Mardi Gras / World Pride (Part Two)

“Why is the parade going THAT way?”, my colleague and friend, Sam asked me last night, as we tried to make our way through Surry Hills. We were both a bit discombobulated, after taking part in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Even though I have lived in the area for almost thirty years, we had both completely lost our sense of direction.… Read the rest “Mardi Gras / World Pride (Part Two)”

Mardi Gras / World Pride (Part One)

Though I thought I knew pretty much everything about Number 96, the Australian television drama/comedy from the 1970s, I learned a lot more on Thursday night.

As part of the Mardi Gras Film Festival, a group of friends and I went to the screening of a documentary about the significance of the television program for its portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters, a Q&A with Joe Hasham who played the groundbreaking character, Don Finlayson, and a special mash-up episode of the program focussing on both LGBTQIA+ themes, and the program’s great comedy.… Read the rest “Mardi Gras / World Pride (Part One)”

Big Events

“I think she might be Scomo’s biggest mistake”, an “old leftie” whispered into my ear at the Andrew Olle Media Lecture.

There was a perception, rightly or wrongly, that the appointment of Ita Buttrose as ABC Chair was simply another political appointment and that Ita would do the “government’s bidding”. Indeed, the appointment was a “captain’s pick” by the Prime Minister, made outside the process which had been established for ABC and SBS board appointments.… Read the rest “Big Events”