How to be a better queer

First published on 5 Jan 2010. Updated on 6 Apr 2010.

If the idea of a new year's resolution sounds as cliché as the notion that all gay men have great rhythm, then don't impose one on yourself. Instead, let a few of these suggestions inspire you to try something new this year and become a stronger member of our queer community and a better gay along the way.   

Get fit with queers   

While being an active top for three hours straight will make you sweat for Australia, it doesn't officially qualify as exercise. Shrug the shame of being the last kid picked on the team and sink your teeth into any one of a number of sporting groups designed for queers by queers. Learn to punch in the ring with gay men's boxing meets, or elbow your fellow lesbian in the right boob with all-girl roller derby action. Prove to the world you're not a mamma's boy after all.  

Punch in the Ring Tradition boxing lessons for gay men. (punchinthering@gmail.com).    

Sydney Roller Derby League All-girl flat-track roller derby teams.

Sydney Rangers Football ClubSydney's first gay soccer – er, we mean football – club. 

Support a charity

One of the few positive things that came out of the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s was that it evoked an enormous sense of community spirit from a culture who was hypnotised by the mirrorball at the time. Charities such as BGF and Luncheon Club saw hundreds of volunteers supporting the cause. Keep the spirit of giving alive in 2010 by supporting some fabulous homegrown charities such as Inspire, which works towards gay teen suicide prevention. Go on – give some heart back to the community.   

Luncheon Club Provides two weekly luncheons, a larder and support for people living with HIV.   

BGF One of Sydney's oldest support organisations offering financial assistance and care for people with HIV/AIDS. 

InspireA teen support charity with a focus of gay, bisexual and transgender teen suicide prevention

  

Fight for your rights   

Last year saw some milestone achievements in achieving equal rights for the GLBTI community. However, the fight to amend discriminatory pieces of legislation that affect us all is far from over. In 2010 get behind the fight for same-sex marriage and petition in favour for this fundamental civil right by a penning a letter to Kevin Rudd himself or shout it out loud and proud in the streets by marching in same-sex marriage rallies organized by CAAH. Also on the 2010 hit list is our demand to see an anti-discrimination bill on a federal government level. If it's good enough for the state, why not the entire nation?  

Gay and lesbian Rights Lobby Australia's premier organisation fighting for the equal rights for our community. 

CAA Community Action Against Homophobia. 

Get behind our venues   

This year, the Red Rattler launched as an old-school party and performance space with plenty of soul;  Disgraceland spread its legs wide enough to create Saturday Fucking Night; and DJ Dan Murphy topped Ivy and the Argyle with some awesome queer clubbing events. As much as we're a fan of the booty call,Time Out wants you to get your hand off your mouse, get offline and get behind our gay and lesbian venues while we still have them. The more we frequent them, the stronger our scene will become, so stop your whining about there being nowhere to go and get out among it, sister.  

Red Rattler An alternative space dedicated to showcasing queer events, artists and performances. 

Saturday Fucking Night The Saturday club night offering from the all-gay, all-new Nevermind.   

Rock Your Box Fellow  Follow Sydney's Godfather of house, Dan Murphy, and join his party peeps.

 

 

Come out to someone new   

We all have different levels of ‘out', but while we remain closeted to even just a few people, even those on the periphery of our lives, we remain that little bit in. Whether it's nanna Gladys, the woman with the lazy eye at the convenience store or that guy at work who sells charity chocolates for Hillsong, why not pick someone new to come out to this year? Let them know that you are gay as a goose, queer as a three dollar coin, or as bent as a spoon in the hands of Uri Geller.                 

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By Time Out Sydney editors
 

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