Mardi Gras Parade: Community vs Theatrical [Archive]

danny corvini

19th July 2007, 01:06 PM

Yeah, we're here, we're queer, get used to it, is sort of... annoying now. I think some people also have nothing to offer except for their sexuality. In the mid '80s it might have had novelty value - but now, you need *something*.

On the topic of the parade, I think that there should be two parades. From 6pm-8pm is the Pride March, which is open to members of the public. From 8pm-10pm it is the Mardi Gras parade, which is when you get all of the more theatrical / extravagant floats, the part of the night which is more like a show.

I think the parade is a bit muddled, and to regain its international status - and to become something that the street is proud of - it needs quality control. It is a bit of a free-for-all at the moment and the "we're here, we're queer" element is boring to watch.

Cheetah77

19th July 2007, 01:23 PM

Great idea Danny re the segmented parade!! it does definitely have that combo of visually interesting and provocative floats VS the community Pride marches... I think separating would give each section the right level of visability.

If you did this though, a lot of people would just go late to see the exciting part and forget about the Pride part. At least this way, both get their moment in the spotlight and the same level of attention. perhaps rather than having it all muddled in together, they could be more structured tho? Eg 5 fun floats, and then 3 community ones, depending on numbers, size of float etc...

Something for MG to think about perhaps?

danny corvini

19th July 2007, 01:49 PM

Yes i think a lot of people would just go later, but there's nothing wrong with that. Earlier on it would have a more community feel as participants friends and family go to watch them. Then you could announce the actual MG parade with fireworks and the whole shebang at 8pm when it's dark. This would obviously be the part that attracts the most crowds. Having the community Pride March earlier on would also possibly help cut the amount of troubles regarding violence and drunken youths, as they would have no reason to go so early. You would need to increase the policing later on as it becomes more of a spectacle.

Tim D

19th July 2007, 06:02 PM

Are we talking about Mardi Gras parade here or Pride March in Melbourne as they are both very different beasts with very different purposes?

danny corvini

19th July 2007, 07:51 PM

I'm talking about Pride in Sydney managing the community march at the start of the night followed by a newly invigorated, theatrical Mardi Gras parade.

avoninski

19th July 2007, 08:23 PM

Mmmm. Sounds like too many cooks in the kitchen if you ask me. Can't imagine the parade running well when two organisations with different cultures work together (even though they have similar, but different agendas). Pride might do better to have a Fair Day type event that is a community event...but that'd cost money...

Tim D

20th July 2007, 09:17 AM

I don't think that crowd management and logistics could work with two parades either. Remember that we're talking about half a million people on the streets watching this parade, and that they start lining up from lunchtime in the day.

I don't think you could tell them that the parade is now going to run for 4 hours, but the first two are going to be boring for them! It would be difficult to get 500,000 people to just turn up at 8pm to watcth the theatrical part.

Thatguy

20th July 2007, 12:42 PM

Tim D

20th July 2007, 12:53 PM

Hey guys - this a new thread about the parade using posts from the "Death of Oxford Street" thread. So discuss away.

Zakalwe

20th July 2007, 01:51 PM

Surely most modern audiences are able to distinguish between performance (ie. MG Parade) and reality.

I wonder if the communities in Rio argue over whether they should hold their MardiGras because people overseas might think they're freaks or misrepresent what it means to be Brazilian?

I also wonder if participants in the many St Patrick's Day Parades around the world agonise over the idea that their conduct in the event may add to the perpetuation of the stereotype that they always wear green and are shamrock wielding, Guinness swigging alcoholics.

Are all Star Trek fans really boring spotty nerds with no life or social skills? Or are they average people who every now and then want to escape their mundane existence and dress up as a Romulan and have a bit of fun.

And honestly, would anybody actually go and watch a parade where a group of ordinary looking people, wearing average clothes, walked sensibly down a street?

We could rename it the Sydney Gay and Lesbian MediocrityGras! ;)

danny corvini

20th July 2007, 01:55 PM

The ....."Theatrical Part" ......is just re-inforcing stereotypes which no longer relect the majority of gay men and women. I really don't like the freak show aspect of it.

How about a parade with no sexual overtones, just gay men and women walking as ....themselves. Showing ordinary folk, and huge numbers of guys and girls prepared to stand up and be counted.

Imagine that - one year without floats, without all the carry-on.

