With parliament adding an additional sitting week to their calendar for next week the government will be hoping they can ush through the bill before the end of the year, but opposition MPs and minor parties have a long list of questions about the bill.

Debate on the bill began in mid-October and its been progressing at a glacial pace. During the committee process of analysis the bill, which sees parliamentarians look at the legislation line by line, there’s been a huge range of motions to amend the legislation.

Liberal leader Basil Zempilas told The West Australian that his members were not deliberately slowing down progress of the bill.

During the last session there were attempts to change sections of the bill relating to the use of materials from a partner who had died. Alongside a push to increase the age of people who could serve as a surrogate, and current requirements that they have already given birth to at least one child.

There was also a call from The Australian Christians member Maryka Groenewald to introduce background checks for people wanting to start a family via surrogacy, it also failed to pass.

Each amendment failed, but line by line the debate dragged on.

As debate resumed on Tuesday with a push to ban any advertising about surrogacy services, it also failed. While the government put forward an increased the penalty for people found to be undertaking commercial surrogacy rather than an truistic endeavour.

The proposed legislation had 369 clauses when it arrived in the Legislative Assembly, and they’re currently looking at clause 112.

The post Debate on the Surrogacy and Reproductive Technology bill continues appeared first on OUTinPerth.

In conversation with Dr Norman Swan she highlighted the challenges in the current global HIV funding environment, particularly in the context of the withdrawal of US funding from PEPFAR and other international funds.

“The world has the tools to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” she said. “The HIV response that was born from activism, solidarity and science remains one of humanity’s greatest collaborative achievements. So to preserve it, we need we must protect what works. Invest in what is new and never forget who is most at risk of being left behind.” Dr Grinsztejn said.

In her talk Dr Grinsztejn noted that discrimination, stigma, and access to lifesaving HIV prevention and treatment also persists around the globe.

The David Cooper Lecture honours the legacy of the Kirby Institute’s founding director, Scientia Professor David Cooper AC, who passed away in 2018. Professor Cooper was an internationally renowned scientist and HIV clinician who laid the foundations for Australia’s ongoing leadership in the fight against the global HIV epidemic.

Dr Grinsztejn reflected on the early days of HIV research and advocacy.

“In those days, HIV was not just a virus; it was a mirror reflecting who we were as a society,” Dr Grinsztejn said. “Many of the first people I cared for were gay men whose lives were devastated not only by an illness for which no treatment existed, but also by prejudice and rejection.

“The suffering I witnessed was not only biological but deeply social. People were dying from lack of medicines, yes, but also from loneliness, discrimination and the system [was] totally unprepared to care for them.”

It was during this time that she learned to view medicine as a field where “science and justice must walk together”.

The International AIDS Society President said the world had the ability to end HIV as a public health threat, but it as concerning that many countries were reducing their funding to the global challenge.

“The world has the tools to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,“ she said. “What is missing is sustained political will, predictable and adequate funding and the courage to confront inequity head-on.

“We also need to preserve investment in science and in preparing the new generation of scientists to continue the work.”

Dr Grinsztejn also highlighted that the criminalisation of homosexuality in many countries also created a huge challenges for providing effective services.

The US decision to reduce their contributions through the PEPFAR and USAID programs, and put limits on the conditions preventative medication can be deployed, and new system of setting up agreements would have a massive impact on the challenge.

The post President of International AIDS Society highlights the global challenges appeared first on OUTinPerth.

The Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025 would place restrictions on unnecessary or deferrable medical treatment until the individual can give informed consent.

The legislation would also see the formation of an independent expert panel which includes people with lived experience and experts from the fields of human rights, mental health, ethics and law, who will be empowered to oversee medical treatment plans for children with variations of sex characteristics.

Treatment will only be able to be approved if the person faces significant harm without it, and no safer, effective alternative exists. Urgent and medically necessary medical care would continue without interference.

Patients and their families will be now be supported with consistent information about the relevant intersex variation, proposed treatments, risks and benefits and alternatives, including deferring or not intervening at all. Parents will still need to consent to medically necessary treatment on their child’s behalf, and clinicians will continue to lead medical care, supported by new safeguards and processes. 

Drafting of the Bill has been informed by years of advocacy from intersex advocates and LGBTIQA+ organisations, and guided by the (i) Am Equal report and the state’s LGBTIQA+ Strategy. The reforms also come in light of calls from the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Medical Association to better protect intersex people.

Advocates welcome introduction of the Bill

Intersex advocates and LGBTIQA+ organisations have welcomed the news, among them Executive Director of Intersex Human Rights Australia (IHRA), Dr Morgan Carpenter.

Dr Carpenter explains people with intersex variations routinely undergo harmful practices.

