Gore Vidal

How to grow old - wonderfully!! Outspoken, arrogant, trenchant, angry, probably the greatest gay man alive today, Vidal rips into George W and his would-be replacement Senator John 'Mr Magoo' McCain. Scary, wonderful stuff. There'll never be another like him.

On the show tonight . . . .

The Rainbow Report, tonight at 7pm on Joy 94.9FM, streaming live at www.joy.org.au - newsw and current affairs with a queer slant.

Join me live tonight as we look at fundraising fatigue in Sydney, where the luncheon club has had to be rescued because of lack of support, with SSO editor Scott Abrahams.

There’s also a lack of support for World Youth Day, with organizers fearing the Pope won’t have a big a crowd as he likes, so to help things along, plans are afoot for an Alternative World Youth Day. And even more sad news for ex-Sydneysiders – Golds Gym is closing.

Bnews editor Daren Pope counters with all the latest in Melbourne.

The British Foreign Office has issued a gay toolkit to all its embassies around the world, outlining how they can help promote gay and lesbian rights. I’ll be asking the British Vice Consul what his plans are to encourage gay rights in Australia.

And as the Liberals dither over whether to support same-sex super equality or not, we’ve a report from Canberra on attempts to change Brendan Nelsons mind.

All that and more on the Rainbow Report, tonight at 7pm on Joy 94.9FM, streaming live at www.joy.org.au.

Brandis Confirms Super Delay

Speaking last Thursday on the Rainbow Report on Joy Melbourne 94.9, Shadow Attorney General George Brandis confirmed that the Senate enquiry into equalising superannuation for same sex couples would not be over in a couple of days and the bill would not pass in time to come into effect at the start of the new financial year.

The MP3 file is here Rainbow Report Brandis Interview (15Mb).

You can download the whole show, which also includes an interview on the same subject with Sen. Kerry Nettle here (55Mb).

Sen. Brandis also refused to give any guarantees that the Liberal party would support the backdating of any changes to the start of the financial year.

He said the Coalition would wait for the Omnibus Bill, which will amend other pieces of legislation identified by HREOC and the Attorney-General's office as discriminating against gays and lesbians, and consider the two bills together.

This means reform will likely be delayed at least until September.

He denied this was a delaying tactic, saying the profound changes proposed meant the bills could not be allowed to proceed without thorough scrutiny.

He distanced himself from the more extreme comments made during the House debate on the same sex bill, such as those of Stuart Robert and Donna Vale, reminding listeners of his record on supporting gay rights. He said that while he respected their views, he will be the one piloting these measures through the Senate on the Coalition's behalf.

The Rainbow Report - News & Current Affairs with a queer slant. Joy Melbourne 94.9, every Thursday 7-8pm, streaming live at www.joy.org.au, hosted by yours truly, Doug Pollard.

Out of the Pan

From: Sally Goldner

3 CR’s Radiothon is underway again and I’m looking for your help.

Your contribution can keep a voice for pansexuality (including issues of transgender, bisexual and generally knowing no boundaries of sex or gender) on the air – and keep people alive.

No way, you say? One transgender listener was feeling very low and tuned in one day. She realized she was not alone – and is still here to talk about it. 3 CR and Out of the Pan can make that much difference.*

Out of the Pan has to raise $500 as part of 3 CR’s target of $210,000. So your contribution can make a difference. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

On a personal note, I love presenting the program. I have fun preparing and presenting it. It informs people about issues with a viewpoint not likely to be heard anywhere else. And let’s remember that great range of pansexual music…knowing no boundaries of sex, gender or genre (alright, play whatever I feel like on the day!)

So donate now. Remember to put "Out of the Pan" in the box "I would like my gift to support the following 3CR program/s" if using online or write it on the downloadable donation form.

Thanks for your support.

Cheeyars

Sally

*This is no exaggeration. Happy to send the email to anyone who wants it (including the person’s permission to be quoted).

Out of the Pan, 3 CR 855 AM www.3cr.org.au Sunday, noon to 1 PM AEST

'Brokeback Mountain' To Become Opera

Brokeback Mountain will be staged at the New York City Opera, premiering in the spring of 2013.

"Ever since encountering Annie Proulx's extraordinary story I have
wanted to make an opera on it, and it gives me great joy that Gerard
Mortier and New York City Opera have given me the opportunity to do
so," said Charles Wuorinen was commissioned to
write the work.