Exactly why do we need to have a parade?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAVlk4F2qkw

Well, I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but....for my 2 cents worth.....no freak show parade.
OH how boring. You should check out Melbourne's Pride March if you want something without spectacle. Mardi Gras is so famous precisely because it is so exciting to watch. Sure - we all get put off by people who we find distasteful, but there is more performance than there is 'gross' or as you say "freaks" in the parade. Take this element out and the mg parade is nothing much at all.

Thatguy

20th July 2007, 02:28 PM

The point of having a large number of queer people walking as themselves would be boring to watch sure - but that is the point. The parade could provide a visable face to queer Australia, one that is pretty "ordinary" but has considerable scale and importance. Not something to broadcast or sell tickets to - but to participate in and perhaps get some small coverage in the evening news.

This was in the Death of Oxford Street thread - but I will repeat it here -

Last year around mardi gras there were two guys, holding hands and flaunting their not-so-perfect- bodies down Oxford Street, saying, "We’re here! We’re queer! Get used to it!!"

Someone yelled back "You do this every year. We ARE used to it."

You know - I think everyone IS used to it . . . . .

What gay Australia needs now is to grow up - to move beyond making an arse of ourselves on the evening news. We need gay CEO's of several major corporations, recognition of our relationships and more political clout. The way to achieve this is to present ourselves as who we are.

People making a spectical out of themselves..... why?

Can anyone suggest a valid reason?

I am cynical about the Mardi Gras parade; It has become an occasions for spectical and little more. When it is over, and everyone has had their thrill do we consider that it was inherently meaningless?

Margret Cho said....she is not really gay, or bi....she is just slutty.....where is her parade?

danny corvini

20th July 2007, 03:56 PM

Sure, you can do that at the Pride March here in Melbourne, Thatguy, or at Pride marches in any other Australian or global city. The point of Mardi Gras is that it has something else that other gay marches don't - entertainment.
No offence, but I don't quite understand what you are so worried about. The Mardi Gras is a part of Sydney, and if you don't like the way it is, maybe you should move!There are plenty of other places you can live in Australia without the razzle and dazzle and you can still make a difference. Perhaps you can make more of a difference outside of the gay ghetto than in, because it forces you to actually mix with ordinary people.
As for a valid reason why people want to make a spectacle out of themselves at the MG parade: to have fun.

Thatguy

20th July 2007, 04:14 PM

If I don't like MG parade I have to move? ;-(

Can't I just go on holidays?

Harsh Danny

jamieavenger

20th July 2007, 04:22 PM

The point of Mardi Gras was always political - raising awareness of discrimintation and inequality. Exactly how a bunch of marching Kylie boys in pink shorts does this is a mystery to me, as are many other floats where the emphasis is on spectacle without substance.

The irony is that so many gay men and lesbians lead the same ordinary lives, have the same desires, values and interests as their hetero counterparts, yet come Mardi Gras, there's this sudden need to prove difference through an aesthetic that has no connection with their day to day lives or identity

Dressing up is fun... and you can entertain and inform....but if this is our one opportunity to get people to take notice of us and the issues that trouble us, aren't we undermining ourselves by letting Mardi Gras parade be a glorified fancy dress party? I've talked about this with straight colleagues at work, and they say the same thing: ' I don't watch the Mardi Gras parade anymore becuase it's just more of the same'.

The parade's focus in now entertainment over education..even though I still enjoy watching it, I think it's lost value.

danny corvini

20th July 2007, 04:58 PM

The point of Mardi Gras was always political - raising awareness of discrimintation and inequality. Exactly how a bunch of marching Kylie boys in pink shorts does this is a mystery to me, as are many other floats where the emphasis is on spectacle without substance..

No, it wasn't always political. It was always political + theatrical. The mardi gras IS street theatre.

It sounds like you guys only see what you don't want to see. What about all the other floats? This year's parade was the biggest ever - surely there was something that sparked your imaginations?

Yes I might sound harsh (I'm really not in person. Typing does this to me!), but I don't have a helluva lot of time for people who don't do anything themselves, who just critique. Why don't you guys march, and be the change that you want to see?

If you're just a sideline judge waiting for the scene to change you wont get much satisfaction.

