INTERNATIONAL CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL– The International Candlelight Memorial began in San Francisco in 1983, and in solidarity with the event HAPN (HIV/AIDS Peer Advocacy Network) will be holding a candlelight vigil on Sunday May 17 from 6pm. It is an informal event where people are welcome to share stories and memories of loved ones touched by HIV/AIDS. It will be held at the HIV/AIDS Memorial in Robertson Park, North Perth, on the corner of Fitzgerald and Stuart Streets. Participants are reminded to bring a candle, rug and something warm to wear.
BI WOMEN WANTED– A research project is currently underway by a Curtin University postgraduate student that aims to explore the experiences of bisexual women in same-sex relationships. Tosca Dilkes-Hall is undertaking a Master of Counselling Psychology and says she hopes her research will ‘fill the gap in literature, enriching our understanding of the experiences of bisexual women in same-sex relationships and informing the provision of psychological services to this unique population.’ To take part in the research study or for more information on the criteria required, contact Ms Dilkes-Hall on 0404 825 742 or tosca.dilkeshall@postgrad.curtin.edu.au
LOTON PARK ‘SAVED’– The Save Loton Park campaign was hailed a success at the club’s recent Special General Meeting, with members voting for the club to continue operating. Club President Michelle Rigg says the club now has 80 full and 32 social members, which should be enough to get the club through the traditionally quiet time of winter. ‘We’re just hoping that it wasn’t just the campaign that got people in and that people will remember us next year,’ she said. The club championships were also held throughout March and April and the winner’s trophies will be awarded at the club’s annual dinner on May 23.
GLAMFEST– The second annual Glamfest gay and lesbian film festival was held last month, with organisers saying they were very happy with the outcome. ‘We experienced a slight increase in numbers from last year and got good feedback on the films,’ said Daniel Smith, Glamfest organiser. While the only negative point to the festival was the poor support for the documentaries, Mr Smith says the feature films attracted good numbers and the festival will be back again next year. ‘The festival has been well received for the last two years so we’re very optimistic about next year.’ Glamfest raised $1265 for Gay and Lesbian Community Services.
BEARS PERTH AGM UPDATE– Bears Perth held their AGM on Saturday April 18 with the evening running very smoothly, according to President Paul Hayter. After six years on the committee, he was reelected President for the third year in a row , with Geoffrey Ward being voted Vice President for a second time. In his second year on the committee but his first time in an executive position, Victor Mifsud was voted in as Secretary . Finally Glenn Dale will be Treasurer for the eighth year in a row . Long standing committee member and former / previous President, Michael Middleton, stood down from the committee this year but was given a lifetime membership to Bears Perth in recognition for his work with the organisation. General committee members still include Jason Nicol, Skipton Ryper, and life member Gary Martin, while new committee members include the return of Brad McKay and first timer David Wingrove.
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