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CLUBS

TWINK TOWN
The Halloween instalment of Twink Town at Slide will feature stunning live shows from Sascha Fierce, Ripply Waters and Leigh Sleighthorn and DJs Jimmy Dee and Frankie Shin. Come dressed up in a Halloween theme for a night of true twink town fun and entertainment from 9pm on October 31. Free for under 23, $10 on the door otherwise.

MUTANT DANCE-OFF
It’s dance-off time again, folks! On October 30 at the Oxford Arts Factory, Duke magazine holds its annual Duke Mutant Dance-Off. The dress code is, of course, mutant, and DJs Mike Tyson, National Treasure, Sirens and Sex Azza Weapon will be on hand to get punters in the mood. $12 entry.
info: www.dukemag.com

TWISTED HALLOWEEN

Slip into your leathers this Halloween with the Twisted Halloween party, hosted by the Sydney Leather Pride Association from 9pm on October 31. The leather/fetish/costume party is happening at 85 Oxford St with music from DJ Man, Scott Anderson and Sveta. $30 members, $35 non-members.

PERFECT NIGHT
After raw and sexy house music in a dark and sweaty club? Try Perfect Night, held every Sunday night at the Gaff on Oxford St. With DJs on rotation and T-dance performances by regular special guests, its a sexy new addition to Oxford St. On Sunday November 1, Perfect Night hosts a Halloween special with T-dancers in black leather outfits.
info: www.perfectdayclub.com.au

NAKED BARBER

Looking for a close shave? The naked barber is a men’s mobile grooming service that specialises in body shaving/clippering, haircuts, cut throat shaving and hair colouring.
info: www.thenakedbarber.com.au

IVY HALLOWEEN
On October 31, Ivy celebrates Halloween in style with a lush costume party thanks to Absolut Vodka, with an ‘Absolut Rock Cocktail’ available on arrival. You can party from 6pm till late to tunes from DJs including Bang Gang and Cassian. It’s $35 on the door — no dress-ups, no entry.

MIRAGE

Saturday nights at the Stonewall Hotel, you can catch the sexy spectacular Mirage. Three big shows with Decoda and her luscious dancers Wil and Dan. $5 cover charge, but VIP members get in free.

LOOSE ENDS
Loose Ends at Phoenix Bar on Oxford St is kicking off again for spring. The weekly party happens every Sunday night from 10pm, with resident DJ Matt Vaughan and regular special guests playing a swag of dirty electro, house, punk and disco tunes.
info: www.exchangehotel.biz

PUBS+BARS

A Lass from Vegas
Australia’s still in the grip of Liza fever, and every drag queen worth her weight in gold has a tribute show running at the moment, including Vicki Vegas. Her divine tribute to the one and only Liza Minnelli plays at Bar Me, Kings Cross at 7pm on November 3 and 4. Tickets are $25, and there’ll only be a few on the door each night, so visit www.vickivegas.com to get yours.

CUP AT ARGYLE
If you’re keen to experience Melbourne Cup Day like it truly should be celebrated then head to The Argyle on November 3, which will transform into Sydney’s very own virtual Flemington for the race that stops a nation. Complete with grandstand, stables and roving TAB agents, Sydney punters will be transported trackside in the heart of The Rocks.
info: www.theargylerocks.com.au

CAMP CAMPERDOWN
How’s this for a sweet deal: RSVP to confirm your attendance at Camp Camperdown, on every Thursday night from 8pm at the Camperdown Hotel, and you’ll receive a complimentary cocktail on arrival. Once you’re through the door, you’ll be able to enjoy iconic gay DJs and drag and Absolut cocktail specials. RSVP to [email protected]

BIG FAT GAY
Thursday nights from 9pm at the Taxi Club in Darlinghurst, My Big Fat Gay Night is a fun mix of drag shows, DJs and sexy male strippers, all hosted by TV’s Pandora Box.
info: www.thetaxi.com.au

CaBearet

The shameless Retro-Sexual
CaBEARet comes to OUTbar at the Clarence Hotel on Sunday November 1. With dinner from 6pm and shows from 7pm, it’s a night of great food, drink and entertainment with a retrosexual bent: a fun and healthy way to end one week and begin the next.