Zakalwe

20th July 2007, 05:17 PM

Of the numerous protest marches that were conducted in the 70s for gay rights, why do you think it was the night time parade with costumes and music that was violently reacted to and shut down by the authorities, and not the overtly political protest marches held during the day?

Perhaps because its not so much a protest as a celebration.

And as Danny rightfully notes, perhaps you could organise an entry that has regular gays and lesbians marching on mass as a contrast to the other more spectacular floats.

jamieavenger

22nd July 2007, 07:55 PM

Danny I am not a sideline judge, but as you would know, there are certain guidelines for entering Mardi Gras floats, and 'day to day identity' does not fit this, especially as we have a drag queen as one of the organisers of the parade

Try challenging the mindset of these people. I have. They live in the past and they want a parade that fulfills their deluded freak show misogynist fantasy to perpetuate their own egos...what else is DIVA all about? The reality is that most gays and lesbians have moved on and are living happy lives that have no connection with this sort of identity that died long ago

I am not an angry person but I get really tired of reading the narrow minded views of certain men in this alleged community who want to drag us back to the past..and you are right, style and substance can work well in the parade..but where is it ?

danny corvini

23rd July 2007, 03:05 PM

That is why I am saying the parade needs quality control. To get into the night time parade (as opposed to the earlier community Pride March) you have to have a street theatre/theatrical appeal - and i'm sorry to say I think some of the old queens in leather might make the cut - as long as there is an overall element of entertainment, not just walking and waving. To be honest, I get more offended by the bad trucks with bad banners with the Penrith gay bowlers association on the back!

I personally think with Mardi Gras turning 30 next year it might be time to have a fresh look at this ole beast of a thing and modernise it a bit...

Thatguy

23rd July 2007, 04:43 PM

Well Danny,

Sounds like we agree on something - we both agree that MD parade needs to be re-vamped. Just depends on exactly what this involves. I don't like the parade in its current shape and I don't like the image it presents of being gay. However, people can have different views, and I appreciate that some will love the theatrical element.

Being gay means different things to different people, and the parade could be a celebration of the diversity and progress which has been made in 30 years. What is disapointing is the parade presents a certain stereotype, a flamboyout representation which bears little in common with the "ordinary" gay life.

Perhaps rather than trying to change it we should remove the "gay element" - let it be the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade - representing the diversity of the city and with a strong gay and lesbion element - but open it up to everyone.

I think it is no longer just the Gay and Lesbain Mardi Gras - but Sydney's Mardi Gras

danny corvini

23rd July 2007, 04:47 PM

I think your idea is a lot more likely to create a shit-fight than mine! Good luck with that ;)

Braxn

23rd July 2007, 09:19 PM

So is anyone here actually going to become a volunteer and change things or are you just going to whinge from the sidelines? Its easy to criticise Mardi Gras but if you want something better then why not join the thousands of other volunteers and make a difference!

Tim D

24th July 2007, 10:24 AM

I was a volunterr for two years before deciding to do our own Fag Tag float for the last two Mardi Gras, and volunterring gives you a whole different perspective into exactly what goes on behind the scenes: the preparation, crowd control, police, public liability etc.

It means that I am a bit defensive of the MG parade when I hear people speak ill of it, simply because I have had the briefest of brief glimpes into what goes into putting it on.

There seriously is nothing like it in the entire world, it has an international reputation and I don't think it needs to change just becuase a couple of people want to wave a placard as they walk down the street. Sydney's Mardi Gras is a brilliant event and should be treasured.

danny corvini

24th July 2007, 01:18 PM

There's no doubt of that, and you can make suggestions because you love it as opposed to criticising it because you hate it. I think that turning 30 is a milestone for the gras and there's nothing wrong with a bit of open sesame brain storming.

jamieavenger

25th July 2007, 12:17 PM

I volunteered some years back, and appreciate all the hard and unpaid work that goes into making it happen, but that's not the issue here..it's about aesthetics.

For example, do any of us go to work topless in tight sequin shorts? Do the majority of us wear bad drag and mime to show tunes 9-5?

Consider the imagery that MG portrays and then compare it with who you are and what you do most of your week...there's disconnection....the organisers of MG want to perpetuate a rainbow flag flamboyant identity...which reflects a decreasing minority....why are some gay men so afraid of acknowledging that they can be often as "average" as most of the population?

