Where the political parties stand on LGBTIQ issues ahead of the federal election
National LGBTIQ advocacy group Equality Australia has released responses from the Coalition, Labor and the Greens on more than a dozen policy areas affecting the LGBTIQ community ahead of the upcoming federal election. The parties’ responses have all been published on the Equality Australia website, and cover 18 different areas including discrimination, health, education, intersex …
Simon Gallaher and his wife ‘split after outing by Todd McKenney’
Theatre producer and star Simon Gallaher and his wife have reportedly split following fellow stage star Todd McKenney’s revelation last year that he and Gallaher dated for several years. McKenney revealed in a JOY FM radio interview last August that he dated singer and musical theatre producer Simon Gallaher for five years, and Gallaher went …
Margaret Court says Israel Folau is being persecuted for his beliefs
Tennis champion and Christian pastor Margaret Court has defended Israel Folau, who she says is being persecuted for his religious beliefs. Folau will appear before a code of conduct hearing on May 4 in a bid to avoid being sacked by Rugby Australia after he claimed on social media “hell awaits” homosexuals and suggested transgender …
Survey asks how to improve services for LGBTIQ substance users
The QuIHN Group – comprising QuIHN, Better Access Medical Clinic and QuIVAA – is undertaking a survey seeking ideas on how to expand and revitalise their many links with the local rainbow community. “If you use substances — in any way — regularly, or occasionally, or if you’re a family member or ally and believe …
Transgender teenager seeking asylum in Canada after fleeing Brunei
A transgender teenager who fled the southeast Asian nation of Brunei to seek asylum in Canada has shared her story. Zoella Zayce, 19, is currently living in the Canadian city of Vancouver as she awaits a decision on her claim for asylum. Zayce told Reuters she fled Brunei late last year, scared her conservative family …
Same-sex wedding expo to be held in Brisbane next month
Brisbane’s third Same Same Weddings Expo will be held at Brisbane Powerhouse on May 5, with free entry and all couples warmly welcomed. The Same Same Weddings Expo will run from 10am to 3pm and is hosted by Paddington Publications, the publishers of Brisbane Bride Magazine and Australia’s first same-sex wedding magazine Same Same Weddings. …
‘Shame, Sultan, shame’: Brisbane rally against Brunei’s anti-gay laws
The first Australian rally to protest new anti-gay laws in Brunei has been held in Brisbane opposite the Brunei-owned Royal on the Park Hotel. A group of around 100 people gathered in the City Botanic Gardens on Saturday afternoon chanted “Shame Sultan, shame” to protest the southeast Asian country’s introduction last week of the death …
Pride Business Spotlight: Brisbane marriage celebrant Joshua Hart
“Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life,” says Brisbane marriage celebrant Joshua Hart. “As your celebrant, I will ensure that your ceremony reflects the couple you are. “Whether it be a small, intimate ceremony or a larger, formal ceremony, I will work with you to design this day, your way.” As a …
Rainbow Labor member Julie McGlone launches Sunshine Coast campaign
Julie McGlone, Labor’s candidate in the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax in the upcoming federal election, will launch her campaign in Coolum Beach tomorrow. Julie (pictured above, right) has been a member of the Labor party for nearly two decades and says she’s always identified as a proud Rainbow Labor member. “Running in a conservative …