHGp_jyKC7TWi1wpG8Gz3dxYDtL4yqvphi-CAMXY-FJ6VMcm659Bcq6ItRE0hUN98vPvkphY_w5pGwVv8ObeUe6XUGXQDh__EqDNXG91souA0EYR055U/s400/feat-trans-sydney-pride-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">By the end of that lunch, Trans Sydney Pride was
created. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Group member Penny Clifford had a Facebook page up and
running by the next day and we began to invite friends, acquaintances and other
trans people we knew to join us. That group now has 280 members and is active
every day with members posting media articles, videos, personal stories and
experiences, and exchanging views, information and support. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP_Yk5Qsh-Xtt9dDAc2QAfhrMl1eHav_JR7vXGe_HCno1Us41PGb_P32yqnky5vG2Z2gJBEq3ErdAybFSl0ECXg7EE7TWmf7aCGM4QqjQ1LHskRQRJB79TCwfqWAnePhqEyl1nfv0RHo/s1600/feat-trans-sydney-pride+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP_Yk5Qsh-Xtt9dDAc2QAfhrMl1eHav_JR7vXGe_HCno1Us41PGb_P32yqnky5vG2Z2gJBEq3ErdAybFSl0ECXg7EE7TWmf7aCGM4QqjQ1LHskRQRJB79TCwfqWAnePhqEyl1nfv0RHo/s400/feat-trans-sydney-pride+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Beyond the online space, the group has held small
monthly gatherings where members can meet in real-time, make friends, be
ourselves and meet other fabulous and like-minded people. Each month our
numbers have been building and at our Christmas party we saw 80 members and
some of our allies dancing the night away and celebrating new friendships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Katherine Wolfgramme has been a member of the
Sydney trans community for many years. She is currently studying Community
Services at Sydney TAFE and plans to work in trans youth counselling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“I believe the trans journey can be very isolating and
it’s refreshing to see the support, encouragement and wisdom that has been
shared with the newer trans people,” Katherine said. “Trans Sydney Pride has
bought together trans people from all walks of life. The beauty of this group
is it is absolutely inclusive without any political agenda, and trans activism is
not welcome”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEjugbpnPKuawJv1LlX5KUFwb7k64n2ritPwAOX4dKRmVaaDlE_pBP84qHhU7YMP5ab8OL_G5thhteIGBi_9cmwwldt_GMh_G8m5fF0BbEKc36ojl7MRb7mRMqGWlhdRREvCQfyVU-8c/s1600/feat-trans-sydney-pride-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEjugbpnPKuawJv1LlX5KUFwb7k64n2ritPwAOX4dKRmVaaDlE_pBP84qHhU7YMP5ab8OL_G5thhteIGBi_9cmwwldt_GMh_G8m5fF0BbEKc36ojl7MRb7mRMqGWlhdRREvCQfyVU-8c/s200/feat-trans-sydney-pride-2.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Chrissy Doyle is a girl who has recently began living
her life authentically without apology. It was actually her extremely
supportive mother that came across Trans Sydney Pride, which Chrissy said is
like a little family that is always there for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“The monthly meet-ups are so important because we get
to meet and socialise together with all the different, vibrant and wonderful
personalities all in varied stages of transition,” Chrissy said. “It’s so
wonderful and I’ve made lots and lots of friends, the vibe is so happy and
positive – just like the vibe on the Facebook page.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">JoAnna Ferrari is a strong and inspirational
businesswoman who coaches individuals and businesses. She is a regular poster
in the Trans Sydney Pride group, spreading positive and affirming advice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">“I don’t participate in other trans groups because
they are too political and angry,” JoAnna said. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“I love TSP because it is just people proud to be
trans, happy to be themselves and who treat each other fairly and support each
other. It is certainly the first time I have encountered this cohesiveness in
our community. I love Peta Friend and the members of TSP and 100 per cent
support Peta in keeping it as free of negatives and politics as possible.”<br />
Trans men and women in the Sydney area are very welcome to find the Trans
Sydney Pride page on Facebook and request to join. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“It is really encouraging to see how quickly it has
evolved into a supportive and fun group and that is thanks to the amazing trans
men and woman in the group – they are Trans Sydney Pride,” Peta said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“As individuals we are strong but as a group anything
is possible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Trans Sydney Pride is a closed group on Facebook.
Search ‘Trans Sydney Pride’</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0Sydney, Australia-33.8674869 151.20699020000006-34.711976400000005 149.91609670000005 -33.0229974 152.49788370000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-64860060944400599692016-01-03T11:31:00.000+11:002016-01-29T13:43:02.821+11:00My Sydney Entertainment Centre, how I will miss you<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">All
good things must come to an end. Well I understand progress but I don’t have to
altogether like it. I’m sad to see my temple of good times the Qantas Credit
Union Arena, or as I still call it the Sydney Entertainment Centre (SEC), close
its doors as part of the massive Darling Harbour redevelopment project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Over
the last 32 years I have spent thousands of dollars to see the biggest names in
showbiz as they dropped by on their never ending world tour journeys, one after
another making my dreams come true. I’ve loved each and every show, the hype,
the excitement and the incredible joy seeing my idols live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
stress of buying those tickets, getting just the right seats, the agonising
build up over months and months, revisiting the albums you’ve cherished forever,
meeting in Chinatown for dinner before the show, drinks with friends in the bar
outside Gate 10, and being able to walk or for me usually dance home - it’s been
fantastic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">You
will have your own favourites, but naturally the showgirl in me will slant my
memories in favour of the pop divas: I can see them now…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Top
of my list is easy – Diana Ross. As a teenager growing up in Wales in the 1960s
it was Diana Ross and the Supremes who I escaped to, miming all those classic
Motown hits in the safety of my mother’s good sitting room. It was 1989 and
with all her classic hits behind her Miss Ross brought her ‘Working Overtime’
world tour to us. That album was her least successful, so the SEC show only included
two tracks from that album and two hours of everything else. Performing in the
round on a small circular stage it was just Diana, that voice, those songs and
heaps of glamour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">In
1984, a 44 year old Tina Turner made one of the most amazing comebacks in the
history of pop music with her ‘Private Dancer’ album. This music was the
soundtrack of my life at the time, so when she brought us her tour, I was
completely Tina crazy. 'What's Love Got
to Do With It', 'Better Be Good To Me' and, 'Private Dancer' all massive hits that
came to life in the sexiest show the SEC had ever seen. So good was that tour
that Sydney fell in love with her and three more tours followed throughout the
90s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Breaking
new ground with an incredibly theatrical world tour, the audience size at the
SEC had to be reduced just to fit Janet Jackson’s ‘The Velvet Rope Tour’ in
1998. Never touring Australia before, this show created huge hype and thickets
were extremely hard to come by as the tour dates were so tight. What a
privilege it was to see this masterpiece. Divided into four different sections
with different sets, twenty dance numbers and a setlist of 28 songs, we got the
lot. Back in the 90s they used to say no
one does a show like a Jackson and on this occasion they were bang on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Kylie
Minogue has played 25 concerts over seven tours at the SEC but surely
‘Aphrodite: Les Folies Tour’ of 2011 tops the list. With a production valued at
over $25 million, the staging was made up of over a million moving parts,
including 30 high impact water jets, rain curtains and fountains! It was the
most technically advanced, complex and precision stage ever created for an
arena. Divided into 7 sections this show included all of our favourite Kylie
tunes and apart from the spectacle of the water finale to ‘All the Lovers’, I
can’t forget Kylie flying through the room on the shoulders of a winged dancer,
and the musical highlight being a homage to Annie Lennox ‘There Must Be an
Angel’. Kylie took her arena show to a new level she can never top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Everyone
screamed “Thank God” when at last Cher announced she would bring her ‘Living
Proof: The Farewell Tour’ to the SEC in 2005. This tour, one of the longest on
record, played over 300 shows between 2002 and 2005 with Australia the last
epic leg. The show was very Vegas in style, with dancers, props and aerialists.
It included video sections </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">spanning</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> her famous career to allow for the many costume
changes, and no fan left without hearing their favourite Cher song from a
catalogue spanning four decades.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">They
will begin to knock the SEC down in the New Year to be replaced with 1400
apartments. We’re promised a multipurpose city entertainment venue as part of the
new International Convention Centre, which opens its doors just 12 months
later. The question is will more of my pop divas come?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-54391350495520706432015-10-30T16:50:00.001+11:002015-12-17T16:04:20.128+11:0025 Years of DIVA Hall of Fame<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">While all the accolades at DIVA are indeed highly
coveted, there is one honour that brings more than just praise and prestige and
is close to many of our hearts: DIVA Hall of Fame. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I can absolutely assure you, choosing an inductee is
