Mr Rudd wrote on his website’s blog earlier this evening that he had reversed his position.

Mr Rudd shared that a recent interaction with a christian political staffer who had come out as gay had convinced him to change his mind on the issue.

In the article Mr Rudd described himself as the ‘last of the Mohicans’ in his family on the issue and said that his children considered him an ‘unreconstructed dinosaur’ for not supporting marriage equality legislation.

Mr Rudd continued to say that one of his final concerns about same sex marriage was the welfare of children, but having read the many studies on the topic he was convinced that 30 years of research showed that children we not affected by same sex partnerships.

Read Mr Rudd’s blog post here.

OIP Staff

A teenager in the US has faced criminal charges as well as expulsion from her school following what is alleged to be a consented same-sex relationship between the teen and a fellow student.

Kaitlyn Hunt was 17 when she entered into a relationship with a 15 year old member of her basketball team, Hunt was shortly removed from the team for allegedly causing ‘drama’, explains Hunts father.

The parents of Hunt’s girlfriend went on to press charges, the teen was arrested for two counts of battery on a child aged 12-16 years following a phone conversation recorded between the couple by police.

Hunts parents spoke out to examiner.com about the case:

“[The parents] are out to destroy my daughter, because they feel like she ‘made’ their daughter gay”, said Hunts’ mother.

“They see being gay as wrong and they blame my daughter. Of course, I see it 100 percent differently. I don’t see or label these girls as gay.

“They are teenagers in high school experimenting with their sexuality – with mutual consent.

“And even if their daughter is gay, who cares? She is still their daughter.”

Hunt has been offered a plea deal of a year probation following two years house arrest.

Despite allegations that the teen’s sexuality plays a part in the convictions, the parents prosecuting insist that the law in their state would be the same for heterosexual couples.

Hunts family insist that her girlfriend consented in their relationship.

 Nadine Walker

Her song ‘Only Teardrops’ was the favourite to win the competition.

The song features DeForrest, who always performs barefoot, drummer boys and tin flutes.

The last time Denmark won the competition was in 2000 with ‘Fly on The Wings of Love’ by The Olsen Brothers.

Image: Dennis Stachel (EBU)

Hannah Gadsby at The Perth International Comedy Festival: Saturday May 18, 2013

Hannah Gadsby was tired. Sooo tired. Tired of people laughing at her behind her back. So she turned around and became a stand up comedian and is now the Captain of her own fridge. In her latest show – ‘Happiness is a Bedside Table’ – Hannah talks about how she has finally made it into adulthood at the tender age of thirty five.

Hannah has a remarkable way of relating her life’s journey from being a tortured teen, losing her innocence and confidence to a life changing moment, naked in a rip, where she began the long journey to a place where she can look at herself and laugh and make others fall to pieces in hysterics.

One of the most appealing things about her routine is that she very quietly sets up jokes that she pays off much later. For example why you never meet any nude bush walkers…

This is a show for anyone who has ever felt picked on, which lets face it, is everyone who isn’t a white middle aged heterosexual male.

If you’ve never seen Hannah in action then you’re missing out. She speaks with honesty and bravery and fully deserved the standing ovation she received!

Joey Cookman

The ceremony featured the traditional placing of candles to remember friends lost to AIDS, a philosophical reading and a live rendition of the song ‘That’s What Friend’s Are For’. A small crowd gathered for the event, a significant downturn from previous years.

The Western Australian section of the AIDS quilt was also on display, ending rumours that the important community artifact had been damaged.

Concern about the quilt had been raised by James Rendell, Vice President of People Living with HIV/AIDS WA. Appearing on the radio show ‘Rainbow Report’, which airs on Melbourne’s JOY 94.5, Mr Rendell suggested that the quilt had been damaged through neglect.

The quilt is looked after by the WA AIDS Council. Andrew Burry, CEO of the council, assured OUTinPerth last week the quilt had not been damaged.

OIP Staff

Over the last two nights thirty three European nations have performed in two heats. Only twenty nations progress to the final competition tonight. There they will be joined by six other competitors, Europe’s ‘big five’ who automatically qualify – England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany and the host nation Sweden.

Sweden won the competition last year with Loren’s song ‘Euphoria’ which went on to be a worldwide hit, including here in Australia where it reached number thirty six of the ARIA charts.

In the sixties and seventies Eurovision songs regularly became chart busters and the careers of performers like Cliff Richard, Bucks Fizz and ABBA owe some their success to the competition.

What to look out for tonight

Among the favourites to win are Anouk from the Netherlands with a tune about birds flying over rooftops, Denmark’s Emellie DeForrest who comes across a bit like Taylor Swift meeting a marching band and Hungary’s Bye Alex who are possibly the first hipsters in the competition.

For the last few years Ireland have been represented by the ridiculous duo Jedward, sadly there not here this year but their support act Ryan Dolan will be presenting his tune ‘Only Love Survives’ which comes with hot shirtless tattooed drummers.

One of the most unique acts in the running is Romania’s Cezar who is an opera singing, stilt wearing and gothic themed techno act.

