With the collective antennae of the international GLBTI community quivering with excitement over the news of a fresh victory for same-sex marriage rights in California, it might be easy to overlook what’s happening closer to home. But here in Melbourne, the local community is also celebrating a number of milestones; with birthdays and celebrations on the agenda for some, and farewells being said by others... 

GREEK AND GAY

“This year we’re celebrating 13 years of the Greek and Gay group. We’re stronger than ever,” says spokesperson Alex Teregonis.

The group provides “an opportunity to be yourself from a Greek perspective and also from a gay perspective, without all the pressures and the eyes of the world on you,” he explains, and their annual party, this year called Greek Style, is always popular.

The event attracts a large crowd, and Teregonis promises a range of entertainment with a Greek theme and flavour.

“We start with, of course, drag shows, from the 60s movies; there’s a singer who’ll belt out some nice Greek songs; and there’s Melbourne’s best Greek DJ, Nick Missalidis, who’ll be playing for most of the night, along with Andy from Sircuit, who’ll also play some housey, handbaggy pop tunes.

“There’ll be something there for the non-Greeks as well as the Greeks – the passion and the fire and the Greek essence of it all,” he says.

Greek Style: The Greek & Gay Group’s 13th birthday celebration at The Market, Saturday June 1 from 7pm. www.markethotel.com.au

 
DT’S HOTEL

Also turning 13, and still a firm favourite with both locals and visitors from both sides of the river, is Richmond’s DT’s Hotel.

According to co-owner Dale Smedley, the secret of the pub’s success over the years comes down to “good old-fashioned service”.

“It’s a comfortable place for people to come and enjoy each other’s company without being annoyed by outside influences; and if they are annoyed, the outside influence doesn’t last very long,” he chuckles.

Given that the pub is about to celebrate 13 years of operation, Smedley says he’s not surprised that there’s been some copying of the iconic corner pub’s successful formula over the years.

“What most people do, and this is where they fall into a rut: they try and mimic,” he explains. “When we first opened, there wasn’t a TV monitor around any of the walls at any of the gay venues, and all of a sudden they started to spring up; so people have copied us to a degree. But people who open up new venues usually put gay first and business second…

“I made a conscious decision when we opened here to put business first. It’s a corner pub in a suburb called Richmond, and gay and lesbian people who come in, or anyone; if they’re happy with what we try and do here, they’re more than welcome. ”

DT’s Hotel 13th birthday celebrations: Wednesday May 28 – Sunday May 31. www.dtshotel.com.au

 
THE PEEL

Another Northside venue that’s doing well is Collingwood’s perennially popular The Peel.

Like any inner-city venue, The Peel has had to weather a few storms over the years, as once-empty warehouses overlooking it were converted into apartments, but The Peel is still going strong – and is also well-respected, judging by the fact that earlier this year, publican Tom McFeely resigned the lease on the venue for the next 25 years.

“It means that everyone knows where they stand now,” McFeely says. “I’ve always seen The Peel as long term, and all the decisions I’ve made were based on a long-term strategy … but it was a lovely feeling having that signed document, so that you weren’t relying on the whim of someone who could decide not just my future, but the future of all of the staff as well.

“Obviously I would like a lower rent, but I’m just glad that it’s all done,” he adds, chuckling.

The Peel Hotel, corner Peel & Wellington Streets Collingwood. www.thepeel.com.au

END OF AN ERA

Robb’s company, Australian International Entertainment (AIE) travelled to more than 23 countries, performing in clubs and casinos in Tokyo, Paris, Rome and hundreds of other cities alongside names such as Dianna Ross, Tina Turner and Tom Jones.

Being the only show company in the world to use Australian dancers and singers exclusively, AIE became well known for their tall, glamorous showgirls.

“We used to insist that the girls carried an after-five outfit onto the plane, and 30 minutes before arrival they would all go and change into these outfits and put on make-up. Our arrivals became our trademark and always caused a stir,” Robb says.

Since the company closed, the extravagant costumes have all been in storage here in Melbourne for the past four years. It was only recently that Robb decided to sell them all.

“We went and had a ferret through, a bit of a cry and a bit of a laugh. We always insisted on top quality so 90 percent are in mint condition. So it’s time to say goodbye to our contribution to Australian show biz history,” he concludes.

The Auction takes place this Sunday May 21 at Murphy’s Car Rentals, 341 Burnley Street, Burnley.

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