FUSE cover guy: Morgan Fuery

Morgan comes from a military family and has spent most of his youth moving from place to place. He went to high school in Werribee — the equivalent of Kambah in the ACT — and says he only got stuffed in a locker twice.

What’s the best thing about living here?
I love the people, the roundabouts and that gift from the US, the turkey on the stick. I wish I had one.

What bugs you the most about Canberra?
The two degrees of separation. I have a friend who is a friend of a friend who dated the brother of my friend’s sister who had an affair with my mates mother who was a mate of my cousin’s other cousin’s friend and is now my ex boyfriend. We should all just have big dinner and an orgy and get it over with.

Where’s your favourite place in the ACT?
On stage at HUSH doing stand up comedy.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?
I guess the perfect man would be the one who will grow with me, he will be himself and accept me for who I am.

Why stand-up comedy?
I love making people laugh, it is like oxygen to me.  If I’m not making people laugh what’s the point of life? I’m very much into Tao Teh Ching as a part of this “path”, positivity is a major part of it and I guess  I channel my positivity into laughter and fun times.

Why do you think gay celebrities don’t come out?
I knew a gay celebrity, who has now come out, but he was advised not to by his record company as teenage girls idolise him and that ups the sales. He still came out in time and is now a gay idol. Mostly I think it’s the pressure of companies as it’s all about image.

Would you come out if you were famous?
Definitely — like I could hide it! As part of my comedy, some of the funny stuff is funny because I’m gay.

What is it like being on the cover of FUSE?
It feels good. FUSE is a cool, funky Canberra mag and I love getting involved with the Canberra community.

FUSE cover girl: Rose Pappalardo hails from Sydney

She has lived in Canberra for eight years. A public servant, Rose spends most of her free time on Q Radio 2XX, writing ‘Dear Rose’ replies for FUSE magazine and working party time at the Hush Lounge. Her favourite place is Tidbinbilla Tracking Station. We asked Rose a few questions about Canberra, girls and what it might mean to be a celebrity.

What do you like most about Canberra?
I love Canberra for its lifestyle, parks and the diverse mixture of people here.

What bugs you the most about Canberra?
What the rest of Australia thinks about Canberra and that some Canberrans believe them... oh, and winters!

What’s your idea of the perfect girlfriend?
I don’t think that there is any girl who is perfect and, to be honest, a perfect girlfriend would get boring. I am attracted to women who are strong, have an opinion, a sense of community and don’t take themselves too seriously.

Why do you get up on stage?
I get up on stage because I love making people laugh, smile and think. I don’t think that I am a huge talent but I hope that I encourage others to get up and have a go.

You also do a radio show here, tell us about that?
Radio is a great medium and I love the banter that comes about and the fact that with radio, you are constantly thinking on your feet. If you make a mistake, it makes the show even funnier!

Why do you think gay celebrities often don’t come out?
Conditioning, pressure and I guess habit; celebrities who are closeted are expected to stay in the closet in order to make it big. I think ultimately they believe that it is worth it.

Would you come out if you were famous?
I have never hidden that I am gay and I would never deny if someone asks me, no matter what my career.

So how was the FUSE cover shoot.
When I was asked to be on the cover I was so flattered. I love the idea that older women are considered sexy, because they are! But can I tell you, that it was actually quite hard. I have a new appreciation for models and the hard work they have to put in on a photoshoot.