By Kitty Hawkins
If chocolate was a cure for homo/transphobia then I’m quite sure that by now the sheer force generated by Easter’s cacao-drenched feeding frenzy would have triggered the Gaypocalypse; and we would all be frolicking merrily in the rainbow-gilded streets without a care in the world for discrimination, abuse or poor tailoring. Unfortunately, with the exception of a few inches added to our respective waistlines, our situation remains unchanged.
The release of a report by the Equal Opportunities Commission regarding gender and sexuality-based bullying and discrimination in early April does not give encouraging results; detailing high rates of ill-mental health, social isolation, substance abuse and suicide amongst GLBTI youth as the result of heterosexism, homophobia and transphobia.
We’ve come a long, long way since the de-criminalisation of homosexuality in Western Australia back in 1989 – but there’s still some hard slog left. WA is now one of the minority states and territories that does not have Civil Unions for GLBTI couples, Trans*, Intersexed and gender-diverse people must still jump through ridiculous and expensive bureaucratic loops in order to simply be legally recognised, and we still lack Federal Anti-Discrimination laws.
The approach of International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia this month is an excellent opportunity for our community to stand up against discrimination and unfair treatment. GALE will be hosting a collaborative event to raise funds for local organisations that provide advocacy and support to the GLBTI community, as well as providing opportunities to network with local MPs and policy-makers. Guests will include Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and Allan McDonald from the WA Equal Opportunities Commission.
The event will begin at 5.30pm on Saturday May 21st at Bar 138 on Barrack. Refreshments will be provided, and under-18s are welcome. Tickets are $20 ($15 Concession) and can be bought from Bar 138 on Barrack, or pre-ordered by emailing matt@galewa.asn.au.
For more information, visit our website at www.galewa.asn.au or email info@galewa.asn.au