GET SASSY
Sassy Sundays at Cruise Bar in the Rocks is the perfect Sunday arvo hangout — as Beyoncé Knowles can attest, seeing as she was spotted doing just that during her recent Aussie tour. Each Sunday there’s a new musical guest — this Sunday Novemeber 1, it’s the Groove Academy featuring Michelle Martinez. Sounds bootylicious.
info: www.cruisebar.com.au

DRAG FOR DOLLARS
Thursday nights from 9.30pm, Sydney’s budding drag queens will take to the stage to compete in Drag For Dollars at Arq. Come and see the best — and worst — of the city’s drag talent. Hosted by Mitzi Macintosh with music from DJs Kitty Glitter and Alex Taylor, it’s free entry to watch the comp.
info: www.arqsydney.com.au

TRIXXX OF THE TRADE
New to the Midnight Shift on Wednesdays, The Glamazons — Summer Salt, Millie Poppins and Ripley Waters — are performing their new drag show Trixxx of the Trade, a show about the trials and tribulations of organising trade online. Hilarity ensues when three horny little devils don’t quite get what they ordered. Three shows from 9pm.

COMMUNITY

GAY MEDITATION
The Sydney Gay Meditation Group is a social gathering of gay and gay-friendly people interested in spiritual development. The group is not specific to any religion or meditation technique, and novices are welcome. They meet 7pm Tuesdays at Club Swans in Kings Cross. Silent meditation is followed by discussions and herbal tea at the free meetings.
info: sydneygaymeditationgroup.com

PFLAG

The support group for parents, family and friends of lesbian and gay children, PFLAG, will hold their monthly family support meeting on Wednesday October 28 at Wesley Lodge Motel, cnr of Hawkesbury & Queens Rds, Westmead at 7.30pm.
info: www.pflagaustralia.org.au

SUPERHERO BALL

Raising much-needed funds for the RSPCA, this superhero ball is to be held from 7pm on October 30 at the Byron Kennedy Hall in Moore Park. Dress like your favourite superhero — or in black tie if you don’t feel like donning skin-tight lycra. The charity event will feature a live band, huge prizes and much more. The $150 ticket price includes animal welfare-friendly food and drinks.
info: www.rspcansw.org.au

CRUELTY FREE

With over $5000 worth of community grant support from the City of Sydney, the Cruelty-Free Festival has blossomed into a fantastic free event. This year’s festival, held at Belmore Park in Haymarket on November 1, features a huge array of food and entertainment.
info: www.crueltyfreefestival.org.au

GAY INDIAN PRINCE
His Highness Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil is the only openly gay royal in the world. A member of the Indian royal family, he’s also a tireless campaigner for HIV prevention and gay rights across the Asia Pacific. Hear this unique man speak at a free forum on 7pm November 4 at the Paddington Woollahra RSL.
info: www.acon.org.au

ZOO DINNER
New Mardi Gras and Australian Marriage Equality have announced Mardi Gras’ Dinner at the Zoo, a gala dinner at Taronga Zoo to raise money for the fight for marriage equality and a highlight of the 2010 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Happening on March 3, it’s a lush community fundraiser that’s sure to be one of the hottest tickets at Mardi Gras.
info: Tickets are on sale now via www.moshtix.com.au

GENDER CENTRE
The Gender Centre provides services and support for the transgender community. Staff at the centre offer accommodation, counselling, case management and training to those in need, The Gender Centre is at 75 Morgan St, Petersham.
info: 9569 2366

BOYS

BEAR FACTORY
Party with the dancing Bears on Sunday November 1 at the Gallery Bar of the Oxford Art Factory. From 2pm to 9pm, Bears and those who think they’re grrrreat can groove to music from DJ Gavyn Vincze plus special guest Mandy Rollins (Extra Dirty). Tickets ($10 HCB members, $15 non-members) on the door.
info: www.bearfactory.com.au

