Letters to the Editor

AIDS only for the rich

US court rules: AIDS may not be as disabling - as their health system is for the poor generally.

"Those with money for drugs will not be disabled, the rest will die a suffering death without so much as a social security payments for food."

It doesn't take a court to work out that if you are poor in the US, don't get HIV. In fact take out health insurance while you are still a virgin!

Jon Haigh (via QNews Facebook)

CWC  Cabaret

I had the pleasure of attending the recent CWC Anzac Cabaret with my partner and a friend. It was especially great to know that while we were enjoying ourselves with the entertainment and music, that we were supporting such a worthwhile cause in QPP.
 
It's certainly disappointing then, when one writer who obviously has little or no idea of the effort that is put into such an event, can produce such acrimony as evidenced in last edition's letters.
 
The disparaging vitriol was not accurate and certainly did not represent the majority of attendees; both my little group as well as everyone that we could see were thoroughly enjoying all of the shows, and there were people dancing for a significant part of the time that the music was playing. I personally found the music to be great, with some old classics as well as new songs mixed in.
 
I stayed on to assist in the packing up at the end of the event, and had your negative essayist been able to do the same, he would have witnessed the considerable effort that Paul and the great band of helpers and supporters put in to make such an occasion possible. Maybe, as Jarran kindly suggested, he could constructively contribute next time and offer his services rather than his invective.
 
I was told once that it’s far better to light a candle than complain about the darkness!
 
My friends and I will be looking forward to the next CWC, and hope that it builds on the success that was witnessed by the record crowd this year.
 
Jonathan (via email)

Mardi Gras Madness

Have Mardi Gras gone crazy?
Although Mardi Gras is a proud Sydney event, it has become a tradition that every year thousands of gay and lesbian people from around the country make the annual pilgrimage to watch or participate in the parade and then kick on at the party.

Mardi Gras themselves love to brag about how many interstate and international visitors they attract, But now they are expecting people to spend a whole week in Sydney to enjoy both the Parade and Party.

By doing this they are just going to alienate any potential visitors and end up with less people at both events. I wonder how many people from outside of Sydney are going to be bothered visiting Sydney for just one event? I know I won’t.

It just smacks of typical Sydney arrogance!

Ashley (via emai)

Over the years since I first attended the parade, in the mid-80's, there was a certain bonhomie among the people involved.

The major changes first began when the name was changed from Gay Mardi Gras, to Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. In all honesty, it went downhill from there, including the election of women directors and so on.

Mardi Gras was really about MEN dying with AIDS, about MEN being beaten into a bloody pulp by people who hated them, and who frequently got off scot-free after killing one of us.

Mardi Gras became a festivity celebrating an alternative view of life, of a lifestyle, of difference.

A few years ago, there was an issue with finances, which has caused more than a little friction and I suspect that is what we are currently seeing.

I don't go any more, because at my age I would feel out of place and somewhat challenged from a fashion perspective, but I think it is a wonderful place/time to be. It's sad they are making it impossible for interstate visitors to go and have a good time, but I suspect the accountants are trying to balance the books, and one does wonder how many of the accountants are women?

Anonymous (via website)

Who represents who?

Bloody hell how many times are we going to hear some poof standing on a stool big noting himself and claiming to represent all of us when really ... lets be honest they are sometimes embarrassing themselves and giving us all a bad name. 

This bloke who has taken the footy show and yes I mean rugby league Channel 9 footy show to court for "a gay skit".  Now given all right Matthew Johns was caught out in a compromising position almost a decade ago in bed with a woman (and a lot of other guys), but when he creates what I thought was a bit of a laugh, along comes the usual suspect complaining about anything gay. 

Lighten up mate, have a laugh.  The world could do with more comedians not more Germain Greer type bloody whingers. The footy show takes the piss out of everyone. In fact you would be better off complaining about discrimination if you are not mentioned on the show! If anything the skit was taking the piss out of homophobia rather than having a go at gay people. 

Lighten up, grab a beer, sit down and watch the show and have a laugh.  Do not say you represent me! I am a poof. I like the footy and do not want to be associated with bloody whingers.

Dave (via email)