In case you hadn’t twigged from our cover, it’s time for Big Gay Day 2013 and this year The Wickham hosts a bevy of stars: Beccy Cole, Samantha Jade, Heather Small, DJ Sveta, Alex Taylor and Garcon Garcon.

One of my closest male friends married his American boyfriend some years ago now. A big chunk of their relationship was spent dealing with lawyers, the US Immigration Department and various other authorities in their bid for my friend to get a Green Card. He eventually did, but it was a long, fraught and draining battle. 

The Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men's Health Centre had a big year in 2012 as we went through a major strategic planning process in order to decide on our direction for the next five years. Our hardworking board completed an extensive consultation process along with members, volunteers, clients, staff, partner organisations and community groups. If you would like to see the strategic plan, please see the link below.

I lived with a lesbian who moved to Canada a few weeks ago. It’s the land of Tegan and Sara and kd lang. She’s heard of them, but oddly enough had reached the age of 30 without ever having heard of Sappho.

Over the past few years, younger men, under 30 years old, account for nearly 30 per cent of all new HIV diagnoses in Victoria and the experiences of these guys and their future expectations are much different than those who faced a diagnosis in the early days of the 1990s and earlier. 

The Mardi Gras festivities are in full swing. But even the best-laid plans can go awry. Lawyer Nicholas Stewart offers some essential tips to having a great night out.

It’s season for love, joy and celebration. But for Trevor Ashley, this year’s Mardi Gras has been a solemn occasion. Here’s why.

G-strings, hot pants, nudity – many eschew the Mardi Gras Parade amid claims it perpetuates stereotypes about gay people and alienates the broader community. But far from advancing the cause, to tone down festivities and expression will only hinder the LGBTI community, argues Lachlan Bennett. 

The Greens’ “breakup” with the Gillard government makes short-term strategic sense. But over time it’ll do them more harm than good and ultimately make them look, frankly, a little juvenile.

ADULT: Barry Lowe reflects on the Mardi Gras parades of yesteryear, during his time as editor for the now-defunct gay rag, Campaign.

Dear blaze readers, we're deep into our Asian adventure and there've been magical moments.

Still basking in the afterglow of Midsumma and the “best Pride March ever” (in the style of the Olympics), it’s time to turn our minds to the task ahead – ensuring the Federal government introduces discrimination protections for our community before the election in September.  

My brother was a footballer. His nickname was quite simply, Poof. This wasn’t because he is gay, he’s not, it was because he refused to be part of the ritualistic games some footballers play that involve demeaning women. 

In the spirit of Mardi Gras’ 35th anniversary, it’s time we began acknowledging our community elders, past and present, writes Nicky Bryson.

Why is marriage equality taking so long in Australia? Why are we falling behind? What is wrong with us? These are the questions I have been asked in countless conversations and interviews over the last two weeks, as Britain, France and soon New Zealand move inexorably towards marriage equality.