However I agree we need spectacle and creativity to make it watchable

If MG is just a fancy dress party then fine, sell it as that...but if we want to be taken a bit more serioulsy, there has to be a political context to all the dressing up or floats claiming some heterosexual ex Stock Aitken Waterman singer is gay icon.

I think MG can be a positive, powerful political and entertaining tool...it just needs to get that balance again...

Garthy

25th July 2007, 01:15 PM

I really think that Mardi Gras has gone down the shitter. I came here 2 years ago all excited about mardi gras as it was going to be my first. All I ended up seeing was youth drinking underage, Teenage Gangstas in-da-house all acting like little shits on the street. Mardi Gras just seems like an excuse for people to act stupid and cause trouble.

danny corvini

25th July 2007, 02:52 PM

taylor-dayne

25th July 2007, 05:26 PM

For example, do any of us go to work topless in tight sequin shorts? Do the majority of us wear bad drag and mime to show tunes 9-5?

Consider the imagery that MG portrays and then compare it with who you are and what you do most of your week...there's disconnection....the organisers of MG want to perpetuate a rainbow flag flamboyant identity...which reflects a decreasing minority....why are some gay men so afraid of acknowledging that they can be often as "average" as most of the population?

oh my god - how fucking tedious is this? lets do away with all art, all creativity, all flamboyance, all laughter, all colour, all exaggerations, all fantasies, all games, all music - because it's NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR MUNDANE BORING LIVES.

for god sake - get a clue. who said mardi gras was representative of our 9 to 5 lives? it's a celebration, it's a PARTY.

jesus. lighten up and stop being so insecure.

Tim D

25th July 2007, 10:47 PM

I must admit, the parade would be a tad bland if we all went in it in suits and jeans. You've got a point taylor-dane, if you do go about it in a bit of a harsh tone... :)

danny corvini

26th July 2007, 10:12 AM

Maybe it could be broken up into introverts, outrovert, camp, str8 acting, outrageous, shy...?

taylor-dayne

26th July 2007, 03:25 PM

ok - i apologise. my outburst was not fair. and should not have been directed at jamieavenger. (gets on knees, waits for forgiveness.)

but it's so frustrating to hear such comments. it's MARDI GRAS not a church lamington drive.

jamieavenger

26th July 2007, 06:33 PM

No offence taken, and forgiveness given! It's a topic we are very passionate about, and sometimes I let my feelings get the better of my keyboard

I'm not saying I'm right, nor am I anti partying...but don't attack someone as insecure because they don't share your views taylor-dayne ( now that would be insecure!) :)

This thread was about the context of MG - politics versus theatre, and how this connects to gay and lesbian identity. Of course we should have fun and party as way of saying a big ' fuck you ' to this discriminatory government. I was simply stating that having fun and partying is going to do litte to educate or change present attitudes unless it has a political context, something I feel MG has lost over the years..

aussie_songbook

28th July 2007, 10:49 AM

While I agree that perhaps the Mardi Gras has lost some of it’s political power in the last few years, it still remains on of the few avenues for our community to stand up, be counted and BE PROUD!!! (Because lets face it, we are a pretty fine bunch of people!)

Despite the flamboyant nature of the event, it DOES get people (gay, straight, and every thing in between) talking about the community, the issues, gay rights etc. It also gives gay youths an opportunity to realise that there are so many people like them, even if they don’t dress up in Kylie hotpants, feathers or leather. It helps to alleviate some of the alienation experienced by so many of these youths, myself included.

PARTY ON!!!

Thatguy

28th July 2007, 01:52 PM

Yer - str8 acting

Maybe that is what this whole thing is about.......?

Maybe it is about being comfortable being "gay" and being authentically gay?

Mardi Gras is a celebration of the freedom that comes from owning your sexuality - it is about not being afraid or in the closet. So I am coming around to the idea that it has an important role and perhaps even a rite of passage?

If we were going to have categories, perhaps we need to add metrosexuals and bi-curious?

danny corvini

28th July 2007, 03:47 PM

The Sydney Metrosexual & Bi-Curious Mardi Gras Parade?

Thatguy

28th July 2007, 04:27 PM

Faaaaboulous ;-)

jamieavenger

28th July 2007, 06:34 PM

Can we please add the Gays Who Don't Give A Fu#k About Kylie or Rainbow Flags? I'll march then :)

Tim D

3rd August 2007, 12:23 PM

So what was the final consensus on this? Or is it best put into the too-hard basket?

danny corvini

3rd August 2007, 01:37 PM

I think so. I don't think anyone from either Pride or Mardi Gras has commented on this thread. It would take some inside involvement to take it from forum level to reality so I'm not sure what else we can do?

