It’s something that has been on my mind lately: why do people create things? Why, in the face of the world descending into despair, would one get up every single day and do something as complex, messy and unpredictable as making art? I can’t say why creativity matters to you or even that it should. I can only share why art helps me get out of bed in the mornings (most days) and my experience as a practising artist and registered art therapist.
The Qwire story began in 1993 when a small group met in a suburban garage filled with tools, gardening supplies and a whole lot of musical promise.
Their mission was to bring like-minded LGBTIQ+ folk together and form a Canberra community choir where members could express their pride through the power of song.
It’s been 30 years since then, and Qwire has grown into one of Canberra’s largest LGBTIQ+ community groups, with a membership of over 120 singers. Over the years, Qwire has performed locally, nationally and internationally.
Leading up to their ‘Singing Out with Pride’ anniversary c...
In this issue: Canberra pride festival guide. American LGBTIQ freedoms out of the window. Gender and King Lear. From Mardi Gras to SpringOUT, we catch up with Lynne OBrien. Venus Mantrap from Valley of the Molls. Canberra Qwire turns 30. Queer Buddhists. Dear Rose, Gay horoscopes, social photos and more.
We all fall over; it’s OK. Let it go. There were three pages left blank on my FUSE layout with only a few days to go before my editorial deadline — they were labelled ‘Alex to write a spiritual article’. I’ve been struggling and kept telling myself, “How can I possibly share any wisdom when I’ve fallen over again”. So, the pages remained blank. What could I possibly share?
In December 1952, former American GI Christine Jorgensen made global news after undergoing gender affirmation surgery in Copenhagen. Australian newspapers showed great interest, with headlines like “Man Converted to Woman by Danish Doctors”, “Man Becomes Woman and ‘She Is Glad’”, and “‘Converted’ Girl Hopes to Marry”.
‘Don’t say anything about it!' More than half of Australia’s LGBTIQ+ Buddhists feel reluctant to “come out” to their Buddhist communities.
I’m a genderqueer, non-binary Buddhist myself, and I was curious about others’ experiences in Australia since there has been no research done on our community before. So, in 2020, I surveyed 82 LGBTIQ+ Buddhists and have since followed this up with 29 face-to-face interviews. Here are my findings.
Crossing the friend-zone into romantic territory with someone can be challenging enough. When that person is a co-worker, it’s a different beast entirely. What might begin as harmless fun can quickly morph into a living nightmare.
You've probably already heard about the healing benefits of turmeric or seen someone sipping a golden yellow drink in your cafe. After discovering the awesomeness of the Turmeric Latte, I just had to share my thoughts and this easy home recipe.
Dear Tiffany, Congratulations on this significant new life chapter; you have already taken big steps to be an authentic version of yourself.
I suggest you start by taking some time to pause after the huge mountain you have just climbed. Permitting yourself the space to consider what you want now will help build a path to a fulfilling life.
If you are struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness, I also suggest seeing a professional counsellor and connecting with your local transgender support group.
Trans Pride Australia is a great place to start. They hold events throughout the...
