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 As Homesexual gears up for its 20th party, Peter Hackney speaks with the man behind its success, Stephen Craddock.
What do Dannii Minogue, Junior Vasquez, Peter Rauhofer, Tony Moran and Anthony Callea have in common?
Not much, it seems at first glance. But they all share at least one thing: they’ve performed at one of Australia’s premier gay parties, Homesexual.
Since its debut in 2006, Homesexual – held regularly at Sydney’s iconic Home nightclub – has notched up 19 parties. This month, the event celebrates its 20th with ‘Homesexual: High School Reunion’ on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
The milestone is a triumph for Stephen Craddock, the man behind the party.
 “There are so many memories,” the promoter tells SX. “The costumes, the friends, the music, the magic and incredible DJs. There are too many moments to mention, but [a favourite is] after being in talks with Offer Nissim for two years, receiving a call from Tel Aviv confirming his appearance!
And oh, what a party! His opening number still sends chills down my spine!”
Nissim’s set highlights Craddock’s commitment to Homesexual. He literally travels the globe to stake out the world’s best DJs: “I’ve learned over the past four or five years that the only way you can secure this level of DJ is by physically travelling to meet them face-to-face. When you’re spending up to $80,000 on an artist, you really have to look them in the eyes and shake hands – it’s the only way!”
“I like to think that Homesexual is the only circuit party in Australia to really focus on the unique sound of progressive house or power house,” he adds.
“From my understanding there are no other large capacity events that cater specifically for this sound. It’s unique, uplifting, dramatic and has the power to take you on an amazing journey.”
It’s not just superstar DJs that Craddock has lured to his ‘baby’. Dannii Minogue jetted to Sydney to help celebrate Homesexual’s first birthday, while Anthony Callea performed at the second anniversary – his first show after ‘coming out’.
“Dannii was just lovely, full of energy and so polite,” says Craddock. “We’ve kept in touch since, and she still talks to this day about how we showered her with pink confetti love hearts!”
But it’s not the past Craddock is focused on – it’s the future. “I like to try and innovate,” he says. “After 20 parties, it’s time for the next chapter and I’ve been working very hard to create just that. Watch this space.”
Homesexual High School Reunion 2008: 11pm Sunday, June 8 – 11am Monday, June 9. Tickets $49 + booking fee ($39 + booking fee for Mardi Gras members) available from eevolution.com.au . More info, go to homesexual.com.au.
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