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Set inside one of sport’s most emotionally restrictive worlds, the series dares to imagine what happens when tenderness, consent, and queer joy are allowed to exist where hypermasculinity has long ruled. Its power lies not only in the love story at its centre, but in how that joy challenges everything hockey — and society — has taught men to suppress. In doing so, Heated Rivalry opens up new ways of thinking about masculinity, intimacy, and the kind of futures we might still be brave enough to imagine.

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SYDNEY
The LGBTQIA+ community is mourning the loss of sydney‑based performer Brent Thorpe sadly passed away on 6 January 2026 at age 61

Sydney
The queer community is in shock after the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras confirmed it has cancelled the iconic Mardi Gras party. New CEO Jesse Matheson described the move as a heartbreaking but necessary decision to protect the future of the festival.
FIM & TV
Funny, tender, goofy. Beloved LGBTQ+ ally and queer icon Catherine O'Hara will be very much missed. She was celebrated for her unmatched comic timing and chameleon-like character work.

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Islamic Pride
For centuries, Islamic literature openly celebrated queer love as a symbol of beauty, devotion, and spiritual longing? From Persian poetry to Sufi mysticism, desire between men was once a powerful metaphor for the soul’s journey toward the divine.

Wellbeing
We all seem to be searching for authenticity in a society that is estranged from reality and truth. Do you have what it takes to break from your deepest fears and be completely honest with yourself and others? That is the price of true authenticity.

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USSR
Russia has just taken another swing at queer rights. The Russia Ministry of Justice has added ILGA World – a global LGBTIQA+ rights federation linking 2,000+ groups in 170 countries to its list of “undesirable organisations”.
Interveiw
Eight years on, the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) has revisited Queerberra in a new exhibition that reflects on what has changed since the passing of the Marriage Equality Act in Australia.

Under a new proposal, Australians may be able to live and work across Europe for up to four years without needing a job secured before arrival.

Review
★★★★☆ “A spellbinding dive down the rabbit hole. Bold, beautiful and brimming with wonder.” FUSE Magazine
Technology
OpenAI’s decision to introduce advertising into ChatGPT marks a major turning point in how artificial intelligence will be funded, used and possible trusted.


ACT
The ACT Labor Government has confirmed it will review and toughen the Territory’s hate crime and vilification framework, including looking at whether the worst forms of hate speech should become criminal offences.
Horoscopes
Whether you’re a believer or not, astrology has offered people and communities guidance, affirmation and foresight for thousands of years. And if the cosmic chatter is to be believed — planetary shifts coupled with the dawning of the Aquarian age and its increased influence — 2026 marks a genuine t…
VIC
Victoria has moved ahead with new 'Hate Speech' protections that, for the first time, clearly cover LGBTIQ+ communities, with the changes due to be fully in force by June 2026. The reforms expand anti‑vilification laws beyond race and religion, introduce new criminal offences for serious hate condu…

AUST
LGBTIQ+ groups are calling on the federal government to include greater protections for their communities in its proposed overhaul of hate speech legislation. 
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan follows Russia in banning ‘LGBTQ propaganda’ While the Kazakhstan government says being LGBTQ+ isn’t illegal, the new LGBTQ+ 'propaganda'  raises serious concerns about censorship, visibility, and the silencing of queer voices.
USA
The US will demand all your social media details before considering entry. Screening by the US will expose LGBTIQ Australians to officials targeting travellers whose identities or views they dislike.
Interview
We had a chat with Honor Wolff from Hot Department about sketch comedy, creative sparks, and what it means to push boundaries in humor. From their award-winning webseries to their unique writing process, these comedic superstars know how to make people laugh while keeping it smart!
California
Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in California are reaching alarming levels, especially against trans and nonbinary individuals. With a shocking 102 reported anti-trans incidents last year and a staggering 275% increase in crimes against nonbinary people, it’s clear that our communities need stronger protec…

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STARGAZER
Curious about why astrology is thriving in today's world? A recent study reveals it's not just about horoscopes! People are turning to the stars for self-understanding, community, and meaning in uncertain times. Dive into the fascinating intersection of astrology, identity, and modern culture!

