Editors Rant.

It’s still beyond me why people think giving gays and lesbians equal rights — and in this case I’m talking about marriage — will have any type of negative impact on other people’s lives or undermine family values. No matter what case you argue, it’s just plain intolerance and I’m sorry but I thought commitment to your partner was a family value.

It seems to me that it’s just a case of fear, misunderstanding or religious difference. I accept that all people have different values, but that doesn’t give any person the right to impose ideology or restrict the rights of others. In the end what are we asking for — the right to show our love and commitment to our partners and somehow that’s a bad thing. Love not war people, when will we get it?!

OK, so I’m done with being cranky Alex now. This month we celebrate Canberra’s gay and lesbian couples and their desire to love and be accepted as regular people doing normal stuff, because if you look carefully, we may all be different but we’re also all the same. p08.

Nelida — a slightly red-faced lesbian — interviews the new champion of gay marriage, Fiona Patten. She talks about her newly registered political party with the much talked about name, The Australian Sex Party, and how they are fighting for the rights of the GLBTQ community and all Australians. p18.

We welcome Canberra journalist, Brooklyn Hulands, who will be writing for our new section called The Trap. You’ll need to go and see what it’s all about, but let’s just say it’s local and it’s juicy. p06.

What’s really exciting is that Avenue Q — an award winning Broadway production — is coming to the Canberra Theatre. A show unlike anything else you will ever see. It’s extremely camp with outrageously funny songs like ‘If You Were Gay’. You’d be crazy to miss it. p12.

I’d also like to welcome Tilley’s Devine Café to our lineup. Tilley’s is a real Canberra icon and if you’ve not heard of it, you’re either new to Canberra or have been living under a very big rock for over 25 years. Look out for some new gay and lesbian events that will be turning up there over the next few months.

Another packed FUSE — so enjoy and send us a letter, so we know we are still loved ...oh and you might even score some free Dendy tickets!

Enjoy, Alex

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FUSE READERS LETTERS

Dear FUSE,
I am just writing to say that FUSE magazine is so Fantastisch Und SExy! I love reading the wide variety of articles and points of view offered, and discovering the funky gadgets and innovations. It’s great to see people out and about — thank you for involving and bringing more of the Canberra queer community together with FUSE! I look forward to next issue.
Ray

FUSE Fitness Rocks!
I have two jobs, I get home and want to sit and veg out in front of the box. Let’s face the facts, I am 43 and the last thing I want to do after a heavy day is exercise. But there is something else coming my way too... THE FORTY YEAR SPREAD. After reading the latest two health articles from Brendan in FUSE mag, it made me think: if I don’t look after myself now, who is going to look after me when I get fat and out of shape???? NO ONE! So I am going to get off my butt, stop blaming work and other shit for me not doing any exercise and I am going to get fit. No Arnie... just in shape so later in life it will pay off, being fitter and more confident late into my 50s and 60s. Live life and have fun doing it, don’t waste it.
Cheers, John S.

Keep the great articles coming!
I love the whole of FUSE magazine, but I particularly enjoyed reading the same sex parenting article, and went online to finish reading it. I found it very useful, as I love seeing how other couples do it, and even got a new name for the non-biological mother — which is something I’ve been stressing about (for the future).
Raechel

Hooked on FUSE
I have read Alex’s music article and I think your mum was quite right! It is not good for boys to become involved with evil, devil worshipping heathens such as Cliff Richard. And just think... you are very lucky indeed to have a copy of Hooked on Classics.
All the best, Bruce

PS. I actually have a lot of Cliff’s vinyl albums, perhaps including Wired for Sound, so if you still like him we can chat further... they are quite cheap!!

Thanks Bruce, I just may give you a call. Alex

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