Equality bulletin #52
This Equality bulletin was issued by the TGLRG on 11.1.06
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to the first Equality Bulletin for 2006.
This edition calls on you to
1. support those Liberal MPs who have endorsed civil unions for same-sex couples,
2. come forward if you‚re a same-sex couple and interested in appearing in the media to supporting your rights, and
3. help out with ground-breaking research about the experience of young queer people in the workplace.
Hope you're having a happy new year,
Rodney Croome.
11.1.06
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Support for civil unions
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In the closing days of 2005, and in direct contradiction to the Prime Minister, five Federal Liberal MPs declared their support for an Australian civil union scheme similar to that which began in Britain in early December.
For a summary of events go to www.ssonet.com.au/display.asp?ArticleID=4974
These MPs need to know that they have support from within the LGBT community and from our friends and supporters.
Please write to the following MPs endorsing their stand. Letters from their constituents would be particularly compelling.
Hon Warren Entsch
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources
Warren.Entsch.MP@aph.gov.au
Hon Judi Moylan
J.Moylan.MP@aph.gov.au
Mr Petro Georgiou
P.Georgiou.MP@aph.gov.au
Mr Mal Washer
Mal.Washer.MP@aph.gov.au
Mr Peter Lindsay
Peter.Lindsay.MP@aph.gov.au
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Calling all couples
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Increased interest in the formal recognition of same sex relationships, either through marriage equality, or other forms of partnership nomination (for example registration, civil unions), means a heightened media focus on the issue and a greater demand from journalists to speak to same-sex couples about their experiences and aspirations.
Spokesperson for the Australian Coalition for Equality, Rod Swift, is seeking a number of same-sex couples from across Australia, including those with families, to be involved in possible TV news stories during the next two weeks.
If you are interested in getting married or otherwise having your relationship recognised, and are happy for your relationship or family to be featured on television, please e-mail Rod with your contact details at rod.swift@coalitionforequality.org.au
Meanwhile, a major Tasmanian news outlet is also seeking same-sex couples who have registered their relationships with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to be interviewed about their experiences.
If you are interested please contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
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Research into experiences of the workplace
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The following information comes from "Sexualities@Work" researcher, Paul Willis
How sexy is your workplace?
Are you between 16 and 26 years of age?
Attracted to the same-sex?
Describe yourself as non-hetero/ not straight?
Worked in paid employment (casual, part-time or full-time) for more than six months?
If so I'd love to hear about your experiences from work!
As part of my PhD studies in Social Work through the University of Tasmania I am seeking to hear real stories from young men and women around Australia about their experiences of negotiating diverse/ non-hetero sexualities in their previous and current workplaces - what it's like to be non-hetero at work. If you are between the ages of 16 to 26, describe yourself as non-heterosexual/ not straight and have worked in casual, part-time or full-time work I am inviting you to share your stories in an interview.
If you are interested in sharing your experiences and -
1) If you currently live in Tasmania, we can arrange an interview in person at a time and place that is convenient to you; or alternatively
2) If you live on the mainland we can arrange an on-line interview through MSN Messenger at a time that suits you - young participants from all Australian states and territories are very welcome!
All stories are equally important to me and you are the expert on your own experiences. Your contribution could assist in making workplaces more supportive of people from all sexualities, plus it's an opportunity to have your story heard. All interviews are voluntary.
To find out more details check out the research website (www.utas.edu.au/sociology/sexualities) or to organise an interview please e-mail me Paul.Willis@utas.edu.au or ring me on my office phone (03) 6226 2715. All contact with me is private and confidential. You can use a false name if you prefer.
If you know other people around Australia who may be interested in sharing their stories from their workplaces please forward this information.
Paul Willis
PhD candidate - Social Work
School of Sociology and Social Work
University of Tasmania, Hobart.