Has Australia gone too far?  The Marriage Amendment Bill of 2004 was drawn up to ensure that same sex partnerships were not recognised legally as marriage in Australia.  This was to include those unions made in other countries outside of Australia that permitted such partnerships.  The Bill defines marriage as specific to man and woman and therefore discriminates against gay and lesbian relationships.  However, with the help of the GYC membership, perhaps this can be changed.

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As the summer winds on and despite over here in the UK, the sun seems to have abandoned us, the summer music festivals are still pushing the very best music on offer from across the globe.  Here at the GYC we are excited about arguably the best festival to champion the most diverse and exciting music whilst creating a truly eclectic atmosphere celebrating difference and all things cool.  Bestival is nearly upon us and there have been some recent additions to the already fantastic line up.

Bestival has become well known for its unique creativity, innovation and darned right cheekiness. The three day world of "utter escapism takes festival lovers into the realms of surreal adventure"  - Not only does Bestival stand out with its most brilliant array of bands, DJ’s and performances the festival is renowned for the eye-catching bespoke arenas and delectable designs of Josie da Bank that breathe magical life into every corner of the Bestival globe. 

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Homophobia, it is probably safe to say that the word conjures similar images of violence and aggression aimed towards gay and lesbian members of society.  If a news report mentions a homophobic crime, without paying too much attention, it is possible to construct a picture of, if not all, some of the details and at the very least the motivations behind such inexcusable hatred.  Obviously we are supposed to rest easier with the criminality of such activity and should be strengthened by the wise eye of the law aiming to prosecute the offenders.  However, for all of the media attention given to eradicating wider society's prejudices how safe do we feel?  How tough is it still to be gay in a small town, or a tough town, how dangerous is it to walk the streets at night after quitting a gay bar, getting on a bus, a train?  More interesting, what of the subtle homophobia of parents, friends, the press, media, the "liberal", the "modern", the "disinterested"?

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It was a warm, and humid spring day, and the lacrosse players were practising on the fields before school. Today was the day I was anticipating telling my friend that I was bisexual but more dominantly homosexual. I had problems with acceptance, within myself and others, so revealing this part of my self came from an inner desire to let someone see behind the mask I wore daily. Like Superman, I was hiding behind a disguise, and similarly to Superman, who was known to so many as only Clark Kent, I struggled with my dual identity.

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Even as I begin to write I am aware of how much I cannot praise The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros enough.  The film in its scope of narrative deftly handles its themes of identity and family whilst encouraging the audience to invest in the film’s central character, Maxi, portrayed with alarming clarity and true charm by Nathan Lopez.

The film at its best is a celebration of how difference does not need to be a limitation.  Maxi, from the beginning of the film, clearly has the support of his family despite his difference.  There is no question that Maxi wearing girls’ clothes and lip gloss makes him stand out on the streets of Sampaloc, Manila, yet his difference is celebrated.  Maxi is popular amongst his peers and his bright demeanour seems to enliven all those he comes into contact with!

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An increasing number of gay venues in UK cities are employing a ‘members and regulars’ door policy, meaning potentially that we may have to prove our gayness to step over the threshold into gay clubland.  At first glance, a strict gay door policy has its merits, perhaps even its necessity.  It is true that increasingly, hen nights pack out the dance floor and by letting all and sundry in to bars and clubs the relative safety of gay venues can be threatened.  However, when taking in the wider implications perhaps promoting such strict measures is unfavourable?

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