Melbourne gay cop honoured

Senior Sergeant Joy Lynette Murphy - Australian Police Medal

Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Unit - Diamond Creek

Senior Sergeant Joy Lynette Murphy has been a member of Victoria Police for over thirty years. During this time she has significantly contributed to Victoria Police and the Victorian community through her commitment and willingness to help others. From early on in her career, she has demonstrated an aptitude for criminal investigation, specifically in relation to sexual assault matters, as well a growing expertise in child protection and welfare issues. She has been responsible for a variety of proactive projects that have made a positive difference to the lives of many in the community she serves.

She has been an active supporter of those in policing who do not conform to stereotypes. In addition to informal mentoring, she played a leading role in establishing formal support mechanisms to combat discrimination within Victoria Police through her roles with the Past and Present Women in Policing Association and the Victoria Gay and Lesbian Police Employee’s Network (GALPEN).

Victoria Police Media Unit

Coo-coo-ca-choo Mrs Robinson

What's that you say, Mrs Robinson - the wife of Northern Ireland's new First Minister, Peter Robinson - that homosexuality is "disgusting, nauseous, loathsome, shamefully wicked and vile"?

You won't meet us because, "I do not need to put my hand into the fire to know I will get burned."

But she would like us all to meet this 'lovely' Christian psychiatrist she knows who can turn us straight.

Wow! Simon & Garfunkel were right! Heaven holds a place for those who pray! Hey, hey, hey!

But you know what? I'd rather have Mrs. Robinson's upfront honesty than all the mealy-mouthed claptrap slithering out of the mouths of some Australian Liberals right now.

So here's to you, Mrs. Robinson, Jesus loves you more than you will know for exposing the true feelings behind all those terribly nice-sounding lies about 'loving the sinner but hating the sin'.

Or as the Liberals say, we're not homophobic and we support equality, BUT........... don't expect us to actually vote for anything remotely resembling fair and equal treatment any time soon.

Dutch Queens Birthday Attack

Dutch Tolerance Finished?

In Amsterdam the Queen's Birthday April 30 is a very big deal, when the whole city becomes one big street party.

Koninginnedag, as it's called, is also very, very gay, as the city shuts up shop for the day, the streets and canalsides fill with market stalls, the bars stay open all night, people dress up (mainly in orange) and everyone has fun.

Not so much fun this year for a couple of gay models taking part in a fashion parade, allegedly beaten up by a bunch of Muslim youths.

It's the latest in a series of assaults in the once-tolerant city that was my home for a number of years. Mind you, Dutch 'tolerance' is not quite what you may imagine it to be.

When I lived there, no-one would try in any way to prevent you from being and acting as gay as a goose, but having granted you that licence, anti-gay Amsterdammers always felt free to loudly carp, criticise and insult you for being gay, and you were expected to take it on the chin.

The same principle allowed you to carp, criticise, insult and argue back.

It wasn't the polite English version of tolerance, where 'we don't discuss politics or religion at the dinner table, thank you' - but once you got used to it, it was quite fun. Though you did need to grow a considerably thicker skin.

That wouldn't be enough nowadays, it seems.

Now you need body armour.

The Vice President Makes a Call

“Hey Mr President, how are you?”

“Oh, not so bad, you know. Keeping busy with the redecorations.”

“Well, it makes sense for me to do that, I’m glad you asked me. After all, I do have the experience.”

“Listen, Barry, I was thinking. We’re still not doing too well in the Southern states. You know, I hate to say this, but they still haven’t 'cottoned on' to the idea of a black man as President. But I think I see a way to get them onside.”

“Let’s swing through the south, play up the Kennedy thing, give ‘em a real guilt trip – you know, do a motorcade through Dallas, stuff like that. Claim the legacy, show courage, the vision thing, blah, blah....... kinda fits with your 'change' schtick, you know?”

“No, no need to thank me Barry, we’re a team, right? I mean, that’s what Veeps are for, watching the President's back, making sure he's on target, you know.”

“How’s your diary – you free for lunch?”

“Bill? No, he’s out of town right now. Some property deal he’s working on. Checking out a book depository someplace. But I’m sure he’s thinking of you.”

“OK see you at lunch. And Barry, can we leave Michelle out of this one, please? I do not want another fight about the Oval Office curtains. See ya!”

Rights win for lesbian families

The ABC reports that the rights of New South Wales children with lesbian parents have been expanded under laws passed by the State Government, clearing the way for children from lesbian couples to inherit
money from their non-birth parent and receive workers' compensation on
behalf of their non-birth parent.