Queer Books

Whitney Houston! A night dedicated to the one and only. Be fast to book your tickets, space is STRICTLY LIMITED and will sell out. Performed live by some of Melbourne's best musicians, and led by the incredible diva- Emily Williams! From performing the lead role in “The Body Guard” to touring Australia & New Zealand with Synthony - An orchestra like no other! Emily has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages. Grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and we will see you there! Doors open: 7PM Live music: 8:30PM Tix link: [https://WHApril18.eventbrite.com.au](https://whapril18.eventbrite.com.au/) Located in the heart of Moorabbin, LOEV is the perfect venue to experience the electrifying atmosphere of live music. With it's state-of-the-art sound system and intimate setting, you'll feel like you're right in the heart of the action. In case you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email us: LOEVPTYLTD@GMAIL.COM. Can't wait to see you, Micky&Bri- LOEV. PLEASE NOTE: \- This is a strictly \+18 event\. \- Photographs and footage will be taken throughout this event\. These will be used by LOEV for marketing and publicity in our social media platforms\.

If you’ve strolled down Hopkins Street recently and spotted a rooftop cactus garden or heard the sounds of a mechanical bull revving into action, yep, you’ve found it. Welcome to Moon Dog Wild West, a larger-than-life, three-storey bar and brewery that’s brought a touch of the wild, wild west to the heart of Footscray. Housed in the old Franco Cozzo building, this place is impossible to miss — and even harder to leave. Moon Dog has always done things a bit differently, and this outpost might just be their most over-the-top yet. Think neon lights, pool tables, Tex-Mex eats, and an actual *saloon-style* mechanical bull. Yes, really. ## **Inside the (Wild) West** The moment you walk in, it’s clear this isn’t just a regular bar. The ground floor opens into a lively saloon packed with booths, beer taps, and a mechanical bull for the brave-hearted. Head upstairs and you’ll find pinball machines, arcade games, and pool tables. Keep climbing and you’ll reach the rooftop, dog-friendly, cactus-filled, and perfect for sipping beers as the sun goes down. There’s something a bit Disneyland-meets-Dolly-Parton about the whole thing, in the best possible way. It’s playful, immersive, and full of little details that make you want to explore every level. ## **Brews, Cocktails & Good Times** With over 100 taps across the venue, drinks are definitely not an afterthought here. You’ll find Moon Dog’s signature beers and seltzers on rotation, plus a cocktail list that’s pure fun. We’re talking slushies layered like a tequila sunrise, and barrel-aged old fashioneds served up for sharing (perfect for your mates or, let’s be honest, just yourself). Hit up happy hour from 4–6pm Monday to Thursday for $8 schooners and $12 cocktails, a solid reason to clock off early if you ask us. ## **Tex-Mex, But Make It Moon Dog** The food menu is all about bold flavours and crowd-pleasing comfort. Expect buffalo chicken ribs, double-decker tacos, and Western BBQ bacon burgers. Got a vego in the group? The roasted pumpkin mole is a standout. They also roll out weekday specials that are hard to pass up. Mondays come with $25 porterhouse steaks (plus free pinball and pool), and Tuesdays are parma night, paired with trivia upstairs from 7:30pm. If you’re the competitive type, you’ll want to book ahead. **Something Always On** There’s no such thing as a dull night at Moon Dog Wild West. Whether it’s live music, DJs, themed events or a chaotic round of line dancing on Sundays, they keep things fresh every week. Trivia Tuesdays are a crowd favourite, and if you’re planning a birthday or work event, the venue’s function spaces can cater to pretty much anything, with cowboy hats optional but encouraged. Table for optional dinner booked under Andrew Goodwin (Ph: 0424453134) at 7PM. Here is a copy of the menu. [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61b6d92d7a524833b4ad7d12/t/68eed5391a196107e7dae1c1/1760482617982/MD3740_MDWW_Menu_Food_A3.pdf](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61b6d92d7a524833b4ad7d12/t/68eed5391a196107e7dae1c1/1760482617982/MD3740_MDWW_Menu_Food_A3.pdf) Then after dinner you can hang around for the optional band. Event cohosted by Martin Carr. So here the easier option is to just walk 5 minutes from Footscray Station to get here. The other option is parking although that's not that easy here. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

