Bi carumba!

Woody Allen’s infamous quip about bisexuality doubling one’s chances for a Saturday night date gets put to the test this coming weekend when the Sydney Bisexual Network presents the latest of its semi-regular Biversity parties.

Promoter Michael Wynter says he was motivated to start the parties because of the lack of venues in Sydney catering specifically for a bisexual crowd.

There was no place for bisexual people to go in Sydney. There were a few pub nights and a few political meetings, but no real social space, he says.

The inspiration for the parties came at a private function at Wynter’s house which kicked on long after stumps, thanks to the downing of a few cocktails and the impromptu spinning of a few choice musical cuts.

The first official Biversity took place (by private invitation) in August 2001 at the Burdekin Hotel. It attracted about 150 people. Biversity Six was a festival event during this year’s Mardi Gras and attracted over 800.

It’s happening mainly by word of mouth, Wynter explains. We get a good range -“ from people in their early 20s to people who are 50 plus. We get standard party people, leather/fetish scene people, straight guys with their bi girlfriends and some gay guys who like the straight-acting men. But the majority of Biversity-goers identify pretty solidly as bisexual, he says.

Wynter says the aim of this Saturday’s bash is to continue the vibe of the previous parties.

People like to get close. We get a friendly, sexy and adventurous crowd, he says.

Helping things along in that department will be an erotic stage show, as well as some in-your-hips sexy dance music, supplied by a variety of local DJs including Seymour Butz and Gemma.

This weekend’s party also marks a new venue for the event: the Minc Lounge in the city.

It’s our new spiritual home, Wynter says, adding that the group have booked out the venue for four other dates through the rest of the year.

The venue has a maximum capacity of 450, so eager punters are advised to purchase their tickets in advance or get to the door early.

Biversity 7 -“ Fake It, a dance party for bisexuals and their friends, runs from 9pm till very late this Saturday at the Minc Lounge, cnr George & King St, City. Tickets are $20 on the door, at the Toolsheds or online at www.toolshed.com.au or www.inthemix.com.au.