marriage equality
Candlelight vigil for Thomas Coyne at Toowoomba bridge
Friends, former schoolmates and fellow activists as well as members of the Greens and the LGBTIQ+ communities gathered in Toowoomba tonight for a candlelight vigil and bridge lighting in honour of Thomas Coyne. Thomas’ mum Jo spoke movingly of her love for her son and of the great support he was to her in life. …
Young Toowoomba activist Thomas Coyne killed in car accident
Toowoomba LGBTIQ+ activist and former candidate for the Greens, Thomas Coyne, died in a car accident late Sunday night. Thomas was the sole occupant of a car that rolled several times before hitting a power pole. Emergency services attended the scene and attempted to free Thomas from the wreckage but he died soon after. Thomas …
Lessons from the Rainbow Isle: Rodney Croome on advocacy
When it comes to LGBTIQ legal rights, Tasmania is another country. The Rainbow Isle enjoys the most robust LGBTIQ human rights protections in Australia. Indeed, the gulf between Tasmanian laws and those in many other states is astonishing. Even more remarkably, Tasmania arrived at this point after coming from well behind. It was the last …
Lesbian couple first to wed in Northern Ireland
A lesbian Belfast couple have made history as they became the first pair to have a legal same-sex wedding in Northern Ireland. Robyn Peoples, 26 and Sharni Edwards, 27 initially booked a civil partnership to take place on the same day. But since Northern Ireland introduced same-sex marriage in October, the two will be able …
Sarah Midgley OAM: from quantum physics to marriage equality
The recent 2020 Honours List saw Dr. Sarah Midgley awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the LGBTIQ communities. QNews caught up with this amazing Australian last week. With one parent a chemistry teacher and the other a geologist, Sarah Midgley developed a love of science from an early age. Her …
Rodney Croome: No Deals on Discrimination
Rodney Croome says there must be no deals on discrimination. The movement to roll back discrimination protections is a serious threat we must stand up to. Therefore the LGBTIQ community and its representatives must not make unnecessary compromises. It must be blocked outright. The LGBTIQ community campaign against the Religious Discrimination Bill is working. As …
University of Tasmania awards Rodney Croome honorary doctorate
The University of Tasmania yesterday created veteran LGBTIQ activist Rodney Croome an honorary doctor of letters. Rodney noted with gratitude the support of his partner Raf, his mother, and his late father. He also spoke of the “many courageous and kind people I work with to advance equality.” 1988 Salamanca Markets Rodney Croome first came …
Qantas boss Alan Joyce marries partner Shane Lloyd
Qantas boss Alan Joyce yesterday married his partner of 20 years in a lavish ceremony at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) overlooking Sydney Harbour. Guests included Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove. Their wedding gift to Alan Joyce and husband Shane Lloyd was a framed picture of the former Governor-General signing the marriage equality bill …
Maude Boate wants to be your wedding celebrant
Maude Boate is one of the true originals of Australian drag. At the forefront of Aussie drag for 30 years, we know Mrs Boate as mentor, drag mother and Glambassador, but the good ship Maude recently set sail on an exciting new journey. Lismore’s Maude Boate, authorised marriage celebrant, is ready to crack the champagne …
Poll reveals little support for Religious Freedoms Bill
A Guardian Essential poll reveals only 38% of Australians support a religious freedoms bill as currently proposed by right wing elements of the federal government. Since the federal election and the Israel Folau controversy, politicians and the Australian Christian Lobby launched petitions for federal action. 64% of people surveyed in the poll agreed with the …