Sydney MEN

Men's Erotic Network MEN.orandum 88
PO Box 3010 Marrickville 2204
Email MEN 02-9294 4188

Invite design: Chris Smyth
Image: Rod Sydney
Model: Aurelio

Next party: Inquisition XVII Recovery

When: Sunday 8 June 2008

Where: will either be on your email or newsletter.
Click here if you still need the address (pop-ups required).

Time:
5:30 pm doors close 7:00 pm (or earlier if we reach capacity)

Donation at door ($25 as a guide / extra is welcome)

We have already had considerable positive feedback about this venue. First of all it is huge (bigger than the Kirk) and filling it will be a challenge so feel free to bring your friends on your invitation card, or pass your card to a hot man on the dance floor because your name will be on the door list in any case. This is our first inner west party since 2003 when we partied at Glenn and Greig’s warehouse at Petersham and over 200 guys turned up. We thank Brett for organising this venue and of course to Michael for making such an excellent space available. It used to be a gym in a past life so has lots of showers and plenty of room.

We have always had our parties more or less following large dance events, Mardi Gras, Inquisition and Sleaze. Nowadays of course this means that a lot of commercial events are competing for your time during a weekend of excess. With the 5.30 start we have found in the past that there is plenty of time to get in some fun at MEN before we can all head off to Indulgence or to Homesexual or to other events. We normally have both an Inquisition and a June long weekend party but with the movement of Inquisition to June this year the two parties have inevitably become one.

Hot yet Warm – Art, Aurelio, Pol and Robert

These MEN guys feature on the official Inquisition poster and we thank Rod for providing these special pics for Chris Smyth’s invitation card and the newsletter.

RezErection 9

RezErection 9 was by far our most successful Underwear Party. We thank Kell and Alex especially for its organisation. The photos of the party have appeared on Chris Geary’s web site as Chris was at the party: Chris Geary Pix so we now feature amongst many of the notable parties on the world circuit. It is recognition of Kell particularly for his persistence and energy over so many years that this party was well and truly sold out.

Mardi Gras Recovery

Long term recognition goes to Will and Colin as well because they again offered their home for a very successful party. With the Kirk not being available we were grateful that came to the rescue as they often have when we are short on venues. It is essential we keep our eye out for venues. We thank all those who made the party happen. The list is too long this time for space.

MEN is legal

What was different at the post Mardi Gras event was that, for the very first time, the police paid us a visit. Acting on a complaint that we were charging an entrance fee (we think it came from a disgruntled guy whose request to enter without invitation was declined but we don’t really know) the two constables asked several questions about the party. It is important that anyone whom you bring along is aware that entrance is by voluntary donation. The police wished us well for the party’s success when they were assured that we were not selling alcohol; that under 18s were not being served alcohol; that we were not causing a footpath obstruction and that the hushed decibel levels would stay that way during the evening. We are often asked whether MEN parties are legal and it is reassuring that this has finally been tested.

The Three or More Study (TOMS)

The Three or More Study (TOMS) was a study of group sex among gay men in Australia. Initially funded by NSW Health, the study was later expanded to both Victoria and Queensland. The study was developed in response to the recognition that group sex was one of the key indicators of risk among gay men.

The MEN guys have been very generous in completing the TOMS survey as many put aside their cocktails at one of last year’s parties to fill out the information. Guys arriving could well have thought that the group was sitting for a test so quiet was the initial phase of the party as everyone had their noses down and pens poised. We pass on to you the thanks from the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology & Clinical Research. The final report is available online at here:

It is interesting reading as it covers not only highly organised parties like our own but all contexts of group sex in commercial and private settings. Please feel free to forward this link to other individuals and organistions that you think may be interested.

Happy Inquisiotion

Brought to you by the dedicated volunteers of MEN