Aries Fairy

3rd August 2007, 02:07 PM

Yeah, come on Mardi Gras. Speak Up.

Thatguy

6th August 2007, 05:50 AM

I don't think we are going to get a response.

New mardi Gras stated objective is "to raise the visibility of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities."

Does visibility means progress?

In the Good Weekend (the magazine insert included in SMH) on Saturday was an article entitled "Shades of Gay". It was about the role of gay people in public life and the perceived necessity by many of them to not be open about their sexuality for various reasons. One particular paragraph caught my attention:

One of the problems...is that when it comes to thinking about homosexuals, heterosexuals have a habit of focusing too much on the sex. One of the reasons people don't come out is this. Heterosexuals are not imagined sexually by people who don't know them. Homosexuals are......Coming out means you have to tolerate being viewed in people's imagination actually f...ing. That is simply not the case with heterosexuals.

The public face of the Mardi Gras parade does little to address the problem of being taken seriously as a gay man in the business world. It presents a highly sexualised narrow image and they have been too successful in raising a certain kind of visability.

So, I am not saying - stop the parade - and no one have any fun. But, to pause , reassess and evaluate the Mardi Gras parade. It is a a big monster, and getting bigger - around 8000 participants joined last years parade and an official count of 320,000 in the crowd.

I think the best solution is to give the parade to the city as a gift. It is Sydney's parade - not longer "just" the GLBTQ community. It has become a celebration of sexuality, acceptance and love - can we share the love?

Thatguy

7th December 2007, 09:00 PM

I said before that I am cynical about the Mardi Gras parade; It has become an occasions for spectical and little more.

So it looks like there will be no Mardi Gras parade - unless someone can suggest a valid reason

Really - any reason you feel like marching down Oxford Street?

matrix

7th December 2007, 10:44 PM

taylor-dayne I think your period kicked in, you need to relax man

Thatguy

8th December 2007, 08:13 AM

Maybe he just needs to get laid?

Is that what the parade is all about?

Still - anyone have ANY reason why we should have a parade at all?

I am bored by the parade - kill it!

matrix

8th December 2007, 10:01 AM

I agree with Thatguy and his comments from the weekend magazine. My experience has been (limited as it is) that when you tell people you're gay, the first thing they do is think of the sexual aspect.
It hasn't been helped either by stereotypes from QaF and also what they see from Mardi Gras. That tends to be the only "education" non-gay people get into our world.
Kill the parade, it doesn't help anymore.
things have changed so much now though I even have to question the value of Fair Day. Maybe this whole thing should to be changed to the Sydney GBLT Festival? then a Fair Day would make sense.
Take the words "Mardi Gras" right out of the equation which tend to be associated with street parades anyways.

Zakalwe

8th December 2007, 10:54 AM

Still - anyone have ANY reason why we should have a parade at all?

Visibility.

Thatguy

9th December 2007, 05:24 PM

The love that dares to speak its name.......

My point is that we have TOO MUCH visability and this dumb parade does little to further any sort of agenda. What are we trying to do - tell people there are gay people in Sydney.

Duh......

Were queer, we are here and EVERYONE is used to it

The Mardi Gras Parade is so..... 1990

Sorry - visibility doesn't cut it as a good enough reason.

It should be cancelled

AussieG

11th December 2007, 01:12 AM

I kinda see the Parade as being a great nostalgia event.

It's about remembering the struggle of the 78ers.... remembering those who've lost their lives ti HIV/AIDS..... the battles to change govt laws are still there - bit it's different, HIV is still here, but it's different. The parade doesn't serve the same 'vital' purpose it once had, but.... as long as people still line up to watch it it's worth having.

It's a million different things, to a million different people.... but there's nothing else like it in Australia.. at all. It's the one night a year where Sydney goes gay, or atleast acknoweldges it. It's events like the Parade that make me happy I don't live in shitholes like Melbourne, Brisbane, etc.

You get some friends together, you watch it from an apartment you get pissed.
At the very least, you remind the straight kids who got the train up from The Shire that this city once WAS a really cool gay city.

