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The MEN finances are reasonably healthy at the moment and we want to keep it that way. Our only sources of income are your donations and the occasional sponsorship of this newsletter’s postage costs. The philosophy of MEN is a network of friends and as such we would not want to turn anyone away if they are struggling students or guys between jobs. However, the costs of parties are climbing, particularly if we have to pay rent on the premises we use. MEN is a pretty cheap night out and the $20 guide has not been increased for many years and is convenient as it is one note and easy and quick at the door. It has been often stated that the donation is whatever you think is fair and whatever you can afford … well guys for a few hours of complimentary drinks, fresh towels, rent, postage and organisation it takes to put these parties on, $20 is a bloody good deal and we appreciate those who regularly kick in a bit extra.

Hot yet Warm – John

The 2005 MEN Mardi Gras Recovery

This Mardi Gras party set a record for attendance and was obviously the best ever with many comparing it to the Gay Games event in 2002. Many stunning internationals commented positively on how we in Sydney define the ideals of group sex; the safety, the lack of attitude, the hot men of Sydney and the friendship. The Kirk was the perfect venue. In his changeover speech Blair made the point that MEN has been going for nearly 11 years (his mention of the fact that he was only 9 years old at the time brought a chuckle to the assembly). He welcomed our regulars and their guests from overseas and interstate and calmly, yet firmly, defined safe sex as using condoms and lube and told those who felt they could not do this that we would gladly refund any contribution they had made at the door, thank them warmly for coming and having a drink with us to celebrate Mardi Gras and wish them well for whatever fun they wanted to have elsewhere. Not one person left and we received no complaints from anyone of guys trying it on without condoms. For a Mardi Gras party with so many internationals, so many varying attitudes to safe sex culture this was reassuring. You did well, Blair. Guys seemed cool with the footwear given the nature of the venue and many had brought thongs or sandals which was appreciated.

Several guys commented on the lack of attitude especially when they saw Robert H cross the floor in his wheel chair then hitch himself up on to that magnificent table and start having some fun. One American was overheard saying to another “Jesus I can’t believe the attitude at this party. There is none!” Six months ago Robert fell down some stairs and broke his back. It took a lot of personal courage for him to make his social debut in his new image. We support him totally, congratulate him warmly, offer him every assistance and applaud his return to MEN parties. We of course hope for his full recovery however long it takes and each guy in MEN, one and all, should congratulate themselves for creating and maintaining a culture where hot men, like Robert and our other guys who are differently abled, feel comfortable enough to enjoy themselves, whatever hard times they are going through.

Eugene did a very professional job as door security all night. For this special party with the second opening we decided to have the bar open all night and Kip, Brett, Mark and Martin kept the drinks flowing. Andrew Faith and David Malone did the invitation design and the printing. The two Davids with William and Kris looked after the bags; Nigel, Raymond and Peter, Kell, Napoleon, Paul and Tim set up Jason and Steve did the shopping, Brett the printing of labels , Phillip, Robert H, Napoleon did the front desk, Kell bagged and tagged, Blair the safe sex meet and greet. Special mention to Malcolm who arranged all the sulo bins, transported all the gear from the lock-up and, with Kell, took it back again. As usual he improvised and set up the fuckin’ scaffolding for the sling! (You’re amazing!). Mark and Craig G made themselves available for medical emergencies. Fortunately one band-aid was all that was required. Then there was the clean up. Shane, Bill B, Bill T, Brian S, Alec, Ming, Wayne, Leon, Joel, Leon, Kell, Phillip stayed back to pick up the detritus so that professional cleaners could do the floors the following day. Finally dropped the towels at the laundromat and took ‘em back to the lock up.

One of our number (discretion prevents the revelation of his name) met the invitation card guy, Derek (Young) in a bar. Passing him a card, he invited him to the party. Derek explained that he did not need an invite, but this did not prevent our man pressing on and insisting that it was essential that he attend. Derek again gently declined the offer. “No, no, no, you don’t understand,” our man continued, “This party is the ultimate … “. In frustration, Derek took the card, held it up beside his face and asked our man to compare his look with that of the card until finally the penny dropped. Gulp!

Remember, Friday 25 March, See ya there.

Brought to you by the dedicated volunteers of MEN