Were you forwarded this email? Sign up here to get the next edition.
Maybe it’s all that biodegradable glitter in the air, or maybe it’s the fact queer people have always known how to turn survival into celebration, but June always makes my heart grow a size, like the bisexual Grinch.
In 1969, LGBTQIA+ people resisted police brutality at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. In 1978, they marched on Oxford Street despite threats, violence and arrests. Those moments shaped the world we live in now.
But – we’re still battling for the safety of LGBTQIA+ youth, still defending access to our healthcare, and we’ve seen a wave of targeted attacks on gay and Bi+ men via queer dating apps, as well as a dangerous wave of attacks aimed squarely at trans people. So we need to keep fighting the good fight, united – whether we like it or not.
This week, we’ve covered both the joy and the fight. We’ve covered NSW Parliament thankfully passing the new Hate Crimes Bill, and we’ve also covered the community response to 78er Titi Chartay needing support after being hospitalised after two assaults.
Our June cover features are also live – we take a look inside Qtopia Sydney’s phenomenal Pride Fest program, and chat to the brilliant Cassie Workman about her queer punk animated series, Sorry for the Mess. Finally, we pay tribute to Queensland icon Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke — performer, community icon, and co-founder of the legendary Queens Ball.
Happy Pride Month, loves! Give ’em hell ♥
NSW Parliament has passed the Minns Labor Government’s Crimes Legislation Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2026, with the legislation strengthening protections for LGBTQIA+ people.
The reforms expand “post and boast” offences to include assault and robbery following reported attacks against LGBTQIA+ people in NSW. They introduce new offences for offenders who lure victims under false pretences, including through dating apps. The laws were introduced in the wake of the shocking ABC investigation into a rise of IS-terrorist inspired attacks on young gay and bi men in Sydney.
by Patrick Lenton
NSW NEWS
Sydney activist and 78er Titi Chartay, has been hospitalised after two alleged assaults at her Glebe public housing home. She says she sustained serious injuries and that her dog was also injured during one of the incidents.
The 68-year-old said she was first physically attacked in February last year when she was targeted in her backyard. “They’ve come up behind me and hit me on the head, knocked me out and kicked the crap out of me,” she said.
by Patrick Lenton
More people can now donate plasma, including gay men, transgender people, and PrEP users.
Find out more
BRISBANE FEATURE
Queensland’s LGBTQIA+ community will celebrate the 65th Queens Ball, widely recognised as the world’s longest continuously-running LGBTQIA+ event. This year’s Ball carries special significance following the passing of co-founder and long-time organiser Dame Sybil Von Thorndyke, also known as Laurie Deane.
Dame Sybil’s extraordinary creativity and determination kept the Ball alive and evolving. Her ability to gather people, and to create safe spaces imbued with defiance, celebration, and glamour, helped sustain generations through periods of discrimination, fear and social change.
by Chris Vernon
An intimate space, where you can relax in a cosy booth surrounded by an oasis of colourful kitsch.
Haus of Drag takeover: Bigger, bolder, louder queens bringing unforgettable nightlife energy
As winter starts its annual hobby of making Sydney a bit gloomy, Qtopia Sydney is once again rolling out the purple carpet, ready to save the day.
Pride Fest is back for 2026, and this year the festival is expanding far beyond the walls of the former Darlinghurst Police Station, and spilling all across the Oxford Street precinct.
Running throughout the glittery wonderland that is June, Pride Fest features a whopping 300+ events, spanning theatre, comedy, cabaret, music, visual art, workshops, talks, fitness classes, nightlife events and a shockingly vast array of community gatherings.
by Chloe Sargeant
Created by Australian comedian and musician Cassie Workman, Sorry About The Mess is a new animated comedy series following Alice Peril, the transgender lead singer of punk band SUX.
Blending punk rock, surreal comedy and supernatural themes, the series explores identity, transition and change through a queer-focused lens.
“I wanted to tell a story about how love conquers all, and loving yourself, and having respect for yourself, and being honest about yourself.”
by Patrick Lenton
Join the PBA and Star Observer for an iconic evening paying tribute to our founder Michael Glynn and celebrating two LGBTQIA+ disruptors.
The tribal love rock musical celebrates the sixties counterculture in all its barefoot, long-haired, bell-bottomed, beaded and fringed glory.