“[We undergo] unnecessary medical interventions before we can consent – to make our bodies fit gender stereotypes or to mitigate hypothetical risks of stigmatisation.”

“Unnecessary medical interventions without personal consent don’t reduce stigma – they reinforce it. The resulting loss of sensation, function and bodily autonomy all contribute to adverse physical and mental health. For decades, InterAction and our founding organisations have sought legislative protections from harmful practices. 

“Victoria is the first state and the second jurisdiction in Australia to introduce these vital reforms. We thank the government for its heartfelt support, we invite all members of parliament to support these measures, and we encourage other Australian governments to step up.”

Veteran intersex advocate and Co-Chair of InterAction for Health and Human Rights Tony Briffa says this Bill is about safeguarding every person’s right to make decisions about their own body.

“Procedures that alter sex characteristics raise profound and deeply personal questions – questions that I wish I had the chance to answer for myself,” Briffa said.

“Today is very emotional for me – I have spent 25 years fighting to see these reforms make it to parliament to protect future generations of intersex children in Victoria.

“I commend the government for introducing legislation that protects a child’s right to make these incredibly personal and intimate decisions for themselves when they are mature enough, and I call on other states to adopt similar protections.” 

Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown adds that the Bill marks a significant development in advancing the human rights of intersex people in Victoria.

“These reforms will ensure intersex people can decide what happens to their own bodies, so they are not left with the physical and psychological scars of unnecessary medical decisions made about them without their say.  

“Too many intersex people have had to live with the consequences of decisions they had no real part in – and which could have waited until they were old enough to have a say.  

“We urge all MPs to back these reforms and help protect future generations from harm.” 

If passed, Victoria will follow the Australian Capital Territory in introducing these protections for intersex children, becoming the first state to do so.

The post Victorian Government introduces bill to provide protections for intersex people appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Organised by Equality Tasmania representative Trenton Hoare, the Living Proof forum featured experts in the field alongside Amilie Courtney, a young woman with lived experience, and her parents.

Eloise Brook, CEO of Australian Professional Association for Trans Health; Yalei Wilson, clinical psychologist and; Dr Miro Rainsford, counsellor and behavioural sciences researcher, also appeared at the forum.

“We planned for 70 people to attend today’s forum but almost 100 came, so there was standing room only,” Hoare said.

“There is a significant amount of misinformation about health care for young trans and gender diverse people and the forum helped to inform members of the public about what the scientific evidence tells us.

“It was great to see so many politicians, health professionals and members of the community attending today’s forum.

“They left with a better understanding of how affirming care saves young lives and keeps families together.”

Ahead of Living Proof, Equality Tasmania’s Rodney Croome launched a new group – the Parliamentary Friends of LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians, which will be co-convened by MPs from numerous parties with a mission to inform MPs on issues of concern to our communities.

Co-convenors of the group are the Liberals Minister for Health Bridget Archer, Shadow Minister for Equality Ella Haddad, Independent Members Kristie Johnson and Meg Webb, and Tasmanian Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff.

“The most important LGBTIQA+ law reforms in our state’s history – including the decriminalisation of homosexuality, anti-discrimination protections and gender recognition laws – have been achieved with politicians working together across the parliament,” Croome said of the group’s launch.

“The Parliamentary Friends of LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians group will foster cooperation across political lines, as well as raise awareness and support among MPs by conducting events highlighting the continued discrimination and disadvantages facing the LGBTIQA+ community.”

Images: Rod Spark Photography

The post Tasmania’s Parliament House hosts gender health care forum appeared first on OUTinPerth.

City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said it was inspiring to see the community come together in such a powerful show of support.
 
“The Pride Parade is always one of the brightest nights on Perth’s calendar – and this year’s celebration was truly extraordinary,” Reynolds said.
 
“Our City of Light shone brilliantly as Northbridge transformed into a sea of colour, energy, and inclusion. Congratulations to Pride WA for once again creating an event that brings people together and reminds us that Perth is a place where everyone can proudly be themselves.
 
“Further strengthening our reputation as a city of inclusion, Perth has officially won its bid to host the Gay Games in 2030 – a global event that will bring together thousands of participants and spectators from around the world,” he said.

The Lord Mayor made many appearances during the festival appearing at the Pride Walk & Run, Fairday and other events.

Saturday night’s parade saw over 100 floats weaving their way through the streets of Northbridge with a sound of disco tunes and a display a rainbow colours.

Take a look at some of the photos from the big event.

The post Perth’s Pride Parade brings Northbridge streets to life appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his partner Jodie Haydon at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday. The low key private affair saw Albanese become the first Australian Prime Minister to wed while in office.

