May 15-21
Best of Brunswick
A weekly guide to what’s on and things to do in Postcode 3056 and surrounds. Compiled by Poppy Searle
IDAHOBIT
What: IDAHOBIT in Merri-bek 2024
When: 6-8.30pm, Thursday, May 16
Where: Brunswick Library, 10/233 Sydney Rd (enter off Dawson Street)
Cost: Free
Former North Melbourne football coach and transgender activist Danielle Laidley (pictured) will be joined by Budi Sudarto and Nevo Zisin at this special event on the eve of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia. This Q&A session will unpack equality, freedom, and justice, and will discuss barriers to ending discrimination against LGBTIQA+ individuals. IDAHOBIT, observed on May 17, commemorates the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1990. Nevo Zisin, an award-winning author and educator, explores queerness and collective healing. Budi Sudarto, a long-time LGBTQ+ community member, brings experience in sexual health education. Danielle Laidley, a former AFL player and coach turned advocate, will talk about transgender issues and diversity acceptance.
DANCING
What: Brunswick Boot Scooting
When: 7-8pm, every Thursday until June 13
Where: Quadraphonics Club, 345 Victoria Street, Brunswick
Cost: Free
The Brunswick Country Club is hosting weekly one hour boot scooting sessions. Hosts Alice Glenn and Abigail Varney, better known as Glenn & Gail will teach you and your friends how to boot scoot. Boot scooting and line dancing are forms of dance typically associated with Country & Western music. They involve a series of choreographed steps and movements performed in unison by a group of dancers in lines or rows. Suitable for expert boots cooters and beginners. Cowboy boots optional.
BOOK LAUNCH
What: Peripathetic by Cher Tan
Where: Brunswick Artists’ Bar, 316 Sydney Road
When: 6.15pm, Thursday, May 16
Literary critic, editor and reviewer Cher Tan is launching her debut collection of essays, Peripathetic: Notes on (un)belonging. She will be joined in conversation by critic, researcher, and editor of Liminal magazine Leah Jing McIntosh. Cher Tan’s essays dig into everyday life, trying to find answers that often slip away. The book pays tribute to outsider artists, punks, drop-outs, and rogue philosophers who challenged the norms before us.
CONVERSATION
What: Sam Elkin In Conversation
Where: Coburg Library, Victoria and Louisa streets, Coburg
When: 7-8pm, Tuesday, May 21
Cost: Free
In his new book Detachable Penis, Sam Elkin relates his bumpy journey from lesbian to transgender lawyer in the aftermath of the 2017 marriage equality postal survey. As the inaugural lawyer of Victoria’s Queer law service, Sam was quickly immersed in thorny debates around trans inclusion in sports, children’s access to puberty blockers, birth certificate law reform and the Christian Right’s demand for enhanced religious freedoms. Set against the backdrop of a growing moral panic about the ‘trans agenda’, Sam reflects on the double-edged sword of visibility post the ‘transgender tipping point’.
GIG
What: thedelirious. Farewell Show
When: 8pm, Friday, May 17
Where: Bergy Bandroom, 64 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Cost: $16.85
After eight years of making music together, thedelirious. are saying goodbye with a final show at the Bergy Bandroom. After playing in all kinds of seedy bars and venues around Australia, they’re excited to finish off at the Bergy where they’ll be playing their ambient-infused garage rock for the last time. Friends of the band, Ramona Sky and Kite Vendor will also be performing.
We are keen to promote genuine community events and happenings, big and small, so if you have know of something coming up, or of a venue that you think deserves to be promoted to a wider audience, submit the details here no later than COB on Monday.
Don’t hesitate to also contact us any time with other feedback, news tips or if you would like to contribute to the site by contacting editor@brunswickvoice.com.au.
Priority will be given to events scheduled over the next seven days.