Lesbians and gays rally in Brisbane

By Nick Everett and Ana Kailis

BRISBANE -- 1500 people rallied on July 2 to support lesbian and gay rights. The rally, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, was followed by a march through the streets and a fair at Musgrave Park.

Speakers at the rally included a representative from the Gay and Lesbian Health Service (GLHS) and members of the Lesbian and Gay Pride collective. Wendall from GLHS emphasised that while anti-discrimination legislation had now been introduced in Queensland, violence against lesbians and gay men still occurs, and funding for AIDS research and treatment is still inadequate.

Jeff Cheverton and other speakers from Pride emphasised the importance of visibility and direct action to further lesbian and gay rights. Tracey Wing stressed the importance of lesbian representation and described Pride as an excellent example of coalition politics.

The fair, which drew more than 2000 people, included performances from Isis and Chris Maver and a “pet show”.

On June 30, 70 people attended a workshop on lesbian and gay images in the media, also organised by the Pride Collective. Discussion ranged from the issue of advertisers vying for the gay dollar to the extent of stereotyping when lesbians and gays are represented at all. A media watch group to highlight such stereotyping was proposed. For more information, contact the Pride Collective on 846 3433.

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