It’s been a year since Malcolm Turnbull’s ridiculous marriage equality postal survey proved that love will always triumph over hate and the country was awash with rainbow-coloured love. To the surprise of ‘no’ voters everywhere, the introduction of marriage equality legislation hasn’t forced straight folk to marry their own gender or implemented nationwide rules dictating that men must wear dresses – the country hasn’t even imploded yet. In fact, as all rational minded Australian’s expected, the only people affected by the new law are those now rightfully allowed to legally wed. To celebrate the one year anniversary of a step in the right direction, a year of yes parties will be happening over the next few days. Here’s a rundown of where to find them.
A Year of Yes at Sircuit and Mollies, Fitzroy
Fitzroy’s YES equality hub are throwing a monumental Year of Yes party tomorrow that is well worth chucking a sickie for. The whopping 16-hour long fiesta kicks off with a champagne brunch hosted by Leasa Mann at Mollies before five fierce queens, Max, Gloss, Uff, Annie Depressant and Menorah Foxx present a special Babydrag show hosted by Missy La’Minx. At 7pm, the party will head downstairs to Sircuit where the Hey Henny Crew and DJ Argonaut will keep things kicking until well past your bedtime. It’s going down on Thursday November 15 from 11am – 3am. Free entry.
Yes Party – One Year On at Stonewall Hotel, Sydney
One year ago, masses of Sydney-siders watched on as the result of the plebiscite emblazoned screens at Stonewall Hotel before celebrating well into the night. On the anniversary of the historic date, the iconic Sydney gay bar is set to celebrate equal love once again with live performances, guest speakers and a heap of surprises. Hosted by local drag queen and All Together Now host Minnie Cooper and former So You Think You Can Dance Australia contestant Rhys Bobridge, there will be loads of laughs, love and dancing at Stonewall Hotel. It’s happening from 6pm until 3am on Thursday November 15, gold coin donation on entry.
Westgay 1st Birthday at Littlefoot Bar, Melbourne
Not only will this party be celebrating a year of yes, but it’s been twelve months since the big gay party for Melbourne’s West began. Hosted by CLOSET and Fannys at Franny’s, Westgay will be throwing a big birthday bash complete with DJs and cocktails. Make your friends travel to your side of the city for once and get ready for an enormous night of fun. Westgay 1st Birthday is happening from 8pm until 3am on Saturday November 17 and will cost you $10 on the door.
dEVIEous DISCO presents: 1 Year of YES at Evie’s Bar & Diner, Fitzroy
Offering another all day/night spectacular, Evie’s Bar & Diner have something for everyone at this bonanza. Through the day you can dine on rainbow coloured menu items, followed by a screening of the classic gay documentary Paris Is Burning to accompany dinner before DJ Gay Roberto and local DJs Luke Vecchio, Jake Judd, Regan Lynch and Javi Morley set the party into full swing, accompanied by a special, sparkly performance from the Unicorns gang. There will be a huge selection of drink specials to ensure you won’t make it to work on Friday, including $10 espresso martinis from 10pm and $10 jugs all day and night. It’s happening at Evie’s Bar & Diner from 11:30am – 1am on Thursday November 15. Be sure to book ahead if you want to catch the film screening.
MMeets – One year of YES celebration with JOY 94.9 at MPavilion
If you’re not much of a party animal, this is the event for you. Out and proud radio station JOY 94.9FM will be broadcasting live from MPavilion, with pop DJs My Best Friend’s Wedding helping to soundtrack the afternoon. Quinn Eades and Son Vivienne, writers and editors of Brow Books’ queer essay collection Going Postal: More Than Just “Yes” or “No”, will be around for a chat about the new book, too. Bring a picnic blanket, relax and grab a coffee or Campari Spritz from the licensed kiosk for a low-key celebration. It’s happening from 1pm – 4pm on Saturday November 17. Free entry.
Equal Love’s Celebration ‘Our Year of Yes’ at The 86, Fitzroy
Equal Love Victoria and The 86 are throwing a massive victory party to celebrate the success of a long fight for equal marriage rights. Our Year of Yes will begin with an Equal Love exhibition upstairs at 5:30pm featuring memorabilia, photos, news clippings and videos of the campaign’s history. At 7:50pm, the party will head to the ground floor where you’ll find an hour long show featuring a huge offering of special guests, hosted by Tom Ballard. It’s happening from 5:30pm until 9pm on Thursday November 15, with free beer, wine and tapas between 6pm and 8pm. The 86’s weekly Queer performance night HONCHO DISKO will be going down afterwards, with free entry for all those sticking around from the Our Year of Yes party.
Medium presents – A Year of YES at Pride of our Footscray Community Bar
Melbourne event collective Medium are hosting a party rife with live performances from the likes of Hercules Morse, GUS, Sarahj, Carpal Tunnel Band and Tangent, plus an exhibition of Stella McInnes’ artwork to commemorate a year of yes. While the event will focus on celebrating the triumph of the LGBT+ community, it is important to point out that equality is still far from being reached, therefore, the event will donate proceeds to MindOUT! and Wear It Purple to help keep fighting the good fight. It’s happening from 7:30pm until 12:30am on Thursday November 15, $5 entry.
