Ambassador sacked
One of the government-appointed Men’s Health Ambassadors has been dumped by Health Minister Nicola Roxon after it was revealed he co-authoring an anti-gay, anti-transgender report.
Warwick Marsh, president of Fatherhood Foundation, was one of 34 co-authors of 21 Reasons Why Gender Matters, which called homosexuality a mental disorder. A second report co-author, Barry Williams, also named among six Men’s Health Ambassadors had ‘unequivocally disowned the views set out in the document’ and would remain.
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ALSO Awards announced
Victoria’s ALSO Foundation held its inaugural ALSO Awards night to congratulate community groups, individuals and gay venues. Melbourne’s annual gay and lesbian festival, Midsumma, won Most Outstanding Community Event while this year’s 1st Asia Pacific Outgames won Most Outstanding Community Contribution. Tireless Rainbow families campaigner Felicity Marlowe shared the Quiet Achiever award with bisexual firefighter Ken Campagnolo and Gay Dads won Most Outstanding Emerging Group/Network/Organisation.
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Lesbian teacher loses affair appeal
A 22-year-old NSW student teacher who had a lesbian affair with a year 10 student may never be allowed to work in government schools or TAFE again. The Supreme Court denied an appeal by the teacher to overturn a decision by the Department of Education to restrict her approval to work in schools and that her name be referred to the Commission for Children and Young People. The teacher reportedly sent the student explicit text messages as well as climbing through the girl’s bedroom window and lying partially naked with her on the bed.
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Homophobia in the workplace
Parents and friends of lesbians and gays have released a major resource to help GLBTI people to cope with homophobia in the workplace. The resource provides tips on recognising homophobia and how to minimise the negative effects on employees and workmates. ‘It’s time that ignorance and lack of awareness no longer be used as an excuse for homophobic comments, jokes and behaviour,’ said PFLAG Shelley Argent national spokesperson. For more information call (07) 3017 1739 or email: pflagbris@hotmail.com
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Gay marriage on Sex Party policy platform
The recently launched Australian Sex Party has promoted gay marriage, a censorship-free internet and a national sex education curriculum as key policy initiatives. The party is the brainchild of Eros, Australia’s national adult industry association. Eros chief executive and party convenor Fiona Patten said the party was very confident of winning seats in state and federal parliaments. She said sexuality and gender were important issues not being dealt with properly.
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Funding for Qld gay health
A total grant of $25,000 is being made available for lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) projects in Queensland. The third round of the Healthy Communities Fund offers a maximum of $5000 for each project. Applications are open to groups, services, businesses and individuals for projects which help promote the health and wellbeing of LGBT Queenslanders, build and strengthen LGBT communities in Queensland or to support fundraising activities for LGBT groups. The closing date for the third round is January 31, 2009. Details: www.qahc.org.au/fund or by calling 1800 177 434.
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Victoria’s register up and running
Same-sex couples can now have their relationship formally recognised with the introduction of the state’s Relationship Register from December 1. ‘This will make it easier for couples to access their rights under Victorian law and provide certainty to their legal obligations, without having to argue repeatedly that they are in a committed partnership or to have to prove this in court,’ said Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls.
