LGBTI Conversations

Alfie Arcuri realized he was gay at age eleven, he came out to his family at age twenty  four and then came out again on national television at twenty six. His fear of coming out was once so great he prepared himself for the reality that his Italian catholic family may not accept him at all. He was working as an architect and felt he couldn’t even sing until he came out of the closet.   Three years later and Alfie found his voice and went on to became a household name in 2016 when he was crowded the season five winner of The Voice Australia. A win he shared with his TV coach and mentor, Delta Goodrem. His heart felt covers of Zayne’s ‘Pillowtalk’, Sam Smith ‘Lay Me down’ and ‘Alive’ by Sia cemented his place as a fan favourite both with teenage girls and gay men.   Alfie went on to sign a worldwide deal with Universal Music and his debut album ‘Zenith’ peaked at #5 on the ARIA music charts. The following year Alfie released his most personal song ‘If they only knew’ about having to hide his relationship with his boyfriend from others. His follow up single ‘Love Is Love’ became a gay anthem during the time of Australia’s marriage equality campaign.   In 2019 Alfie was back on TV screens, first as a top five contender to represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest and in 2020 Alfie co-wrote the song ‘Running’ for the Cypriot Eurovision entry. He returned to the world stage again in 2023 to represent San Marino and proudly qualified for the final.    In his spare time Alfie loves to travel, cook, preform at gay pride events and spend time with his French Bulldogs Susie and Gary. He also returned to the pop charts with a new sound and five new tracks on his EP, Love Is A Dangerous Drug including an infectious dance track ‘Devil’s Lips’ and a sultry cover of Cyndi Lauper’s hit ‘I Drove All Night’.

Our new regular podcast guest Charlee AKA CHARLEES BOOK CLUB A book-obsessed guy from Australia who tells you what queer books to read next! fine out more @ https://linktr.ee/grandpasbookclub?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Sue-Ann Post is an Australian comedian and writer and Self described as "Australia's favourite six-foot, lesbian, ex-Mormon, diabetic, comedian and writer", Post has performed as a stand-up comedian internationally and throughout Australia since 1991. Her debut stand-up comedy stage show, "A Bit of a Postscript" toured internationally and received awards at the Melbourne Fringe Arts Festival and the Wellington Arts Festival, and was adapted to become a best-selling book. Sue-Ann has also worked as a shelf stacker, housemaid, shop assistant and printer's assistant. And one memorable winter in Melbourne she worked as a wood splitter at a woodyard for a guy named Blue. She has written an autobiography A Bit of a Postscript (1997) and a book The Confession of an Unrepentant Lesbian Ex-Mormon  which is about her journey to Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, to deliver a talk to a group of Mormon and ex-Mormon gays and lesbians. A documentary about her journey, The Lost Tribe, aired on ABC's Compass.She wrote a weekly column for the Melbourne Age for three years and was nominated for the 2002 Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's Print Media Award. Her articles have also appeared in the West Australian, the Freethinker (UK) and Versal (The Netherlands)

Gary Lonesborough is a Yuin writer, who grew up on the Far South Coast of NSW as part of a large and proud Aboriginal family. Gary was always writing as a child and continued his creative journey when he moved to Sydney to study at film school. He grew up a massive Kylie Minogue and North Queensland Cowboys fan. Gary has vast experience working in both Aboriginal health, including the disability sector and youth justice system as well as the Australian film industry, working on the feature film adaptation of Jasper Jones. His 2021 debut novel, THE BOY FROM THE MISH quickly became a best seller and short listed in both the literary awards and children’s book of the year awards before getting published in America under the title of READY WHEN YOU ARE. His much anticipated second novel, WE DIDN’T THINK IT THROUGH was selected as one of the Best Young Adult books in 2023. The story navigates the challenges of racism, family and the youth justice system.