about the most serious and important task a board, a judging panel, a community
of peers – even a tribe of drag queens – can do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Look at our list. It includes the pioneers Rose
Jackson, Robyn Lee and Simone Troy. Those that gave us our most notable
playgrounds: Leigh Jennings with the Albury and Dawn O’Donnell with the Newtown
and the Imperial. The famous household names Carlotta and Carmen. Those we
lost, way too young, who despite illness shone: Leggs Galore and Fanny
Farquhar. And of course, the many talented queens who made a mark: Mogadonna,
Mitzi, Chelsea and others – there all on our roll. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">As we celebrate this the 2015 inductee, I caught up
with a medley of our treasure to reflect on their special moment in the Hall of
Fame spotlight.</span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #323232; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; text-transform: uppercase;">CINDY PASTEL</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 13.5pt;">Cindy Pastel debuted back in 1979 at Patches nightclub
and launched a career that would become one of Australia’s most significant and
influential. Throughout the 80s she was a huge star, headlining at many of our
now infamous Hordern Pavilion dance parties and appearing in the most
theatrical and groundbreaking shows of the day.</span><br />
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<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Resident at the Albury Hotel in the 90s, she was one
of the performers behind the famous Scary Fairies who literally changed the
face of drag, creating what is now fondly referred to as the Sydney drag
style. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cindy entered the DIVA Hall of Fame in 1995. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“I remember the night. It was in the RHI at the
showgrounds and I sat with my son, Adam,” Cindy recalls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“We had just finished doing the opening of the second
half for the Best Costume Award. He played the preacher in ‘Sugar Baby Love’ by
The Rubettes, used in the 1994 film Muriel’s Wedding, while I actually was in a
wheelchair playing Rachel Griffith. Benina Bodd was Muriel and Lana Turnip did
the big line, ‘You’re terrible, Muriel’, while hoeing down a hotdog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“It was a very special time with the old girl and son
present as the community saluted me for my work,” Cindy said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #323232; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; text-transform: uppercase;">POLLY PETRIE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Pollys Follies is an institution in our community and
the platform for up and coming new performers to showcase their talent. The
show, hosted by Polly Petrie, began in 1991 at the Albury Hotel and these days
she holds court every Sunday at Stonewall Hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Polly remembers a wonderful night at the Star City
Showroom in 1999. It started off rather nervously for Polly, as she was
presenting an award with the hunky Ian Roberts. When she retired to her
favourite table – always at the back and closest to the bar – she and her
girlfriends noticed they were being monitored by a couple of DIVA judges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In those early days, the Hall of Fame recipient was a
closely guarded secret, known only to the judging committee. It was a massive
surprise for the audience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When Polly ducked to the bar, the DIVA judges swooped
on her, taking Polly by the arm and quickly escorting her to the stage as the
envelope was opened and her name was announced. Polly recalls being in total
shock as she sashayed through the room, and each table rose to a standing
ovation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #323232; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; text-transform: uppercase;">MONIQUE KELLY</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #323232; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Monique Kelly is a legend of Sydney drag and has been
performing for 40 years. She first stepped on stage at Gilligan’s, Bondi Beach
in 1972 and has never stopped. In 1973 she took up residence in Kings Cross and
starred there at the Carousel Cabaret and Les Girls for 14 years until it
closed.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Monique has stared at almost every gay hotel and club on the golden mile:
Unicorn, Patches, Capriccios, Tropicana, Flo’s Place, Paddington Green Hotel,
Albury, Taxi Club and Annie’s Bar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">On her DIVA Hall of Fame induction, she recalls: “In
2002 I was onstage at the Sydney Town Hall with Colleen Windsor to present the
Hall of Fame Award. Colleen and I did our meet and greet dialogue, then Colleen
started to read out the bio for the recipient. After a couple of minutes I
realised she was talking about me. Then she announced my name and the entire
room erupted. I was in shock, excited – what an honour. After the award I left
the stage down a catwalk clutching my statue and a bouquet of flowers to a
standing ovation. It was a night I will never forget.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #323232; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; text-transform: uppercase;">CHRISTY MCNICOL</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #323232; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Very few performers have taken artistic risks with
great fervour and frequency than Christy McNicol. Throughout her career, fellow
performers have admired Christy’s ability to push new boundaries and succeed.
