Feature:
21 Down

Despite gay culture's fixation with youth, most Mardi Gras events have a decidedly over 18 flavour. However, the recent 21 Down event held at Sydney 's Slide Lounge on Oxford St brought together queer youth aged under 21 and community figures for an inspiring social gathering.

Probably one of the only events around where you need ID to prove you're not 18, 21 Down was held as an official part of this year's Mardi Gras festival. Hosted by Courtney Act in conjunction with ACON's School's Out and In's & Out youth programs, Courtney says the night proved a huge hit.

“There were heaps of young people in attendance as well as some amazing special guests,” says Courtney, who outlined the purpose behind the event as demonstrating diversity and the best of what being gay can be.

“My original impetus for wanting to help produce an event like 21 Down was to give people under 21 an opportunity to make friends and have a good time. Thinking that you are the only gay in the village can be lonely, so the objective of 21 Down was to create a fun, safe place to hangout, be entertained, educated and to dance,” Courtney says.

Refreshingly, 21 Down also wasn't an excuse for youth to get together for the sake of having a party.

Performer extraordinaire Iota discussed his current starring role in Hedwig, sang a ballad from his new album, Beauty Queen of the Sea , and spoke about being a gay rock and roll singer. Geoff Field, 2Day FM's gay newsreader and one half of Sydney 's first illegal gay marriage was also present. He fielded questions and also managed to draw an inspiring private admission from one of the attendees that Geoff was his inspiration to come out.

Words: Krathyn White

For more information about 21 Down and GLBTI youth issues generally, visit acon.org.au or myspace.com/acon21down