The first 'Sleazeball' I attended was in 1988 and I've been to at least seven or eight since. Last Saturday's 'Ghetto Fabulous' was the 25th anniversay of this Sydney gay and lesbian community party and it certainly didn't disappoint - despite the expected whinges here and there about the finer details of personal preferences for the event.
Despite any complaints, it is clear that 'Sleaze' (and also 'Mardi Gras' - parade and party) is an incredible, unique event in Sydney, providing opportunity for Queer Sydney (and supporters) to come out of hiding and party together. Like an antidote to TV versions of 'normality' and all that is sanitised, ordered and considered 'tasteful' in our daily lives, 'Sleaze' can be a cathartic experience. Dressing as tacky, freaky, raunchy as we feel, these parties are a 'safe place' - a haven for freaks, who appear to be less and less visible in a society that becomes more and more conservative every day. Celebrating the joy of being different - gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, pansexual - whatever. These parties rock!
Highlights for me were the ghetto blaster wall onstage at the Hordern, the graffiti wall outside, the mirrorballs and laser lights in the Hordern, the fantastic outfits people wore, the smiling faces, dancing to Sveta & Rob Gilbert in The Dome and Chip & Alex Taylor at night's end in the Hordern. Bring on Mardi Gras 2007!
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