GMUENDER CALENDARS

Master of male erotica Bruno Gmuender has unveiled its 2010 range of calendars. There are calendars to suit all tastes — from the frolicking twinks of Bel Ami to the muscle-bound hunks from Falcon Studios’ Mustang collection. Check out the full range of calendars — and men — on offer at www.brunogmuender.com

TESTOSTERONE STUDY

If you’re a man aged 55 or over and have no problems with your prostate, do not have diabetes and are not taking cholestorol-lowering drugs, you may be eligible to take part in an important treatment study with testosterone. The study aims to measure the benefit of testosterone in the repair of heart and blood vessels in the 55+ population.
info: [email protected]

BETTER SEX

Starting November 4, the Better Sex workshop is a six-week course for gay men covering all those topics you were too afraid to ask about — giving better head, anal pleasure and health, the joy of sex toys, and more. The group, run by ACON, is for men aged 26 and over.
info: www.acon.org.au/workshops
ADULT THEMES
If you like the sound of the workshop above but aren’t yet 26, ACON is also running a workshop for guys aged 18-29, called Adult Themes, starting on November 2 at 6.30pm. The focus is on sexual health issues for young gay men.
info: [email protected]
GAY DADS
Gay Dads NSW will hold their monthly social dinner on Monday, November 2, at the Bank Hotel’s Thai restaurant. The dinner starts at 7pm.
info: www.gaydadsaustralia.com

Bears on sunday

From 4pm-9pm each Sunday at the Lord Roberts Hotel, the Harbour City Bears present Bears On Sunday. It’s a relaxed vibe with furry fun and chilled music, plus a weekly HCB prize draw. Free bar snacks and free entry.
info: www.hcbears.com

MOVEMBER

The month of November is also Movember, when men across the country let their mo’s grow to help raise money in the fight against prostate cancer. This year, Warner Home Video is donating $1 from 31 of its Blu-Ray titles — including The Hangover and The Dark Knight — to the cause. Look out for the Movember sticker on eligible Blu-Ray discs instore.

JELLY WRESTLING

SLICK Season III, gay men’s jelly wrestling, is back at the Clarence Hotel every Wednesday night from 7pm. Every contestant receives a gift bag with the swimwear they’ll wrestle in, a session at Sunlounge, sample lube, a six-pack of Pure Blonde, plus more. Entry is $5.
info: Contestant entry forms are available to download by visiting www.clarencehotel.com.au

GAY NUDISTS

Gay Sydney Nudists is a social organisation for gay or bisexual male nudists and host parties at members’ homes, dinners at restaurants, harbour cruises and any other legal activities the committee decides upon.
info: To join the group call 4972 5357 or email [email protected]

GIRLS

MOIST HALLOWEEN
There are two words you never thought you’d see together. Regardless, this Friday October 30 Arq nightclub is going to get ghoulish for the Moist Halloween party for girls. From 9pm-7am, check out hot vampire dance shows, get your groove on to music from DJs Shalyn Gray and Sandi Hotrod, and dress in costume for the chance to win prizes. $10 at the door.
SEXPO
The annual Sexpo exhibition might be a predominantly straight event, but each year there’s more and more on offer for those of a queer bent. Ladies, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better selection of sex toys all under the one roof. Bring your girl or fly solo. It’s running from October 29-November 1 at Hordern Pavilion.
info: www.sexpo.com.au


TEGAn and SARA

Canadian identical twin lesbian duo Tegan and Sara release their new album Sainthood this weekend, and it’s a corker. The twins, who have always rather famously refused to write any of songs together, have finally acquiesed, with one song on Sainthood split between the pair. Grab it when it hits stores on Saturday — it may just be their best record yet.
DEYA DOVA
Billed as Australia’s only female electronic artist, Deya Dova’s music is a diverse mix of electro breakbeats, Celtic wailing, and hippie musings on love and life. Her latest album Burst may just be one of the weirdest — and best — Aussie releases this year. Check out this electro earth mother in action at Sosueme @ Q Bar in Darlinghurst on Friday October 30.
CLARENCE
Girls, get your ghoul on for a Halloween dress-up special at the Clarence Hotel on October 30. It’s $10 on the door, with happy hour from 9pm-10pm. Have one or two of the freaky special cocktails of the night, check out the awesome floor show and dance to tunes provided by DJ Sveta.

