2009: Your biggest pink bits
The trouble with whirlwind retrospectives like this is it’s impossible to cram everything in. But I’m giving it a crack, nonetheless.
Snaps for Obama’s inauguration, however, Prop 8 somehow survived. HIV infection rates rise, and despite passing civil union legislation, Australia dithers on same-sex marriage. Turnbull tumbles, the budgie-smugglers hurt my eyes, and NSW Labor has a new pin-up gal.
Bruno, Balloon Boy, Susan Boyle.
Swine flu bred hysteria, the GFC still sucks, and bushfires ravaged Victoria. Tiger Woods spawned headline tedium, and the Sydney Convicts appeared on The Footy Show. Centrelink’s still stuffing us around, UN climate change talks began, and police faced scrutiny after allegations gay bashers walked free in Blacktown.
Sam Sparro, New Moon, Ruby Rose. The Freemasons and Alison Jiear rocked the party, but NMG had a bumpy ride — with resignations, relocations, and mix-ups for the 2010 parade and party, while sniffer dog ops were on the nose for Sleaze partygoers. The Pop Shop’s back, the Flinders is gone. the Shift saddled up, Nevermind popped her cherry, and the Imperial hangs in limbo.
Octomom, Windows 7, Lady Gaga.
Whitney and George Michael are coming to town. Joan Rivers, PINK and Liza Minnelli have been and gone. Kylie toured the States, Adam Lambert sealed it with a gay kiss, and Britney mimed herself another fail. Kanye West makes tool of the year, Taylor Swift is stunned. Images of a badly beaten Rihanna remind the world domestic violence is not okay.
Masterchef, Penny Wong, Glee.
Kevin McGee posted his suicide note on Facebook (which clinched 350 million users) and Matthew Leveson’s boyfriend was found not guilty. Other ‘big news’ deaths included Farrah Fawcett, Patrick Swayze, and of course, Michael Jackson — yet many remain sceptical of the King of Pop’s demise. A lesbian kiss rocked Home and Away, DIVA bounced back from meltdown and Sydney Star Observer commemorated an epic 1000 issues.
If I’ve missed something, have your say online. But on a more festive note, here’s to a safe and smashing holiday season. See you on the flipside of ’09, which is also the year this column was born.
A queen’s entitled to just a little self-indulgence over Christmas, right?
Oh thank god ur coming back ! I have missed ur column matey. Happy 2010 !
Thanks for the comments, peoples – and for pointing out the things I wasn’t able to cram in.
And yep – my weekly column will be returning for 2010, along with your other faves, from January 20th I believe.
Happy New Year & thanks for tuning-in.
Cheers xxd
You forgot that old Bea lady from the Golden Girls with the drag queen voice and Mrs Slocomb also the other thing I remember was Sydneys dooms day when we were covered in orange dust
yeh I agree susan boyle swine flu and michael jackson were the biggest stories and that it was a shit year basically….. Heres hoping 2010 is much better. Happy new year damo and everyone at the star!
I dont know what Rose’s problem is but I thought this was a great wrap up dude. I hope your flipside comment means u are coming back in 2010….. Bah humbug and happy new queer !
What of the achievements of our FEMALE, transgender and intersex contemporaries over the past decade??! I am mildly satisfied you remembered PENNY WONG whilst you appear to have omitted our SISTERS like Ellen or Hilary Clinton or the one and only RUBY ROSE who is to HOT for words!!!
phew! that was wirlwind alright. its crazy looking back on everything that happened and not such a positive year lets hope 2010 is better…… i am so sick of lady gaga tho…… if she had any talent she would not need all the props and could drop the act…… we get it gaga ur quirky and different a real musical genius…… not
The Australian government has really let LGBTI people down when it comes to same sex marriage. Equality means just that and close enough is not good enough !
Other deaths that come to mind are that boy band singer which was all very strange and Mrs Slocombe.
The biggest news for 09 was definately Michael Jackson. I was not really a fan but still such a great loss !
A fabulous Christmas and an even better 2010 to you Damien !