Over a three course meal Marc Fennell guides participants through a discussion focusing on topics ranging from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity, menopause and ageing.

Across, the series the guests are athletes, drag queens, artists, doctors and everyday, yet extraordinary, people, with little in common except the one health condition that binds them.

The dinner party becomes a space for empathy, disagreement, laughter and catharsis – where brain fog, body image, libido and late-age diagnosis are discussed as easily as wine is poured.

In the third episode of the series the topic of ageing is tackled. Sitting at the table is artist Lindy Lee, sexologist Dr Linda Kirkman, dementia advocate Gwenda Darling, and drag performer Stan Munro and Geriatrician Dr John Ward – who was New South Wales Senior of the Year in 2024.

During the conversation Lee notes that while the Baby Boomer generation have had a tendency to focus on materialism growing up in the post-war period they’re also the first generation to tackle many social issues.

“Baby Boomers were born from parents who had experienced war, deprivation, so the moment any sense of prosperity came on, of course people are going to buy houses because it was affordable, so that’s kind of a natural thing.” Lee says during the dinner conversation. “But we also had to contend with misogyny, racism, homophobia, so my generation I think have fought hard for inclusiveness.”

Eighty-four year old drag performer Stan Munro shares his frustration about how call centre operators speak to older people, as well as lamenting his lack of sex life.

“I haven’t been laid for about fifteen years,” he says, “It’s shocking.” Leading to some of the other attendees to suggest that all the action is happening in care homes.

Stan says that on the gay scene, ageism has always been a big factor, and it only gets worse the older you get, which kicks off a discussion about the differences between relationships, intimacy and pleasure.

As Australia’s population ages, people live longer and work longer attitudes to ageing and how to live your life are rapidly changing. While people used to retire in their sixties, now many people continue to work, and Dame Stan has no plans to stop performing. He currently delivers a show called Vintage Drag in Mint Condition.

Heartbreakingly, Stan also shares his fear of getting older and having to go in to care, where he fears he may encounter homophobia.

Across the series many interesting and prominent Australians appear including true crime podcasters, advertising experts, prison reform advocates, mental health experts and reality TV show champions. Plus there’s food writers, Olympians, influencers, famous authors, doctors, fashion designers and journalists.

The four-part series will be available to stream on SBS On Demand from Tuesday, 14 October, and air weekly on SBS, Tuesdays at 8.30pm.

The post New Marc Fennell SBS series tackles the big topics appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Harris Glenn Milstead was better known by his stage name Divine. The Baltimore native became friends with filmmaker John Waters in the 1960’s and they collaborated together on many film projects.

After appearing in several short films, Divine took a lead role in Waters feature films including Mondo Trasho (1969), Multiple Maniacs (1970), and Water’s breakthrough cult hit Pink Flamingos (1972). Alongside making theatre appearances in San Francisco, Divine was a regular performer in Water’s films including Female Trouble (1974), Polyester (1981) and Hairspray (1988). When home video became popular in the 1980’s suddenly Divine was known around the globe.  Divine also appeared in films by other directors including Lust in the Dust (1985) and Trouble in Mind (1985).

In the early 1980’s Divine also started releasing dance music and had big hits with You Think Your a Man, Shoot Your Shot, I’m So Beautiful, and Walk Like a Man. Divine worked with Hi-NRG producer Bobby Orlando and later Pete Waterman. Divine was a regular guest on television chat shows and was painted by both Andy Warhol and David Hockney.

On March 7, 1988, just three weeks after Hairspray was given a wide release in movie theatres, Divine died in of heart failure aged 42.

Mistead was gay and Divine was his drag persona, he avoided speaking about his sexuality early in his career, but was more open in his final years. He avoided talking to the media about LGBT+ rights, partially at the advice of his manager, who believed it would have a negative effect on his career.

Divine’s music has continued to be played in queer clubs, and the films have become cult classics. Anohni paid tribute to the performer on the first Antony and the Johnsons album, and Roisin Murphy made a homage to the star with her music video for Movie Star by re-enacting scenes from Multiple Maniacs. Divine was also the inspiration for Ursula the Sea Witch from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 

CBS Reports airs ‘The Homosexuals’ in 1967

In 1967 US television viewers watch an episode of weekly current affairs program CBS Reports which focused on homosexuality. The episode, which was hosted by reporter Mike Wallace, was the first documentary to look at homosexuality that aired on network television.

