Lesbians celebrate in Brisbane

Lesbians celebrate in Brisbane

By Carolyn Ride

BRISBANE — Lesbians, gay men and supportive heterosexuals celebrated International Lesbian Day, October 10, with a public mock wedding in Post Office Square.

Deni and Solange, resplendent in a white wedding dress and military drag respectively, were bonded (handcuffed actually) in unholy matrimony in front of 100 witnesses.

Every convention of traditional weddings was turned on its head: there were dykemaids and groomsdykes, a pagedyke, and a dyke as "father" of the bride.

Gai Lemon, the celebrant, spoke of the importance of overturning marriage rituals which are traditionally used to oppress women. She said that the special factor in public celebrations of lesbian partnerships is that there is no concept of "ownership", which is presumed in heterosexual marriage.

Carolyn Ride, the co-celebrant, talked about the need for public displays of lesbian pride in a sexist and homophobic society. Dykes are still subject to homophobic violence and discrimination in employment, are unable to adopt children and often have their children taken away by the courts.

After the ceremony, everybody adjourned to the gay-owned Sportsman Hotel for a reception.

From GLW issue 120