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Sydney? Gay? No... Really? Yes! Sydney really does have a permanent GLBT community, not just one that shows up for the gay and lesbian Mardi Gras festival and the free food. There's not really all that much free food.

Sydney's GLBT community is (by and large) open, friendly, diverse, versatile and very, very Out! There are streets, squares, neighborhoods and entire suburbs that seem to explode with merry men and saphic ladies, but look a little closer in other parts of Sydney and you'll see influences there too... and they ain't subtle darlin'. At the bottom of this article, you'll see a number of links to resources, community groups and events that are specific to Sydney, as well as some blog links.

Lets start with Oxford street and the best known "alternative" club strip in the country. At one end, at Taylor Square we have Arc, which should be the ultimate highlight on any tour of Sydney's night life, gay or straight. Google Map this location for your own reference, and Google Street View should give you some interesting images. Arc is a very open LGBT, or alternative, club, catering to anyone brave enough to traverse its black light entryhall and spin through the revolving glass door into a dance haven. Arc does provide specific nights for special events, so make sure you check it out.

Down the hill towards Hyde Park you will absolutely need to poke your head into The Oxford and StoneWall (opposite each other) and see who's about, and maybe even see a show. Both StoneWall and The Oxford have separate rooms and bars that have independent access that double as secondary night clubs on special nights (Thursdays count as special don't they? What about Fridays?). Moving on you'll come to Slide Bar; a very happening place, very upmarket and very cool. If you can avoid the straight Yuppie crown on a Saturday. moving on again there's the Columbian, the Tool Shed, Midnight Shift and Video Bar and even more if you turn the corner onto Wentworth Avenue and head on down to the Mars Lounge. Whew, you should be tired by now!

Oxford street, as well as having a veritable plethora of night life venues, is also home to many, many, many GLBT friendly retail outlets such as books stores, toy and hobby stores as well as clothing and accessories. There are also a number of community outreach programs that have offices and walk in centers, so if you're ever feeling lost, victimized, or down head on in and speak with someone. There's always someone there that can help.

Moving away from

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