Her journey is definitely an amazing success story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Christy starred in <i>Les Girls</i> Kings Cross before
joining the prestigious <i>Simone and Monique’s Playgirl Revue</i> on their
long-running Australian casino tour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">With the birth of <i>The Adventures of Priscilla Queen
of the Desert</i>, director Stephen Elliot asked Christy to produce a show to
entertain guests at the Australian premiere of the movie. Christy brought
together some of Australia’s finest trans showgirls to create<i> The Original
Priscilla Show</i>. The show was an overnight success and embarked on a
national tour, garnering nomination for a Mo Award in 1997.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“When I received a phone call in 2011 telling me I
would be inducted into the Hall of Fame, I burst into tears,” Christy
said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“All those years of working my arse off in the scene
was finally being recognised by my peers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“That night the frock, hair and makeup was perfect but
I was never as nervous on stage before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“I gave my acceptance speech that I’d rehearsed over
and over to a noisy crowd – this memory I will cherish forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #323232; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; text-transform: uppercase;">CLAIRE DE LUNE</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #323232; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claire De Lune is one of a very small drag segment who
has done it all. Claire hit the scene with a bang in the 90s as a performer,
producer and media identity. She broke new ground with her cooking segments on <i>The
Midday Show</i> and worked in TV for Foxtel and Channel V.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">One of Claire’s most important achievements was <i>From
D’Rags To Riches, Claire de Lune The Musical</i> part of the Mardi Gras
Festival in 2001. This show, part sung part mimed, was the first drag show to
headline a MG Festival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Marc Kuzma, the man behind Claire, has had great
success as a producer through his association with Slide Lounge and these days
is busy with his award winning restaurant, Claire's Kitchen at Le Salon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“I was thrilled to receive the Hall of Fame in 2013,”
Claire said. “It gave me a great opportunity to reflect on my career and
achievements of the previous 25 years. A very humbling experience made even
more special, as Verushka, my friend and partner in crime presented the
award. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“On the night a group of friends and co-workers joined
me in the celebration including my nephew Tom representing my family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“I will always be grateful to DIVA for acknowledging
me in such a special way.” Claire said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Iconic Sydney drag performer and revered show producer
Amelia Airhead is the 2015 inductee into the DIVA Hall of Fame. Congratulations
to Amelia as she joins this exclusive showgirl list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisnhg35kUB1Yc9sOkJJ8vvl8lu86zE6FKXoKtjOxpBClxUPOOuvvtOg3y_MWzD0V9SjgZgbFyCrMoaPFWDkbXKaKsuR3u2Jv98vlJpEmX-bFp6p6FHnyIbUs30BMldfc4pAPXeuxJEGQ/s1600/imageVILDD0VV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisnhg35kUB1Yc9sOkJJ8vvl8lu86zE6FKXoKtjOxpBClxUPOOuvvtOg3y_MWzD0V9SjgZgbFyCrMoaPFWDkbXKaKsuR3u2Jv98vlJpEmX-bFp6p6FHnyIbUs30BMldfc4pAPXeuxJEGQ/s400/imageVILDD0VV.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-83175093846998779432015-10-30T12:42:00.000+11:002015-12-17T16:04:42.216+11:00DIVA…from the heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_33wzuJT3QKa-QnACmdnXYuDVei0u-VM-tppa6A3JkEURL0T7KuvCMlg0ls4kn_5UndO4h_5OvFYM0McSLHsyDIbk09oJx74UqygaNHsAxkEnOvEcN5Tee1CpQnf17xjf1_3AiOPlxMg/s1600/feat-colleen-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_33wzuJT3QKa-QnACmdnXYuDVei0u-VM-tppa6A3JkEURL0T7KuvCMlg0ls4kn_5UndO4h_5OvFYM0McSLHsyDIbk09oJx74UqygaNHsAxkEnOvEcN5Tee1CpQnf17xjf1_3AiOPlxMg/s400/feat-colleen-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In 1991 David Wilkins, Penny
Clifford and Ian Jopson wanted to organise an event to celebrate Sydney’s
amazing drag queens, their work and the many talents of the people who made up
the local gay entertainment industry. They kicked off a community organisation
that has existed because of the effort of many volunteers over the years with
support from numerous community venues, LGBTI media and local small business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Over the course of those first few
years, David, Penny and Ian realised that the endeavour was too big for three
people to handle and as such, they formalised the event, created a committee
structure and a not-for-profit company to organise the annual awards
night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The company’s constitution ensured
that the Drag Industry Variety Awards, or DIVA as it became known, remained
independent, relevant and focused on the key goals of recognising achievements
within and contributions to Sydney’s drag industry for these 25 years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It hasn’t all been plain sailing.
Hitting a bump in the road in 2008, the old company that had produced the event
for 18 years was wound up. The event we celebrate now is under the stewardship
of Greg Steele aka Sheila Bliege, who bravely stepped up to carry it forward,
supported by a team of dedicated and passionate people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Indeed, DIVA 2015 is a time for us
to honour all the wonderful volunteers who over the years have worked hard, and
with love, to assist this community organisation reach and maintain an
important place in Sydney’s vibrant and diverse LGBTI tapestry. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">DIVA Boards, in any given year,
have been made up of an average of six directors who each take hands on
responsibility for a segment of the company’s business: chairperson,
secretary/treasurer, marketing/communications, event management, creative
director and awards judging. It’s a very hands-on, grass roots, community-based
setup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Over the last 25 years,
approximately 32 people have served as DIVA directors, which means individuals
have given an average five years of their free time. All past and present DIVA
directors talk about the experience in terms of how friendships are made and
continue as a legacy of their involvement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I recall speaking with my friend
Ian, one of the co-founders, at our local gym about DIVA and wondered about how
I can help. I thought to myself, ‘Is this something interesting to get involved
with?’ Today I’m pleased I jumped in for some years, just like many others in
our community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I have benefitted in a ways more
than I could imagine. I made friends and colleagues that might not have been on
my path or radar. I know this story is similar for many other DIVA volunteers.
