Families Fight on Despite Weather
One hundred and twenty people braved rain and biting winds to show their support for same-sex marriage at the Cottesloe foreshore on August 16. Organisers of the Families For Freedom Community Picnic and Support Day were forced to cancel formal proceedings due to the weather conditions, and have rescheduled the event for October 11 at the Fremantle Esplanade. ‘Given the inspirational turnout (on August 16), we expect that October’s event will be a roaring success, and we look forward to giving the supportive community every opportunity to show the Australian Government that they are not willing to support the inequalities in the way we treat same-sex families in Australia,’ said Community spokesperson Kitty Hawkins.
Woman Assaulted at Court
A 30 year-old man has been charged with unlawful wounding after he struck a woman with a bottle at the Court Hotel on August 8. Security staff acted quickly, detaining the man until police arrived and owner of the Court, Bree Maddox told OUTinPerth this was an isolated incident. ‘Patrons need to be aware that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and any violence within the venue will result in a permanent ban from our premises,’ she said. The incident occurred on the same weekend as numerous other glassings in venues around Northbridge, prompting police to call for glass to be banned from problem venues in the area.
Women and HIV Exhibition at TAFE
The WA AIDS Council is presenting a photographic and text exhibition titled, A Body of Knowledge in an effort to reduce stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV positive women. The exhibition, created by photographer Michael Coyne, writer Graham Pitts and members of Positive Women Victoria will display images of both HIV positive and negative women, challenging the viewer to decide if they can determine which is which. A Body of Knowledge is showing at Central TAFE Art Gallery from September 23- 26. For more info contact Sally Lewis on 9482 0000.
Comfort New GRAI Chair
GRAI (GLBTI Retirement Association Inc) have elected a new chair at their recent AGM. Curtin University academic, active community member and GRAI board member for three years, Jude Comfort will take over the reigns from Graham Douglas-Meyer. Ms Comfort sees the priorities and challenges for GRAI in the next year as the successful completion of the Lotterywest research grant looking at provision of appropriate accommodation for other GLBTI people, increasing member numbers, particularly women, and building partnerships with other relevant community groups. Other elected board members are Steve Singer, Malcolm Fialho, Damien Douglas-Meyer, June Lowe, Virginia Hailes, Leonie Stickland and Stuart Pekin.
Club West Celebrates 20 Years
Club West celebrated its 20th Birthday in style with the Hollywood Ball, held at the Italian Club on August 15. Special guest Karlotta came out of retirement especially for the evening and organiser Terry Larder says a fantastic time was had by the approximately 500 people who attended. Proceeds from the night will go to Royal Perth Hospital and will hopefully assist Ward 10C in acquiring a new fridge. The next Club West will be held on November 14. For more info and tickets, go to www.clubwest.com.au
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