Newsletter - August 2019

View this email in your browser Protest Religious Exemptions Bill: No right to discriminate! Saturday 3 August 2019, 1pm Taylor Square Under current Australian law, religious schools, hospitals and aged-care facilities have the right to fire staff and expel students on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity and marital status. A YouGov Galaxy Poll in October 2018 found that around 80% of people oppose the right of religious schools to expel LGBTI students or sack LGBTI teachers. Despite huge support for LGBTI rights, including amongst religious Australians, the Liberal government wants to further entrench and broaden discrimination in a so-called ‘Religious Freedoms’ Bill. We will be joining the protest on Saturday August 3 with the 78ers banner. Newcastle Pride 17-26 August Newcastle Pride is presenting the second annual Pride Fair Day on Saturday August 24, 11am-6pm at Newcastle Foreshore Park, Carriage Sheds, Wharf Road, Newcastle East. Over 7,000 people attended the inaugural Fair Day in 2018 with an atmosphere filled with energy, love, community and diversity. With loads of retail and community stalls, food vendors’ the Sea of Hearts installation and non-stop centre-stage entertainment, this year promises to again be memorable event. See https://newcastlepride.com.au/events/ for other Pride events, including the Serving In Silence Exhibition and Not Silenced Forum. A few First Mardi Gras Inc. members will be at Fair Day, email info@78ers.org.au to meet up. Tamworth Pride 6 October 78er Robert (Bob) Harvey is one of the organisers of the inaugural Tamworth Pride to be held on Sunday 6 October 2019. The team are planning a march leading to Fair Day (in Bicentennial Park) and afternoon events – including live entertainment, games, competitions, amusements, and information and food stalls. If you want to hire a stall at Fair Day, contribute to organising Tamworth Pride or march with the 78ers contact Bob Harvey on bobharvey69@icloud.com   From left: Bob Harvey, Greg Reading and Barry Charles at the 2019 Mardi Gras Parade. Photo courtesy of Greg Reading. WorldPride NYC June 2019 Marking 50 years since the Stonewall uprising, New York City hosted 2019 WorldPride. On Sunday 30 June, about 25 78ers, with partners, family and friends led the 200-strong Sydney contingent in the march. It was huge and went for 12 hours with 100,000 marchers and 3.5 million spectators! There were many other events, including a Human Rights Conference, exhibitions, Governor’s reception and star-studded opening and closing ceremonies. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras sponsored Maurice Goldberg and Matthew Aberline's Live 4 Love installation at the Oculus building and blow-up sections were carried in the march.   78ers leading the Sydney contingent in the World Pride march in New York. Photo: Matt Akerston. London Pride July 2019 On Saturday 6 July, a small but enthusiastic group, organised by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, marched in London Pride. Marchers included 78ers, Mardi Gras Board members and volunteers and Aussies living in London. The contingent featured sections of the Live 4 Love installation and banners promoting Mardi Gras’ bid to host 2023 WorldPride in Sydney.   London Pride Sydney contingent. Photo: William Brougham.   Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – Bid for 2023 WorldPride in Sydney WorldPride is the largest gathering of LGBTQI communities globally, and is held every two years in a host city. If Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is successful in its pitch to InterPride – the international association of pride organisations that decides the location – it will be the first time WorldPride is held in the Southern Hemisphere. 2023 is the 45thanniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and the 50th anniversary of the first nationally coordinated LGBTIQ demonstrations in Australia.  WorldPride 2023 would include major events (in addition to the Mardi Gras season's usual events) such as an 80,000-person daytime pride march, an international LGBTQI human rights conference and a Bondi Beach concert for 30,000 people. The bid’s outcome will be decided by InterPride member organisations at the AGM in Athens in October 2019. Mardi Gras Board Member and 78er Robyn Kennedy is part of the committee leading the bid process and will be speaking about the bid at the next First Mardi Gras Inc. General Meeting on Saturday 7 September, 2019. The next First Mardi Gras Inc. General Meeting is being held on Saturday 7 September, 2 - 4pm at East Sydney Arts and Community Centre, corner Burton and Palmer Streets Darlinghurst. Social Dinner Tuesday 27 August Our Social Dinners have been in hiatus over the winter months but we are planning a dinner on Tuesday 27 August at 6.30pm at Paddo RSL, 220 Oxford St Paddington. To join us, contact Rebbell Barnes on rebbellabarnes@gmail.com or just turn up. Did you know 78ers are eligible for Lifetime Membership of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras with no membership fees? SGLMG opens applications for Lifetime Membership each year around July/August, with the applicatons approved at the SGLMG AGM later in the year.   Keep an eye out for the applications to open or email 78ers@mardigrasarts.org.au to find out more details. Paper Tigers Exhibition: posters from the long 70s The National Art School Gallery in Darlinghurst is holding this exhibition from 30 August to 12 October. The exhibition examines the dynamic, street-level convergence of cultural activity and social activism reflected in Sydney's mostly hand-printed posters of the late 60s, 70s and early 80s (the long 70s).  The 1970s was an important time of out and loud gay and lesbian activism in Sydney and this story is told in the exhibition. The Sydney Bi+ Network is a recently formed grassroots organisation dedicated to improving the wellbeing of bisexual/pansexual/multi-gender attracted people across Sydney. On 22 September at 2pm they will be hosting an event at Redfern Town Hall called BiLines – a storytelling event followed by a panel discussion. Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/610000086154899/ If you are interested please contact the Sydney Bi+ Network: Email: syd.bi.network@gmail.com  Website: sydneybiplusnetwork.org

