Saturday, January 31, 2026

A hexibtion

The Melbourne City (lending) Library is rather marvellous, and during the gay month of Midsumma beginning with a huge carnival, followed by a dance party and culminating in Pride March on Sunday, there has been a huge number of other events, from films, to art exhibitions...well all sorts of things.

Hairdresser Friend asked if I wanted to go to Pride March, and I kind of would have. We used to form large parties of up to twelve people to lunch on Fitzroy Street with a few drinks and watch the parade. But I think my years of participating in such events has passed, besides, it is hard to get to without walking over one kilometre from a tram stop, unless I go into the city and out again on a different tram to the normal direct tram.

While it is a bit of a tenuous connection, N & B are considered part of the family and they came to Ray's memorial celebration. B is Ex Sis in Law's step daughter. N & B have a three year old daughter and a one year old son, and his birthday will be celebrated on Sunday, so no Pride March for me.

I can't totally ignore Midsumma though, so I visited the photo exhibition at the aforesaid City Library, and it was pretty cool for about twenty minutes. The curator of the exhibition was there and I overheard him saying and showing on his phone a visitor of the only photo in the collections that was definitely Australian. I assume most photos are of American lovers. There were more couples in military uniform than I would have expected. 

It is interesting that is was presented by the European Union to the Midsummer event, with a message from the EU Ambassador to Australia. Are our connections to Europe already becoming stronger as we slide away from the US?

Here are a few photos.



27 comments:

  1. I meant to mention to you our wonderful new Canadian film which is breaking records everywhere. "Heated Rivalry". Gosh Andrew, it had me, 82-1/2 years old, panting for breath. It's stunning.
    And I love these photos.
    XO
    WWW

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As you put it this seems like a senior (and Western) version of the Korean boy-band thing.

      Delete
    2. I read about the film, WWW. Interesting. Thanks.

      Delete
  2. I find it amazing that so many of these photos exist, taken at a time when such relationships had to be hidden. Some beautiful images there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JayCee, military men having the photos in their rooms. If they were ever accused, there would be evidence.

      Delete
  3. I saw a great exhibition by William Yang a wonderful Australian in Old Parliament House Canberra a few years ago . It made me cry . A fabulous artist and man worth researching He has documented his lived experience
    European commission rep have been In Canberra since 1981 , we have a always had a great relationship with the EU but suspect that cultural ties plus the star of the world will move us even closer it’s getting into their markets that has been the problem

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have William's Sydney Diary photographic book. It's worth quite some money now. I saw William perform in a show many years ago where he talked about his photos. My memory of the show is hazy, but it was great. Thanks for the Canberra slant.

      Delete
  4. I saw the Ballroom Community having a ball in the State Library. Everyone was having a great time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had to Google that Hels. It sounds great.

      Delete
  5. That last picture is particularly lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KIrk, I guess I thought so too, as I took the photo when I could have taken many others.

      Delete
  6. Did you misspell Exhibition on purpose just to make me do a double-take? Mission accomplished. It's sad you have to miss the Pride March these days but surely some of it will be shown on the TV news?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes River. Guilty. I like mucking around with words as an attention seeker. There will be short clips on tv news tomorrow night. Honestly, I am just too old and I'm over all the gay celebrations.

      Delete
    2. We do this kind of word stuff too. Its fun

      Delete
  7. Yes it is sad you can't get to the march easily but relax n front of TV and watch it there in comfort and cool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane, I am not sure it will be on any tv channel, but no matter. I am not that interested.

      Delete
  8. A children's party, I'm sure will be appreciated that you will attend however, it probably would take a bit out of you to go to the Pride March, not fun getting older, is it, Andrew?
    The photos are really lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret, spot on. All that stuff is part of my history, with Ray and friends. It is not my life now

      Delete
  9. Sad to miss the Pride Party but then if you have two parties to go to on the same day, life can't be so bad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep Thelma, I know I am one very fortunate person.

      Delete
  10. It has taken a long time but it must be good to see a hexhibition that makes gay couples a bit more visible.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kylie, at times gay couples appear on my FB site, with the phrase, 'We were always there'.

      Delete
  11. It was brave, maybe foolhardy, given the attitudes and laws of the time, to take photographs. I'm glad they did.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Maybe the boys will go to the March,

    ReplyDelete
  13. The photos in the exhibition look quite wonderful, Andrew.

    ReplyDelete

Sunday Selections

I'm joining River, and others for Sunday Selections, and as usual, mine are just a random choice. Cheeky blighters. It's unusual for...