Melbourne gay party ‘Poof Doof’ hit with complaints after old photography brief leaked online
No boys with bad skin. No skinny boys. And no girls - ever. Organisers of one of Melbourne’s biggest gay parties are being called out for their highly specific instructions to photographers.
Social
Don't miss out on the headlines from Social. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The promoters of one of Melbourne’s most popular gay parties have been asked to explain themselves after a former employee shared their highly specific photography brief online.
Poof Doof organisers have been hit with multiple complaints on social media after the strict policy was shared online.
The document states photographers are not to take pictures of girls, skinny boys or boys with bad skin.
The party promoters were quick to issue an apology and admit the brief’s wording was a big mistake.
The brief was written in 2011 and News Corp understands it has been reused a few times over the years but not recently.
It stated that photos are not to be taken of: “Skinny boys in burgundy tshirts and chinos … there is nothing interesting or cool about them. Boys with bad skin. Messy boys … Indi boys. They are not Power Poof worthy unless they are BREATHTAKINGLY good looking or especially stylish.”
It also states that “Poof Doof is a gay club for homos. No one is here to see girls. Ever.”
The brief adds that preferred photo subjects include: “Boys with muscles. Big ones” and “Drag Queens, but ONLY the BEST.”
Just in case you were in a cave tonight. We made a mistake. We would like to thank everyone for their meaningful comments and messages. We are continuously inspired by our fabulous community. Truly, thank you for sharing and we see... https://t.co/vE2JsxfI6z
— POOF DOOF (@POOF_DOOF) January 16, 2019
Despite this, a quick look at Poof Doof’s website shows the photography brief seems to have been ignored for the most part as their online photo gallery appears to be pretty inclusive. While there are plenty of “boys with muscles” there are also photos of people of many shapes, races, sizes and genders.
Poof Doof promoters claimed the brief had been made public by a photographer whose contract had been terminated.
They said it was a “way of retaliating against his termination.”
“The brief is outdated and again, has not been used, referred to or circulated for many years. We apologise unreservedly for any hurt caused by our words and actions of a disgruntled ex-employee. We’re very sorry,” a statement by the promoters read.
The photographer, Ari New, took to Facebook to say he had shared the brief in a private Facebook chat without malicious intent.
“The photo was then sent around by one of the other people not to my knowledge,” he wrote.
He claims he had asked those who shared the brief to delete the posts.
“It was never my intention for the brief to be spread and I was extremely upset as it could appear like I personally sent it out of spite,” he wrote.
The party’s social media manager, who identified himself as Marcus, told News Corp they were in the process of reviewing their photography policy and have asked for input from patrons.
Marcus said the staff who run the event have completely changed since 2011, when the brief was written and that Poof Doof was a “gay club for everyone.”
Unedited job brief here. What’s even more upsetting is this was sent to a trans photographer. What happened to so-called inclusiveness in our community? 😳 pic.twitter.com/lUlKCEjXQ2
— Gianni Borrelli (@gianniborrelli) January 16, 2019
I've had my Photo taken and posted to a poof doof album within the last 2-3 years and I don't fit the description at all. It's no surprise night clubs are highly sexualised just look at any promo released ever.
— Alexander (@111across) January 16, 2019
Whoever took my photo at Poof Doof woulda lost their job cos I don’t fit that fucked up brief at all LMAO
— Mitchell Coombs (@MitchellCoombs) January 16, 2019
I cannot believe what I just read 🤔 https://t.co/kw9O3fmwBF
“It’s horrifically outdated and very, very embarrassing. It’s 100 per cent our fault for creating it in 2011,” he said.
The initial brief has caused plenty of upset from patrons and the wider LGBTQI+ community and the club’s later apology also drew criticism for not being strong enough.
“I think saying something and apologising is just the beginning,” Marcus said.
“People want action.”
He said the club and the new team were now focused on making sure the club was as inclusive as it could be.
He said patrons have been asked to fill out a feedback survey, and the organisers will be taking the responses seriously.
“A few hundred people have filled it out so far,” he said.
While the reaction has been strong in condemning the wording of the brief, many patrons were quick to point out that 2011 was a long time ago and they think the club has moved on since then.
Originally published as Melbourne gay party ‘Poof Doof’ hit with complaints after old photography brief leaked online
‘Scary: Collingwood stars open up about social media trolls
AFL star Brayden Maynard reveals the most common reason why social media trolls target him as he and teammate Tom Mitchell make a heartfelt pledge after an unthinkable tragedy.
What Jessica Mauboy and Adam Gilchrist have in common
Big names from the world of entertainment, sport, politics and business have pledged support for a new national initiative designed to save Australian lives.