We still catch up and enjoy re-acquainting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> With the 25th anniversary of
DIVA upon us, I spoke with my friend in New York and asked him how he looks
back on his baby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“I can’t think back upon my 14
years with DIVA without a huge smile on my face and an overall feeling of
accomplishment,” Jopson said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“The glamour, the spectacle, the
sheer tomfoolery and gay abandon will stay with me for the rest of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“I’ve been in NYC for over 12
years now, so it seems like another life, but I still think back with great
affection for everyone who worked on DIVA with me over the years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.75pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“After shedding blood, sweat and
glitter to pull off those gigs, sometimes by the skin of our teeth, nothing
compares to the feeling of watching the spectacle unfold in front of your eyes,
and watching the enjoyment of the guests – absolute magic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">So as DIVA marks this
special milestone, let’s acknowledge the spirit of community volunteerism, and
say thanks to all of these 32 people and many others, and celebrate. Hip hip
hooray! </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YwgDGwJmDRrM7doFnvoWkqQu9-BBaJMwj-OafE6M_1QmHl2HNlHQ4d4i_77xhF4OWUJmxYzqS_B7_GIhpIr-RoSkFq5ad8ae6zP7KgSkFJTBQF_E5_7PsCmzj4-uqinJBxLYbFnpL1Q/s1600/feat-colleen-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YwgDGwJmDRrM7doFnvoWkqQu9-BBaJMwj-OafE6M_1QmHl2HNlHQ4d4i_77xhF4OWUJmxYzqS_B7_GIhpIr-RoSkFq5ad8ae6zP7KgSkFJTBQF_E5_7PsCmzj4-uqinJBxLYbFnpL1Q/s400/feat-colleen-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stu Doherty ex DIVA Chair, Colleen Windsor, Ian Jopson DIVA Founder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span>colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-55535812943907944902015-10-23T12:57:00.001+11:002015-10-30T12:35:30.984+11:00Long live the Queen <div class="MsoNormal">
Earlier last month, on the evening of September 9, I enjoyed
a lovely cold glass of the best bubbles in a toast to Queen Elizabeth II as she
became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, passing the record set by her
great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. The Queen, who is 89, has reigned for
63 years and seven months.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTsscPuoJiOZ7O0lKWaFxBpaWpno6r0rYEW3gMkp8RQ60g4CSSBczj6nPSJnkY4Zl604WcAmlZlBg612m1ZBMk1uvaES7PaC6OSoaju9-TMx-fdjVGfx_UaVWtvPfqcm3Qm0zVDknNAY/s1600/5876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTsscPuoJiOZ7O0lKWaFxBpaWpno6r0rYEW3gMkp8RQ60g4CSSBczj6nPSJnkY4Zl604WcAmlZlBg612m1ZBMk1uvaES7PaC6OSoaju9-TMx-fdjVGfx_UaVWtvPfqcm3Qm0zVDknNAY/s320/5876.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Oh god’ I can hear you say but I put it down to my sense of
Britishness for a moment overriding by Aussie pride. Being one of the last ‘Ten
Pound Poms’ I came to Australia in the early 1970s after a childhood drilling
of Queen and Country.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of the first things I remember on arriving in Sydney was
the Queen was just as prominent in daily life as she was back ‘home’. Exactly
the same photograph of her hung in public places in both lands. And thanks to
the Australian media I’ve been able to keep up to date with her comings and
goings ever since.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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So I have great respect and affection for Her Majesty. Yes,
she’s a little old lady who travels around meeting people, collecting endless
posies of flowers for no apparent reason, who doesn’t really say anything too
important. But to the British she provides a focus for national identity, unity
and pride, and gives a sense of stability and continuity. And as head of state,
the Queen undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have
developed over one thousand years of history.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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For many British people one of life’s defining moments is
when you meet the Queen. I always remember my nana having a photograph of her
and my grandfather shaking hands with the Queen at a Buckingham Place garden
party in the late 60s having pride of place in their home. I used to fantasise
on my meeting the Queen.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In February 1992 the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were on