The queerest competitor is Finland’s Krista Siegfrids; whose song ‘Marry Me’ features a surprising same sex kiss at the end. In response Turkish television has dropped the broadcast of the Eurovision finale.

What Acts To Mourn

Sadly some of the most interesting acts in the two semi-finals failed to make it through. So when you tune in tonight you won’t get to see,

Slovenia’s Hannah who had a very tacky dance tune with ‘Straight into Love’, but three quite good looking backing dancers eased the pain. The Croatian entry Klapa s mora which was like the five tenors singing a folk tune, Montenegro’s hip hop astronauts and dub-step dance number (pictured) – so bad, it was good. Serbia’s crazily dressed trio of girls also failed to make the cut.

On the second night, Latvia’s PeR were dropped, their silver jumpsuits, boing-boing dance moves and stage dives failed to impress the voting public. San Marino’s Kate Bush inspired number from Valentina didn’t make the grade, much to the disappointment of SBS host Julia Zameiro, and thankfully Macedonia’s techno Gypsy Queen Esma was also left behind.

The Eurovision Finale airs on SBS from 7:30pm

Image: Denis Satchel (EBU)

Placed in the middle of Forrest Place, volunteers danced around to ‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin, waving around rainbow flags whilst wearing shirts to promote IDAHOT.

Originally known as IDAHO, discrimination against transphobia has recently been added to the title, IDAHOT is an internationally known day which highlights discrimination towards the queer community. It marks the day the World Health Organisation removed the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder, this alteration was made on May 17 1990.

Nadine Walker

Within seconds though the news was out via Twitter and a YouTube video that the band would be embarking on a massive stadium tour in 2014. The first series of dates are for Ireland, the United Kingdom and South America. The band has also promised more dates and countries will be added.

The band have already sold out an Australian Tour in September that will hit Perth on September 28 & 29. Fans of the band will be eagerly looking to see if the new tour will include an additional Australian leg.

OIP Staff

The show tunes fade and we’re greeted with a nasally self introduction and an apology that the role of Joel Creasey will indeed be played by… Joel Creasey.  Bounding on stage the 22 year old Perth boy opens with a self devised musical number and it’s clear: Joel is The Drama Captain. For 60 minutes we enter into his world filled with Bonnie Tyler, Meryl Streep, alcoholic parenting, a stoned teacher, homophobic casting directors, a broken relationship and some terrible singing thrown in for comedic measure.

Creasey is notably more relatable this time round, calling upon his innate story-telling talents to share his retrospective experiences. During the detailed recollection of his break-up, it’s easy for anyone who has had their heart broken to fall pray to empathy but don’t expect to feel sorry for Creasey… he’s moved on (with the help of a family feast of KFC) and all bar its tragic end, explains he has no regrets towards his past relationship.

With his adorable good-looks, campness and acid tongue, Creasey is well worth seeing.

Running from the 15^th to 18^th of May at the Jack High Room, Mount Lawley, the nearly sold out show still has a few tickets available so get in quick!

For what’s on at the Perth International Comedy Festival check the OUTinPerth Events Calendar or visit the official page here.

Ryan Boldison

Check out:

• OUTinPerth’s Twitter Chat With Joel Creasey.
• Joel Creasey gets NAKED!
• The World According to Joel Creasey.

Visiting the St Stephen’s Uniting Church on May 22, former Bishop Gene Robinson will join forces with Paddington Uniting Church and NSW’s Parliament’s cross party to discuss marriage equality.

Robinson stands as the first openly gay man in a relationship to be consecrated as a bishop, during his 40 years in this position he campaigned rigorously for gay rights, HIV/AIDS education as well as anti-racism and women’s rights surrounding abortion.  

The former bishop came out in 1986, divorcing his wife; he then went on to marry his partner of 19 years in 2008.

The documentary ‘Love Free or Die’ will be screening during Robinson’s visit, it entails the former Bishops struggle with homosexuality and religion.

The event is set to be hosted by Rev. Ben Gilmour, who became Australia’s first openly gay church leader for the Paddington Uniting Church in 2011.

Nadine Walker

‘Robots Vs Art’ opened at The Blue Room last night. We headed down to the rehearsal room last week and tested actor Damon Lockwood to see if he knew more about robots or art.

When robots have taken over the world and mankind is an endangered species it’s up to theatre director Giles to teach them how to feel. Find out more about the show at The Blue Room.

‘Robots vs Art’ is at The Blue Room in Northbridge from May 14 to June 1, 8:30pm.

Gentlemen

We’ll admit we paid no attention at all ‘Gentleman’ Psy’s follow up to ‘Gangdam Style’. But now (thanks to our friend Ry Wri) we’ve discovered the internet phenomenon of hot boys gyrating to the tune. Probably NSFW.

Syd Tha Kyd

Check out this interview from Brooklyn Martino with Syd Tha Kyd from Odd Futures and The Internet. Syd reveals the Internet have a new album on the way called ‘Feel Good’ an she’s set up a studio with Teena Marie’s Daughter Alia Rose.