The event was attended by family and close friends including close political allies from the Labor party. Among them Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Speaking on his Sunday morning Sky News program, Rowan Dean, complained about Wong’s choice of clothes for the occasion.

“Could Penny Wong have not worn, I’m going to say it, a frock?” Dean said to squeals of reaction from co-hosts Rita Panahi and James Morrow.

Morrow had earlier said the Prime Minister has committed a sartorial faux-pas by wearing a tuxedo to a day time garden wedding, arguing that he should have been dressed in a summer suit.

Wong had been dressed in feminine dark silver blouse and dark trousers.

Women wearing trousers was debated in the Australian parliament in 1933. The sudden popularity of slacks for women was attributed to the popularity of film star Marlene Dietrich who worn a suit in the 1930 film Morrocco, soon after Australian retailers were advertising Marlene Deitrich slacks.

Lorinda Cramer, a lecturer in Cultural Hertiage and Museum Studies at Deakin University explored the history of women wearing trousers in Australia in a 2023 article for The Conversation.

She noted that throughout Australia’s history women had donned trousers to work on the land or in the goldfields, and newspaper reports in the 1920’s asked if there should be a law banning women from slipping on slacks.

World War II saw a sudden growth in women wearing trousers, as did the feminist movement of the 1970s. Who would have thought we’d still be criticizing women for waring trousers in 2025!

The post Sky News host Rowan Dean criticises Penny Wong for wearing trousers appeared first on OUTinPerth.

In a statement Saturday, United Agents said Stoppard died “peacefully” at his home in Dorset in southern England, surrounded by his family.

“He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language,” they said. 

“It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him.”

Stoppard has been described as one of the greatest playwrights of his generation created often performed works including Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Travesties, Night and Day, The Real Thing, Jumpers and Arcadia.

He also wrote the screenplays for many films including Brazil, Empire of the Sun, The Russia House, Billy Bathgate, Shakespeare in Love, and Enigma. While also contributing to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

He was born  Tomáš Sträussler is the Czechoslovakian city of Zlin. With the rise of Nazi Germany the shoe company that his father, who was a doctor, worked for began moving their Jewish employees to other areas of their international operations. On 15th March 1939, the day the Nazi’s invaded, the family fled to Singapore.

The author, his brother and his mother fled to British India ahead of the Japanese forces arriving. His father remained in Singapore and died when Stoppard was just four years old. He later learned that his father had drowned when the ship he was on was bombed.

In 1845 his mother remarried, her second husband Kenneth Stoppard was a major in the British family. The children took on their step-father’s surname and relocated to England.

After attending university Tom Stoppard became a newspaper journalist, later moving into the role of drama critic. In the 1950s he began writing radio plays, and later began created television plays and theatrical works.

His breakout success was with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, a comedic play that centres on two characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. His plays are noted for their witty dialogue and word play and similar works are often described as Stoppardian.

Stoppard was married three times and also had several relationships with well known actors. His first union was with Josie Ingle from 1965 until 1972. His second marriage was to journalist and television presenter Miriam Stern from 1972 until 1992, they separated when he began a relationship with actor Felicity Kendall.

He also had a long relationship with actor Sinead Cusack, while she remained married to her husband Jeremy Irons. In 2014 he married television producer Sabrina Guinness.

Stoppard’s final play Leopoldstadt made its debut in 2020. It follows the lives of a Jewish family in Vienna with the scenes taking place in 1899, 1900, 1924, 1938 and 1955. It won a Tony Award for Best PLay in 2022.

The post Celebrated playwright Sir Tom Stoppard dies aged 88 appeared first on OUTinPerth.

The parade will involve a mix of community groups, businesses, individuals as well. The parade will make its way from Russell Square down Aberdeen Street, round on to William Street, and then along James Street.

The popular viewing points are along Williams Street and James Street. The live commentary will be taking place from the Pride Pizza on the corner of Lake Street and James Street.

Entertainment in Northbridge begins from 6pm, the Smoking Ceremony to commence the parade is at 7:45pm and the floats will start rolling around 8pm. It is expected to finish around 9:30pm

If you can’t make into the city the parade will be live streamed at So Perth

The Official Party

The official Pride WA party will be at Russell Square immediately after the parade. Access is only via James Street entry from 9:30pm. No tickets are required and entry is free.

Connections Band of Gold party

Connections are in the midst of celebrating their 50th year and there 2025 Pride celebration promises to be epic too. They’ve got Alexas Armstrong, Barbie Q, Bushrat, Delvira Midnight, Ella Nova, Flynn V, Haydn, Kandi Kisses, Lotta Voltage, Moesha, Rudi, Serenity Von Varda, Veronica Jean Jones, Yolky Kid and 6 Inch Minx! Plus on their DJ line up is Scout, Amanda Power, Hello Sailor, DJ Tasty, Boston Le Rouge and Jaydream!. Tickets are available.

