Marriage is So Gay!

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Comment by Rainbow Family Tree on June 29, 2011 at 14:05

Thanks for supportive words Sophie and Andre... I'll certainly try and do a face to face meeting/screening... Quite enjoyed the last one ; )

Comment by Sophie Pointer on June 29, 2011 at 14:03

Good luck with your discussions with Nick Xenephon. I understand his beliefs comes from his faith so it is unlikely you will be able to sway him! Still never say never...

Comment by Andre Stoffels on June 29, 2011 at 14:00

So glad you approved.  I'm always a bit wary of using other people's stuff without asking first but his position disappointed me and your story seemed like the best thing I could send to him.  I have said that I would like to talk with him to try to convince him.  But I'd have to say, hint hint, that you're meeting with him is more likely to have a greater impact.  At the least, and you may have already done so, let me encourage you to write to him as I was told he is "is taking into consideration all the feedback he is receiving from his constituents".  Your message is so much more powerful than mine because you are living through the consequences of this enshrined discrimination.  But I will continue to do what I can. This is the first time in my life I have engaged in this sort of political fight - and it's important and worth it.

Comment by Rainbow Family Tree on June 29, 2011 at 13:45

That's EXCELLENT - thanks Andre... it's exactly the kind of 'viral' circulation of personal/activist Digital Stories that might just get 'undecided' people across the line. It'll be interesting to hear whether he responds and whether he watches the story... he might just be worth paying a visit to, no?

Comment by Andre Stoffels on June 29, 2011 at 13:39

One small thing that I think I can do to promote the sought after change to the Marriage Act is to write to politicians and anyone else I can think of that might be able to influence the debate.  (Please let me encourage you to do the same.)  Last night I worte to Nick Xenephon who I assumed would be supporting the move for change.  I was surprised and disappointed to learn that while he supports Civil Unions for same-sex couples he is yet to decided as to whether he will support the Marriage Act Amendment Bill 2010.  In my response to that news, I have included a link to this video because it so eloquently says what hours of logical debate cannot.  I trust you don't mind that I've done this.

 

Comment by Claire Gurry on June 26, 2011 at 21:06

from the mother of one 9 years old daughter to another. Straight from the heart Great work and another Brave soul. It is way past time for us and our kids to feel safe. My daughter did a project on family trees last week- she opted to make it 'traditional' and not mention anything or anyone extra in her family. That's clearly a safety and belonging issue , that she does not feel safe to be open and that's society's fault for treating difference so poorly and makingsoem people second class. It makes us all vulnerable to attack. Especially the young. A Hurt to One is a Hurt to All. United we stand and Divided we fall.

Comment by Andre Stoffels on May 30, 2011 at 21:40

A gently put but powerful message.  There is a great deal to admire in the courage that you, your daughter and the rest of your family have shown in being willing to put this message "out there".

 

Comment by Kimby on May 30, 2011 at 19:53

Thanks Sophie
That's strange, because it was actually in a high school that I felt the most uncomfortable. But that being said, it was mainly due to a couple of idiots in high places :s

Comment by Sophie Pointer on May 30, 2011 at 16:22

Hi Kym,

My partner is very much out in her school but it is a high school and I have been finding a big divide between what happens in primary schools and what happens in high schools. But having said that I know 'out' primary school teachers as well. At the end of the day your school/principal should be supporting your right to be out. Of all the 'advances' that DECS is making to tackle homophobia by students in schools they have done next to nothing to support gay teachers.

Comment by Kimby on May 30, 2011 at 13:21

Well, it tends to vary from place to place, and even person to person.
DECS protective policies actually say that it is inappropriate to 'discuss personal details of lifestyle of self and others'. This was discussed during a Child-safe Practices seminar (which is mandatory for all teachers, every 2 or 3 years) and the woman holding the seminar said "The only thing I can think of that would be inappropriate to discuss would be same sex relationships".
I just might start a blog on it later :p

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