The love that dares to speak its name.......

My point is that we have TOO MUCH visability and this dumb parade does little to further any sort of agenda. What are we trying to do - tell people there are gay people in Sydney.

Duh......

Were queer, we are here and EVERYONE is used to it

The Mardi Gras Parade is so..... 1990

Sorry - visibility doesn't cut it as a good enough reason.

It should be cancelled

gaynproud

11th December 2007, 08:18 AM

It's a million different things, to a million different people.... but there's nothing else like it in Australia.. at all. It's the one night a year where Sydney goes gay, or atleast acknoweldges it. It's events like the Parade that make me happy I don't live in shitholes like Melbourne, Brisbane, etc.

So one night a year Sydney goes gay, or at least acknowledges it. The rest of the year its about being bashed and abused because you are gay. I think I and a hell of a lot of other people would rather live in what you call the shitholes of Brisbane and Melbourne at least in those places we can lead a relatively gayer life all year than you can in Sydney. Give me Brisbane or Melbourne any day to Sydney.

Your only true phrase in your posting is - this city once WAS a really cool gay city

gaynproud

dreadcircus

11th December 2007, 01:33 PM

As somebody who has been included into this years MG Festival as a performer and who last night sat back and read through the NEW MG Guide 08 I can see a clear direction the entire event is taking. This 30th Birthday celebration is remembering the past 30 years and now moving on to taking steps of full inclusion. I'm not into splitting the parade but instead unifying it even further than ever.

Do we want people to accept us as a community and for us not to accept anybody else? I for one don't! WE are at a point right now where WE have made many a difference and the future IS promising. Glitz, glamor, dancing, fun, laughter and music are things that appeal to many people. OUR Mardi Gras parade and festival is world renouned and WE continue to stand up and scream who we are. I love seeing the day grow into the evening and the parade begin. Ok so in the past year my band has played every glbt festival this country has to offer and they all have something unique but the MG parade is the BIG ONE, it is what you want it to be! We all have the option to get involved, enter a float, volunteer, scream, dance, sing and create the Parade we want as groups and individuals. Limit your imagination and complain that the parade isn't doing what you want it to do, well get the fuck up off your ass and make a fucking difference!!!!!!!!!

Every year since 2003 ive been a part of MG and every year with a different group. Yup I'm transgender and to my recollection I've never actually been on a float that has anything to do with TG people or issues.

Remember a few years ago the MG Festival went belly up!! We may well have had nothing to express who we are today. Battles never really end much like my transition or anybody elses, small victories are a part of life. One of the main reasons OUR parade has created so much change is it's had to reinvent itself with changing times, political climate and our sworn enemy HIV/AIDS.

WE STILL ARE HERE! recently I spoke at Transgender Remembrance Day about how political BS isn't really changing things and how in the 2 years I've toured the country as a Trans rock artist I feel as if I've created more change for TRAN people than the last 10 years of political hogwash.. WHY IS THIS? because color, music, dance, fun and honest expression with a hint of realism and politics reaches people faster than a bunch of lazy slobs avoiding questions and moving on issues that create equality as it would lessen their worth in life..

The Parade is YOURS, OURS and MINE, WE actually have the power to shape it and send whatever message we see fit. We own it.. I would suggest we all jump behind the New MG crew and put in everything we can to make it everything we want.. and well if that isn't your thing.. well shut the fuck up!!!

daniel_son

11th December 2007, 02:22 PM

marly

11th December 2007, 03:25 PM

I stopped going over a decade ago for two reasons. I couldnt handle the drunken yobs all over the streets and I found the parade tacky and embarrassing.

I think thousands of gay people just walking up the streets with banners about inequalities and prejudice etc would be far better. Bring it back to more of a protest. Get rid of the freak show element that all the rednecks come into town to gawk at and reclaim it as our own. And ban anyone over 40 from exposing their flab by wearing very skimpy outfits, sorry but its not a good look LOL. Second thoughts, ban anyone with flab at any age LOL

dreadcircus

11th December 2007, 03:35 PM

marly

11th December 2007, 03:36 PM

Us V's Them detector activated!!! wow it blew off the scale... just a question.. Is there ever going to be a point where we are more accepting of yobbs and rednecks or is it all about us?? I mean we are trying to educate these people after all so lets not include them?