a Royal Tour of Australia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding
of Sydney. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a hot and humid Tuesday evening and after my usual
workout at the gym, I popped into the supermarket at the bottom end of Oxford
Street to grab a few things for dinner. At the checkout I realised there was no
longer any traffic on the strip and seeing a few police motorbikes hovering
around it hit me – it’s the Queen travelling from the airport to Government
House. I threw money at the sales assistant, grabbed the bags and hightailed it
onto the pavement. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZbX1D2mxZiek9sp4dbY1F7KNVoJqpnzyrK1PIxF6_PWbwDM0sfHyLkXlkdeg7obysATrynykzaMB6VuRTyMrjb39vL120qkp-zn3ngni4ovoezTUaowt4SCyA58L_LbngdUoRtT4HvU/s1600/queen-2006--z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZbX1D2mxZiek9sp4dbY1F7KNVoJqpnzyrK1PIxF6_PWbwDM0sfHyLkXlkdeg7obysATrynykzaMB6VuRTyMrjb39vL120qkp-zn3ngni4ovoezTUaowt4SCyA58L_LbngdUoRtT4HvU/s320/queen-2006--z.jpg" width="313" /></a>The whole street was clear with very few people around. I
remember stumbling in my haste and as I pulled up there she was eyeballing me
from her backseat of the Royal car. For a moment I was in her face and she was
in mine. She seemed to recoil with an ‘Oh gawd’at the sight of me and cracked
up laughing. Naturally I was mortified – I had given the Queen her jollies!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Given this current moment in history and the kind of
affection the Queen enjoys you wonder why it was only at the end of August that
the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) chose to reignite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ARM has a new Chair in Peter FitzSimons, the celebrated
author and popular journalist. On August 26 he gave the most significant speech
on an Australian republic since the 1999 referendum at the National Press Club
in Canberra. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The Australian Republican Movement wants a national
plebiscite on an Australian head of state by 2020,” he said. “We’re getting the
band back together, and gearing up to ask the Australian people the question
again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
FitzSimons announced support for an Australian Republic is
strengthening again, with 47 percent of Australian voters in favour of an
Australian head of state instead of the British Monarch, and 57 percent of
voters in favour of holding a national vote on our head of state by 2020.
Almost a quarter of Australians are undecided, with only 29 percent of
Australians opposing the change.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5S1Y7PgnlufnupUSXr49Yx2GaE_vgK3oDi5O0BzuoRbvWVLMPw8qgcykC8mBvCDJ1YW2mcqYB6FaM-rWDUwP-QWY6FxaHNvlYG1uWjh8FmBymY6UfUH24hnKLmIusiG9lPumo1bR_mA/s1600/97651546_Queen_225235b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5S1Y7PgnlufnupUSXr49Yx2GaE_vgK3oDi5O0BzuoRbvWVLMPw8qgcykC8mBvCDJ1YW2mcqYB6FaM-rWDUwP-QWY6FxaHNvlYG1uWjh8FmBymY6UfUH24hnKLmIusiG9lPumo1bR_mA/s320/97651546_Queen_225235b.jpg" width="320" /></a>Bill Shorten has signalled his intention to advance an
Australian republic should he win office and of course our new Prime Minister
Malcolm Turnbull is a founding member of the ARM and a devout republican. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, for me and countless others – including republicans
– it seems pointless to restart the republic debate while she remains the
monarch, given the respect and affection many Australians have towards her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So cheers your majesty! Long live the Queen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</div>
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As for Princes Charles, William and George ... well, that’s
another matter.<o:p></o:p></div>
colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-5319710204850174712015-09-11T14:06:00.000+10:002015-10-23T12:47:18.298+11:00The Changing Face of Drag<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
jewel in the Sydney drag scene crown, the lavish production show, is feeling
the squeeze. Affected by cultural, political and economic challenges we now
have only seven production shows playing over four venues and featuring just 12
showgirls. This once thriving aspect of the industry, often billed as some of
the best drag performance in the world, is in flux.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">We’ve
known for some time that culturally these shows have become less popular within
the broader LGBTI community. At the same time drag has burst into the general
entertainment landscape where the industry as a whole is broader than ever.