The episode took three years to make and featured interviews with psychiatrists, police and gay men – who usually appeared incognito in shadow or behind large pot plants. In his commentary Wallace described gay men as promiscuous and unable to form stable relationships.

“The average homosexual, if there be such, is promiscuous. He is not interested or capable of a lasting relationship like that of a heterosexual marriage. His sex life, his love life, consists of a series of one–chance encounters at the clubs and bars he inhabits. And even on the streets of the city — the pick-up, the one night stand, these are characteristics of the homosexual relationship.” Wallace told television viewers.

Years after the documentary aired it was revealed that earlier cuts of the film were rejected because the gay men interviewed seemed too happy with their lives, and producers insisted more interviews that showed gay men as unhappy be included.

It is estimated that 20 per cent of American television viewers saw the show. LGBTI rights activist Wayne Besen labeled it “the single most destructive hour of antigay propaganda in our nation’s history.”

After the program aired many of the interviewees expressed frustration that their responses had been edited in a way that showed them to appear more negative, and one participant, Jack Nichols, was fired from his job the day after the episode aired.

OIP Staff, This post was written in 2021 and subsequently updated. 

The post On This Gay Day | Drag star Divine died aged just 42 appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Divine found success around the globe in film and music 

Harris Glenn Milstead was better known by his stage name Divine. The Baltimore native became friends with filmmaker John Waters in the 1960’s and they collaborated together on many film projects.

After appearing in several short films, Divine took a lead role in Waters feature films including Mondo Trasho (1969), Multiple Maniacs (1970), and Water’s breakthrough cult hit Pink Flamingos (1972). Alongside making theatre appearances in San Francisco, Divine was a regular performer in Water’s films including Female Trouble (1974), Polyester (1981) and Hairspray (1988). When home video became popular in the 1980’s suddenly Divine was known around the globe.  Divine also appeared in films by other directors including Lust in the Dust (1985) and Trouble in Mind (1985).

In the early 1980’s Divine also started releasing dance music and had big hits with You Think Your a Man, Shoot Your Shot, I’m So Beautiful, and Walk Like a Man. Divine worked with Hi-NRG producer Bobby Orlando and later Pete Waterman. Divine was a regular guest on television chat shows and was painted by both Andy Warhol and David Hockney.

On March 7, 1988, just three weeks after Hairspray was given a wide release in movie theatres, Divine died in of heart failure aged 42.

Mistead was gay and Divine was his drag persona, he avoided speaking about his sexuality early in his career, but was more open in his final years. He avoided talking to the media about LGBT+ rights, partially at the advice of his manager, who believed it would have a negative effect on his career.

Divine’s music has continued to be played in queer clubs, and the films have become cult classics. Anohni paid tribute to the performer on the first Antony and the Johnsons album, and Roisin Murphy made a homage to the star with her music video for Movie Star by re-enacting scenes from Multiple Maniacs. Divine was also the inspiration for Ursula the Sea Witch from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 

CBS Reports airs ‘The Homosexuals’ in 1967 

In 1967 US television viewers watch an episode of weekly current affairs program CBS Reports which focused on homosexuality. The episode, which was hosted by reporter Mike Wallace, was the first documentary to look at homosexuality that aired on network television.

The episode took three years to make and featured interviews with psychiatrists, police and gay men – who usually appeared incognito in shadow or behind large pot plants. In his commentary Wallace described gay men as promiscuous and unable to form stable relationships.

“The average homosexual, if there be such, is promiscuous. He is not interested or capable of a lasting relationship like that of a heterosexual marriage. His sex life, his love life, consists of a series of one–chance encounters at the clubs and bars he inhabits. And even on the streets of the city — the pick-up, the one night stand, these are characteristics of the homosexual relationship.” Wallace told television viewers.

Years after the documentary aired it was revealed that earlier cuts of the film were rejected because the gay men interviewed seemed too happy with their lives, and producers insisted more interviews that showed gay men as unhappy be included.

It is estimated that 20 per cent of American television viewers saw the show. LGBTI rights activist Wayne Besen labeled it “the single most destructive hour of antigay propaganda in our nation’s history.”

After the program aired many of the interviewees expressed frustration that their responses had been edited in a way that showed them to appear more negative, and one participant, Jack Nichols, was fired from his job the day after the episode aired.

