By Natasha Sinnett
HOBART — About 200 people attended the annual Queer Collaborations conference here on June 29-July 3. After the successful struggle by the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Group to have discriminatory state laws overturned in 1995, conference organisers were pleased to be able to host delegates from 27 universities in Tasmania.
This year's theme was "Emerge", chosen to highlight the local gay and lesbian communities' victory, the emergence of social and political activism, and the emergence of new ideas and ventures.
Plenary sessions dealt with issues ranging from youth suicide to "Queer theory and the plastic arts". Workshops were held to develop discussions begun at plenary sessions.
Organiser Aaron Myers and the Q-Sok collective ensured that there was time for socialising and networking. Many of the evening events took place in "queer friendly" locations around Hobart. This enabled Hobart residents to meet delegates and for delegates to raise awareness of the issues facing non-heterosexual youth today.
The conference opened with reports from each university represented. Delegates form the University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown campus, reported that they successfully lobbied to have the sexuality officer included on the student representative council.
While most universities have queer collectives, it was reported that most have problems in deciding whether its role is as a meeting place or to involve people in political activism.
On July 1, the conference organised a rally to protest against the Youth Allowance, implemented that day. One hundred people marched from Franklin Square to the office of Liberal Senator Eric Abetz to highlight the hardships the allowance will mean for queer youth.
Myers pointed out that, unlike marriage, living in a non-heterosexual relationship does not make people eligible for independent status.
Back at the conference, activist Rodney Croome talked about the "pink dollar", stating that many gay and lesbian people are no wealthier than heterosexuals and many live below the poverty line.
Elizabeth Burns, from the University of WA, spoke about family and law reform, and lesbian access to IVF programs. WA, SA and Victoria prevent anyone who is unmarried from accessing IVF programs. In Victoria, self-insemination is illegal. "We should not be denied the right to bear children simply because we do not fit into the societal norm of a 'family'", Burns said.
National Union of Students welfare officer Lisa Ronnenburg encouraged delegates to vote in student elections or run for sexuality officer positions within NUS.