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 past voting day, the city of Port Phillip went all out bringing in an inflatable Jumping Castle and scary rides for the kiddie winks and for the adults, a concert stage. Make a day of it was the rationale and why not? If you think about it, compulsory voting is probably the only event of the year where you get to mingle with the people in your neighbourhood.
Of course this community day doesn’t suite everyone. Waiting in line to vote last Saturday were two gay men cowering behind sunglasses and hats, fearful the community diversity bug might be contagious. One even threatened to vote Liberal to teach the family throng a lesson. To each his own. But while the high gloss lifestyle may work wonders as a sales tool in mass media it hardly reflects reality. Surprise, surprise, life ain’t a disco.
You never know whom you’ll meet at the polling booth. I was hoping I’d bump into Julia Gillard or maybe even Maxine. But it wasn’t to be. Julia was far too busy in her own electorate of Lalor (which encompasses Werribee – Anthony Callea’s turf) and Maxine of course was wrestling little JH in Sydney.
Apparently our sitting member Michael Danby (Melbourne Ports) turned up later in the day but I missed him. I did manage to bump into filmmaker, Dee McLachlan (Director/producer of The Jammed – an excellent flick not for the faint hearted) though unlike New Zealand’s Georgina Beyer, Dee was not running for parliament.
A pity, we could do with a strong transgender voice in Canberra. Wayne Hope (writer/producer of The Librarian – ABC TV) was also out and about on voting day. To my knowledge, he’s not transgender, although you never can tell.
Later election night my tally room viewing was interrupted by an essential birthday gig - such drag commitments come up from time to time. The lucky fella in question was Philip Platon of Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus fame. Celebrating half a century, Philip was very pleased we’d arranged for a change of federal government on his birthday.
It was an interesting gig. Luke Gallagher (partner in crime) and I did our very best to concentrate on the task at hand but like many attending Philip’s birthday party, the large TV screen in the foyer, tuned to the election coverage, proved irresistible. By 9.30pm it was pretty much a done deal for the tally room number crunchers and the broadcast result sent whoops of cheers through the politically astute gay and lesbian chorus members.
Driving home from the gig (which it needs be said was hundreds of miles out in the suburbs – goddess bless), Luke and I poached a Kevin Rudd banner from the local primary school polling booth. We know when a new era is upon us. Look out for that banner in my next drag gig – Live at The Glasshouse for Midsumma Festival 2008 (Jan 19, 26, Feb 2 & 9). I’m sure it’ll make a fabulous outfit.
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