OIP Staff, This post was written in 2021 and subsequently updated. 

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Produced by Big Gay Cabaret‘s Cleo Schurrer and Mae Dae, EMOTION brings together burlesque, drag, dance and spoken word performers to explore their deepest selves.

“So often, the world of burlesque and drag is focused on offering up a glittery, shining facade,” the team said.

“But what happens when you go beneath that facade?”

“There will be darkness, but there will also be light. This show aims to take you on a journey of the emotional spectrum, touching on many subjects.”

The jam-packed lineup features Autumn Daze, Brad Titt, Dollar Dazzler, MC Justin Sider, Lotta L’Amour, Mae Dae, Malaika Moon, Maven, Peachy Sparkles, Portia Sweet, Serenity von Varda, Sparklelicious (Harley Sparkles and Miss Foxielicious) and Tootsy Roll.

EMOTION is at Connections Nightclub on Friday 4 November from 8pm. For tickets and more information, head to Eventbrite.

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The post Artists get personal on stage in performance showcase 'EMOTION' appeared first on OUTinPerth.

On Saturday night Hannah Conda will take to the stage at The Riverside Theatre as one of the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under. Speaking to OUTinPerth as she returned to her hometown, the drag star shared that she’s surprised how much her career as changed over the last decade.

“It’s been a rollercoaster ride”, Hannah says of her journey as a drag performer that kicked off with her winning Queen of the Court in 2010.

After leaving Perth and relocating Sydney her career continued to grow and this year things went into overdrive when she signed up to be a contestant on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race – Down Under. While she didn’t win the crown, she was a worthy runner-up coming in second.

The performer shares that she did have some hesitation about signing on to the show.

“It’s like throwing a time-bomb into your life, because you never really know how it’s going to pan out, but I’m really grateful because I got to meet some incredible people and we had a wonderful time. I came out feeling like an absolute winner, because I made beautiful friends and have wonderful memories.”

When we catch up via phone Hanna Conda has just touched down in Perth with all of those drag race friends and they’re being bussed from the airport to their accommodation. Our conversation is filled with the cacophony of sounds that only a bus full of drag queens could create.

She shares that the intensive filming the show is naturally a stressful experience.

“It’s natural that it’s stressful because it is a competition, and you’re pressed for time and going through all these challenges, and you’re always trying to put your best foot forward.

“You’re trying to stay on top of it all, but not sleeping well because you’re thinking of the next thing, so it does become quite stressful, but at the same time, I loved it, and I had the best time.” Hannah said.

For the show at the Riverside Theatre Hannah Conda says fans are going to see some of the best drag performances in the business.

“It’s a drag show on a different scale, it’s spectacular and it includes all your favourite performers from Season 1 and 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race – Down Under. Everyone’s worked their absolute bums off to make sure it’s the best drag show you’re going to see, and I’m really proud of it.”

When the television show made its debut in 2021 concerns over issues of racism and cultural misappropriation in Australia’s drag community resurfaced, and most of the attention was on performances that occurred in Perth’s local queer scene.

Hannah Conda addressed her own past performances, offering an apology for instances of cultural misappropriation and vowing to be a better ally to people of colour in the future. It’s something that the performer says will always be an ongoing journey.

“Once you start realising the structures that we’re all facing in race, you’re able to start working towards bringing people together in more positive ways, which is a rewarding experience.”

Hannah said she’d attended workshops on the topic and had taken part in a lot of conversations over the last 18 months about the issue of racism.

“The workshops were just one of the most real experiences, to have all these people from different walks of life come in and talk about race and racism, trying to take the un-comfortability out of it, allowed me to learn how we can all do our part to make sure that we are all thriving in this world.

“In our community we already know there is still so much further we need to go, to make sure people from different walks of life, different minorities, are all having their voices heard and their stories shared in appropriate ways. It is so important.” Hannah said.

“As a leader in our space and our community it was important that I took charge and made sure I did what I could do on my end to start making amends, and that continues to this day. I donate when I can, and I volunteer time, it’s all about empowering Indigenous voices, it’s really important.”

RuPaul’s Drag race Down Under Tour featuring the stars of Season 1 & 2 is at The Riverside Theatre on Saturday 8 October. Last minute tickets are available. 

Graeme Watson 

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Dirty Versarchi has returned with a great new tune Rainbow Light Beam.