QUEER CENTRAL
Catch DJs Sveta, Miss Gee, Shalyn Gray, Beatrix and Avra Cybele at the Sly Fox every Wednesday night from 9pm. Surprise shows every week by Mitzi Macintosh and Penny Clifford.
info: 9557 1016

STAGE

CHESS
Marrying the music of ABBA maestros Benny and Bjorn with the lyrics of Tim Rice, Chess is one of the best-loved modern musicals in the world. The Ashfield Musical Society’s production will feature a 19-piece orchestra with superb soloists and chorus, making for a lush interpretation of classic songs like I Know Him So Well. It’s playing from October 29-November 1 at the Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL.
info: www.chprsl.com.au

FUNNY MONEY

GFC? More like LOL — get ready for the funny side of money matters, delivered by a treasury of stars in one night of comedy cabaret and mayhem at the Enmore Theatre on November 1. The ABC of Money, Money, Money! line-up includes cabaret icon Paul Capsis, lesbian comedian Hannah Gadsby and the delicious Libbi Gorr on hosting duties. Tickets through Ticketek.

RISQUE REVUE
Straddling the line between nu-burlesque and old erotica, Risque Revue is an exciting new dining showcase at Slide which takes inspiration from the legendary Paris Lido and Crazy Horse. The fun starts on Friday October 30.
info: www.slide.com.au

iOTA
One of Australia’s most enigmatic, talented and original singer/songwriters iOTA debuts his new one-man show at Showqueen on November 1. He’s received six ARIA nominations, won the Helpmann for his portrayal of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and has spent the last year playing Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show. His previous appearances at Showqueen have been breathtaking, so expect a real treat here.
info: www.showqueen.com.au

A NIGHT WITH MAYNARD
Why spend your valuable time finding offensive clips on the internet when Maynard’s already done it for you? On Thursday November 5 at the Mu-Meson Archives in Annandale, Maynard will present short clips of variable quality from around the web, around the world, but more importantly around Maynard’s lounge room. The show isn’t suitable for children, although it is very childish.
info: www.mumeson.org

MISSING PIECES
Written and directed by Shelley Wall, Missing Pieces is a contemporary drama about two married couples, exposing the frailties of their relationships and the secrets they share and hide from each other. The play explores notions of sexual identity, societal conformity, family responsibility vs. personal freedom and infidelity. Be warned: it’s a confronting experience, and not necessarily for the faint of heart. It’s running from October 28 at the Tap Gallery in Darlinghurst.
info: www.tapgallery.org.au

SONG

HAYDN AND THE DEVIL
World-renowned cellist Hidemi Suzuki returns to the Brandenburg stage from October 30 in Haydn and the Devil. A master of the gutstring cello, Hidemi will give up his 16th century Amati cello for the role of guest conductor, as he leads the Brandenburg through the music of Haydn, Boccherini and Mozart performed on period instruments. It’s playing at the City Recital Hall until November 7.
info: www.brandenburg.com.au

BRENDAN MACLEAN
The Wheel of Frank Confession is a cabaret showcase of the work of a group of talented young singer-songwriters, among them the openly gay Brendan Maclean. Maclean and other songwriters from around Australia will present their honest, funny, heart-rending songs to the audience in a diverse night of music. The Wheel Of Frank Confession is on at The Raval, Surry Hills, 7.30pm, November 4.
info: www.theraval.com.au

MARK TREVORROW

Mark Trevorrow returns to the Sydney cabaret stage on Wednesday evenings during November with an intimate show featuring songs, laughs, supper and surprise celebrity guests. The creator of Bob Downe (born 1984, still going strong) is a brilliant singer and entertainer in his own right, and will offer up an evening of jazz and pop, chat and special surprises, starting on November 4.
info: www.moshtix.com.au