Stan Herman is 95 years young and a remarkable openly gay man who’s lived a fascinating life. Born in Brooklyn, he grew up in New Jersey, he was also in the Army and stationed in Europe during the Korean.  Stan has long been involved as an activist, fashion designer and fashion leader. For his first fully produced first fashion show, he presented a fashion-first collection featuring ‘faux fur’ on the open-air runway in the Central Park Zoo, rather than real fur.  Stan has had an extensive and varied career at the center of American Fashion on Seventh Avenue, including 16 years as president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) for 16 years, as well as his years of accessible, casual and “street wear” designs.   Stan has shared his life in a 40-year relationship with his partner and novelist Gene Horowitz. Their lives intertwined in 1953 and continued through the AIDS epidemic that impacted their personal and professional lives. When Gene died suddenly in 1992 – Stan determined how to continue and move ahead with a life on his own over the next 30 plus years of his engaged and engaging life.  Since 1980, Stan has designed corporate uniforms TWA, United, Jet Blue, FedEx, McDonalds, Amtrak, Acela, Central Park Conservancy, and Sandals Resorts. In addition, he’s enjoyed a successful, 30-year stint on-air with QVC – with his ever-popular women’s leisure and comfort-wear designs. Just when he thought life would slow down, he released his new book Uncross Your Legs  A Life in Fashion and become an author at age 93.

Jeffrey Masters specialize in long-form interviews, documenting the stories of the LGBTQ community on LGBTQ&A podcast, His interest in his guests’ stories, as well as his encouraging manner, allows him to get beyond the surface whether he’s interviewing activists or members of the entertainment industry." Jeffrey is the Senior Producer of the New Yorker Radio Hour and the host/creator of the LGBTQ&A podcast (recommended by The New York Times). The most recent season of LGBTQ&A featured LGBTQ+ elders, including Rep. Barney Frank, Charles Silverstein, Tracey 'Africa' Norman, and Angela Davis

Michael Waugh is a singer and songwriter, for sure. One of the best, who fellow writers look at with awe: ARIA and Golden Guitar winner Fanny Lumsden says that “his lyrics stop me in my tracks”: the great Eric Bogle labels him “a gifted songwriter … a compassionate and insightful human being”. He is an out and proud singer/songwriter whose coming out happened well into adulthood, a marriage and a successful career, in an industry that has always favoured safety over bravery. Then there’s the teacher and mentor who takes that role seriously. “There are young people for whom I’m responsible and where I’m needed but I didn’t have role models when I was growing up,” he says. “I have a responsibility to represent them and speak my truth because that contributes to a world where others can speak as well. You can’t be what you can’t see.” Yes, all of the above. That is Michael Waugh, and that is all through his new album, Beauty & Truth, which looks at history and looks at today and defiantly declares, We Are Here; which faces the brutal truth of fractured families and the wounds of Father’s Day, and treats with compassion the complicated lives of boys-not-yet-men too easily labelled Young And Dumb; deals unflinchingly with a culture not just antagonistic to half its population in its many Songs About Women, but destructive to the other half who hate themselves and want someone to Fix Me. Yet it’s only part of the story of this record because “at the heart of that is being in love” and that changes everything. “I think love between gay men is often complex, especially of my generation, because we come from a place of trauma,” Waugh says. “The journey into the record is you can’t experience some of the love that I talk about in Out and Playlist without comprehending all of that [trauma that came before]. Out of all of that, the love comes.” And the love and the songs don’t go quietly. Right from the start, Beauty & Truth, tracked with a live band in the studio of his long-time producer Shane Nicholson, was a record that didn’t so much break from the folk and country-based sound of his previous work as build on it. Build up from it, into a record that doesn’t see boundaries.

