Are we still safe out west?

Beverly Buttercup
September 4, 2009

We have all read the horrific story of Aaron and Greg in Sydney Star Observer. There have been comments galore on the alleged pitiful work of the Blacktown police and questions raised about the safety of western Sydney.

These two gorgeous boys are regular patrons of Heaven Social Dance and it was pleasing to see at our last dance in August that they are both doing much better.

But can you even imagine the heartache that must have followed this terrible crime?

Many comments allude to what if this had been a straight couple… If Aaron had been a female, how much more media attention would this have received? But he wasn’t, he was just some poof who got bashed and nobody initially gave a shit.

How can western Sydney – or any community for that matter – say this type of targeted violence is OK?

Fortunately this is more of an isolated event out west. But still, it makes you think. Don’t be complacent. Be careful and safe – and for God’s sake, if something like that ever happens to you, call the police and if they don’t act to your satisfaction, take a leaf out of Aaron and Greg’s book and go to the Ombudsman. Do not accept being treated like a second-class citizen.

If you experience homophobic violence and don’t feel comfortable approaching the police, you can seek assistance from the Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project. For more information call ACON on 9206 2000.

We are pleased to say there are still safe venues out west – like Heaven Social Dance at Northmead Bowling Club.

Heaven has now been running at this great friendly new venue since February 2009 and we have also recently added a new drag queen following our ‘Star Search’. We will proudly introduce Miss Laydee Kinmee in our October show. Thank Christ she knows left from right!

Also safely running out west is the local girls night ‘Dolphins Dance’ at the Parramatta Golf Club on the first and third Saturday of every month and ‘Mars Women… Venus Men’, a mixed queer night at Jupiter’s Nightclub on the second Friday of every month.

Next month I celebrate two years of writing this column with the fabulous Gracie Lou. Can you believe it? If she dumps me I am screwed! I suppose I better be nice and not mention her recent liposuction.

October will also see the third annual Pride Picnic in Parramatta Park on Sunday October 11. Bring your picnic basket, your boyfriend, your trade or your dog so I have something to take home with me at the end of the day.

Drag gossip: I have been replaced in the production shows at Heaven due to my inability to well… dance. I will remain in charge of the microphone, Gracie will be the entertainment bitch, Lola will (hopefully) whip up the costumes, Sue will tell us how to dance and Laydee will be our new drag baby! What a hoot it should be!

Until next time gorgeous!