Annie C (Annie Crummer), accompanied by her backup singers, will feature at the Get it On! Big Gay Out 2010. Annie C has toured with lesbian icon KD Lang, and performed in both Rent and as Killer Queen in We Will Rock You. Pop sensation Will C Barling will be joined onstage by sexy DJ Stevolicious. Other acts throughout the day will be a selection of premium bands, comedy, solo artists and dance performances and attendees will have the chance to swap their old jocks for one of 200 new pairs in the Jock Swap.
Last year’s scorching summer weather was offset by one of the Big Gay Out’s favourite attractions; a Slip ‘n’ Slide, which will return this year along with the equally popular members of the NZ Fire Service who hosed it down while promoting smoke detectors and fire safety. Other attractions will include the George FM dance tent, complete with elegant chandeliers, rugs and inviting beats.
The Get it On! Big Gay Out has extensive political support; Prime Ministers, Mayors and Opposition Leaders and MPs have all attended New Zealand’s biggest gay festival. Originally started to provide a safe and supportive social environment for people of diverse sexualities and gender, their families and friends, the Get it On! Big Gay Out has become a celebration and an opportunity for the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) to deliver safe sex messaging to around 10,000 attendees. Staff from the NZAF will be present to provide free, fast and confidential syphilis testing on the day as well as advice and referrals.
Blending a celebration of diversity with safe sex messages is central to the Get it On! Big Gay Out. Get it On! spokesman Matt Creamer says “the Get it On! Big Gay Out regularly attracts around 10,000 individuals and families to a highly anticipated gay festival at Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier. This means that there are around 10,000 people who will hear the call to action to use condoms and lube, and to support those you care about to do the same. Research carried out in New Zealand has shown that the majority of gay and bisexual men use condoms and lube most of the time; that’s a real achievement and the Get it On! Big Gay Out is chance to celebrate all those people who Get it On!”
The Coyle Park Kasbah will host a range of locally produced and specialty products, and provide information from community organisations and political groups. The Caluzzi and Urge Beer Garden, a fabulously popular attraction at the 2009 event will return with increased capacity and shade-covered seating. In response to feedback from attendees, the Kasbah will host a wide variety of locally produced, specialty foods as well as festival favourites.
For more information about the day (including details of artists performing and free bus routes to the event), go to www.biggayout.co.nz or have a look at the Facebook page.