Gigi Raven Wilbur was born in 1955 in Houston, Texas. At birth, Gigi’s genitalia did not fit the standard definitions for male or female bodies (a condition known as being intersex or a hermaphrodite). Within days, Gigi’s anatomy was “normalized” via surgery, and Gigi was defined as male. Today, Gigi identifies as intersex, and uses the title Ladyboy to offset the lack of pronouns for hermaphrodites. Growing up, Gigi struggled with the strict gender roles forced upon her by family, coaches, and classmates. She also suffered from severe learning disabilities. Told she would never go to college, Gigi worked stringing barbed wire on ranches in north and east Texas, until a fellow ranch hand convinced Gigi to give college a shot. Despite being forced to take a foreign language, something experts said would be impossible for Gigi, she graduated with a BA in Philosophy, and later earned a master’s degree in social work. During college, Gigi finally understood that she was intersex. Armed with this new knowledge, Gigi decided it was time to come out, all the way, as dyslexic, ADHD, intersex, and bisexual. Since then,Gigi has been an outspoken activist for the bisexual and intersex communities. After co-producing AfterHours, a radio program about human sexuality, Gigi created an iTunes podcast called Adult Bedtime Stories to help create a more sex-positive world through adult sexual education and BDSM performance art. Gigi has also served on BiNet USA’s board of directors, and helped established Celebrate Bisexuality Day in 1999. That year, Gigi was awarded the AIB Globe Award for outstanding service to the bisexual community worldwide. Gigi is also deeply involved with the BDSM world. Today, she advocates for the healing, cathartic, and spiritual power of BDSM as founder and Sacred Harlot of Aphrodite’s Temple, a modern-day sex temple which provides sex-positive education and a sex-positive sacred play space for adults. Gigi’s book is called The Dominant’s Handbook: an Intimate Guide to BDSM Play. Gigi also wrote the essay Walking in Shadows: Third Gender and Spirituality, about her intersex identity.

Aaron Kelly once lived a double life as an Anglican pastor who was encouraged to "pray the gay away.'' After undergoing harmful conversion therapies and being forced to marry, he gave himself permission to live life authentically.   From his upbringings in a Christian family and schooling to a deep involvement in both the Baptist and Pentecostal churches, he now helps others find acceptance, hope and a place in the new community.

Alethea Crimmins is renowned for her daily motivational mantras, including empowering phrases like "Be Great In Their Face" and "Have A Good Day On Purpose," each punctuated with her signature "Ya' Welcome," Crimmins has established the influential brand and podcast "Pimpin’ Positivity," dedicated to uplifting millions across the globe. Recognized and reposted by influential figures such as Madonna, Viola Davis, and Rihanna, Crimmins is not just a motivational speaker but a global influencer shaping a movement of empowerment, self-love, and positivity. Her new single & Video release of “Shine” is a vibrant anthem of self-confidence, pride, and unapologetic self-expression. This infectious dance track empowers listeners to break free from the chains of self-doubt, loneliness, and fear of failure, urging them to embrace and celebrate every facet of who they are. With its electrifying energy, “Shine” invites you to step out of the shadows and illuminate the world with your true colors.

Harry Cook is a British-Australian actor and author, best known for his roles in Accidents Happen alongside Geena Davis & the Australian thriller Caught Inside to name a few. It was his role in Drown that earned him a Best Supporting Actor Award at the FilmOut San Diego Film Festival in 2015. In September 2018, Cook's debut memoir Pink Ink Pink Ink was released, followed by his worldwide debut young adult novel, Fin Rye Fireflies, In 2021, Harry released his highly anticipated second novel, Felix Silver Teaspoons Witches. follow harry Cook @ instagram

Kate studied law and began her career in various legal roles including a one year appointment as Associate to Supreme Court Justice Steven Bailey (NT), and legal positions at Maddocks, Buchanan Group, and Port of Melbourne Corp. While completing a Master in Business Administration, Kate lectured at University of Melbourne and was a director of mid summa Festival for just over three years. From there, her career pivoted into corporate leadership and she held a NSW Government position as project director for its Future Transport project. This was followed by roles as Partner for Aurecon (NSW and Victoria) and then Head of Change and Communications, Better Risk Outcomes Program with Commonwealth Bank. Kate was co-chair of the SGLMG board before stepping down to head up Sydney WorldPride. Her devotion to the LGBTIQ community is equalled only by the value she brings to it. Kate has been volunteering for LGBTIQ+ organisations for over 20 years. An outstanding leader, creative thinker, tireless worker, and compassionate human being.

