News

Drug Trends - The Changing Face Of Addiction

Whether we like it or not, many people in our community are touched by substance abuse. One of the major obstacles in tackling these issues is the fact that trends and patterns in drug use are constantly changing.

Drugs such as crystal meth and ecstasy are allegedly becoming harder to procure. A recent spate of police raids on meth labs in and around the Perth metro area is said to be partly responsible. (more…)

Artist Aiming For The Archibald

Local artist, Carl Gopal has entered a portrait of Perth MLA John Hyde into this year’s Archibald Prize.

The Archibald is seen as Australia’s most prestigious award for portraiture and entries need to depict a person distinguished in art, letters, science or politics.

According to Gopal, John Hyde was the ideal subject for his portrait as he is not only an openly gay politician but has a strong background in the arts- a mélange often explored in Gopal’s work. (more…)

France In Trans World First

Last month France became the first country to officially remove transsexuality from classification as a long term psychiatric mental illness, recognising it instead as medical disorder.

French Health Minister, Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin announced the move to de-list gender dysphoria as a mental illness in the lead up to the International Day of Action Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) on May 17, 2009. (more…)

Downe And Out In WA

Fresh from the festivities of Mardi Gras, Bob Downe is grooving his way over to WA for this month’s Club West cabaret show.

After attending 25 parades and eight stints hosting the television coverage Downe has become an integral part of the annual Mardi Gras.

‘Well, it’s certainly a wild and crazy gig, that’s for sure!’ he told OUTinPerth. (more…)

Local Boys Claim Mardi Gras Prize

WA filmmakers Nathan Keene and Will Faulkner walked off with the top prize in this year’s Mardi Gras Film Festival’s short film competition, My Queer Career.

Keene and Faulkners’ film, Disarm, beat 7 other finalists to walk away with the $3000 prize money, and automatic entry into the prestigious international Iris Prize Festival based in Cardiff, Wales, the UK’s biggest film festival. (more…)

Surrogacy Granted To Queensland Same-Sex Couples

Queensland has joined most of the nation in allowing altruistic surrogacy however those seeking a commercial surrogacy, even overseas, still face criminal prosecution.

It took 17 hours of Parliamentary debate for the legislation to be passed, which allowed heterosexual and same-sex couples, as well as single parents to seek a surrogate birth.

Shadow Attorney General Lawrence Springborg led the debate for the Liberal National Party, which was opposed to same sex couples and single parents becoming intended parents, as well as opposing the issuing of birth certificates in which two women were named as parents. (more…)

Kenyan Government ‘Silent’ On HIV Clinic Attacks

HIV clinics in remote Kenya and their staff are under threat from mounting violence against suspected homosexuals.

Vigilante attacks in the coastal town of Mtwapa, near Mobasa, last month were incited by religious leaders, according to Human Rights Watch.

Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya and is punishable by up to 14 years jail.

The organisation reported that on February 12, an armed mob of up to 300 people surrounded the Kenya Medical Research Institute - a government center that provides HIV/AIDS services to the community - until a staff worker and another man inside were taken into police custody. (more…)

Local News Briefs - February

SUNDOWNER GOES UNIVERSAL
The Pride Women’s Sundowner has found a new permanent home. After the closure of Vulture’s restaurant in December last year the monthly event has been held at various venues. Organisers say they are thrilled about the move to Universal Bar on William Street in Northbridge, next door to Grapeskin Bar, where the event first started. An upstairs private bar area with access to a balcony will be set aside for the sundowner, to be held on Wednesday March 10 from 6.30pm. (more…)

National News Briefs - February

Missing In Gay Marriage Action
Openly gay Labor senators Louise Pratt and Penny Wong were among 26 senators to miss the vote on same-sex marriage in Canberra. In a crushing blow for gay marriage advocates, the Marriage Equality (Amendment) Bill was defeated 45 votes to five. Only the Greens were in favour. The low turnout was due to ‘dissent’ within the major parties, according to Australian Marriage Equality national convenor Alex Greenwich. ‘The fact that 26 senators were absent from (the) debate is an indication that there is dissent in the ranks of the major parties, dissent which we believe will only grow,’ he told the Sydney Star Observer. The AME vowed to make same-sex marriage an election issue. (more…)

World News Briefs - February

Golden Girls
Out and proud lesbian athletes Sarah Vaillancourt, Vibeke Skofterud and Irene Wust celebrated a very successful Winter Olympic Games. Canadian hockey player Vaillancourt and her team won gold ahead of the Americans. Norwegian cross country skier Vibeke Skofterud took home gold, with two of her team mates, in the Ladies 4×5km relay classic. While Wust won individual gold for Sweden in the ladies 1500m speed skating . (more…)