2003 a year on the dance floor
King of the world -¦Â drag king Sexy Galexy was everywhere this year -“ on-stage at Arq, on-stage at the DIVAs (where she picked up the coveted drag king of the year award) and on-stage at the Sly Fox on a Wednesday night. Arq opened its doors to its first regular drag king night, which evolved into the current Wet Pussy weekly party. Galexy also travelled to the US for the international drag king convention.
Steam room -¦Â describing his playlist as sleazy fuck music, DJ Seymour Butz moved into a residency at legendary sauna Ken’s at Kensington. Butz was later joined -“ for one night only -“ by DJ Mandy Rollins, who must have been the first woman-born-woman to enter those hallowed halls in living memory.
Grievous bodily harm -¦Â following a spate of GHB overdoses (including deaths), the police eye turned onto gay venues. A raid at Arq left the popular spot temporarily closed, after police and sniffer dogs allegedly found more than $20,000 worth of drugs on a Sunday morning. Several party organisers spoke out against the use of G.
Gay Asian pride -¦Â a monthly fundraiser for the Asian Marching Boys became one of this year’s most fun-filled nights out. Gaysha at the Midnight Shift is the Gay Asian community’s (and its many admirers’) chance to celebrate en masse, and celebrate it does.
5. Our Australian idol -¦ Courtney Act was the most famous drag performer in Australia after dancing and singing her arse off on Australian Idol. Although Courtney narrowly missed out on making it to the final round, her performance of AC/DC’s You Shook Me All Night Long was one of the best of the series.
Of Middle Eastern appearance -¦ Club Arak turned into the club success story of the year, with its mix of wicked beats, a friendly, up-for-it crowd and some hilarious shows. The Arak organisers were also nominated for a Pride Award for most innovative community event.
Power play -¦Â this year the Sydney Leather Pride Inquisition party moved to the venue formerly known as City Live, for a smaller, more intimate but just as dirty party. Complaints and accolades flowed, as usual.