Look at the popularity of drag trivia, drag bingo and drag karaoke nights
playing throughout the greater Sydney area almost every night of the week. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtMwFUnHaRL3vM-f4rr6t7OdBS0EaXs0BxTrOQ4zEDg4EmQl2_KjCybswfKcsQ1dlYsXDXXtXBsW74mlWe91tSZBzdeBsroYHy_9Slzz75u7v4QOmT0jYpn7caQWwMBY1A-wTaTujGnI/s1600/11659373_10153039540641167_5374724830806157803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtMwFUnHaRL3vM-f4rr6t7OdBS0EaXs0BxTrOQ4zEDg4EmQl2_KjCybswfKcsQ1dlYsXDXXtXBsW74mlWe91tSZBzdeBsroYHy_9Slzz75u7v4QOmT0jYpn7caQWwMBY1A-wTaTujGnI/s320/11659373_10153039540641167_5374724830806157803_n.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The
production show has become more niche, but nevertheless the work currently
playing on the Oxford Street strip is as good as it’s ever been. Decoda Secret,
a three-time DIVA Entertainer of the Year and one of only a couple of showgirls
to produce and perform in these shows said: “Production Shows and their fans
will always be around but are not likely to get bigger than the current crop –
at least for the near future.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Politically
the current lockout laws have been a major contributing factor to the loss of
stages and declining audiences for these kinds of shows. Pre-lockouts, drag
fans would start at the pub for a smaller early show and then meander to the
nearest nightclub for those early morning spectaculars. That foot traffic is
gone – along with the flow-on jobs this industry created. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These
shows are more expensive to produce than ever before and while the current showgirls
are geniuses in stretching their small budgets, the days of constantly changing
costumes and large casts are gone. The old adage that you ‘never make money
from drag’ is certainly no throwaway line these days – it’s harder than ever to
make a living out of drag.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Glenn
Hansen, Promotions and Marketing Manager at Stonewall Hotel said: “I think the
decline is because some businesses don’t see them as an investment and they can
be expensive. Lockout laws have also effected businesses and closures have occurred
and this has limited the work for performers and DJs. We have been very lucky
and Stonewall is super busy on a Friday and Saturday night especially at show
times.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjpwf7q_BwJ9ffyFmkp_d85Goja1A1mYad-bVwtXNUZQtlSASnojPmDXilkGVD4JFEIK03ShSDI24rxKg8WfT2UPDJ_GxwjcbJXVVyNpH_RJoLPdo0s6yER5ONzfuIZKWtbwhKCf0RXc/s1600/11949289_10153312183768863_6669191898473431007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjpwf7q_BwJ9ffyFmkp_d85Goja1A1mYad-bVwtXNUZQtlSASnojPmDXilkGVD4JFEIK03ShSDI24rxKg8WfT2UPDJ_GxwjcbJXVVyNpH_RJoLPdo0s6yER5ONzfuIZKWtbwhKCf0RXc/s320/11949289_10153312183768863_6669191898473431007_n.jpg" width="230" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">All
this highlights the changing nature of the Sydney drag scene, not its death.
Like the other great gay cites in the world, our scene will adapt and, in
pockets, flourish. The wonderful creativity and the ability of the young
performers to innovate, and the understanding of the venues to nurture their
loyal and appreciative audiences, will be fundamental to this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Indeed,
it’s a discussion worth having now with the drag community and their supporters
soon turning their focus on the 25th anniversary of DIVA. It certainly has the
showgirl and drag community speculating on its future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">DIVA,
or the Drag Industry Variety Awards as it was known, was established in 1991 to
celebrate what was then a fast growing drag scene. DIVA has a vibrant and
successful history. It has played an important part in showcasing this creative
scene and many a famous performer has helped enshrine DIVA into this town’s gay
heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And
like all our other community organisations, DIVA has had to adapt over the
years. Indeed, no body reaches their 25-year milestone without changing with
the times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But
let me put my cards on the table. I’m a former DIVA board member.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eOfTaKUbBolg0QU2RcOmK78BFiLZkFSY0AiScXLM7jcQgdWARhq3NsgSdikMgOs_trL-xorQ9Q7TUMk8x-_qDgbPIR0C0X9ZhRP4Sr3rKAVcCwPTJEFl7NZDIRDBg6WBpmXNYLbiarE/s1600/538350_10151184195655410_1788258485_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eOfTaKUbBolg0QU2RcOmK78BFiLZkFSY0AiScXLM7jcQgdWARhq3NsgSdikMgOs_trL-xorQ9Q7TUMk8x-_qDgbPIR0C0X9ZhRP4Sr3rKAVcCwPTJEFl7NZDIRDBg6WBpmXNYLbiarE/s320/538350_10151184195655410_1788258485_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Currently
DIVA hands out sixteen awards for excellence in various categories. Most of
these relate to production shows. The awards ceremony features a host of
one-off specially produced shows designed to showcase the current breath of
performers on the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Given
the rapidly changing nature of the drag scene, perhaps it’s time to review and
adjust DIVA for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Current
DIVA Chair Greg Steele said the board are planning to launch community
consultations after this year’s awards to how DIVA can adapt and change with
the times. Some of the current board members will be retiring and it will be a
good time to seek new volunteers from the drag community and their friends who
love the Sydney scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“At
the moment my small team and I are focused on planning an event for this
special anniversary, and later in the year we’ll begin a conversation about the
future,” Steele said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We
invite the whole showgirl community and their friends to come and join us for
