Village people thriving out west

It seems Sydney’s gays and lesbians are saving their pennies and dreaming of a Wisteria Lane lifestyle rather than splashing out on Sleaze Ball tickets and cabs to Oxford St.

Growing numbers of rainbow warriors are seeking out a quieter suburban lifestyle, putting pressure on western Sydney clubs to hold regular gay-friendly nights.

DIVA-winning drag queen Beverly Buttercup, who performs every week in Sydney’s western suburbs, said the demand for gay and lesbian-friendly venues in western Sydney was growing at an enormous rate.

“A large percentage of us live out here and many are non-identifying gay people,” she said.

“Not everyone wants to go to nightclubs. That’s why we run social nights – there are no gay-owned venues out here.”

But is it only a matter of time? Parramatta, Moorebank and Penrith have already taken the plunge and introduced queer-friendly events. Social group Rebellion is spreading its influence across western Sydney and beyond, and social and support groups like Rainbow Parents, the Southern Cross Outdoors Group and PFLAG have strong followings outside the city limits.

Buttercup said the queer dynamic in Sydney was clearly changing – and that wasn’t a bad thing. Sydney queers, she said, are now focused on buying homes, gardening and having children rather than clubbing, bitching and drinking.

“The younger ones start out in the suburbs and then go into the city. The older ones over 25 and couples who live together or buy houses are more prone to come to the social nights,” Buttercup said.

“We need venues were you can go and hold your boyfriend’s hand and not be stared at. Many gay people are looking for a different way of life but still enjoy the occasional gay social night.”

The launch of the Queer Out West 89.3FM radio program (Mondays from 10pm) is further proof that western Sydney is the new queer frontier.

Queer Out West reporter and SSO columnist Maxi Shield said it was vital that queer communities outside the CBD had access to information and contact with other queers.

“It’s crazy – gays, lesbians and transsexuals are everywhere in western Sydney. This community radio program is vital because it lets everyone know about the different social nights because many run only once a month,” Shield said.

“It was formed to give Sydney a gay voice on the airwaves. We also wanted to give out community notices and speak about significant topics that many people don’t know about.”

Even Sydney Star Observer is increasing the number of copies it delivers to the western suburbs each week.

“As the cost of living in the traditional gay ghettos of Darlinghurst, Paddington and Newtown continues to increase, we are finding many of our readers are moving west to afford a better lifestyle,” SSO publishing editor Scott Abrahams said.

“SSO recognised this trend fairly early and responded by increasing the number of papers we drop to the outer suburbs. And if there is an area we are missing, all someone needs do is let us know so we can arrange for papers to be delivered there as well.”

For details on the Parramatta Club queer night visit www.heavensocialgroup.zoomshare.com. For details on the Moorebank queer night visit www.diamondsandpearls1.zoomshare.com and for details on the Penrith queer night visit www.theembassyhotel.com.au. Queer Out West can be heard on 89.3FM every Monday night. To get copies of Sydney Star Observer delivered to your venue, email [email protected].

Have your say: Does western Sydney need more events? Email us at [email protected].