VIC
LGBTIQ Aussies suffer higher rates of domestic violence, study finds
LGBTIQ adults in Victoria experience domestic and family violence at more than double the rate of non-LGBTIQ adults, according to a major new survey. The Victorian Agency for Health Information conducted the survey of over 34,000 LGBTIQ adults about their health and wellbeing. The study shines a light on issues contributing to health inequalities LGBTIQ …
Council candidate apologises for anti-marriage equality campaign
A Bendigo man who campaigned against same-sex marriage has apologised and claims his views have changed, as he campaigns for a seat on his local council. Lewis Freeman-Harrison ran a Facebook page named “Vote No Australia” during the divisive 2017 postal survey. But the 25-year-old now says he no longer holds those views. He posted …
COVID deniers and other trolls attack Magda Szubanski ad
The Victorian Government’s star-studded campaign urging Victorians to abide by lockdown rules features a Magda Szubanski ad in which she appears as her character Sharon Strzelecki from Kath and Kim. Sadly, COVID deniers, QAnon trolls and other morons quickly emerged from under their rocks to attack Magda over the ads. “It’s not the lockdown that’s …
MP celebrates ‘arrival’ of trans daughter in moving post
Victorian MP Andy Meddick has posted a beautiful “birth announcement” on social media celebrating his 25-year-old transgender daughter. “Both our children are trans and both are perfect,” the independent Animal Justice Party MP tweeted. “Our eldest Kielan has been on a unique and personal journey that (with permission of course) I’m now proud to share …
Victorian Pride Centre appoints first CEO
The Victorian Pride Centre Board has appointed Justine Dalla Riva as its inaugural CEO. The Pride Centre, located in St Kilda, will be an LGBTIQ community hub. It’s due to open later this year. Board Chair Jude Munro AO said Dalla Riva (pictured above, left) brings “a wealth of community-based experience” to the role. Dalla …
These two ex-nuns fell in love, but had to leave the convent
An Australian former Catholic nun has opened up about meeting her girlfriend in the convent, before homophobic condemnation forced the lesbian couple out of the church. Monica Hingston, who is a second cousin to George Pell, was a nun for 22 years before she fell in love with fellow nun Peg Moran. She told SBS’ …
Disgraced Labor MP slammed for homophobic, misogynistic rants
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has sacked state Labor MP Adem Somyurek from cabinet amid corruption allegations and leaked audio of homophobic, misogynistic and racist tirades. In the recordings on 60 Minutes, the party powerbroker described Young Labor members as “little passive aggressive f—ing gay kids” and gay staffers as “real slimy little f—ers”. “We’ll have …
Victim of botched police raid Nik Dimopoulos sues
Nik Dimopoulos, the Victorian man wrongly arrested and seriously injured in a bungled police raid at queer bookstore Hares and Hyenas, has sued for compensation. Last May, the events promoter was asleep in an apartment at the bookstore in Fitzroy when he heard intruders’ voices. Unknown to Dimopoulos, the intruders were Victoria Police’s Critical Incident …
Michael Kirby appointed Patron of Victorian Pride Centre
The Victorian Pride Centre has marked the start of Pride Month by appointed former High Court Judge Michael Kirby its inaugural Patron, as well as a list of LGBTIQ community ambassadors. The Pride Centre, located in St Kilda and due to open in late 2020, will be an LGBTIQ community hub. The Pride Centre will …
New study to support Australian ‘conversion therapy’ survivors
A new study led by a La Trobe University academic will investigate the impact of harmful LGBT “conversion therapy” in Australia. Dr Timothy Jones from the university will head a team researching how to better help survivors of the discredited practices. “Previous research has shown that attempts to change the sexual and gender orientation of …