this fabulous celebration.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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colleenwindsorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554338585460045046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2448173436531093685.post-3977102444247060672015-08-06T13:45:00.000+10:002015-09-11T13:43:17.692+10:00Madonna the second coming<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUB39UzU-EkTPViu-THVmrgIebcaJkz-Z_culrItiHi4G6VSKtFq0UAzuD57jrt2Sctps1hyphenhyphenSJbbz_MU__OG9U-Owy4AT95qqPlFV9BkOsJ4ieb7-o-urZ2R5t4DRTebM5yVIdgvcih4/s1600/madge1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUB39UzU-EkTPViu-THVmrgIebcaJkz-Z_culrItiHi4G6VSKtFq0UAzuD57jrt2Sctps1hyphenhyphenSJbbz_MU__OG9U-Owy4AT95qqPlFV9BkOsJ4ieb7-o-urZ2R5t4DRTebM5yVIdgvcih4/s320/madge1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The greatest showgirl the world has
ever seen is coming to town and for me it’s a dream coming true. Madonna has
supplied the music to my life since that first anthem ‘Holiday’ in 1983 through
all seventeen CDs sitting on my bookshelf. Thirteen studio albums nicely spaced
every few years and some of the best compilation albums you could ever wish
for.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recognised as the best-selling female
recording artist of all time by the Guinness Book of World Records with 300
million album sales; Madonna is bringing her <i>Rebel Heart World Tour</i> to Sydney in March next year and with my
Platinum ticket under my pillow its just 250 sleeps away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMjzeDImYbU-YRVk97KxJ9dY4rU2Zm8Gfl6CqWL-ZSLR4xI07UF4KEGA6tjCDhfg4CnapKSbwJrAwH3gJd7acfPpag5ZH-GXwurhDZFgBfr7ihI9qrzcUaIvs8lOdHWcyduP9z6sXtEg/s1600/The+Girlie+Show+Sydney+by+Alesagatto+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMjzeDImYbU-YRVk97KxJ9dY4rU2Zm8Gfl6CqWL-ZSLR4xI07UF4KEGA6tjCDhfg4CnapKSbwJrAwH3gJd7acfPpag5ZH-GXwurhDZFgBfr7ihI9qrzcUaIvs8lOdHWcyduP9z6sXtEg/s200/The+Girlie+Show+Sydney+by+Alesagatto+front.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We fans have been very patient for 23
years as the queen of pop bypassed Australia on all world tours since the 1993 <i>Girlie Show</i>, citing logistics and financial
reasons for the no show. The <i>Confessions</i>
tour in 2006 never made it because she had to get her kids back to school
(serious), <i>Sticky and Sweet</i> of 2008,
which is the biggest grossing tour of all time for a solo artist, never made it
due the global financial crisis. For <i>MDNA</i>
of 2013 Australian media suggested that stadiums had already been booked before
Madge dropped us again. After a fan backlash she belatedly played the parent
card again and said;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I know a lot of you are angry with
me, upset with me, disappointed … please forgive me, and know that when I do
come to Australia I will have made the wait worth your while, and I will put on
the greatest show on earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So halleluiah - no way could she
bypass us again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But we need to look at this in the
light that it’s all show biz and the biz part is all about making the sums work
– and for Madonna at this stage of her career it’s a big ask. And quite frankly
she has never forgotten 1993.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In 1993 Madonna was the biggest female
star in the world. She released <i>The
Immaculate Collection</i> in 1990 and it enjoyed a whopping 23 million sales
worldwide. This includes the two huge singles ‘Rescue Me’ and ‘Justify my Love’.
This was followed by the <i>Sex</i> book
which caused a huge stir and the release of <i>Erotica</i>
in 1992. <i>Erotica</i> only sold 5 million
copies worldwide but went three times platinum in Australia which in the scheme
of things was considered a good portion per-capita. It was on the back of this
that <i>The Girlie Show</i> was to come to
Australia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sydney went absolutely mad leading up
to her visit and we spoke of nothing else for weeks in readiness. On the night
of 19 November 1993 we headed off to the Sydney Cricket Ground as huge rain
clouds circled. The weather had been very wet in the week preceding the show
and the papers were full of copy about the precious cricket oval coping with
the wild Madonna fans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The 50,000 crowd went crazy as the
show began, but we soon realised we had almost no sound, the strong wind
blowing across the oval was wiping the sound out of the place. Only the people
in the expensive front seats and those in the cheapest at the very back of the
stands could hear anything. To top it off the stage had a long catwalk to a
satellite stage that was eight steps down from the main stage and when she and
the cast stepped down onto the catwalk we could only see from their shoulders
up – a total disaster. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A friend of mine had a week long love
affair with one of her dancers and when I was introduced to him at Gilligan’s,
a popular bar above the Oxford Hotel, a few nights later he told us Madonna was
furious after coming all this way that she got such a poor reception. But
sorry, really, after all the hype couldn’t see and couldn’t hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The <i>Rebel Heart</i> Tour will wipe all that from our memories as Madge
moves indoors and plays arenas all-round. The last hurdle to this dream is of
course the playlist? Madonna always builds her shows around the album du jour
with just a tad of back catalogue. Despite hitting No.1, <i>Rebel Heart</i> has been her lowest selling album to date, with none of
the singles so far, ‘Living For Love’, ‘Ghost Town’ or ‘Bitch I’m Madonna’,
denting the Australian chart. So after all these years dear showgirl – I want a
bit of everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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