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Homotopia Opening Party...
review "In the space of just one year
Last year's Homotopia Opening party was a very pleasant affair, but the Empire Theatre made you feel that it was a council sponsored junket - very formal, very worthy and very wordy. That's not a criticism - in fact, it was great to see the event taken so seriously by everyone, and it's no more than Gary and the Homotopia team deserved.
Homotopia has gone from a worthy and modest little season of marginal interest events to one of the most important parts of the cultural calendar." This year was an altogether different affair. I have to be honest, I was as tempted by the venue as I was by the affair. Alma De Cuba has only been open a few weeks and is already the hottest, glossiest, most must-see venue in the North. I hadn’t yet been and... I had nothing to wear! How would I hope to compete with all those footballers and their wives, the Big Brother wanabee’s, Colleen Mcloughlan, the Hollyoakes babes (cough!) and Jennifer Ellison (both of her...)? Alma De Cuba was described in The Sunday Times as "The most gorgeous restaurant I have ever seen" - and yes, I agree, it’s beautiful! A brilliant combination of ancient Catholic church, modern interiors and Latin decor, and, best of all, - exactly the right level of lighting. Take heed Liverpool pubs and clubs: your lighting is responsible for 70% of all global warming! In the space of just one year Homotopia has gone from a worthy and modest little season of marginal interest events to one of the most important parts of the cultural calendar. I generally loath events like this, because people confuse gay lifestyles with gay culture and they are very different things. There’s nothing wrong with lifestyle, but it's different for everyone. It's culture that brings us together, through shared history and experience. Culture defines and nourishes us - socially and creatively. Lifestyle is nice, but it involves a lot of shopping and both of my cards are maxed out right now, so I’ll give it a miss. This year's Homotopia is launched by a very dapper and healthy looking Gary, with a nice reminder from Chris Barnard of the political implications of sexuality and their responsibilities. Also we had the encouragement and best wishes of the Culture Committee. I was reminded how far we have come over the last 20 or so years of my experience as a gay man. It might have taken a long time to get here, but this is the best place to be tonight - with some of the best people - and its certainly the best venue in town.
about Homotopia
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...leave a yum! on a photo of someone you've taken a shine to to let them know you care! How to Yum!
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Outsiders Film Festival
