Star Online

Time for Australia to move on marriage

Andie Noonan — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:28:42 +0000

It’s been another pretty big gay news week. The last time I sat down to pen this editorial, US president Barack Obama was yet to ‘evolve’ on same-sex marriage. What a difference a week makes. I think Obama’s public coming-out in support of marriage equality was a significant step in the right direction. Sure, it [...]

Top cop says no to homophobia

Andie Noonan — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:10:19 +0000

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay says it’s “delivery time” for Victoria Police on LGBTI issues. Lay made the comments ahead of International Day Against Homophobia — on May 17 — which Victoria Police is once again throwing its support behind. Sitting down with the Star Observer last week, Lay said he decided to speak [...]

Call for review of psychiatrist’s role

Staff Writers — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:48:10 +0000

The Victorian Greens have called for the state’s mental health minister to review Professor Kuruvilla George’s position as deputy chief psychiatrist. George stood down from the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission board earlier this week after it was discovered he was a signatory to a controversial anti-gay Senate submission by Doctors for the [...]

Rapid testing on the cards

Andie Noonan — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:03:16 +0000

People would only need to wait 30 minutes for HIV results and provide a finger-prick blood sample, if the Victorian Government trials rapid HIV testing. State Health Minister David Davis recently announced the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Health would investigate different HIV testing methods, including rapid testing. Rapid testing [...]

All that glitters

Staff Writers — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:48:51 +0000

As part of this year’s Head On Photography Festival, the Wagner Gallery in Paddington, NSW will showcase the work of two exciting photographers. Openly gay Melburnian Heather Dinas will show The Space Between, a collection of works exploring female rites of passage, while Perth photographer David Collins’ collection White Rhino displays erotic, sensual imagery that [...]

Fear of spiders and other phobias

Monique Schafter — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:23:20 +0000

Right now I’m watching a little black spider weave an elaborate web outside our kitchen window. But I’m not admiring his handiwork. I’m anxiously wondering if cockroach spray will knock him dead because we don’t have anything labelled ‘spider-killer’ in the cupboard. I’m far too gutless to get close enough to squash him. My fear [...]

Pride March posts loss

Andie Noonan — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:09:21 +0000

Pride March Victoria has posted a $23,019 loss for its 2012 event. The deficit was announced at its annual general meeting last night. President Brett Hayhoe has also announced he has stepped down from the board after 12 years. New Pride March Victoria president Shane Marquis said poor weather was to blame for the downturn, [...]

Pollys Club grants open

Staff Writers — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:19:49 +0000

The Pollys Club social group is offering grants of up to $2000 to support LGBTI community groups, with applications closing on June 1. The Pollys Club is a non-profit organisation that raises money for charity through its social dances. The club has donated more than $250,000 to community charities since 1964. Club members will select [...]

Skinner to speak at AIDS memorial

Staff Writers — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:16:12 +0000

NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner will be the guest speaker at the Sydney Candlelight Memorial, on International Candlelight Memorial Day on Sunday, May 20. The hour-long event, organised by ACON and Positive Life NSW, will be held at Slide, 41 Oxford St from 3.30pm. ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said attendees at last year’s event noted [...]

Farewell to Skinny Dips

Staff Writers — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:43:28 +0000

Gay Cairns resort and spa Skinny Dips has been sold. The last date of trading as Skinny Dips is expected to be June 12. They’ll hold a farewell sunset champagne spa party and dinner on June 1. INFO: Book at 07 4051 4644 or email enquiries@skinnydips.com.au