Newsletter - May 2019

View this email in your browser 35th Anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform in NSW 8 June, 2019 marks the 35th anniversary of the NSW Parliament passing a bill for Homosexual Law Reform. The Community owes a great debt to the men and women from Gay Rights Lobby, Gay Solidarity Group, CAMP's Political Action Committee, and other groups who worked tirelessly from the late 1970's and into the mid 1980's to keep the issue alive and force reform. Pride History Group is holding a forum to mark the anniversary with speakers including Robert French. 6.30pm, Tuesday 11 June  at UTS. Contact secretary@pridehistory.org.au for more information. (L-R) Robert Johnston, Garry Wotherspoon, Murray McLachlan, Antony Green, Robert French, Barry Charles, Terry Batterham, John Witte (front). Photo: Paul Harris 4th Tuesday Dinner 28 May 2019 Our next First Mardi Gras social dinner will be at the AB Hotel, 225 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe at 6.30pm on Tuesday 28 May. To join us, contact Rebbell Barnes on rebbellabarnes@gmail.com or just turn up. Social dinners will be at a different venue on the 4th Tuesday of each month The next First Mardi Gras Inc. General Meeting is being held on Saturday 25 May, 2 - 4pm at East Sydney Arts and Community Centre, corner Burton and Palmer Streets Darlinghurst. Look out for screening of the restored copy of Digby Duncan’s movie Witches & Faggots, Dykes & Poofters at the Golden Age Cinema (Commonwealth St, Surry Hills) on Sunday June 23rd at 3pm with drinks to follow. Tickets from https://www.ourgoldenage.com.au/film/witches-and-faggots Book Launch and Forum - Friday 24 May 6-8pm The Children of Harvey Milk: How LGBTQ Politicians Changed the World NSW Parliament House Theatrette, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney.  RSVP through eventbrite here (free event hosted by Twenty10 inc GLCS NSW) Saturday June 29, 3-6pm Celebrating Stonewall: The struggle then and now Speakers include April Holcombe, Ken Davis and Elytta Manton (aka "Lilly from Lismore") Hosted by Community Action Against Homophobia at the University of Sydney - see Facebook event here for more info. Tribute to Ron Austin During the Sydney City Council Meeting on May 13th, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore moved a motion of tribute to Ron Austin and observed a minute of silence to mark his life and his outstanding contribution to LGBTIQ activism in Australia. The official item from the Council meeting can be opened here, or read here in QNews On April 30 a ‘tekes’ (Hebrew for 'ceremony') was held at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Holocaust Memorial in Green Park Darlinghurst. A number of 78ers joined the remembrance of the many LGBTIQ victims of the Nazi regime, as well as the millions who, in the years since, have been forced to hide their sexuality and/or gender identity for fear of persecution.  Did you know 78ers are eligible for Lifetime Membership of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras with no membership fees? SGLMG opens applications for Lifetime Membership each year around July/August, with the applicatons approved at the SGLMG AGM later in the year.   Keep an eye out for the applications to open or email 78ers@mardigrasarts.org.au to find out more details. Flu Vax Influenza is a very contagious infection of the airways. It is especially serious for people more than 65 years old. The influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for people aged 65 years and over, and those with at-risk medical conditions. As the influenza virus strains change every year and the vaccine changes every year to match these strains, it is important for people to get the vaccine every year. By getting vaccinated against influenza, you can also help protect other people, especially those who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated. Visit the influenza immunisation service page or see your GP for information on receiving the influenza vaccine.

