LGVMA's GOOD NEWS!
originally printed in April 1999 issue

News from Down Under

The l998 Christmas Party of the Gay and Lesbian Veterinary Association (GALVA) was held at a private residence in Sydney on Sunday, December 13th and was attended by 19 people, all GALVA members and partners. Everyone was from Sydney except Bruce who drove 265 km to join us. Once again members enjoyed the benefits of the party being in a private residence as this meant for better mingling and a quieter and more intimate gathering.

Mardi Gras was another successful event for Sydney and Australia this past February. The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the largest gathering of people in the southern hemisphere! The city of Sydney and government of Australia embraces this month-long celebration with open arms. Not all Australians are as happy, however. There is a new "anti-gay political party" with their only mission to be anti-gay. There is also the religious right preacher that prays for rain on the Mardi Gras Parade each year. (For this year at least, it was dry!).

The celebrations culminate on the last Saturday of February with an evening parade followed by an all-night party at the Sydney Fair Grounds; next year it will be held at the new Olympic Stadium. This year's parade highlights were the Tinky Winky float, the Tasmanian float of Monika Lewinskies (with cigars) and the large contingent of LAPD (all in black) surrounding a George Michael look-a-like. The Aussie sense of humor was on full display.

GALVA hosted a booth at "Fair Day." It was quite successful even for such a very hot day! GALVA also hosted its second annual Mardi Gras dinner at Café Divino, a small Italian restaurant within walking distance to Oxford Street, the Gay & Lesbian district of Sydney. About 20 members and friends attended, including an LGVMA member and spouse. A great time was had by all. Next year, GALVA is considering hosting a float in the Mardi Gras parade. GALVA invites all LGVMA members to come down under and join the fun. (Editor’s Note: LGVMA President Tim Withers can attest to the Aussies’ hospitality after visiting with them in 1996.)

GALVA can be contacted at GALVA, P.O. Box 115, Waverly, NSW 2024, Australia or via Steve Anich at 61.2.9519 6433 or anichsp@hotmail.com.