Melbourne is spoilt for choice when it comes to GLBTIQ events but the annual Midsumma Festival is the jewel in the city’s queer crown. This year, Midsumma celebrates its 20th birthday and with the theme of ‘Arrival’, what better time to pay a visit to the bohemian capital of Australia?
With over 180 events spread across 23 days, Midsumma offers something to please those of all tastes and persuasions. The spectrum ranges from hard-core kink and fetish events to kids’ picnics and family days to dance parties, film and live theatre. This year the festival will host the first Asia Pacific Outgames, adding sport and a human rights conference to the mix.
Personally, Carnival Day is one of my favourite Midsumma events and this year it will kick off the festivities on January 19. The Alexandra Gardens, right in the heart of the city across from the Arts Centre and Flinders Street Station, will be transformed into a sea of picnic rugs, dogs, kids, leather-clad Bears, drag queens and everything in between. Get in early to grab a shady spot close to one of the many stages or simply wander around the stalls and have a boogie on the dance floor. Then when the sun starts to set, the party people move into the fenced off area for the annual T-Dance – an awesome night of DJ’s and performance artists living it up under the palm trees and a warm summer sky (we hope! It is Melbourne after all… ).
The official closing of the festival is the Pride March, this year on Sunday February 3. To me, Melbourne’s Pride March has always seemed the perfect foil to Sydney’s Mardi Gras. Held during daylight hours, with no floats at all, it remains a political show of solidarity while still managing to be a whole heap of fun. Large groups must be registered but anyone is permitted to jump in and march along. However, it may be wise to carefully read the banner of the group you are proudly marching behind or like some unfortunate little lesbian at her first Pride March, you may unknowingly join the transgender volleyball group! To avoid this, the best idea is to get behind the big organisations like Joy 94.5 (GLBTI radio station), Midsumma or the ALSO Foundation. Pride March travels down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda and ends at the foreshore, where entertainment and parties continue well into the evening.
Apart from the ‘Premier events’ of the festival, Midsumma offers a plethora of art, culture and frivolity. One long-standing Midsumma event that holds a special place in my heart is the DT’s Golden Stiletto Rally. DT’s is a gay owned and run, quintessentially Melbourne pub and despite all jokes to the contrary, the pub is so named after the initials of its owners and not delirium tremens (the shakes) despite it being Molly Meldrum’s locale. The Golden Stiletto Rally is a good old-fashioned treasure hunt, with groups racing through the streets of Richmond to gather clues and win points. Although it is a foot race, roller skates and ‘other inventive means of movement’ are allowed and extra points are awarded to teams who dress in drag or to a theme. Even if you don’t want to take part, it is well worth getting an outside table at one of Richmond’s many cafés just to watch the spectacle… and the faces of unsuspecting shoppers. This year the rally is on February 2.
My top pick for Midsumma entertainment this year would have to be Rock Strip. In its second year, the show combines comedy, cabaret and striptease with live rock music. The stars of Rock Strip are some of Melbourne’s finest drag kings, musicians and performance artists, some of whom have performed with the infamous Gurlesque from Sydney. People are still raving about last year’s sell out show, so get in quick for tickets. Rock Strip is on at Gasworks Theatre for two shows only – Friday February 8 and Saturday February 9.
For the boys, Midsumma Mooning at the Laird Hotel is a bit of saucy fun that raises money for a great cause – the North and South Drop In Centers, who support people living with HIV. It is of course a bum-flashing competition and while I personally have never been (the Laird is a strictly men only venue), my gay boyfriends have regaled me with tales of the hilarity that ensues. Ogle the bums or flash your own from 9.30pm on January 26.
There are just too many fantastic events to mention here, so I suggest you go directly to the Midsumma website (www.midsumma.org.au) for a complete run-down. But whatever you do, make sure you get over to Midsumma at least once – there’s no better time to be a queer in Melbourne.
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Melbourne Perthonality
Midsumma in Melbourne is all set to go this January 19 and is bigger than ever with 180 unique events programmed in an ever eclectic showcase of queer talent. Amid this cavalcade of culture is a healthy contingency of Perthonalities showcasing our state’s wide range of talent and ability.
Winner of last year’s OUTinPerth Emerging Photographer competition, William Ainger, will be exhibiting his stunning shots for the course of this month long festival at Hares & Hyenas.
Two Old Queens, starring Edgar Metcalfe and John Michael Swinbank, hits Chapel off Chapel for a season sure to be as successful as their Perth debut.
On the music scene Nat Ripepi hits the stage for the Carnival Open Day at the Alexandra Gardens for a loud sound sure to make sandgropers proud. She also features at the Homophonix: Influx night being hosted by local lad Vinn Pitcher, who will also be producing the Homophonix: Dutch Courage open mic music session, both of which take place upstairs at Revolver.
Midsumma Festival Guides are now available online at www.midsumma.org.au or from Connections Nightclub and The Court Hotel.