FILM REVIEW
Lesbian Space Princess is a bold, hilarious, and deeply affirming animated sci-fi that flips the genre on its head. Pink-hued galaxies, incel villains called the Straight White Maliens, queer in-jokes, indie songs, and a heroine learning that self-love matters more than chasing the wrong crush.
INTREVIEW
He’s an Australian national gay treasure with a grin that could light up a city and bangs that any ’80S girl would kill for. We interview Bob Downe. Australia’s Clown Prince of Polyester
USA
In a significant move, the US Supreme Court has upheld the landmark Obergefell v Hodges ruling, rejecting a petition from Kim Davis that sought to challenge marriage equality in the USA.

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HIGHTLIGHT

Islamic societies onced embraced queer love

For centuries, Islamic literature openly celebrated queer love as a symbol of beauty, devotion, and spiritual longing? From Persian poetry to Sufi mysticism, desire between men was once a powerful metaphor for the soul’s journey toward the divine.
Drag & Community
In the lead-up to their new shows at Smiths Alternative in Canberra during this year's SpringOUT festival, we sat down for a chat with Megan Munro AKA Sparklemuffin about drag kings, disability and inclusion on stage.
FUSE72
In this issue: Prince of Polyester Bob Downe. Bangs on about forty ridiculous years in showbiz. Sparklemuffin steps up & out for inclusion Kaleidoscope artists’ stories of creativity & self-discovery. 2026 stars predicting profound change, Lesbian Space Princess. Plus Another rapture another day! N…
SPORT
Katrina Gorry, along with all her teammates from the Matildas, have emerged as a significant source of national pride in Australia. This is her increadble story so far...

QUEERBOARD

CBR | 2026
Do you identify under the LGBTIQ+ umbrella and find it difficult to access mainstream exercise services?
TRAINING | 2026
Gain a nationally-recognised qualification while completing a transformational leadership development program. Next course commences February 2025
COMMUNITY
The LGBTIQ.DIRECTORY is a community-focused project for all LGBTIQA+ people. It's proudly published by FUSE Magazine and its partners.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
When life doesn't seem worth living anymore, it may seem that the only way to find relief is through suicide. When you're feeling this way, it may be hard to believe, but you do have other options. Start by talking to someone now.
Tourism Volunteer
Are you interested in LGBTIQ+ travel in Australia? GALTA (Gay & Lesbian Tourism Australia) is currently looking for a Canberra volunteer.
Relationships
Understanding domestic, family and intimate partner violence from a family law perspective is an important part of addressing domestic violence.

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MEL & SYD | 30 JAN - 22 MAR
S. Asher Gelman's international hit play Afterglow is heading to Melbourne and Sydney for its highly anticipated Australian tour.
CBR | 18 & 19 Apr
The Good Earth Psychic Fair is coming back to Canberra in 2026, bringing two full days of beautifully curated stalls, intuition and insight.
SYD | 15 Feb
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day returns to Victoria Park on Sunday 15 February 2026, bringing together music, performance, community and pure daytime euphoria as the Festival’s largest free, all-ages event under thsi years theme ECSTATICA.
NSW | ACT | VIC | 7 Mar - 10 May
Don't miss another spectacular play by Bell Shakespeare. Julius Caesar will be showing in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne in 2026. Betrayal and chaos rock the republic as Rome teeters on the brink of collapse.
CBR | 20 march
Canberra Comedy Festival presents Geraldine Hickey, A Weight Off My Chest at Canberra Theatre Centre.
CBR | 11 - 22 March
Canberra Comedy Festival returns to Canberra 11-22 March 2026! It's the biggest comedy event in Canberra with more than 70 shows and some of them are pretty damn queer!