Thank you for an inspirational year

To all of our followers,

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and contributions this year, and to wish you a relaxed and joyful festive season.

This year has been the most exciting year for gay & lesbian equality that WA has seen in a very long time. In just one year, we have seen more action for equality by community members than any year since the decriminalisation of homosexuality – and more coverage of issues affecting people of diverse sexuality & gender as a result. For us, it has been truly inspiring to watch.

Because of your support for the Federal Election campaign actions such as Rubbish for Rights and 50 Letters in 5 Days, as well as your participation in the online & offline promotion of sexuality & gender equality, we have achieved many great things – in collaboration with community members all over Australia. With your help, we held the biggest ever rally for sexuality equality since the 2002 reforms, right before the Federal Election – making same-sex marriage the unavoidable issue of the election.

We made the issue of marriage equality so powerful that despite opposition from the two major parties, many prominent Labor MPs have come out in support of equal marriage (including Senator Mark Abib, and Penny Wong, Minister for Finance & Deregulation). Several State & Territory branches of the Labor Party have moved motions urging the Federal Labor Party to allow equal marriage – including the Northern Territory and South Australian Branch. Beyond that, movement has been made by several States to introduce same-sex marriage on a State Level. And just weeks ago, Greens MP Adam Bandt’s motion to ask ministers to consult their electorates on same-sex marriage and other issues was successful, urging members to ask you what you think about these issues.

Beyond marriage equality, there have been great achievements this year, because of consistent community pressure. The Government has committed significant increases in funding to suicide prevention, and recognised the need for targeted suicide prevention initiatives for sexuality & gender diverse young people. Additionally, after significant submissions by community members, the Human Rights Commission was also asked to consult with the community and draft Federal anti-discrimination legislation for sexuality & gender diversity, with legislation likely to be introduced early in the new year. Significantly, the Government also began looking into the Human Right’s Commission’s Sex Files report on how to achieve gender identity recognition & equality, and is likely to announce it’s actions on the report next year.

Because of you, we were able to achieve these great steps towards a fair go for people of diverse sexuality and gender.

What happens next?

Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA) are planning a big year next year. We expect to see action in WA parliament on issues such as relationship recognition and gender identity recognition. We also expect to see further progress in the national campaign for equal marriage rights and anti-discrimination legislation. And to pull it off, we’re going to need your voices, and your support.

We’ll be in touch early in the new year, with an a new campaign action happening in January to get the ball rolling on the road to equality.

Don’t forget to send your Christmas Card for Equality!

Your local member heads home for the Festive Season at the end of this week. Be sure to send your Christmas Card asking for equality by tomorrow, to ensure they receive it before they go!

Thank you for your participation and contributions in this year’s inspirational campaign for a fair go.

Wishing you a peaceful festive season.

Kitty, Shane, Matt, Andrew, Ozzie & Daniel

Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA)