I have a feeling last Saturday will become one of those historical events forever etched in the memory. You know the type the media harp on about … NYC Twin Tower attack (9/11), the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Princess Diana’s Death. Saturday November 24 will be remembered as the day we stood up to the Howard government. The day we decided that enough is enough and there just has to be a better way. And if you’re not particularly politically minded, Goddess help you. There was no way of escaping such a landslide.

Personally, I wish every Saturday were Election Day. That’d keep the bastards honest (to borrow the Democrats phase – may they rest in peace). I adore voting day. Always have. For this silly queen it’s an early morning saunter down to the local Primary School polling booth to revel in all manner of community activity. So much so, the whole voting thing seems little more than a formality. Far more important are the cake stores, the sausage sizzle (though I’ve sworn off red meat – all thanks to animal rights activist Dan Matthews – read his book, Committed).

This year I set myself the mammoth task of seeing as much of the 2008 Melbourne International Arts Festival as humanly possible. Sadly I fell well short of these grand expectations attending a mere eight festival shows out of a potential 60 plus events. But then – as arts commentators remind us – the festival experience is about quality not quantity.

It’s a brave new world in queer pub land, or is it?

This week the Peel Hotel in Collingwood nailed its colors to the flagpole announcing a VCAT exemption, which effectively allows management to limit the number of straight men, women and lesbians in the venue on any given night. Peel manager, Tom McFeely’s reasoning is to protect the ‘gay male’ integrity of the venue.

“The Peel has always specifically targeted Gay Male clientele, and in order to protect the integrity of the venue as well as maintain the safety and comfort of those gay males, the Peel sought the exemption,” said McFeely in a public notice following the ruling.

“The Peel continues to welcome everyone who respects the venue and its valued Gay Male customers.”

Of course the straight media has gone to town on this with headlines like: “Straight-out ban at gay venues sparks uproar” (The Age) and “Who's in, who's out” from Andrew Bolt in the Herald Sun (bless his rotten socks).

Given the number of venues in Melbourne that cater almost exclusively to the straight market, we should be making no apology for a night spot that seeks to remain gay – and that’s over and above arguments around hordes of hens or bucks night revelers descending on the Peel to taunt the homosexuals.