From the haunting intimacy of Carmilla to the dangerous seduction of Dracula, and into today’s unapologetic dark romance, these stories reveal far more than monsters — they expose evolving attitudes toward female and queer desire. Daniela Koulikov traces how literature, monsters and fiction have given women permission to question, resist and ultimately claim their sexuality.
Monstrous Love. How literature reflects society’s understanding of women’s desires.
Throughout history, women have been expected to be quiet, gentle, loving caretakers.
Unless a woman was married, sex and desire were…
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has been pushed into another round of internal conflict, with two directors voted off after a special board meeting. The move comes after months of tension over governance, political direction and how the organisation handles trans rights.
THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras held a special board meeting July 2026
Two directors were voted off the board.
The dispute follows months of conflict over trans rights & governance
Pride in Protest-aligned directors have been central to the tensions
A special meeting of the Syd…
Fresh, fierce and deeply Australian — Kerosene a new production by Off the Ledge Theatre is heading to the Canberra Theatre Centre. We caught up with director and producer Lachlan Houen and actor Winsome Ogilvie about the new play’s raw emotion, powerful storytelling and why audiences won’t forget Millie in a hurry.
“It’s just pure, unbridled emotion and the vulnerability of Millie is beautiful. — FUSE MAGAZINE
Kerosene will be showing at the Canberra Theatre 16 – 19 July 2026.
With moments of heartbreak, revelation and unexpected love from beyond, this article by Hayden Crosweller — medium, energy healer and yoga teacher, invites you to step into a narrative where self-acceptance, spirituality and the bonds that transcend this life all intertwine. Prepare to be moved, challenged and inspired to find your own sense of authentic belonging — here and beyond.
Coming out of the closet and stepping into the spirit world
WHEN I WAS 17 YEARS OLD, MY DEAD, CATHOLIC HOMOPHOBIC GRANDFATHER APPEARED IN FRONT OF ME. HE TOLD ME THAT HE WAS SAFE, THAT HE WAS OKAY AND THAT HE LO…
Drawing on his own experiences and beliefs, Hayden shares his perspective on mediumship, spirit guides, animal communication, protection, meditation, life after death, and the deeper purpose he believes lies behind his work. Whether you're a believer, a sceptic or simply curious, this is a fascinating article that explores one of humanity's oldest mysteries.
10 things you always wanted to ask a medium
People are often curious about what it’s actually like to communicate with the spirit world. Some people want to know whether mediums really see spirits standing in front of them. Others won…
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 63,300 Australians aged over 16 – 0.3% of the overall population – know they were born with variations of sex characteristics. This means their bodies don’t fit medical norms about how female or male bodies should look or function.
But the actual number is thought to be much higher, as many people don’t know about their physical difference or medical history, or don’t receive a clinical diagnosis. Some people learn their medical history later in life. Some never do.
People who have a trait but don’t know about it can still experienc…
Budapest Pride has returned under very different political conditions this year, with thousands taking to the streets after years of pressure and attempts to shut the event down. The march followed a route through the city centre and became a visible sign that queer communities in Hungary are still refusing to disappear.
THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE
Tens of thousands joined the 31st Budapest Pride march.
The march went ahead without government interference.
Budapest police authorised the event and provided security.
Last year’s Pride had been banned under Viktor Orbán’s government.
More…
Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve your mental wellbeing, explore mindfulness or simply slow down, Canberra offers a surprising number of free, welcoming and inclusive meditation opportunities. From Buddhist traditions and yoga-based practices to secular mindfulness and community-run classes, there's something for beginners and experienced meditators alike.
Meditation can offer a simple, low-pressure way to support mental wellbeing, especially when life feels busy or overwhelming. Taking even a few minutes to pause, breathe and settle the mind can help reduce stress, improve fo…
New Gallup data shows the world is still divided on whether local communities are good places for gay and lesbian people to live. While attitudes have improved over time in many places, the gap between acceptance and stigma remains wide.
THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE
Australia and New Zealand ranked among the top 10 most accepting countries.
Countries in parts of Africa and post-Soviet Eurasia recorded the lowest acceptance levels.
A global median of 39% said their area is a good place for gay & lesbian people to live.
45% said their area is not a good place.
Acceptance is much highe…
