Out & About in Brisbane
A preview of what's happening in Brisbane's LGBTIQ scene.
Lady Pride
Starting simply as a concept for Brisbane Pride Festival, the new Ms Pride Brisbane contest came to fruition after Monique Forrest (of Scarlet and City-Lickers fame) and Martina McGrath (from Brisbane Pride Festival) stepped up to collaboratively organise the event.
McGrath says while there are other competitions in Brisbane, Ms Pride Brisbane is unique. "In terms of a Pride specific event, this is unique and most certainly a first for Brisbane,” she says. “Ms Pride Brisbane is the one stand-out women's competition that is inclusive of all community groups and sectors across the entire spectrum of the LGBTIQ community in Queensland. What’s also exciting about Ms Pride is that nationally here in Australia it’s unique! It has no equal in Australia."
With the first two heats held at Scarlet, the final event will take place on the main stage at Brisbane Pride Festival Fair Day on September 16. McGrath says she is beyond excited for the event. "I think it's safe to say ‘excited’ doesn't even seem to describe how excited the feelings are for the final on Fair Day. It is incredibly satisfying for both Monique and myself.
“However, also personally, this for me will be an extremely exciting competition as it showcases our diverse, beautiful, smart, savvy, articulate and fun-loving women of Brisbane bringing them to the forefront. Cheekily, I'm saying to show us your Pride, love, and demonstrate that you do love all of our LGBTIQ family – including our glorious women.”
The Ms Pride Brisbane Finals take place on the main stage at Brisbane Pride Festival Fair Day, Perry Park, Bowen Hills, on September 16. Entry is $17.
Bakeoff at Sporties
The Sportsmans Hotel Bakeoff might have undergone a few changes over the years, but in 2012 is back and bigger than ever. Anthony Smith throws some questions at the Sportsmans Hotel over one of their most loved events.
How long has The Sportsmans Bakeoff been running for?
Bakeoff has been running for 21 years. Previous years have raised up to $22,000 for charity. We are hoping this year will be bigger and better than the last. We also have thousands of dollars worth of prizes to be won on the day.
Why do you think the community embraces the Sportsmans Bakeoff like it does?
People get to make stuff and show it off for everyone to look at. You get such a variety of entries on the day, it's such a fun day and everyone gets to be part of it, it has great community involvement. We will have cakes, we will have crafts. Last year we had a dress sewn out of individual flowers, through to lamingtons on a plate. There will be jams, crafts, condiments, cakes... you name it.
How can we be a part of the Sportsmans Bakeoff?
People have to have their entry into the hotel by 2pm, Sunday, August 26 and fill out the form. You can even go to Woolworths and by a cake to enter! Each entry then gets auctioned off and the money goes towards the nominated charity. This year the money will be going to ATSAQ and possibly others to be confirmed. You can also be a part of the day by just turning up and bidding on the yummy items that you want, it’s fun and that way everyone wins!
The Sportsmans Hotel Bakeoff is on Sunday, August 26, 2012.
Tropical Fruits Atlantis 2012
Beyond Atlantis, this year’s theme for the amazing, annual Tropical Fruits party, takes you to a deep, bright and transcendent parallel universe, where mythology, fantasy and the here-and-now collide.
Known as the party to attend for New Year's Eve, expect slippery and slick costumes, fishy fun and blissed out whirlpools of musical ecstasy. The Fruits never disappoint with their selection of hot DJs and entertainment, and don't forget you can camp on location to make it a week full of fun.
Tickets for Tropical Fruits - Beyond Atlantis go on sale September 1. Call (02) 6622 7440 or go to tropicalfruits.org.au or like them on Facebook.
Rocking it in Rocky
Rockhampton locals at Club-Rok are getting together a big few months’ worth of events.
September 8 is the fabulous Pirates and Wenches party, with a great selection of entertainment and a chance to dress up in your pirate garb... Arrrgh!
October 13 is a special Halloween celebration. Expect shows by locals Veronica Darling and Christina Draguliera, along with a slew of guest performers both local and visiting.
Club-Rok runs monthly at the Post Office Hotel, 161 Musgrave St, North Rockhampton. Doors open at 8pm and entry is $7. facebook.com/rockhampton.clubrok
IMAGE: Tropical Fruits.