Newsletter - April 2019

View this email in your browser Vale Ron Austin Sadly, long-time LGBTI activist and 78er Ron Austin passed away on the morning of 13 April 2019. Ron was an early member of CAMP Inc., especially of the Political Action Committee.  Ron recognised the need to involve non-political LGBTI people in the campaign for equality. He didn’t think a standard morning demonstration would do it - so he suggested that we have an evening street party which became the first Mardi Gras. Ron was later an active and wise voice in the Pride History Group. Ron celebrated his 90th birthday on 10 March 2019 with family and friends. Robert French, John Witte and other activists joined the celebration along with Josh Quong Tart, who played Ron in the ABCTV film, RIOT!   John Witte, Ron Austin and Robert French at Ron’s 90th birthday party 10 March 2019 Robert French said: "Despite his years, Ron was bright and chirpy, and expressed thanks for all the good wishes sent to him." Robyn Kennedy, who served on the CAMP Executive Committee with Ron said: "Ron was widely read in feminist literature and would often quote feminist writers. He dressed flamboyantly when he felt like it and had a lovely sense of humour. Ron was a gentle, kind man." A memorial service and wake, a rainbow day, for Ron is being held on 24 April 2019 at Camperdown Commons (31A Mallet Street, Camperdown), starting at 11am to 2pm.  Please contact Garry Long for catering purposes if you plan on attending - 0458 602 355  All images of Ron by Robert French Hay Mardi Gras 30 March First Mardi Gras Inc. members Helen Gollan and Diane Minnis traveled to Hay to participate in the second Hay Mardi Gras along with Helen’s partner, Virginia Mansell Lees.   We were honoured to march right behind the Indigenous Elders who led the parade. There was a great rollup of around 200 colourful parade participants, both marching and on floats. Left side of banner: Helen Gollan, Centre: Virginia Mansell Lees, Right side of banner: Diane Minnis with helpers from Hay and Leeton. Peter de Waal – Lifetime Achievement Award Long-term LGBTIQ activist and 78er Peter de Waal won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras awards on 28 March 2019. Lifelong gay activists Peter De Waal and his late partner Peter Bonsall-Boone have been regular attendees and strong supporters of Mardi Gras over many decades. Now in his ‘80s, his voice was as strong as ever during the 40th anniversary last year and continues fearlessly now.  Peter used his speech to highlight the plight of LGBTIQ people overseas and especially refugees from countries where our community is under threat. Congratulations Peter! Photo: William Brougham Robyn Kennedy (left) and Diane Minnis (right) congratulating Peter de Waal on his award. Photo: Anne Morphett. Next First Mardi Gras Inc. General Meeting – Saturday 25 May, 2 - 4pm at East Sydney Arts and Community Centre, corner Burton and Palmer Streets Darlinghurst. Social Dinner Tuesday 23 April 2019 We had a good night at our first Social Dinner in March and our next dinner will be at the Paddington RSL, 226 Oxford St Paddington, at 6.30pm on Tuesday 23 April. To join us, contact Rebbell Barnes on rebbellabarnes@gmail.com Spanish Film Festival – 2-for-1 Tickets To celebrate LGBTQ stories on the big screen, the Spanish Film Festival has provided us with five ‘2-for-1’ tickets to give away to their LGBTQ films. These include the amazing Gypsy love story: Carmen y Lola, the thrilling Argentinian film: The Quietude and the super realistic Guatemalan feature: Tremors. The festival kicks off this week in Sydney and then travels to Melbourne, Byron Bay, Perth and other capitals. For more information on screening dates check out: www.spanishfilmfestival.com Three ‘2-for-1’ tickets are available for the Sydney screenings and two for sessions in other locations. If you are interested in seeing these films at the Spanish Film Festival and will use these ‘2-for-1’ tickets, please email info@78ers.org.au with your name and address.

Hay Mardi Gras - March 30 2019

The 78ers were honoured to march in the Hay Mardi Gras right behind the Indigenous Elders who led the parade. There was a great turnout of around 200 colourful parade participants, both marching and on floats, and much fun was had by all. We look forward to attending again next year.

Photo supplied by Diane Minnis.

