QC is the easiest way to refer to Queer Collaborations, the youth conference for all sexualities and genders combining under the banner of queer, for participating students to address the ghosts of queer politics past, present and future.
They fight for a broader sense of equality as it involves diverse lifestyles, their young active minds becoming more aware and informed of what it takes to make a difference to those who have been neglected so long….us.
The theme of this year’s Queer Collaborations conference in Wollongong was Fighting Queers need Fighting Unions, however most people noticed an irony in having a theme and no workshops about it. Our local team of representatives from all five major WA universities acquitted themselves quite well, attending in great numbers, considering the cost and efforts involved in travelling across the nation.
In fact Murdoch University had the largest delegation of any of the universities represented at the conference.
Upon their return from the 2010 conference in July, I bumped into a few of our Perth delegation and asked them about their experiences at the conference.
What was it like conversing, arguing and plotting with young queers from other states?
Pretty good! I think that some of the best things one gets from a QC are the connections with people from across Australia. Nick, Curtin
The other states are very political and stand by those politics through hell and high water. In WA we tend to work towards a consensus, sometimes they are very young and see the world through their politics and no-one else’s. Kingsley, Murdoch
How does this year’s event compare to the event held in previous years?
Definitely more structured, being my second QC I could really notice the difference between the two. Big credit to this year’s Wollongong organising team, they did a great job. Kim, Curtin
Did you learn anything new about your vicarious social and political lifestyle?
I learnt more about people’s different ideas about gender- it’s such a vast topic. How I look at and value my gender will not be how someone else does. QC is a good place to find very similar and very different people. Sonni, UWA
What was the most interesting thing that happened at the conference?
Being in a room full of seasoned trans-activists for an hour while they gave me some really valuable advice, and berated me for being young. Keegs*, UWA
I found it interesting that because I identify as a gay man it meant I was oppressed because QC gives voice to the minority and so the majority becomes the minority. Kingsley, Murdoch
WA’s own Curtin University gets to host the conference next year, how big is this news?
Absolutely huge! People from across WA (and hopefully beyond) are helping to organise this conference and we have a huge amount of skill and passion to bring to QC. Keegs, UWA
WA has been bidding for QC for the last 3 three years, it’s awesome to finally get it and I’m sure the Perth queer community will make it rock! Sonni, UWA
QC inspires a lot of people, what affected you the most at QC?
The respectful way in which most people conduct themselves in. No one gropes you or touches you without your consent. It is mostly free of douchebags. Sonni, UWA
The fact that so many queer issues continue to go unnoticed in contemporary media, take for example the death of Veronica Baxter… If a white male had of died in her situation, it would have been painted all over the media. In doing journalism myself I thought this was really influential and has opened my mind on what needs to be done in the future. Kim, Curtin
What topics did people speak on at the conference?
Such a huge variety, Sex and Gender diversity, Intersex issues, Feminism, Sex Worker rights, BDSM, Polyamoury, Law reform, Indigenous deaths in custody, Sexual and Mental health, Self defence and Marriage equality. I’ve probably missed heaps, but there was really too much to list. Keegs, UWA
That’s right, you heard it here first, Queer Collaborations is coming to Perth, hosted by Curtin University and its luscious crew. QC 2011 is guaranteed awesome!
*Some names have been changed to protect the privacy of the participants.
Adelaide Knowles
CCQN
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