DOING LGBT HISTORIES

EG Crichton is artist-in-residence with the San Francisco GLBT Historical Society and Associate Professor of Art at the University of California. Jenny Scott is a trans activist from South Australia who advocates for LGBTI visibility in public archives. Dr Yorick Smaal is a local gay historian who contests our assumptions about interpreting the past, and our very notions of sexuality. What do they all have in common? They’ll be appearing in conjunction with the Melbourne-based Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives – who have for 30 years been pioneers in collecting LGBT history – at a special event to be held at the State Library this month. The event, ‘Power, Play in the Archives: Doing LGBT Histories’, will give community members the opportunity to hear these speakers and see their work – in addition to the State Library’s current exhibition which includes some of the Queensland AIDS Archive. RSVP to Jan or Tim at the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) on (07) 3017 1777, for the event, which will be held from 5.15pm to 7.30pm on Monday, July 13 at the Reading Room of the John Oxley Library in the State Library of Queensland, Stanley Street, South Brisbane.

ISN’T IT TIME YOU JOINED THE CHOIR?

The Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Pride Choir provides an opportunity for GLBTIQ people to sing together. The choir is an a cappella, SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) group that sings a variety of music ranging from pop (including ABBA, Madonna and Queen) to country (such as Dolly Parton and Shania Twain), to spiritual music, early music, folk songs and even original songs. Auditions are not necessary to join – everyone in the GLBTIQ community is welcome at rehearsals, which are held at the Old Queensland Museum building, adjacent to the RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Hills. For more information, phone Malcolm on 0419 410 401, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.myspace.com/brisbanelesbianandgaypridechoir.

BRISBEARS SOCIAL CLUB

BrisBears is a social group for men who identify as ‘bear’ and men who enjoy and/or admire facial and/or body hair. The group meets on the third and fifth Saturday each month at The Sportsman Hotel, 130 Leichardt Street, Spring Hill. Upcoming events include a trip to Sea World on Sunday, June 28; and a meet-up at the Merthyr Bowls Club, New Farm on Sunday, July 5. For more information, go to www.brisbears.org.au or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

NOT SO PRIVATE LIVES

Not So Private Lives is the first national survey focusing on same-sex relationships in Australia. It is also the first survey of its kind since the recognition of same-sex de facto relationships at a federal level. The anonymous survey looks at aspects of same-sex relationships from the perspective of both single and partnered same-sex attracted Australians. It looks at people’s personal preferences for relationship recognition in this country and their perceptions of how others in society view same-sex relationships when compared to opposite-sex relationships. The aim of the survey is to offer a positive and unique contribution to the growing body of research on the lives of sexual minorities in Australia. A summary of the research findings will be made available online, and a comprehensive report sent to organisations and individuals upon request. To be eligible to participate in the survey, respondents must be: (a) at least eighteen years of age; (b) permanent citizens or residents of Australia; and (c) consider themselves to be same-sex attracted. Visit www.notsoprivatelives.com to take part. For further details, contact Sharon Dane on (07) 3346 7689.

SAPPHO’S SALON SUNSHINE COAST

Sappho’s Salon is a lesbian support group on the Sunshine Coast. Women who wish to discuss important issues in their lives such as coming out, parenting and relationships are invited to take part. The group meets regularly at the QAHC Resource Centre, 10 Pikki Street, Maroochydore. For further details, contact QAHC Sunshine Coast on (07) 5451 1118.