Story time to cheer this place up a bit. So this was about 2002 and the man and I went to Sydney for a few nights. We stayed in the Ibis which was in Darling Harbour. At about 9:30 there was a massive display of fireworks. It went for about 10 minutes. We’re both thinking what the fuck is this about (It was Melbourne cup weekend so we were very confused). We decided to go for a walk and we ended up at the convention centre (I think that’s what it’s called). Big sign out the front WELCOME. Heaps and heaps of very happy people around, lots of colours, music playing, just a really good atmosphere. A little bit of curiosity and a throng of people propelled us into this building (the man whispers into my ear “I think someone just touched me on the arse”) and up or down the escalator (I can’t remember) people hugging and kissing and cheering and waving and lots of noise and we are inching along, heading for a door. Then I spot the sign next to the door WELCOME TO THE GAY GAMES.
The man is bopping along to the music and then I had to tell him “I think we’re gatecrashing”. I point to the sign. We are nearly at the door. We look at each other and turn around to head out. Very similar to Ikea when you go the opposite way but worst. The man says “I got tapped on the bum three times in there”. In all fairness he has got a great bum.
Still to this day we don’t know what the gay games are about but everyone was having a great time.
Side note: We had access to the Novetel pool next door where we stole 4 brand new bath towels.
Thank you. No I’m being serious because back then there was no advertising there was no nothing except for that one sign on the wall. The hotel staff had no idea what it was about. There was nothing to indicate that it had to do with sport. There was just nothing and I haven’t heard of it since.
Story time to cheer this place up a bit. So this was about 2002 and the man and I went to Sydney for a few nights. We stayed in the Ibis which was in Darling Harbour. At about 9:30 there was a massive display of fireworks. It went for about 10 minutes. We’re both thinking what the fuck is this about (It was Melbourne cup weekend so we were very confused). We decided to go for a walk and we ended up at the convention centre (I think that’s what it’s called). Big sign out the front WELCOME. Heaps and heaps of very happy people around, lots of colours, music playing, just a really good atmosphere. A little bit of curiosity and a throng of people propelled us into this building (the man whispers into my ear “I think someone just touched me on the arse”) and up or down the escalator (I can’t remember) people hugging and kissing and cheering and waving and lots of noise and we are inching along, heading for a door. Then I spot the sign next to the door WELCOME TO THE GAY GAMES.
The man is bopping along to the music and then I had to tell him “I think we’re gatecrashing”. I point to the sign. We are nearly at the door. We look at each other and turn around to head out. Very similar to Ikea when you go the opposite way but worst. The man says “I got tapped on the bum three times in there”. In all fairness he has got a great bum.
Still to this day we don’t know what the gay games are about but everyone was having a great time.
Side note: We had access to the Novetel pool next door where we stole 4 brand new bath towels.
In case you’re serious, the Gay Games is modeled on the Olympics, but for gay people. It’s a sports competition.
Thank you. No I’m being serious because back then there was no advertising there was no nothing except for that one sign on the wall. The hotel staff had no idea what it was about. There was nothing to indicate that it had to do with sport. There was just nothing and I haven’t heard of it since.
I don’t know why but Sydney’s role as a major venue for gay parades etc is better known overseas, more celebrated overseas, than it is here.
The Mardi Gras is one of the biggest events in Australia and a huge tourist draw, yet it’s just not talked about much 🤷♀️
Bum tax
Haha. That’s my tax benefit