Gay author plucked for a cause

Armistead Maupin will headline the latest Aurora literary dinner Plucked in the City next month to raise funds for GLBT support services.
Aurora chair Jane Marsden said the Tales of the City writer’s iconic status would attract crowds.
He’s an icon both for his activism and for his writings, particularly his ability to describe everyday life in the 70s -“ people identify with that, Marsden said.
Aurora has attracted many high profile figures to its fundraiser events, including politicians and entertainers eager to help the community’s most vulnerable members.
The charity supports a variety of GLBT organisations including Twenty10 and the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service.
Marsden said Aurora gave donors an opportunity to have a broad reach into the non-HIV sector without having to make value decisions.
We take that pressure off people, she said. Our primary beneficiaries were chosen because they had the potential to affect the current and ongoing health of this community and provide support for people exploring their sexuality, whether young or mature.
Such services were essential, Marsden said, because the recipients had the potential to become the leaders of the GLBT community in years to come.
Plucked in the City is the fifth literary dinner by Aurora, and is supported by Bilson’s Restaurant, Burton’s Premium Wines and Constant Reader bookshop.
All tickets include a copy of Maupin’s latest novel, Michael Tolliver Lives, continuing the Tales of the City saga.
The dinner will be held at Bilson’s Restaurant on 18 September. Tickets are $150, including the meal, wine and entertainment, and are available from www.auroragroup.com.au or 9331 5276.