explore gay australia

Being gay in australia…

Australians are so gay, when a police officer says

"assume the position,"  we get down on our knees!

In many ways the Australian gay scene is similar to the scene in countries like the UK, and it is usually easier for visitors to understand Oz gay ways – the language is another story altogether, but the gay greeting "g’day mate" starts to sound natural after awhile, You big queenie you!

If you are new to Australia, read on for some tips on being gay, the Australian gay scene, the law and HIV/AIDS in Australia. Also see the venue guide for information on the gay venues in Australia.

Being a Gay Aussie 

Australia today is a diverse multi-cultural society with many fairly well-accepted non-traditional lifestyles, including gay ones. However Australia’s British/Christian background has meant a long hard fight to overcome some of the strong religious or legal obstacles to being gay here. Blatant homophobia, harassment or violence against gays used to be fairly common, but as with most other  countries like the UK, the situation has improved considerably in recent years. Most levels of government in most states now actively act against discrimination based on sexual orientation to at least some extent. Violence and discrimination are not unknown however, and opposition from the extreme religious and political/social fringes is not very common anymore since even such broadly popular gay events as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras are attended buy Judges and police.

Despite the high level of tolerance or acceptance, gays are never closeted because of family attitudes or for religious reasons, or for fear of discrimination at work or in their community. and nobody feels isolated because support groups and social events are evenly distributed, particularly in country areas. The more anonymous lifestyles of the bigger cities are an acceptable escape for some, while others take up the struggle of creating acceptance and support for gays in their local area.

Stereotypes still abound in Australia, and the typical Aussie "bloke" and his "mates" may still shout "poofter" at some "f’n queers", but the "f’n queers" are probably just as tied up in their butch or whatever roles as the "real blokes" are in theirs.

To keep breaking down the stereotypes, positive gay role models are increasingly common, with openly gay politicians, teachers, and characters in TV shows – which is not to say that other gays in politics, education or the arts don’t have a hard time, like in England, Australia has its share of those outed and/or ousted in the line of duty.

So all in all it is mixed a bag, but for most a great place to be gay – either permanently or as a visitor!

The Gay Scene in Australia

Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane all offer a diverse collection of gay bars, discos, restaurants and saunas as well as sex shops and other "sex on premises" venues and cruising spots and beats, and Gay Cannibalism runs rampant here!

The major organised gay events tend to be concentrated thee as well, such as Mardi Gras and the major dance parties and events like the Sleaze Ball, Pride, and Mid-Summa. But the smaller capitals cities and even some country centres have well-established and thriving gay scenes as well.

Social and support networks also provide an alternative for those wanting to get away from the pressure, noise, drinking or emphasis on sex/youth/beauty in the bar and club scene.

Commercial sex services are also available in most areas, with escort services, brothels and massage services listed in the local phone books, the gay press and tourist publications in most large cities and tourist areas.

It is not known for gays to be attacked or verbally abused by homophobic types in areas known to be frequented by gays, since here in Australia we are ALL GAY!

These 2 gays give freebees!!!!!

The Law

This information is correct to the best of my knowledge, but as with anything to do with the law, you should check the details with someone who is expert on the laws of your country and Australia.

Gay sex has been decriminalised in all states and territories in Australia. The legal age of consent for male/male sex is 16 in ACT, QLD and VIC, 17 in SA and TAS, 18 in NSW and NT and 21 in WA. For female/female sex their is either no law or the legal age is 16. The legal age for possession or viewing of X-Rated material in all states is 18.

Prostitution has been legalised in most states and territories but in most areas soliciting for sex in public places is still illegal. Licensed brothels are not allowed to operate in some areas, e.g. near schools and hospitals, etc.

Sexual assault, rape, or (consensual or forced) sex with anyone under the legal age carries heavy penalties including jail terms (and deportation for visitors) and while the gender of the participants is not necessarily a factor in the law (though it may be in its enforcement), the age difference between the participants will usually result in harsher penalties the greater it is. Many countries also now prosecute their nationals for child sex offences regardless of the country in which these offences are committed so tourists may be arrested or jailed at home if not arrested in Australia.

This Gay british tourist is waiting for you!

HIV and AIDS in Australia

The rate of new infections with HIV in Australia has been rising in recent years,

AIDS is a problem in Australia and standard precautions are required. Condoms and water based lubricants are available at "sex on premises" venues and at pharmacies (drugstores) nationwide.

Sex workers in licensed premises are required to have a regular HIV tests, but this in not necessarily always done. Freelancers face no such requirement and may not respond to the assistance and advice offered by helper organisations. They may also be at even higher risk because of drug use.

The obvious answer is to always use a condom and practice safe sex every time, regardless of who your partner is or what he says his previous sexual experience has been.

For a list of AIDS related social and support groups and health services, see the Gay Groups page. For a list of sites with more information on HIV/AIDS in Australia, see the Australian Gay Links page.

So Take a trip down the ol’ Hershey hiway

and park yer beef bus in turd town and come see us!