MONTH IN A MINUTE.
He came in at about quarter-to-nine and the relationship that was made that night lasted from that moment on and it’s still going strong.” – Retired Australian High Court judge, Michael Kirby recalls how he met partner, Johan van Vloten at The Rex Hotel, one of Sydney’s few gay venues in 1969, on the occasion of their marriage in in February, exactly 50 years later.
QUEER-FREE The man in charge of tourism in Malaysia denies there are any gay men in his country. Mohammaddin Ketapi (pic) makes the bizarre claim at a travel conference in Germany, contradicting his government’s current “crackdown” on homosexuals, which has seen police raid gay bars.
HIV-HOPE: A London man living with HIV becomes the second person to be, seemingly, clear of the virus following bone marrow stem cell treatment. Doctors say he has been HIV-free since the procedure 18 months ago. Activists warn that it is not certain he is cured and that it is very early days in the fight to end HIV. The first man underwent similar treatment in Berlin a decade ago.
A STEP FORWARD? China surprises the world by accepting UN demands for it to protect its LGBT+ citizens. But it comes as news emerges that Chinese authorities are forcing media companies to blur out images of effeminate men on TV (pictured is one actor’s pierced ears, blurred) and censoring
LGBT+ language. China’s official translation of the Academy Awards changed the word “gay” to “special” in Rami Malek’s acceptance speech for Best Actor.
FEELING FAB Sydney will build a first-of-itskind health centre dedicated to the wellbeing of LGBT+ people. The government of New South Wales will contribute money to the project, being realised by health group ACON. It hopes to be open by the end of 2019.
STILETTO PROTEST: A group of Texas drag queens mount a glittery protest at the Mexico/US border against President Trump’s controversial plans to build a wall. It’s reported that the fabulous No Border Wall Drag Protest also fundraised for LGBT+ asylum seekers.
KYLIE-GRAS: Aussie pop princess, Kylie Minogue attends the Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney with her good chum, author Kathy Lette, fellow pop stars Jake Shears and The Veronicas, and drag star Courtney Act. The singer greets drag queens on the parade route wearing tributes to some of Kylie’s famous looks. Kylie does not perform at the after-party with Shears, as was rumoured.
FRIENEMIES? Feuding queer icons Madonna and Lady Gaga break the internet by posting a photo of themselves hanging out at an Oscars after-party. The pair are seen in an odd pose with Madonna seemingly ready to strangle Lady Gaga, sparking a debate about their newfound BFF status.
TELLY-HOTTY Gay hottie Ben J Pierce is revealed as the star of gender non-conforming drama Glamorous. The CW Network show says Pierce will play a queer teenager who explores the world of make-up and fashion.