sydney
WATCH: Big names back Sydney Mardi Gras bid for WorldPride 2023
LGBTIQ+ personalities and allies from around the Asia-Pacific have backed Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ bid to host WorldPride 2023. WorldPride is the largest global gathering of LGBTIQ communities and a different city hosts the festival every two years. In a new video, a number of familiar Australian faces from music, screen and politics …
Churches split on government’s religious discrimination bill
The Uniting Church in Australia has warned the Morrison government’s draft religious discrimination bill would “diminish protections” for LGBTIQ Australians and others. In a submission to government on the draft bill, the Uniting Church’s national leaders warn the bill “leans too heavily in favour of religious freedom over other rights”. The Church takes aim at …
The Veronicas hit back after being kicked off Qantas plane
Pop singers The Veronicas have threatened legal action after they were removed from a Qantas flight over an “incredibly intimidating and confusing” baggage drama. Jessica and Lisa Origliasso were asked to leave Qantas QF516, flying from Sydney to Brisbane on Sunday, after an alleged argument with cabin crew. Qantas said two passengers refused to follow …
Lesbian romance opens Queer Screen Film Fest 2019
Queer romance films from France, Spain and New Zealand are on the lineup for this year’s Queer Screen Film Fest in Sydney. The lineup features 29 films from twelve countries, focusing on romantic films under the theme ‘Light Your Fire’. “With our theme we are asking the audience to engage their hearts and minds and …
‘In-fighting’ throws Australian LGBTI Awards into doubt
The company behind the annual Australian LGBTI Awards is in liquidation amid a financial dispute between its owners. Twin Media Group was the company that operated the glitzy awards ceremony, first held in 2017. Two directors headed the company, Sydney-based Silke Bader and UK-based Linda Riley. Riley created the original LGBTI Awards in the UK …
Sydney up against two other cities in bid for WorldPride 2023
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is up against two other capital cities in its bid to bring mega-festival WorldPride to Australia. WorldPride is a global LGBTIQ festival put on every two years in different host cities. First held in Rome in 2000, Worldpride has travelled to Jerusalem, London, Toronto and elsewhere in the years …
Sydney councillor called neighbour’s rainbow flag ‘as offensive as ISIS banner’
A former deputy mayor of a Sydney council must pay compensation after vilifying a gay neighbour in a dispute over a rainbow flag. Inner West councillor Julie Passas’ former neighbour, Daniel Camensoli, took the dispute to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The row began on November 15, 2017, just hours after the announcement of …
Rainbow crossing unveiled in southern Sydney suburb for Pride Month
A council has installed a rainbow crossing in the south Sydney suburb of Hurstville to celebrate Pride Month. Georges River Council installed the rainbow crossing in a central location on Forest Road in the suburb. Mayor Kevin Greene said the crossing was to celebrate and show support for the diverse community. “Pride Month is an …
Indigenous elder Uncle Jack Charles wins lifetime achievement award
Indigenous elder Uncle Jack Charles has been honoured with the prestigious Red Ochre Award for lifetime achievement in the arts. The 73-year-old Boon Wurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung man received the honour at the National Indigenous Arts Awards (NIAA) in Sydney on Monday night. Uncle Jack Charles is an actor, musician, gay man and beloved …
Counter-terrorism cops called as homophobic Kerryn Phelps emails ‘escalate’
The NSW Police’s counter-terrorism unit is investigating a string of homophobic, racist, and anti-semitic emails targeting the federal MP for Wentworth, Dr Kerryn Phelps. Dr Phelps made a complaint to NSW Police following the latest abusive email which said “LGBT are no better than pigs or dogs.” She said an email distributed this week which …