Queers of the Desert

Hot Gossip (1987-88)

By early 1987 things were really starting to take off for Central Australia's queer community. We had just held our first party and were organising regular gatherings in people's homes and dining out together. In this context it seemed like a good idea to rally the troops and provide a means of letting others know what was happening. Thus Hot Gossip was born in February of that year. Although it only managed four slim issues between then and the final one in August 1988, it is the earliest known record of an attempt at regular queer publication in Central Australia. It would later be well and truly surpassed by Desert Dykes; the lesbian newsletter published by Desert Rose from 1993 into the next century.

The first issue is significant not only for its coverage of queer events but also for the insight into the beginnings of the AIDS Council of Central Australia. In it the visit by the then National Coordinator of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) is documented, as is the request from members of the local AIDS action group for some gay participation. Later issues would be dominated by getting AIDS information to the local queer community and reporting on Central Network members' rapidly growing involvement, as well as letting people know which lucky household was hosting the next party; then designated as 'at homes', and later to become the Asylum.

HOT GOSSIP
Issue #1

The Newsletter of Central Network - (The Central Australian Gay Society)
PO Box 1738, Alice Springs, NT 5751. Phone 526429 AH

Party - Party
After a bit of a slow start the first ever Central Network social on Saturday 31/1/87 turned out to be quite a successful evening. Those concerned enough to count heads reckon up to 50 lesbians, gay men and straight friends came through the door.

It was probably a bit of a nervous time for most of us, especially the newer faces in the group, but everyone seemed pretty happy that it happened and that they turned up. Commiserations to all those who couldn't make it. A lot of people have been asking when the next event will happen - see this issue of Hot Gossip for details.

A big thankyou is due from all of us to Jim, Bonnie and George for letting us use their house and to everyone who brought food and helped with the organisation on the night.

Women's Business
The Women's Liberation group meets approximately monthly to discuss political issues of importance to women. Details of where and when can be got from Affrica on 528029.

The Brunchcoats are a women's volleyball team playing at the YMCA at 7 pm on Monday nights. Those interested in attending can contact Emel on 523780.

A friendly pool camp for women happens at a club in town every Wednesday night. Jo P of the Women's Pool Team has more information on 523524.

What Next?
The next Central Network event will be a gathering at Wild Waters Cafe a la Todd at 8 pm on Friday 20/2/87. Wild Waters is on Leichhardt Terrace one block down from the Todd Tavern (convenient for after-dinner ragers). They serve vegetarian and meat meals, license is BYO and dress standard is very casual.

We want this night to be mainly social but we also need to take this opportunity to discuss directions for the group. Some questions to consider are:

regular gatherings - when, where and how often?
ideas for one-off events - day trips, camping out, bar/disco nights, video nights, theme parties, sports events, etc - make suggestions and be prepared to organise one.
what do we want our organisation to do for us?

Take this opportunity to ensure Central Network reflects the ambitions of its members. Hope to see you there.

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Help Wanted/ Decentralisation
As we keep growing the amount of effort required to keep us going increases too. Are there any kind people out there who would like to lend a hand on specific tasks?

We need: people prepared to be on call to act as representatives of Central Network for formal and informal meetings with other organisations and individuals; people to feed ideas and directions for our future activities and organise them; contributions for future Hot Gossips, especially items of specific interest to women.

And if anyone wants to take over the production of Hot Gossip, you can start from the next issue. All offers will be gratefully received on 526429.

Advertising
We've now put a Central Network ad in the STD clinic and Shirley-Anne has promised to bring us to the attention of her gay clients. We'll shortly be replacing our ad in Wild Waters and putting new ones in the Women's Refuge and the Women's Information Office in Todd Mall.

A short press release/article on the barbecue was sent to the NT Outrage correspondent in Darwin and he has undertaken to ensure we get a regular listing for the NT. Are there any women's magazines or newsletters we should advertise in? Are there any women who would be interested to follow this one up? A recent caller advised that we are now included as an advertised social group on the Darwin Gayline.

Women's Contact
Jo has very kindly agreed to act as a contact for women who ring Central Network, but doesn't want her phone number advertised in publicity. Are there any women prepared to have their number made "public" so we can advertise both men's and women's contact numbers? If so, please let John know on 526429 (our current contact phone). The Darwin Gay Society has obtained copies of the NT laws that relate to homosexuality and will shortly be sending us a copy which we will circulate. Meanwhile their interim advice is that consenting acts in private are legal for women over 16 and men over 18, but watch out for charges of Gross Indecency for indiscreet behaviour in public! It's not clear what constitutes "gross indecency" in the NT and the decision may be at the discretion of the courts. Take care!

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Library Network
A few people have requested information on gay people's politics.
Particularly high on the demand list are books on lesbian and feminist politics. If people have any relevant literature they would be prepared to lend to others for the greater collective consciousness, please let Jim know on 529654 and we will try to start a lending library list in time for the next Hot Gossip.

AIDS Action
On Tuesday afternoon 3/2/87 Jim, John and Paul had a brief meeting with Warren Talbot, the recently appointed National Coordinator of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations. AFAO is the umbrella lobby organisation representing non-government, community-based, AIDS organisations nationally. Warren, who is on a whirlwind national tour, encouraged gay people in town to participate in the local AIDS committee. Dr Rob Moodie of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and Sr Shirley-Anne Bailey from the STD clinic are both members of the local AIDS committee and confirmed the need for more gay community involvement in the Alice Springs group.

Shirley-Anne also requested Central Network liaise more closely with the STD clinic at Alice Springs Hospital and Affrica, Jim and John attended a meeting with her on Thursday 5/2/87 for that purpose. Central Network now holds copies of assorted AIDS information leaflets from around Australia. If you would like to look through them they are available at John and Paul's at 32/107 Bloomfield St, 526429.

John Hobson

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