May 31 2010 - SAME-SEX EDUCATION CAMPAIGN SUITS VICTORIA TO A TEE
Partnered with Country Awareness Network and Anti Violence Project Victoria
Members of Victoria’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities are set to get ‘shirty’ as part of a new national education campaign about same-sex law reform.
In July last year, the Federal Government amended 85 pieces of legislation which discriminated against same-sex couples in areas such as employee entitlements, privacy rights, tax, superannuation, child support and insurance. The new education campaign aims to increase awareness and understanding of these reforms among members of Australia’s LGBTQ community.
Called Wear It With Pride, the campaign is based around a series of 85 designer T-shirts, with each shirt linked to one of the 85 historic reforms. Organisers are encouraging same-sex couples and other LGBTQ community members to learn more about their new rights and responsibilities by visiting the campaign website wearitwithpride.com.au and find out which ‘shirts’ fit them.
The Commonwealth-funded campaign is being produced by leading LGBT health organisation ACON on behalf of the National LGBT Health Alliance. In Victoria, local education sessions are being held by a coalition of organisations including {also}, Victorian AIDS Council, Country Awareness Network and the Anti-Violence Project of Victoria.
{also}’s CEO Crusader Hillis said about the campaign: “We have by no means got everything we need in terms of Federal law reform for same sex couples and trans people, but these new laws are a very important milestone for human rights in this country.
“While these 85 reforms may be just a positive starting point for further action, it is important that we take the time to understand and celebrate what we have achieved so far. I encourage everyone to come along to one of the Victorian education sessions and visit the Wear it with Pride website and to make themselves aware of these significant changes that affect our lives.”
Numerous famous Australians are involved in the project either as designers or ambassadors including singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte, DJ Ruby Rose, Ch 7 presenter Kylie Gillies, fashion designers Charlie Brown and Henry Roth, Ch 9 presenter Richard Reid, former Australian Medical Association President Prof. Kerryn Phelps, renowned Indigenous arts practitioner Noel Tovey and the highest-ranking lesbian in the Australian Defence Force Air Commodore Tracy Smart.
Local Victorian people forming part of the campaign will soon be announced in the lead up to the education sessions running in the first week of June.
Wear It With Pride National Campaign Coordinator Corey Irlam will present an overview of the changes in a questions and answers style format. The Victorian launches will also be attended by representatives of a range of community groups. All events are free with modest catering provided.
85 same-sex law reforms. 85 tee-shirts. Find out which ones fit you. Visit http://www.wearitwithpride.com.au to read information on new same-sex legal rights and read the stories of the campaign’s ten celebrity ambassadors.
Media Contact: Crusader Hillis, CEO, {also} Foundation, tel 03 9660 3900 or email crusader@also.org.au
VICTORIAN WEAR IT WITH PRIDE EDUCATION SESSIONS
MORWELL
Thurs 3 June: 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Headspace, 99 Buckley Street MORWELL
MELBOURNE
Friday 4 June: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Kulin Room (Level 10), City Village
225 Bourke Street MELBOURNE
Opening remarks by the Hon Lindsay Tanner MP
PRAHRAN
Sat 5 June: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Positive Living Centre, 51 Commercial Road PRAHRAN
Opening remarks by Michael Danby MP
BENDIGO
Sun 6 June: 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Bendigo Library Theatrette, Hargraves Street BENDIGO
SHEPPARTON
Sun 6 June: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
GV Hotel, upstairs in the Piano Bar, 223 High Street SHEPPARTON