The new track is co-produced by Andrew McEwan (Huntly), mixed by Tim Watt (MUTO, Golden Features) and mastered by Klaus Hill (PNAU, Ministry of Sound).

The song explores how boundaries can become blurred and complicated when crossing from friends to lovers.

The non-binary artist and drag queen Dirty Versachi is quickly becoming known for their songs exploring relationships, queer identity, and gender.

Each of their releases has been accompanied by a colourful and enigmatic film clip, with Rainbow Light Beam no
exception. Accompanying the song is a powerful music video choreographed and co-directed by Lachlan Purcell, depicting Dirty Versachi’s “avant-alien energy”.

“I wanted ‘Rainbow Light Beam’ to be feel like a repetitive mantra that encapsulates the desire to be free and to disassociate with everything that is happening around you. I also wanted it to feel queer, spacey and out of this world!” Dirty Versachi said.

The release follows previous singles Sticky Fingers and Resting Power.

Take a listen to the new song. 

OIP Staff

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An upcoming youth event in Fremantle has been targeted by conservative and religious groups after it put a call out for drag performers.

The City of Fremantle’s Youth Network called for expressions of interest from Drag Queens and Drag Kings to make part in an all-ages youth show in September, but after the event was highlighted by religious and conservative groups the city has been hit by complaints from people across Australia.

Conservative and religious groups call for drag ban

Conservative group Family Voice Australia lead the calls for the event to be cancelled, saying that all drag performances were unsuitable for children. WA State Director Daryl Budge encouraged followers of the group to lodge complaints with the Fremantle City Council.

“Children need protecting from exposure to sexualized content. Many adult drag performers choose inappropriate and sexualized stage names.” Budge said.

“The exaggerated makeup and clothing of “drag shows” is inappropriate for children because it distorts womanhood and manhood for little minds, before they have a maturely formed definitions of their own sex.”

Peter Abetz from the Australian Christian Lobby posted about the event repeating the call that drag involved highly sexualised actions and was not appropriate for children.

The former state Liberal MP said exposure to drag performances could damage young people’s mental health, and could lead to “vulnerable children” not being “affirmed in the biological sex”.

Binary, the organisation that campaigns against transgender people’s rights, said that despite the City of Fremantle saying the show would be “age appropriate”, it should still not go ahead. Binary suggests that drag performances should be contained to nightclubs and bars where only adults are present.

Legal expert Simon Creek says law needs to be reformed to remove ‘grey areas’ around drag in public

On Perth’s Christian radio station Sonshine FM legal commentator Simon Creek suggested that organizers of events that feature drag queens performing in front of younger people were exploiting “grey areas” in Western Australian law.

Speaking on the program Weekdays With Mike, Creek from the HHG Legal Group, said the discussion was not about a Christian viewpoint versus the LGBT community, but about protecting children.

Creek said Western Australian law from the criminal code through to the Family Law Act have sections which have an emphasis on protecting children from being exposed to materials which could be damaging to them.

“It’s why we have our R-18 classifications on films and what have you, it’s why we’ve always been careful as a society to put ages on the maturity of a child as to when they can and can’t do certain things.” Creek said.

“The whole of the body of of our legal system recognises that you have to be a certain age to be mature enough to understand and make decisions about certain things.

“So bypassing that, by holding these things in a seemingly innocent, nice looking environment, like a library, is a backdoor approach, in my personal view, to getting around the law, and to effectively making an impression on children in an age.

Creek said the state’s laws needed to “catch up” with current event to protect children from being exposed to drag performances; “there are these gray areas where things like this can sneak in the backdoor.”

City of Fremantle says drag event will go on regardless of criticism

The City of Fremantle has confirmed to OUTinPerth that they have no intention of cancelling the upcoming event. A spokesperson for the city said Fremantle was “well known as an inclusive and accepting community that embraces diversity.”

“This event is an initiative of the City’s Fremantle Youth Network – a group of 12-24 year-olds established to foster communication between the City and the community’s youth and to advocate on youth needs and concerns.

“The event will be for an audience of 13 and over. Audience members under 18 will require permission from a parent or guardian to attend.

“The event will be supervised by the City’s Community Development staff, and content will be carefully curated to ensure it is age appropriate. It will not be sexual in nature. It will be a fun event of colourful costumes, music, dancing, lip-syncing and comedy.

“The Youth Network has identified this event as something they’d like to do, and the City is supporting them in that.” the spokesperson said.

