Welcome to the year 2001, the definitive year for science fiction.

This date marks the start of a new thousand-year era on the western "Christian" calendar. 

Of course, the date itself is a fairly arbitrary one set within a religious tradition that often excludes gays and lesbians, and it also disregards the many other calendars that are in use around the world. Nevertheless, this calendar is a QWERTY phenomenon - too firmly entrenched in our society to simply disregard. 

The start of a new millennium speaks to us of the start of a new era, a new epoch in history.  The next thousand years will undoubtedly see changes in the world that are as significant as the technological, cultural and social changes of the last thousand.

Of course, 2001 also marks the date and setting of probably the most definitive science fiction movie of all time, the undisputed classic, "2001: A Space Odyssey".

This movie was set firmly in the "boys' only adventures" genre of science fiction, similar to that of another SF great, "Forbidden Planet", where the male-only domain of spaceflight was barely breached by women, in a curious attempt to suggest that having men-only aboard a spaceship would eliminate any suggestion of sexual hijinks - and, over thirty years later, we can look back in amusement and see a possible (if unintentional) gay subtext to the whole story: for example, was HAL a jilted and jealous lover?

In recent months, the world's media has picked up on the "2001" theme and published numerous reviews of how accurately the film (and book) from 1968 actually predicted the year 2001.  Many of these reviews have focussed on the fact that we don't yet have talking/sentient computers, nor commercial hotels in space.  We haven't even walked on the Moon for a generation!

These reviews suggest that the film/book got it somewhat wrong.  Their focus upon technology misses the whole point of the movie, and of the main theme of science fiction.

2001 - the film, book and year - speak to us of the excitement of the unknown: of the future, of exploring our Universe and ourselves.  The story predicted that humanity would continue to strive towards the stars, and, if there is anyone who has got it wrong since 1968, it is humanity itself that has failed to live up to the challenge of exploration.

As we enter the so-called 21st century, we see a world fractured by division.  Human rights are violated across the planet; fundamentalist religions and other superstitions thrive and grow; war continues to be humanity's biggest industry; and our planet's numerous life-support systems are damaged more every day.

Out of all of this negativity comes a spark of hope: science fiction is one avenue that suggests that we will continue to evolve and grow as a species.  One day, we might reach our human potential.

The book "2001: A Space Odyssey" talks of our ancestor, Moon-Watcher, who is inspired to use his intelligence to survive in his prehistoric world, and - most significantly - to look up. He looks to the stars and leads his people into their future.

That is perhaps the most profound lesson to be learnt from "2001" and other superior science fiction, and it is a lesson that the human race has yet to fully master. The book's final hero, Star-Child, is a modern-day "Everyman" who challenges us with his potential: ...though he was master of the world, he was not quite sure what to do next.  But he would think of something.

May we all think of something we can each do to help make a difference in the coming millennium.

On 19 January 2001, Hares & Hyenas bookshop hosted a science fiction evening as part of the Melbourne "Midsumma" gay and lesbian festival.  The cyber-host, Jules, led a number of readings and discussions regarding science fiction in the queer zone.  As a part of these festivities, members of Spaced Out read selections of their own original fiction and the club Convenor officially declared our first fan anthology launched.

Thank you to the Hares & Hyenas bookshop, cyberhost Jules, the many readers and friends who participated and the sudience who enthusiastically participated in the event.  Approximately 50 people explored the new queer frontier together, making this Spaced Out's biggest single event to date.

Our new publication, Solar Spectrum #1,  is the club's  first anthology of original material produced by club members and supporters, and the publication has received positive feedback from many quarters.  A review of Solar Spectrum is printed elsewhere in this newsletter.  We hope that all members and friends will take the opportunity to purchase a copy of Australia's first-ever GLBT science fiction anthology.  We are also taking contributions now for the second issue.

Keep an eye out for Multiverse 4, a Melbourne convention taking place over the Queen's Birthday weekend in June 2001.  A number of Spaced Out folk will be participating in this event - it promises to be possibly our biggest "con-ventional" event for the year.

On 7 April 2001, members present at a Special General Meeting voted unanimously to change the club's Constitution to allow for memberships to run for twelve months from the date of joining, rather than becoming due on 1 July each year.  This should benefit members who have joined in the last calendar year, and simplify club administration for our hardworking volunteers.