Ben Graetz AKA Miss Ellaneous is a descendant of the Iwaidja and Malak Malak clans in the Northern Territory and of Badu Island in the Torres Strait, with over 20 years of creative practice spanning both First Nations and LGBTIQA+ identities. Recent career highlights include Artistic Direction of the Arafura Games ceremonies, Creative Producing independently and for companies including ILBIJERRI Theatre and founding with collaborator Marzi Panne PARTY PASSPORT: a LGBTIQA+ and First Nations event production house with diversity and inclusion, fun and fabulousness at its heart.  Ben has a strong knowledge of the arts in Australia and networks extending across oceans to First Nations practitioners in Aoteara (New Zealand), Turtle Island (North America) and Taiwan. He is the founder of Darwin’s First Nations festival GARRMALANG and has been instrumental in the organisation and profile raising of Darwin Pride. The first four shows that are a part of Marri Madung Butbut (Many Brave Hearts) The First Nations Gathering Space for Sydney WoldPride 2023 are on sale now.

Sexy Galexy began her career performing in drag shows and events around her home city of Perth during the 90’s golden age of lesbian and drag king culture before following the bright lights to Sydney to appear in her weekly shows alongside DJ Sveti at Kingki Kingdom. Sexy Galexy has performed in drag shows and pride festivals in Europe and North Americas and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and featured as a TV host to cover the Mardi Gras Parade for QueerTV  Sexy Galexy stared in "Manliness: The Angle of My Dangle" and "Manliness Mansion", which was performed at festivals including Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Perth Fringe World and continue to fly the flag for aspiring drag kings around the world.   Don’t forget to checkout Behind the Zip , Pride Amplified (FOXY) & Chuffed all part of Sydney world pride 2023.

Braeden Rhys AKA  KARA ZMATIQ is the iconic Live-Singing Drag Queen of Australia, best known for their stellar performances on Australia's Got Talent and appearances on Radio, Feature Films and Reality Television. ​. ​ A serendipitous night out at Sydney's Iconic Drag Club, Stonewall Hotel Sydney, took Braeden from being led by prayer, to being on his knees for a whole new reason, embracing his sexuality and newfound identity and alter-ego Kara Zmatiq. ​ Sure, lip-syncing is where Kara began their career on sticky dance floors and dimly lit night club stages, but very quickly found their voice as a counter-tenor singer and Wedding Venues, Cruise Ships, Hotels, Resorts and Television quickly ushered them into their world and audiences. ​ Following continually sold out cabaret shows nationally, ‘Australia’s Premier Live Singing Drag Queen’ (Fuse Magazine) and Soiree Cabaret Producer, KARA ZMATIQ brings the best of circus, dance, live-singing drag and burlesque to The Vanguard for World Pride 2023. Curated and hosted by ‘Australia’s Best Live-Singing Drag Queen’ (Focus Magazine) Experience a star-studded mix of classic “camp” hit songs set amongst sexy and incredibly risqué circus and dance performances with special guest appearances from some of the country's truly fabulous LGBTQI+ burlesque and cabaret entertainers! Expect the unexpected in a truly interactive, raunchy and sensory cabaret show. Soiree Cabaret will “blow” your minds darlings! TICKETING INFO

Paul Hughes AKA Lee’roy was born in Glasgow, Scotland and completed his undergraduate degree in Film Studies at University of Glasgow. He spent 20 years working in fashion in London, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai before moving to Sydney in 2019. Paul is largely influenced by fashion, street art and club culture. His style of painting is probably best explained as a palimpsest. They are layer upon layer of versions of the same work. He is an appropriation artist and works mainly in acrylic on canvas using mixed media and collage. Paul Hughes AKA Lee’roy current work has superhero’s as a central theme. He places familiar characters in compromising positions and imagines how his childhood hero’s would react to some of the political and social challenges we currently face. Super Hero’s represent the very best and worst aspects of human character and it is these contradictions and the explicit nature of the work that demand your attention! Find out more at Lee Roy Styrene.