<<<ducks and hides
exactly darls, lets not include them, you hit the nail on the head. I mean after all theyve already taken over almost every gay club in Oxford st.

dreadcircus

12th December 2007, 02:05 PM

marly

12th December 2007, 05:53 PM

Hmm wasn't really my point... I'd prefer to see equality across the board of all humans. My point actually was that we are trying to create awareness for these ignorant people so if they aren't there for the parade how will they ever get up to speed on equality issues??

I know, i was kidding but yeah i know what you mean but I cant deny that they shit me especially when you go clubbing to what used to be a great gay club and its now straight.
Everybody likes to have a safe place to be around likeminded people in which they can express themselves etc and for gay people they are far and few between so I get quite frustrated about it. The worst thing is when straight men in a gay club get aggressive if a gay man makes a pass at them or girls telling boys to get out of the girls toilet, its the epitomy of rudeness.

dreadcircus

12th December 2007, 06:02 PM

yup yup I'm with you!! Well ArQ on Friday once again proved to me that oxford st club scene is full of dickheads.. Gawd upstairs was like being at an essendon football social club dance... Was waiting for the police to come in and say "last drinks the blue light disco is closed".. especially when some retarded blonde chick said to me in the toilet "ohhh its so nice to have your kind in OUR toilet".. I damn nearly ripped out her uterus with my teeth.. silly bitch doesn't deserve to have it anyhow LOL

I'd better start looking for a float to jump on for MG 08.. do tell me are Same Same going to have a float????????.. I think it's a must!!! Cmon Christian lets do it!!

Christian Taylor

12th December 2007, 10:44 PM

sorry dreadcircus - the days of free speech are over! gaydar are sponsors and as such would never let us have a float in the parade!

i hear stories like that friday night one jade and i just shudder. we've invited people like that into our space. what on earth were we thinking?

dreadcircus

13th December 2007, 04:54 PM

So sad that sposorship is now determining who can be in a parade which celebrate who WE are... I hope it never gets to a point where sposorship stops great causes like Ankali from marching. As it is they are so underfunded this year they cant even afford a soud system or car to march and will all be on foot...

I'm considering trying to book a show in Sydney to raise money for them as their service is vital to people living with HIV/AIDS..

:(

marly

20th December 2007, 01:36 PM

So one night a year Sydney goes gay, or at least acknowledges it. The rest of the year its about being bashed and abused because you are gay. I think I and a hell of a lot of other people would rather live in what you call the shitholes of Brisbane and Melbourne at least in those places we can lead a relatively gayer life all year than you can in Sydney. Give me Brisbane or Melbourne any day to Sydney.

Your only true phrase in your posting is - this city once WAS a really cool gay city

gaynproud

ah stop whingeing and yeah stay up there with the brissy tryhards cause you just cant cut it down here in the emerald city.

jamieavenger

20th December 2007, 07:14 PM

I don't understand where/why the idea of getting rid of the parade came from. What is the point of a Mardi Gras Parade if there is going to be no colour, no flamboyance, no fun?
If someone out there views the parade as a representation of how all gay people live/act then they are obviously not very intelligent. I think it would be safe to say that nearly everyone living in modern society is friends with, or knows a gay person, and would know how normal we all are in day-to-day life.
The parade is an outlet for creative gays and lesbians to express themselves, and have a fun time.

So dressing up topless in angel wings, pink shorts and dancing around to Stock Aitken Waterman tunes 15 yrs out of date is creative and diverse?

If the parade is the only opportunity to connect with people who don't have exposure to gays and lesbians, don't we do ourselves a disservice by only making it about "flamboyance" - and a very tired, outdated concept of flamboyance at that? ( "Oh look it's an effeminate gay man in sequin shorts flapping his wrists and dancing to Kylie! Bless! Don't you love those gays? SO on the cutting edge of popular culture - what haven't you heard? Being gay makes you an expert on fashion! Never mind the Lonsdale singlet, cargo pants and the fact that they think Kylie's a gay icon - they're so NOW!)

Whatever alleged creativity certain gay men like to think they have, it adds little value in the public arena if there is no political message and purpose to back it up. The MG parade is a shadow of its once political, clever and purposeful self - cue the IKEA float, self-promoting drag queens and clueless Kylie dancers, who are only it for the attention. Bring back a parade that incorporates humour with raising social awareness and that's a MG parade worth having.