Courtney to party with Under 21s

In a season filled with all-night dance parties, drug responsibility campaigns and nearly naked street parades, Sydney’s gay scene can be a daunting place for the next generation, often more comfortable making friends online than in a gay bar.

Reaching out to young queers dazzled by the stars of the scene, Courtney Act and ACON are inviting those aged 21 and under -“ including under 18s -“ to a free social gathering to meet community figures, entertainers and each other in a fun and safe environment.

The drug, alcohol and smoke-free event, 21 Down, is planned for Sunday 4 February. Act says it will be an opportunity to flourish, make friends and drink mocktails.

High Court Justice Michael Kirby and the gay and lesbian liaison officers from Surry Hills Police will join entertainers including Trevor Ashley from Priscilla, The Musical, Maxi Shield, Mini Cooper, Vanity Faire, De-Vinyl, Shauna Jensen, ex-Australian Idol contestant Cosima De Vito and 2Day FM newsreader Geoff Field.

Kirby is obviously very good at speaking to an adult audience; I think he’ll be great at bringing a new perspective to young people, Act says.

Act believes it is the gay and lesbian community’s responsibility to set a good example to the next generation.

When I was younger a barman sat me down on a pylon at Taylor Square and gave me the safe-sex talk, which helped a lot, she says.

Act hopes the party will bring young people out from behind their keyboards and into the community’s youth support networks.

I was inspired by a 15-year-old boy who told me, -˜I can’t dance, I’ve never been to a gay bar.’ Young people make gay friends online so easily, but I can understand it’s not always easy to meet up in real life, you can’t always know it’s safe.

Promoting the event on MySpace.com, Act hopes young people will add 21 Down as a friend on the social networking hub and come along to the party knowing that they’ll be looked after.

To young people who feel uncomfortable turning up to an event where they might not know anybody, Act says she hopes people put aside any fears and come along to what will be a fun environment with lots of entertainment, speakers and music.

21 Down will be held at Slide Lounge, 41 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, next to Gloria Jean’s, on Sunday 4 February from 1pm to 5pm. The event is free and ID is required to prove you are 21 years old or under. Further information may be found at www.myspace.com/acon21down.