The Informer

Hosted by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, ‘Where next after Marriage Equality?’ explores the challenges still facing the LGBTI community. While the Marriage Law Postal Survey outcome was successful, the battle was hard fought and only begins to tackle the varied inequalities faced by this population.

Lee Carnie is a lawyer in the LGBTI Rights Unit at the Human Rights Law Centre and advocates to remove all laws which discriminate against LGBTI people. They have worked on strategic litigation, campaigns and advocacy for a range of equality law reforms across Australia, including the M106 High Court challenge to the marriage equality postal plebiscite, federal anti-discrimination protections, birth certificate reforms and the recent Re Kelvin test case on access to hormone treatment for transgender young people.

Lee joins a panel of experts in law, public health and policy who presenting their ideas on the impact of marriage equality on LGBTIQ populations and outline what they see as the challenges that still lie ahead.

Master of Ceremonies – Liam Leonard, Director of GLHV at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society.

On this episode of The Informer we look at the importance of the past in influencing our future; as we hear from the Honourable Michael Kirby in his keynote address at LaTrobe University’s panel ‘Where next after marriage equality’.

In the lead up to the 35th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial this Sunday, we look at our HIV positive Community and the importance of moving forward while remembering the past.

And we head to Lisbon with JOY Eurovision as we speak to performers at the 2018 Eurovision song contest about coming out, LGBTI pride and representing their countries.

This episode of The Informer aired on JOY 94.9 and was hosted by Rachel Tyler Jones.

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest has been won by Netta from Israel with her song ‘Toy’. In a show of support for the LGBTI communities, Eurovision banned a major Chinese network from airing the final, won by Netta, after the broadcaster cut an act depicting a gay love story, and censored rainbow flags in the audience. The immediate action taken by Eurovision to end the partnership with Mango TV was a much appreciated show of solidarity with the LGBTI communities.

Michael Pohl reports direct from Eurovision 2018 in Lisbon, where he speaks to contestants Saara Aalto from Finland about the freedom of coming out, and Christabelle about her support of the LGBTI communities in her home country of Malta.

You can hear highlights and interviews from performers at this year’s Eurovision by heading to JOY Eurovision on the JOY Website at JOY.org.au.

This segment of The Informer aired on JOY 94.9 on 14th May 2018.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial reminds us of the tremendous impact that HIV and the AIDS movement have had on our lives. Emphasizing the need for people living with and affected by HIV to join hands and reflect on the past and the precious lives that have been lost.

The 35th International AIDS Candlelight Memorials are taking place this Sunday, May 20th around Australia and the world, and Dean Arcuri spoke to Max Niggl, Living Positive Victoria’s Speakers Buerea Coordinator, about the importance of looking to the future but still remembering the past at this year’s Candlelight Memorial.

You can find details about AIDS Candlelight Memorials in your state this Sunday at www.candlelightmemorial.org

This segment of The Informer aired on JOY 94.9 on 14th May 2018.

The Honourable Michael Kirby was the keynote speaker at LaTrobe Universities panel looking at ‘Where next for Marriage Equality’.

Now that Marriage Equality is out of the way, there are many issues that we need to focus on to create a better future for LGBTI Australians, and before beginning his keynote address, Justice Kirby spoke about the importance of preserving our history and the work we do for our communities.

Because we shouldn’t just remember the past, we should record it as well.

This segment of The Informer aired on JOY 94.9 on 14th May 2018.

Hosted by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, ‘Where next after Marriage Equality?’ explores the challenges still facing the LGBTI community. While the Marriage Law Postal Survey outcome was successful, the battle was hard fought and only begins to tackle the varied inequalities faced by this population.

Bobuq Sayed is a writer, multidisciplinary artist, public speaker and community organiser of the Afghan diaspora. They co-edit Archer Magazine, Australia’s leading queer journal on sex, gender and identity, and they are the founder of activist collective Colour Tongues, which fosters community for people living at the intersections of marginality.

Bobuq Sayed joins a panel of experts in law, public health and policy who presenting their ideas on the impact of marriage equality on LGBTIQ populations and outline what they see as the challenges that still lie ahead.

Master of Ceremonies – Liam Leonard, Director of GLHV at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society.

Hosted by the L: (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, ‘Where next after Marriage Equality?’ explores the challenges still facing the LGBTI community. While the Marriage Law Postal Survey outcome was successful, the battle was hard fought and only begins to tackle the varied inequalities faced by this population.

Distinguished Ambassador for ARCSHS, renowned jurist and former Australian High Court Judge, the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, has been at the cutting edge of legal reform and intellectual inquiry for decades and has forged an international reputation as a powerful and articulate orator.

Justice Kirby joins a panel of experts in law, public health and policy who presenting their ideas on the impact of marriage equality on LGBTIQ populations and outline what they see as the challenges that still lie ahead.

Master of Ceremonies – Liam Leonard, Director of GLHV at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society.

On this episode of The Informer we speak to TransFolk of WA, who have announced two new groups for trans and gender diverse people in Perth launching this month, The New Social Space providing a casual hangout space as well as a twice monthly support group for trans people who struggle with suicidal thoughts, DISCHARGED. See the two brochures in the individual podcast post on this topic for lots more info on the groups.

We speak to Housing for the Aged Action Group, who have launched a website with information specifically for older LGBTI Australians, helping older members of the LGBTI community find affordable housing.

And, is it too late to say you’re sorry? After Cate McGregor stated she was wrong to oppose the safe schools program in an article last week, is it too little too late? Or do we need to allow more room for diverse opinions and for people to admit they are wrong in our communities?

This episode of The Informer aired on JOY 94.9 & was hosted by Dean Arcuri

Last year when the data by the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, Trans Pathways was released, it showed us that young trans people are approximately ten times more likely than other young Australians to experience serious anxiety and depression

The first of its kind, 859 trans people were surveyed aged 14–25 years, along with 194 parents and guardians, and the results showed that 1 in every 2 gender diverse young person surveyed had attempted to end their life. One in every two. A sobering statistic when other research looking at all young Australians shows one in every twelve had self-harmed.

Armed with this research, the community organisation TransFolk of WA have announced two new groups for trans and gender diverse people in Perth launching this month with The New Social Space providing a casual hangout space for Trans Adults, as well as separate social groups for trans men, trans women, non-binary people, trans young people, and parents.

And will also host a twice monthly support group for trans people who struggle with suicidal thoughts, DISCHARGED. Which will create an open dialogue in a peer support space with other like minded individuals for trans or gender diverse people who are struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Dean Arcuri speaks with Emery Wishart from TransFolk of WA.

See the two images below for lots more info on the two groups.

This segment of The Informer aired on JOY 94.9 on the 10th May 2018

 

Catherine McGregor, a transgender advocate and former Australian of the Year, publicly came out against the Safe Schools program, but last week acknowledged in an article that she was wrong to oppose safe schools, after an encounter made her realise the damage her opposition caused.

Many took to social media acknowledging the bravery of stating you were wrong, but also not forgiving the damage this support caused. Support against a program that protects and respects young LGBTIQA+ Australians. This got us wondering, it too late to say you’re sorry?

Darcey Meeham investigates speaking with editor of Star Observer, Mathew Wade & The Informers Executive Producer, Dean Arcuri, discussing welcoming when people change their minds about issues affecting our communities, but also acknowledging that that doesn’t necessarily wipe the slate clean. How much room is there for diverse opinions in our communities?

This segment of The Informer aired on JOY 94.9 on the 10th May 2018