Southern comfort

It’s a great month for lesbians around the Illawarra and South Coast as preparations are under way for some important upcoming events around International Lesbian Day on Wednesday 8 October.

The first event, held on the day itself, is the Illawarra launch of the ACON Lesbian Health strategy. To celebrate this, we will be screening The Itty Bitty Titty Committee in the ACON Community Space. Arrive at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.

This new Lesbian Health strategy is all about developing across ACON a strong and integrated approach to improving the health and wellbeing of lesbians and same-sex attracted women.

Back in late 1999 ACON established its first Lesbian Health project. However, lesbian health has not been as strategically integrated across ACON’s full range of work until now. This plan now guides ACON’s work with and for lesbians and same-sex attracted women across the whole of NSW.

Despite huge efforts trying to convince funding bodies that the health and wellbeing of same-sex attracted women is important, getting enough money to do this work has been an ongoing challenge. This new strategy is our next step. We hope it will be an effective lobbying and fundraising tool so that ACON can improve service delivery to lesbians and same-sex attracted women.

Following the launch there will be a lesbian dance held at the Berry Agricultural Hall on Saturday 11 October. The Cowgirl dance is being put on by LISA (Lesbians in the Shoalhaven Area) and REAL (Respecting Equality amongst Lesbians). It promises to be a fun night of bootscooting, dressing up and prizes, with DJ Riannan and a special performance by Fancy Piece. It should be a great night out.

Accommodation in the area ranges from camping sites and hotels through to some traditional country-styled B&Bs. Bookings are essential.

For more info on the dance call 0402 433 891 or visit http://realillawarra.blogspot.com.

Have fun and stay safe.

If you require any additional information about these events, groups, services or organisations in the Illawarra you can contact ACON Illawarra on 4226 1163 or email [email protected].

Trevor Slattery is the Education and Community Development Officer for ACON’s Illawarra Branch.