PEATS RIDGE

Peats Ridge always presents an eclectic mix of emerging and established artists and the 2009 festival will be no different with more than 200 artists performing across 10 stages. In something of a coup for organisers, heading the festival this year are Lamb, the late ’90s trip-hop duo who broke up some five years ago. The festival runs for three nights over NYE, but is well on its way to selling out.
info: www.peatsridgefestival.com.au

PALOMA FAITH

Flame-haired UK songstress Paloma Faith is an intriguing proposition: the bruised soul sounds of Amy Winehouse, but with an added dash of vaudeville theatricality. Clearly, the gays are gonna love her. Her second single, the epic ballad New York, has been bobbing around the UK charts for the past month. See what all the fuss is about when she performs a special showcase at Oxford Art Factory on November 2.
info: www.oxfordartfactory.com.au

ON SCREEN

QI ON ABC
Everyone loves a bit of Stephen Fry. The erudite, openly gay English comedian and raconteur is like a latter-day Oscar Wilde. His new quiz show, QI, is the perfect vehicle for him to showcase his sparkling wit and vast knowledge. The cad. It’s on 9.30pm Tuesdays on ABC1.

RACHEL ZOE PROJECT

Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe has been credited with the Hollwood ‘Lollipop look’: big bags, big glasses, big bag o’ bones. She also resembles a raisin with lips. Watch the woman in action, inspiring a whole new generation to take up eating disorders, on The Rachel Zoe Project, 8.30pm November 3 on Arena, Foxtel.

BACK TO THE ’80s
It’s time to revisit the decade that taste forgot when the cast of Spicks and Specks don their hottest fluoro leg-warmers in a salute to the ’80s on November 4. Myf, Alan and special guests will answer an array of questions about everyone from Patrick Swayze to Hayzee Fantayzee, all while trying not to suffocate on the fumes of their own hairspray. 8.30pm Wednesday November 4, ABC1.

HOTEL BABYLON

Is it just us, or are UK soaps Hotel Babylon, Mile High and Footballers’ Wives completely interchangable but for their respective locales? Ah, who cares when they’re so enjoyably trashy. Season four of Hotel Babylon premieres at 9:.0pm October 28 on UKTV, Foxtel. Look out for the delicious Nigel Harman as Sam.

COFA SCREENING
In the COFA (College of Fine Arts) annual ’09 screening, graduating digital media and time-based art students show video, animation, motion graphics and time-based works on the big screen at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington. It’s a great opportunity to see the work of fresh young talent on the big screen. The screening runs from 6pm-10pm on November 17.
info: www.cofa.unsw.edu.au

QUEER FRUITS

The Queer Fruits Film Festival is held at the Star Court Theatre, Lismore, and will screen an award-winning program of local, national and international queer films on December 29 & 30.
info: Bookings on www.tropicalfruits.org.au

FREE

GLEBE LOCALS
From now until November 28, an entire Sydney suburb is being transformed into an art exhibition to debut the Grand Tour Gallery, a new outdoor exhibition space that spans the suburb of Glebe. To celebrate the launch, 150 life-size photographic portraits showcasing Glebe’s vibrant community will be displayed throughout the suburb as part of a unique exhibition titled 150 Locals.
info: www.glebe.com.au/glebe150locals

SURF MARKET
Manly will soon play host to Australia’s first ever Surf Market. Located along the suburb’s famous beachfront, the Surf Market runs from November 5-8 with a program that embraces all things surfing and more.
info: www.manlymarkets.com.au/surf

MAKE FREE ANIMALS

On November 14, Object Gallery is hosting a free animal-making workshop in association with the groundbreaking exhibition Menagerie: Contemporary Indigenous Sculpture currently on show. In the exhibition, children will be able to see how Australia’s Indigenous artists have been inspired by animals and will be able to make a sculpture of their own to take home. The workshop is suitable for children aged 3-12, but ‘kidults’ are welcome too.
info: www.australianmuseum.net.au

HUNTER VALLEY UNCORKED
On November 1, the Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral event will host over 30 wineries and restaurants showcasing their first class wine and produce. Among the ample food and wine available for sampling, there’ll also be activities ranging from golf to boule to wine-spitting competitions. Best of all, it’s free to come along.
info: www.hunteruncorked.com.au

