Happy New Year from GALE! And what a year it is set to be with a Federal election on the not-to-distant horizon and Senator Sarah-Hanson Young’s same-sex Marriage Bill set to be debated in Parliament within the next few months, it looks like we’ll be having a fair bit to get up on our soap boxes about.
Indeed, now that we have a new (and slightly more hard-headed) leader of the conservative Opposition – it looks as though we’ll definitely be looking at an interesting year in politics, so stock up on popcorn and get ready for some interesting (if somewhat exasperating) debates.
But don’t fret – there is an alternative to just shouting at your TV screen during Question Time: 2010 is also the National Year of Action for Equal Marriage. Throughout the year, across the country community and activist groups will be holding events, rallies, parties and protests to put pressure on the Rudd government to make good on their promise to end discrimination against GLBTI people and their families – as well as to raise public awareness of the impact of queerphobia and prejudice.
In Perth, the first event of the year falls on February 14th. A good date for it really – because after all, it’s Valentine’s Day for Queers as well isn’t it? At 12 noon in the Perth CBD (the venue is yet to be confirmed – bloody red tape!) there will be a rally and march through the city. For those who are less inclined to protests and banner waving, there will be an after-party in the park featuring performances from musicians, drag-artists and comedians to celebrate. A great opportunity for a memorable, romantic day out for you and your sweetheart on Valentines day – as well as a way of sending a strong message to the community that it is time for same-sex and trans* couples to be given equal recognition and respect. Come dressed in Pink, Red and White – All are welcome!
For more information about the National Year of Action, or the Valentines Day Events in Perth visit www.families4freedom.info
So – here’s to 2010, let’s make the most of it!
Kitty Hawkins
GALE Co-Convenor
kitty@galewa.asn.au
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