Barry Charles is a respected member of the 78er’s but his fight for equality started at CAMP Inc meetings in 1971 and participating in several gay demonstrations and activities including the 1973 march from Sydney Town Hall and a 1978 protest march in San Francisco led by gay rights activist, Harvey Milk. On returning to Sydney his longtime friends told him of plans for the Mardi Gras event on Oxford St. “I was particularly happy to chant, ‘Out of the bars...into the streets’ which had been so effective on Castro Street”. Barry later joined the law reform movement as Co-Convenor of Gay Rights Lobby from 1981 to 1984 and attended the first Police/Gay Liason Committee. He remains active in the fight for equality and was proudly marching alongside the 20th Anniversary float of 78ers in 1998.

James Breko is a local Sydney celebrity hustling his brand of Trivia & Music Bingo.  During Sydney's lockdowns as MC work vanished, Breko quickly pivoted into hosting online Zoom Trivia for work teams across the Country. his zany brand of Trivia and Music Bingo has since been featured on The Today Show and on Nine's hit TV show, Travel Guides. In Sydney Breko hosting events 5 nights a week as well as corporate events. His annual events include a Mardi Gras float, the Sydney Grand Final Eurovision screening & a camp Vivid Dance Cruise. Breko has dabbled in radio, TV and has written for various publications including The Star Observer & The Huffington Post. He is the founder of DIY Rainbow & also served on the Board of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras for 3 years. James 'Breko' Brechney founded the viral rainbow chalking movement DIY Rainbow in 2013 against the backdrop of the removal of the Sydney Rainbow Crossing. Chalk rainbow crossings went on to be an international success with many global landmarks gaining a chalk rainbow crossing for LGBTI equality. The Facebook page is still active today, regularly sharing LGTBI news to it's followers as well as organising events, rallies and raising funds for local projects. James went on to work with the United Nations body UNESCO on an anti-bullying and anti-homophobia project across Thailand, where chalking rainbows were used to bring groups together and start a conversation about homophobia in primary schools. In 2014 DIY Rainbow was named one of the 10 memorable pages of Facebook of all time, celebrating a decade of the social network, alongside The Humans of New York and others, which led to James chalking a rainbow at Facebook HQ in Silicon Valley and celebrating San Francisco Pride with the Facebook and Instagram teams. James continued to be community leader speaking at rallies, conducting fundraisers, and producing Mardi Gras floats for the community to take part in. He has hosted several live talk show forums on the Oxford Street strip covering topics including Marriage Equality, World AIDS Day and the 78ers.

Councillor Declan Clausen was first elected to the City of Newcastle in February 2015 and has served as the City’s Deputy Lord Mayor since September 2017.  As one of the youngest candidates ever elected to Newcastle City Council, Declan is passionate about sustainability, urban development, equality and his elected city of Newcastle where he lives with his fiancé Steven and cavoodle Toby.   Declan also holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Urban Development, A Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) with Honours and has completed the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.  He was a known ally and supporter of the 2017 Marriage equality vote and his city of Newcastle proudly were the highest YES voters in regional New South Wales.

Bill Rossi is a successful entrepreneur and business leader and a proud advocate, a partner of twenty - two years and a father of twin daughters. Named Crain’s Notable LGBTQ+ Exec for three consecutive years Bill was consistently seeking ways to stand out and make a difference in the community.  He stands for diversity in the workplace and actively fights for equality and inclusion.  Bill’s personal and professional journey has been marked by significant achievements and challenges. This has inspired him to lend his leadership and voice to support others and incite meaningful conversation about issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community, especially young people who face the challenges he once faced.