Pop Songs in the Locker Room

Sebastian Castro is from America but has made it big in South East Asia, particularly in The Philippines. His tune ‘Bubble’ has possibly the worst lyrics ever, but it did remind us of Jonny McGovern’s song ‘Soccer Practice’ from years ago. Probably NSFW either.

Super Bass

This sign language version of ‘Super Bass’ is a lot of fun. Would somebody please learn this and perform it at Club West! Our other favourite version of Nicki Minaj’s tune is the lovely acoustic take by Jay Brannan.

How are rehearsals going? Rehearsals are going great, we’re getting into solid runs now, and it’s getting closer and clearer every time. Working with Adam is great, it’s a really great environment to be playing in, and with the cast he’s assembled it’s been fantastic.

You play Harold ‘Happy’ Loman, what makes you happy? Laughter makes me happy. A character like Happy Loman is always trying to make the most of every situation, being optimistic and having a Plan B every step of the way… He really lives in the moment, and I try to do that as much as I can too. What makes me happiest though is spending time with family and it ends with a few drinks.

Have you ever had a job as a salesman? Haha, I still do! I work in a call centre selling wine… It’s hilarious, there’s a real strategy to it, and funnily enough nowadays personality isn’t as important as it used to be, but it certainly helps. It helps with the character of Happy, and gives me more of an insight into this cut throat selling world the Loman’s are a part of.

Which role are you dying to perform in the future? There are lots I want to play, but I won’t be this age for ever, so the most important roles I’d like to play are the ones I won’t be able to play in ten years, due to my age. So someone like Benjamin Braddock from The Graduate would be right up there.

Death of a Salesman is at the Heath Ledger Theatre at the State Theatre Centre from May 4 – 25. Tickets available here.  

Fresh from his successful ABC2 TV series ‘Please Like Me’ Josh has an all new show.

Last year Josh went overseas and made a weird choice that he’s pretty sure only bad people make.

Don’t miss this show at The Octagon Theatre for four nights from June 20-23.

Bob Downe (aka Mark Trevorrow) wasted no time in firing up his appreciative crowd with the ‘Mother’ of all shows on Mother’s Day last night at the Astor Theatre.

The air was almost palpable as the countdown began for the 7.30pm start. Some latecomers rushed to their seats, best they find them in the dark than have the wroth of Bob unleash his displeasure. Alas, there was no need to panic as this Master of Mirth had the audience right where he wanted them, in the dark; we were all just putty in his hands.

The 90 minute show was total class from the first tick of the pendulum until the last stroke at 9pm. Wearing what I would best describe as an unwanted fur ball from next door’s ‘moggy’ cat Chloe, although Bob lovingly referred to it as Butterick Pattern 138-1, the fluoro orange collar on the grey woolen jump suit looked like radioactive yellow cake, bedazzling yet never understated. This was classic 70s camp fashion. A true badge of honour that only the true ‘poofs’ could get away with, as no one else dared. They were a more elite tribe and this is reflected and centered in most of his material.

Daggy dancing numbers were meshed with classic 70s hits styled with new twists, Bob style. With a rubbery, expressive face and a stick-insect body to match the seasoned comic’s timing was a gem to watch and a lesson to any budding young comics in the audience, in fact Joel Creasey clearly enjoyed watching the Master at his craft, although was a butt of Bob’s nephew joke, in a loving way of course. The ‘rellies’ all got a mention, Aunty Bev, Mark Downe (retail) Ida Downe (Mum) Neil Downe (brother) and Di Downe (lesbian nurse sister) with family anecdotes taking the material in another direction.

Gay marriage, Julie Bishop and her infamous stare, Gina Rinehart, and a host of other Perthonalities got a rubbing but one of the best gags of the night was when Bob announced that he sweating ‘like a glass blower’s arse’ under the woollen jumpsuit and synthetic blond wig.

Ably assisted in his strip to another 70s ensemble by a member of the audience in the front row, Bob had the audience in stitches, completely ad lib and free-wheeling. He was on a roll. Sing-along’s with the audience to timeless hits like ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head’ and ‘Sleepy Jean’, added another dimension.

We were not only witnessing a true homemade comic genius, but we were all now lifelong fans of the phenomenon that is Bob Downe. This show I believe would have to be the most entertaining and engaging show so far this year. A true feel-good experience!

Terry Larder

Yashere’s effusive stage presence instantly warmed up the modest-sized audience, half of whom were still wringing out their underwear from our recent monsoon.We immediately knew where all the expats and Londoners were in the audience (they were everywhere), and Yashere echo-located all the black people, thrilled to find some actually existing in Perth.

With bulls eye timing and agreeably rude gesticulations, her commentary on race and racism, family roots and obsessive compulsive order drew laughter like water from a well. Yashere’sl oud, wild outbursts were irresistibly madcap, making you feel half like Tomic’s tennis partner and half as if someone was letting you in on their hilarious secret, via megaphone.

Gina Yashere lays a second show on Saturday 11th May at 9:45pm at the Perth International Comedy Festival.

Carmen Reilly