If you’ve strolled down Hopkins Street recently and spotted a rooftop cactus garden or heard the sounds of a mechanical bull revving into action, yep, you’ve found it. Welcome to Moon Dog Wild West, a larger-than-life, three-storey bar and brewery that’s brought a touch of the wild, wild west to the heart of Footscray. Housed in the old Franco Cozzo building, this place is impossible to miss — and even harder to leave. Moon Dog has always done things a bit differently, and this outpost might just be their most over-the-top yet. Think neon lights, pool tables, Tex-Mex eats, and an actual *saloon-style* mechanical bull. Yes, really. ## **Inside the (Wild) West** The moment you walk in, it’s clear this isn’t just a regular bar. The ground floor opens into a lively saloon packed with booths, beer taps, and a mechanical bull for the brave-hearted. Head upstairs and you’ll find pinball machines, arcade games, and pool tables. Keep climbing and you’ll reach the rooftop, dog-friendly, cactus-filled, and perfect for sipping beers as the sun goes down. There’s something a bit Disneyland-meets-Dolly-Parton about the whole thing, in the best possible way. It’s playful, immersive, and full of little details that make you want to explore every level. ## **Brews, Cocktails & Good Times** With over 100 taps across the venue, drinks are definitely not an afterthought here. You’ll find Moon Dog’s signature beers and seltzers on rotation, plus a cocktail list that’s pure fun. We’re talking slushies layered like a tequila sunrise, and barrel-aged old fashioneds served up for sharing (perfect for your mates or, let’s be honest, just yourself). Hit up happy hour from 4–6pm Monday to Thursday for $8 schooners and $12 cocktails, a solid reason to clock off early if you ask us. ## **Tex-Mex, But Make It Moon Dog** The food menu is all about bold flavours and crowd-pleasing comfort. Expect buffalo chicken ribs, double-decker tacos, and Western BBQ bacon burgers. Got a vego in the group? The roasted pumpkin mole is a standout. They also roll out weekday specials that are hard to pass up. Mondays come with $25 porterhouse steaks (plus free pinball and pool), and Tuesdays are parma night, paired with trivia upstairs from 7:30pm. If you’re the competitive type, you’ll want to book ahead. **Something Always On** There’s no such thing as a dull night at Moon Dog Wild West. Whether it’s live music, DJs, themed events or a chaotic round of line dancing on Sundays, they keep things fresh every week. Trivia Tuesdays are a crowd favourite, and if you’re planning a birthday or work event, the venue’s function spaces can cater to pretty much anything, with cowboy hats optional but encouraged. Table for optional dinner booked under Andrew Goodwin (Ph: 0424453134) at 7PM. Here is a copy of the menu. [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61b6d92d7a524833b4ad7d12/t/68eed5391a196107e7dae1c1/1760482617982/MD3740_MDWW_Menu_Food_A3.pdf](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61b6d92d7a524833b4ad7d12/t/68eed5391a196107e7dae1c1/1760482617982/MD3740_MDWW_Menu_Food_A3.pdf) Then after dinner you can hang around for the optional band. Event cohosted by Martin Carr. So here the easier option is to just walk 5 minutes from Footscray Station to get here. The other option is parking although that's not that easy here. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S Calling all introverts! Meet other introverts in Melbourne and make new friends in a safe environment with board games to help break the ice! Feel free but not obliged to socialise! ALL WELCOME!

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side). We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk. This month, we're reading and talking about 'I'd Rather Not' by Robert Skinner. The blurb: 'From one of Australia’s most wryly funny writers comes an original and utterly hilarious memoir of reaching for the stars while lying in a ditch *I was sleeping in what might reasonably be described as a ditch, though I tried not to think of it in those terms for morale reasons . . .* Robert Skinner arrives in the city, searching for a richer life. Things begin badly and then, surprisingly, get slightly worse. Pretty soon he's sleeping rough and trying to run a literary magazine out of a dog park. His quest for meaning keeps being thwarted, by endless jobs, beagles, house parties, ill-advised love affairs, camel trips and bureaucratic entanglements. Sometimes a book catches the spirit of the times. *I'd Rather Not* is about work, escape and that something more we all need. 'I was told this man came from the Adelaide Plains and so commenced to read his work. By the time I realised I'd been viciously misled and he actually grew up in Magill, it was too late. I was already completely in love with the book. It's an absolute bag of lollies.' —Annabel Crabb 'Robert Skinner writes with humour, intelligence and heart. Pick up this book and you may never put it down.' —Tony Birch 'This book is like a big, properly made gin and tonic drunk outside in a garden on a perfect Saturday afternoon.' —Cate Kennedy '…no other book brought me as much joy as this hilarious and deceptively artful collection, and in these uncertain times that is worth plenty.' —Michael Winkler 'No one writes better when the stakes are lower.' —Sam Vincent 'My heart leaps whenever I see Robert Skinner's by-line; I know I am in for a hilarious literary treat complete with wry pearlers, gallows truths and wicked timing. People will say he is Australia's Sedaris, but he's not. He's Robert Skinner and he's a bloody marvel.' —Anna Krien 'Brevity may be the soul of wit, but the nimble economy of this slim volume will make readers pine for more. A decidedly skewed, hilarious collection of life reflections and colorful storytelling.' —*Kirkus* 'Seriously the funniest book I've read all year. I can't stop thinking about Robert Skinner's forays into the most mundane and frustrating aspects of life - Centrelink, being a tour guide, applying for arts funding - and the shameless truths he not only reveals about himself but about us as a society. Read this book with a bottle of wine, and be alarmed and enlightened!' —Alice Pung 'If only all books were as funny, human and true as *I'd Rather Not*. I raced through it, marvelling and envious all the way.' —Michelle de Kretser 'Skinner has been compared to Oscar Wilde, but his book is as self-effacing as it is quip-witted.' —Beejay Silcox, *The Guardian* 'The best Australian books of 2023' 'Skinner has been called the Australian David Sedaris and it's easy to see why. Both have the same droll, self-deprecating humour and both mine their own lives for maximum mirth-making potential. [...] a book with a several-laughs-a-page quotient.' –Thuy On, *Arts Hub* 'The funniest book I have read for a long time' —Andy Griffiths, author of *The Treehouse* series" Goodreads rating: 3.71 How does a walking bookclub work? Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk. Should I read the book beforehand? The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet! Do I need to bring anything? **Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to. No shows No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group. Membership Fee Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).

