From marriage to bingo

One of my closest male friends married his American boyfriend some years ago now. A big chunk of their relationship was spent dealing with lawyers, the US Immigration Department and various other authorities in their bid for my friend to get a Green Card. He eventually did, but it was a long, fraught and draining battle. 

For those of us who had the fortune to find partners who had residency in the same country as we do, we have been spared what sounds like one of the most gruelling situations any couple can go through. You fall in love, you expect that you will be together, but as we know, the laws in many countries are discriminatory when it comes to same-sex couples.

Actor and writer, Tim Miller, is one half of one of these couples who are having to take on government departments just so they can live in the same country together. Tim and his partner have been together for nearly 20 years and yet their future together is uncertain. The precautions they have to take are mind-boggling. Alistair, who is Australian, is not travelling with Tim while Tim is here to perform his show Glory Box, in case it damages Alistair’s chance of gaining US residency.

Michael Magnusson spoke to Tim about his show which is about the struggle for same sex partnership rights. However, it is a very personal story, one that starts from about eight years of age for Tim and continues into his and Alistair’s current situation. I’m quite sure there are many of you in the community who will relate strongly to Tim’s work.

Now, on a lighter not...here’s Jonny! London cabaret and Alt/drag superstar, Jonny Woo, is about to hit our shores. If you have not heard of Jonny Woo then you are in for a treat. He is part of the new drag scene which is all about challenging the notion of what we think drag is. No plucking, preening or botox for these performers, it’s all about the contrast of the beard and the wig for them. Of course, it’s about a whole lot more, but the outcome is much the same as traditional drag, in that it’s about having a hilarious time. Jonny is here for his legendary event, Gay Bingo, which takes place next month. So get your numbers in order and get ready to conga on what will be one of the wildest queer events this year.

This issue we also have a sneak peek at what’s ahead for ChillOut. Living Positive Victoria tells us about a new group for young positive guys. Pete Dillon from JOY 94.9 joins us, and Cameron Woodhead tells us why we should all be reading Sappho.

Enjoy.