Newsletter - March 2019

First Mardi Gras Inc. Newsletter March 2019 Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras - 8-9 March Karl Zlotkowski, Helen Gollan, and her partner Virginia Mansel Lees from First Mardi Gras Inc. travelled to Wagga Wagga to march in the first Mardi Gras ever held there.  78ers Steve Warren, Ian Sutherland and Ian's partner joined us to march with the Fearless banner provided by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Our group chanted all through the Parade and Out of the Bars and into the Streets got a roar of approval as we marched past the Union Hotel. Helen Gollan was later interviewed by WIN TV. It was great to see a big roll-up for the first Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras and we enjoyed mixing with locals and other visitors after the Parade.    Social Dinner - Tuesday 26 March The first of our Social Dinners will be held next Tuesday March 26 at the Royal Hotel, 370 Abercrombie St Darlington. The Royal has $10 steaks and plenty of other menu items.To join us, contact Rebbell Barnes on rebbellabarnes@gmail.com  L-R: Sandra Gobbo, Bill Ashton, Rebbell Barnes. Photo: Gary Case. Hay Mardi Gras - 29-31 March A few of us are also heading to Hay Mardi Gras, with the Fearless banner. The Street Parade is from 1pm on Saturday 30 March.  If you would like to join our 78ers contingent, let Diane Minnis know ondminnis@bigpond.net.au Next First Mardi Gras Inc. General Meeting - Saturday 25 May, 2-4pm at East Sydney Arts and Community Centre, corner Burton and Palmer Streets Darlinghurst. L-R: Betty Hounslow, Ken Davis, Mitchell Skipsey, Tina Dixson and MC Garry Wotherspoon. Salon78: Rainbow Immigration and Refugees Forum - 10 February   Speakers at our forum discussed lessons from past campaigns and how we can help LGBTIQ people with an Asylum Seeker or Refugee background. Betty Hounslow - the genesis of recognition of gay/lesbian relationships in our immigration laws in the 1980s-90s Ken Davis - a global overview on the factors affecting LGBTIQ Refugees overseas Mitchell Skipsey - questions LGBTIQ people with an Asylum Seeker or Refugee background are asked and their rights under the law Tina Dixson -  factors impacting LGBTIQ people with an Asylum Seeker or Refugee background in Australia. The event was recorded and available to view by clicking here, thanks to William Brougham. Photo: Diane Minnis. Trivia Night - 20 February The Trivia Night, back by popular demand, was hosted this year by the fabulous Bonnie Bocamp and Alisar Gazal. Teams had a lot of fun and competed for prizes including a Young Henry's brewery tour. We again had generous raffle prize donations from the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Museum, Dendy Cinema and Art Gallery of NSW.   Photo: Diane Minnis.   Reunion 41 - 27 February This event bought together 78ers, their partners and friends for a pre-Mardi Gras catch-up, raffles and lucky door prizes. Mother Inferior of the Order of Perpetual Indulgence and David Abello serenaded us. A video of Mother Inferior's song was recorded by William Brougham and can be viewed on our website, along with the songsheet by clicking here. Top Mother Inferior, Lance Day and Kath Burns; lower L-R: Karl Zlotkowski and Helen Gollan; Sue Fletcher, Phoenix Rye and Gay Egg. L-R: Anne Morphett, Robyn Kennedy and Betty Hounslow; Garry Wotherspoon and Jim Anderson. Reunion 41 photos by Rebbell Barnes.

Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras - March 9 2019

A contingent of 78ers traveled to Wagga Wagga to attend the inaugural Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras in March, an event that aims to raise the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex communities in the Riverina.

It was great to see a big roll-up for the event and we enjoyed mixing with locals and other visitors supporting the region after the Parade. Look out for us at the end of the month as we head to the Hay Mardi Gras, part of the Rainbow on the Plains Festival 29-31 March!

Photos from: https://www.facebook.com/waggamardigras

Mardi Gras Shorts

The '78ers are the valiant group people who gathered at Taylor Square on a Saturday in June 1978 to march down Oxford street at a time when homosexuality was still a criminal act. As you'll see, more than four decades later they've lost none of their fearless spirit!

(Video by William Brougham)

Video from https://www.instagram.com/sydneymardigras/

Happy Mardi Gras!

The 78ers had a great time in the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday March 2nd, 2019!

Thanks to Robert French for the first photo below, and William Brougham for all the other photos below.

Pre-Mardi Gras with staff at BBC Studios

BBC Studios Australia & New Zealand hosted 78er Kate Rowe who talked with staff about queer history and the relevance of Mardi Gras in context of the world today.

JOY 94.9 Interview with Kate Rowe

JOY 94.9 is an LGBTI volunteer-based Melbourne (and online) community radio station committed to providing a voice for the diverse LGBTI communities, enabling freedom of expression, the breaking down of isolation and the celebration of our culture, achievements and pride.

