Time to celebrate and time to relax

It’s that time again when it feels like we are barrelling down the freeway of yet another year.

This also means it’s time to plan your very well-deserved end-of-year holidays. The Northern Rivers is a perfect place for the lesbian traveller to get away, slow down the pace of life, relax and take part in one of Australia’s most beloved LGBT cultural events — the Tropical Fruits New Year’s Eve Festival.

With a plethora of pristine beaches, world heritage-listed subtropical rainforest, a LGBT-friendly business community, a vibrant and friendly LGBT community and a rural region which flies under the rainbow banner, this could be just the de-stress time you need.

Celebrations of our community, such as Tropical Fruits NYE, give us the opportunity to soak up the pride we feel in our LGBT culture and celebrate our freedom to be us.

Women are the fastest-growing consumers of the Tropical Fruits NYE experience, so look out for those luscious pockets of women — you’ll find them in the Cabaret, the women’s-only space and down front on the dance floor with Sveta.

Check out the new Women’s Camp and the all-girl Recovery Cabaret Show — just a few tips on queer womens’ hotspots at NYE.

While you’re at any of the events, stop by the ACON tent, say g’day to the team and pick up all your safe-sex supplies. We’ll keep you lubed up and covered this New Year’s.

Some people choose to indulge in drugs and alcohol at party time and others choose not to. Regardless of what you choose, remember to look after yourself and your friends and get the most out of your holiday.

If you or your friends are taking drugs, know what you’re taking, take a little to test the effects before taking the whole amount, take breaks from the dancefloor and drink plenty of water.

If you or your friends experience any difficulties, talk to an ACON Rover or seek medical assistance, because that’s what mates do for each other. Consider balancing partying with downtime and other LGBT cultural pursuits on offer such as the Queer Fruits Film Festival.

You’ve worked hard — treat yourself to one of the best and friendliest lesbian experiences of the year.

Find out more about what the Northern Rivers Region has to offer lesbians and same-sex attracted women. Contact Marie Reilly at the Lesbian Health Project, ACON Northern Rivers, via [email protected] or on 1800 633 637.

By MARIE REILLY, ACON Lesbian Health Project.