The SSO A-Z guide to queer Sydney

E is for:

Ego Nothing brings out the best -“ and worst -“ of gay Sydney like the merry month of February. Alongside the top-notch arts events and concentration of community spirit, less attractive attributes emerge in the lead-up to Mardi Gras. Chief among them are oversized egos.

Every February, the Star receives requests for coverage from organisers who, to put it politely, have an exaggerated sense of their events’ importance. Cooperative at first, these personalities turn nasty if coverage is anything other than a fawning PR job.

Not that Mardi Gras month has a monopoly on diva-like behaviour. Year-round, a visit to just about any gay venue in town guarantees at least one encounter with a self-important type, readily recognised by their eagerness to preen and monologue endlessly to anyone on hand.

Community organisations are another favourite haunt for the inflated gay ego, if the infighting and obstruction seen in many queer groups over the years is any indication. Maybe it’s deliberate -“ an ego-fuelled catfight beats solidarity to the headlines any day.

Escorts Some of them are nice to nasty. Others are hot, horny and hung. Others still have slings at the ready, while others promise a rubdown to ease every stiff muscle.

There is truly a smorgasbord of services on offer from any of the escorts working around town, either in the comfort of their homes, playrooms or in any of the exclusive all-male brothels.

While the escorts’ beefed-up, toned and power-packed bods have been built for business and a whole lot of sin, they have also been providing a valuable community service for generations.

They are the boys who are still working and on call after that night out when you have not picked up, the time when you want some uncomplicated, get-down-to-it action, and especially for that straight man in need of a discreet gay encounter.

They are to be found on any number of websites and in the back pages of certain publications, and are ready, willing and able to help out -“ for a price, of course.

So if it is a sexy Latin in Speedos or a hot top in leather that you are after, what you want is only a swipe of a credit card away. As Tina Turner sang in Private Dancer, American Express will do nicely, thank you.