QUEER NEWCASTLE

There’s a celebration of alternative culture in the corridors of Newcastle University at the moment, just around the corner from the information common. You Are Here Now is an historical exhibition, with an accompanying photographic competition, that celebrates gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer staff and students, past and present. Gregg Heathcote and Leni and Marguerite Johnson have been slaving away on the research and construction of the exhibition in the Auchmuty Library, and are more than happy to guide visitors through it and answer any questions they may have.
JOHN MARSDEN LECTURE
This year’s annual John Marsden Lecture will be given by Anand Grover, the senior lead advocate in the Supreme Court of India who successfully challenged the criminalisation of homosexuality in the Delhi High Court recently. He is also the UN Special Rapporteur on Health. Entry to the lecture at 6.30pm November 30 at the Grand Lodge Room, Sydney Masonic Centre is free.

FUTURE FUN

Endeavour adventure
Ever wanted to experience the life of an old-timey sailor, except without the scurvy and chronic syphilis? Now’s your chance with the Endeavour Adventure, a two-hour cruise aboard a full-scale replica of Captain Cook’s HMB Endeavour on November 7. 18th-century sailor dress strongly encouraged!
info: 9298 3655

GENDER MASHUPS

From November 11, Somedays Gallery in Surry Hills presents Djinn & Tonic, an exhibition showcasing photgraphs of hidden cultures from around the world — from Mexican transvestites to phallic buildings in the Hindu Kush. The works come from Sydney artists Kerryn Benbow, Miranda Douglas and Mark Elde.
info: www.somedays.com.au

BOAT PARTY

The official Frantic Boat Party will kick off from Star Casino Wharf at 10am on Saturday, November 14. DJs include Steve Hill, Yoshi, Micky D, Paul Doran and Allure. Tickets are $40.
info: [email protected]

ENDORPHIN

Dance artist Endorphin has had a huge career going back to 1996 — albums, soundtracks and tours with artists like Massive Attack and Portishead. Now he takes to the stage for his only Sydney show at Notes in Newtown on November 14.
info: www.noteslive.com.au

RAPPERS ADDED

Rap fans, take note of two huge new additions to the 2010 Days Like This festival line-up: Method Man and Redman. The former Wu-Tang Clan and Def Squad members join a diverse list of acts including Cat Power, Amp Fiddler and the Black Seeds for the festival, to be held at Moore Park on January 10.
info: www.dayslikethis.com.au

CATS
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical Cats returns to Sydney, at Star City’s Lyric Theatre, from May 18.  It’s been 15 years since Mr Mistoffelees and his feline friends purred on Australian stages. Tickets on sale now.
info: Book through Ticketmaster on 1300 795 267 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

CONCORD BALLET
From November 11 at the Sydney Opera House, The Australian Ballet unites three of the most exciting choreographers in the world today to present Concord. In this dynamic and stylistically diverse triple bill, stunning new ballets by British sensation Wayne McGregor and Russia’s Alexei Ratmansky are staged alongside the welcome return of Nacho Duato’s Spanish masterpiece Por vos muero.
info: www.australianballet.com.au

JOIN THE CIRCUS

Cirquinox returns to the Blue Mountains on Sunday, November 8. Held in Everglades, Cirquinox showcases the talent of local circus and physical theatre performers. Learn how to hula-hoop with the showgirls or be entertained by the amazing fire-breathers. From trapeze and aerial acts to clowns, stage shows, games and face-painting, the colour and thrill of the carnival will ensure a great day out for all. Entry is $10 with activities starting at 10am.
info: www.cirquinox.org.au or call 0425 221 203

FROCKS AFLOAT

Frocks Afloat is back and it’s going to be a Frockin’ beach party as the all-girl band rock out on Sydney harbour during a four-hour cruise. Drinks at pub prices, complimentary pizza and half-naked frockers all on one boat with a view to die for. Tickets are on sale now for $45 at all Frocks gigs. Frocks Afloat will be on Saturday December 12 from 11.45am, boarding at the Maritime Museum.

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