On the eve of the 41st annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, we look back on the origins of the now world-famous Sydney LGBTI pride extravaganza, as a series of gay rights marches by a brave group of activists, ending in arrests, shaming and unemployment.

Kate Rowe was one of the activists involved in the events of 1978, now proudly referred to as “The 78ers“, and she joins us to recount those events, explain why Mardi Gras is still important today, and what the theme of this year’s event– “Fearless” –means to her.

Click here to listen to the podcast of the interview with 78er Kate Rowe on joy.org.au

Mother Inferior Sings

Many thanks to William Brougham for the video of Mother Inferior’s song. Mother Inferior’s songsheet is provided below so those at home can sing along.

Mother Inferior (aka Fabian LoSchiavo) sings 'Song for 78ers' with the Mardi Gras 78ers last night at their event at the Colombian Hotel to mark the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

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Photos from Reunion 41

Thanks to Rebbell Barnes and William Brougham for the photos taken at Reunion 41

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Fair Day 2019: Meet the 78ers

Sydney turned on the sunshine for Fair Day 2019 (Sunday Feb 17) and the 78ers spent the day meeting and talking with friends - both new and old.

Mardi Gras 78er Kate Rowe addresses the 2019 Fair Day in Sydney's Victoria Park as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebrations and commemorations.

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Thanks to William Brougham for the video and some of the photos. Other photos by Steve Mclaren, Rebbell Barnes, Sandra Gobbo.

Photos & Video from Rainbow Immigration and Refugee forum

Good roll up and enthusiastic response to our wonderful speakers at yesterday’s forum Salon78: Rainbow Immigration and Refugees.

Thanks to speakers Betty Hounslow, Ken Davis, Mitchell Skipsey and Tina Dixson and chair Garry Wotherspoon. And thanks to attendees including those from the Asylum Seekers Centre, Amnesty International, Teachers for Refugees and the STARTTS Program.

The event was recorded and is available to view in full on YouTube by clicking here, or is included below. Thanks to William Brougham for the video.

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The Gay and Lesbian Immigration Task Force, in which some 78ers were key movers in the 1980s, assisted overseas partners of LGBTIQ Australians to migrate here. Speakers include Betty Hounslow, Ken Davis, Mitchell Skipsey and Tina Dixson. Today, our community is outraged by the plight of LGBTIQ refugees and people seeking asylum.

(Video by William Brougham)

78ers Reunion 41

Reunion 41 will be held at the Colombian Hotel again on Wednesday 27th February, 5.00pm-8.00pm, with a special blessing by Mother Inferior. All 78ers and partners or guests are welcome to attend.

In 2018, First Mardi Gras held a special pre-Mardi Gras Parade 40th Anniversary event for 78ers and guests. This get together, Reunion 41, is on again this year. All 78ers and partners or guests are welcome to attend.

If you are joining us for Reunion 41, please RSVP to info@78ers.org.au for catering purposes.

If you require lift access, please email us with an approximate time of arrival.

The 78ers Parade T-shirt will be available to pick up at Reunion 41. Otherwise, it will be available at the 78ers Parade assembly area.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

Salon78: Rainbow Immigration and Refugees

The Gay and Lesbian Immigration Task Force, in which some 78ers were key movers in the 1980s, assists overseas partners of LGBTIQ Australians to migrate here.

Today, 78ers are outraged by the plight of LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers.

Come along on Sunday February 10, 2019 to Salon78 presents Rainbow Immigration and Refugees and hear about services and campaigns to support these vulnerable members of our community.

Free event.

Newsletter #5 - December 2018

Read the 5th edition of the First Mardi Gras Inc newsletter here

Video of Salon78 - Out and Loud, the Gay Liberation Quire

Salon 78 presents Out and Loud - The Gay Liberation Quire (1981 - 1987) at the Beresford in Sydney. The event took place on the 9th of December 2018 and was organised by First Mardi Gras Inc. This video presents an afternoon of performance and reminiscence with members of the original Gay Liberation Quire.

The Gay Liberation Quire (1981-87) reformed for one afternoon in December 2018 and performed a number of songs including 'Thank You Lord For Gay Liberation'. The event was hosted by First Mardi Gras Inc and took place at the Beresford in Sydney. #GayLiberationQuire #BeresfordSundays #FirstMardiGrasInc

Thanks to William Brougham for both these videos of the event.

New guide to resources and services for older LGBTQI communities

Thanks to Garry Wotherspoon for putting this collection together for us to add to the First Mardi Gras Website.

Event: 9 December 2018 - Salon78 presents out and loud by First Mardi Gras Inc.