Hi all, Welcome to the April Paranormal Book Club and our book club birthday meetup!! We are going to meet at the seats inside the foyer near the ticket booths, before going into Melbourne Museum. After book club, we will go to the Rome: Empire, Power, People exhibition. To find out more about the exhibition and ticket prices, check out the website here: [ROME: Empire, Power, People | What's on | Melbourne Museum](https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/rome-empire-power-people/). If you would like to pre-book your tickets, I would book the 12:00pm or 12:15pm session. Adult tickets are $35.00. Otherwise you can just get an Adult entry ticket for $18.00. The books for Sunday 19 April 2026 are: Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes [Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215963754-fangs-for-nothing) What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown [What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215353471-what-comes-of-attending-the-commoners-ball) Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson [Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60531416-yumi-and-the-nightmare-painter) If you would like to look at all the books that we have read so far, click [here](https://1drv.ms/x/s!Am2wjNpl1c1ijCNvt-hrWM8gPaem?e=riV48x). Finally, if you can't make it, please change your RSVP to a NO. Happy reading until then!! 🤓

Start point: WE HAVE A NEW CAFE! **Truffles Patisserie** **192/194 Carlisle St, St Kilda, 3182** It's at the corner of Carlisle and Chapel St's. End point: Who knows? Distance: Approx 4 to 6km (each way) Estimated time: 60 to 90 minutes (stopping and starting).

**Get ready for a heart-warming afternoon of readings in a cool, historic cellar - and guess what? It will cost you less than a cup of coffee (well, almost!)** NOTE: THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT Cost: $25, strictly limited to 25 seats Your ticket includes a $20 food and drinks credit voucher ($5 goes to the venue to support costs). [CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SEAT](https://MelbournePoets.eventbrite.com.au) Budding poets, writers and lyricists join Melbourne Poets for our monthly Poetry & Prose Meetup! This is a true open mic event (usually without the need for a microphone). There'll be an opportunity to read your work (if you're brave enough) and listen to others over a drink or two. You don't need to be published; you just need to be passionate about your craft. So grab a support buddy and come along to our luxe loungeroom hidden away in the 170-year-old bluestone cellars in East Melbourne's Tribeca precinct. We've got great cocktails, back-vintage wines, craft brews, amazing food, and good vibes in a chilled and supportive safe space. RULES: This is a ticketed event due to limited seating capacity. $20 of your ticket price is offset against any bar drinks and food ordered through the venue on the day. Please ensure each piece is less than 5 minutes for those wanting to read. Depending on attendance and number of readers, there may be multiple opportunities to read. Please no "clicking" or trauma porn, and no self-promotion allowed during the readings but networking after the event is absolutely OK. GETTING THERE: We recommend you use public transport or rideshare. We are on the 12/109 tram line (stop 16, Wellington St), several Bus Routes (302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 318, 350, 905, 906, 907, 908) or a 5-10 minute walk from Jolimont and North Richmond train stations. If you decide to drive and/or have a designated driver, 2-hour paid parking is available around Powlett Reserve, Darling Square, and the Fitzroy Gardens. Extended paid parking is available at Care Park at 162 Albert Street, East Melbourne or the Epworth Freemasons Car Park in Gotch Lane off Grey Street. UNABLE TO ATTEND? Cancellations and Refunds are generally not possible. However, for sudden illness, COVID, or other special circumstances, we may agree to reschedule your session to another day or provide a gift certificate for part or all of your ticket price. Please SMS your request to 0466 045 473. #poetry #readings #poets #writers #prose #lyricists #melbournepoets #melbournepoet #melbournepoetry #melbournewriter #melbournewriters #melbournetodo #poetryandprose #poetrylovers #openmic

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