Graeme Watson

Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: info@discharged.org.au / discharged.org.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au

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She’s not your mama, her name is Bianca… and she’s returning to Australia with her new comedy tour Unsanitized!

The pandemic may be ending, but Bianca Del Rio promises she’s just getting started. Kicking off in Brisbane in August, and travel to Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth’s Astor Theatre.

Bianca Del Rio, otherwise known as Roy Haylock, is a dimple-cheeked, larger-than-life drag queen who dominated the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Thanks to her snarky frankness, impeccable timing and sharp wit, she has become one of the world’s biggest drag performers. Dubbed the Joan Rivers of the Drag World by New York Times, the self-professed “clown in a gown” is quick to point out that she is the biggest joke of all.

Bianca’s brand continues to expand with her recently launched makeup remover, The Bianca Remover, which is currently Amazon’s top selling beauty product.

Among her many accomplishments, Bianca starred in the feature film Hurricane Bianca, its sequel Hurricane Bianca 2: From Russia with Hate, the Vimeo original comedy special Rolodex of Hate, and the Logo original television specials Not Today Bianca.

Bianca has also taken her trademark wit and sharp commentary to the page in her book Blame It On Bianca Del Rio: The Expert on Nothing with an Opinion on Everything.

Bianca recently completed her fourth global stand-up comedy tour, It’s Jester Joke. She made history during that tour by being the first drag queen to headline Carnegie Hall and Wembley Arena, selling out both venues.

Del Rio also recently made her West End debut in the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie where she plays the role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle.

Bianca Del Rio’s Unsanitized! will be at Perth’s Astor Theatre on Saturday September 10. For tickets and more info, head to biancadownunder.com

Image: Matt Crockett

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Dean Misdale is one of the hardest working people in the local showbiz scene. Between cabaret shows, filling the dance floors as a DJ, hosting events, and appearing in some huge musicals, Misdale has always got something new going on.

Now the much-loved performer is hoping to fulfil fans wishes, by recording an EP of their own. OUTinPerth had a quick catch up to find out about everything on the local legend’s schedule.

You’ve launched a fundraiser to head into the studio and record an EP, what lead to this project?

It’s really come about because people at my shows have been asking for it. I get asked a lot about different versions of songs I do or lesser known songs from the music theatre genre. I’ve wanted to record again for a long time and this seems to be the perfect time to do so.

What kind of music will we hear on the record once it’s been laid down?

It will be a mix of genres which is very much what you can see at my shows. Pop, disco, music theatre and of course the occasional power balled.

When did you first start singing?

I’ve been singing since kindergarten when I joined the school choir and I’ve been singing ever since.

You’ve got heaps of acclaim for you’re Life’s a Drag show following its Fringe World season, how’s the show changed since you first performed it?

The show is constantly evolving and is essentially a tail of all the crazy things that happen in my life. Being that I do lead a very active lifestyle there is no shortage of tails to tell. If you’ve seen show once chances are if you came a second time you’d never see the same show twice!

What’s currently keeping you busy?

I currently have three fringe festivals around the country I am preparing for, and locally here in Perth I will be presenting a brand new show in June which will feature as part of the Downstairs at The Maj program.

Help bring Dean’s EP project to life at Pozible.

Graeme Watson, image: Angelo Di-Benedetto.

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Cult favourite film Hocus Pocus is set to receive a sequel later this year, and three international drag favourite are set to join the cast.

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 7, All Stars 2 and All Stars 6 contestant Ginger Minj has been outed as a feature in the new film, reportedly playing a drag version of Bette Midler’s character.

Ginger has seen success on the silver screen since her Drag Race run, appearing in 2018’s Dumplin‘, RuPaul’s Netflix series AJ & The Queen and the dragged out holiday film The Bitch Who Stole Christmas.

Since the news of Ginger’s involvement broke, production has confirmed season 12 stand-out Kahmora Hall and season 14 favourite Kornbread Jete – who sadly left the currently airing competition due to an injury – will be taking on the other sister witches.

Minj, Hall and Jete will join original cast members Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker and Midler in the film, as the story picks up almost 30 years after the 1993 feature.

The star studded Hocus Pocus 2 cast will also feature Arrested Development‘s Tony Hale, comedian and Veep star Sam Richardson and Ted Lasso‘s Hannah Waddington.

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