The Court Pride Street Party

The Court’s party features Hannah Conda, Rojar, Bang Bang, Kayty Banks with Fay Rocious, Cougar Morrison, Donna Kebab, Sassie Cassie, Bebe Babow, Jovi, Brandyn and Jesse. There will be a takeover by Poof Doof, a silent disco, drag shows, karaoke and food trucks. Tickets are still available.

The Brass Monkey’s Yassss Qween Party

Head to this event if you want some Balcony views of the parade going by and then stay on to party into the night. They’ll be a packed dancefloor and multiple DJs.

Steamworks

Steamworks Fluid Pride Party is completely sold out, they’ve got Matthew Pope and Lotta Voltage on their bill alongside Miss Cara and Samuel Angoran on the decks.

Frisk Small Bar

This year Frisk came out, nailing the rainbow colours to the mask, we’ve always oved getting a drink there, especially on Pride night. This year they’ve got Drag Bingo with Blake Cassette ahead of the parade from 4pm – 6pm, and will then be partying on through the night. They’ve developed some cocktails for the occasion, order a Lipstick, Cumdrop or a Transition.

The post Get ready for the Pride Parade and so many parties appeared first on OUTinPerth.

It brought the curtain down a political career that spanned from student politics to LGBTIQA+ rights advocacy, a historic election to the state parliament, followed by a long career in the federal parliament.

Highlighting Pratt’s achievements will be the focus of the Rainbow Labor float in this year’s parade through the streets of Northbridge.

When Senator Pratt delivered her valedictory speech in parliament back in March she dressed n the colours of the lesbian flag, making her final moment in the politics echo back to where she began fighting for LGBTIQA+ rights in the 1990s as a leading campaigner for law reform in Western Australia.

In the 2001 state election she unexpectedly won a seat in the Western Australian Legislative Council as Labor came to power under Premier Geoff Gallop and ousted the Court Liberal government. She became the youngest woman to be elected to the Upper House.

She played a central role in the 2002 law reforms which saw a complete ban on discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, an equalizing of the age of consent, the removal of legislation that made it illegal to promote homosexuality in schools, while also allowing gay couples the right to adopt and inherit from a deceased partner.

In 2007 Pratt switched to federal politics as a Senator for Western Australia and worked on a wide range of issues in the federal parliament, including the long campaign for marriage equality in Australia.

At the 2013 election Senator Pratt was initially returned, but on a recount she lost, but when it was revealed that some ballot papers had gone missing, the High Court ordered that a new half-Senate only election be held. At the second poll Senator Pratt lost her seat, but she returned at the 2016 election and was successful once again.

Speaking to OUTinPerth ahead of the annual Pride Parade Louise Pratt said that while she missed many of the people she’d got to know in Canberra, she definitely did not miss the constant travel across the country.

“I miss some of the people, and I miss some of the stakeholders too. But I do not miss the travel.” she said emphatically.

“I do not miss, not feeling human.” she adds describing how the travel and time difference between Western Australia and the east coast.

Since returning to Western Australia Pratt has been spending her time building a home office, researching woodwork and has recently started working with the Cancer Council.

“But mostly I’ve just been enjoying family, and getting reacquainted with some of my friends who I haven’t seen enough of.”

“I’ve quite liked going to ground and not having to talk to too many people.” Pratt said with a smile.

Asked what, besides the obvious answer of marriage equality, she considered to be the highlights and memorable stages of her time in politics. Pratt has a long list.

“Anti-discrimination law reform absolutely, even things going back to the McGinty years equal de-facto rights with married couples, and the fact that it was for all heterosexual couples and queer couples, that was really great for not only the queer person in me, but also the feminist in me.”

Pratt notes that before the Western Australian laws were changed women who were not married to their partner would often lose property they had contributed to if a relationship ended. Fixing the laws extended far beyond the LGBTIQA+ community, it benefited everyone.

“Things like that are really powerful, and I’ve seen the very real change that has made to people’s lives.”

Stopping the Morrison government’s attempt to push through their religious freedom bill is also one of the big moments Pratt reflects on.

“They were some pretty tense moments in the senate around that.”

Work on climate change is another highlight, but she also shares her frustration at the rate of progress.

“It’s been done, and then undone, and done and undone, and then done and undone again.” Pratt says of the back and forth debate on how to tackle the challenge.

“Things like that I wish we’d seen more progress on, the rights of children is another area where I wished there had really been more progress as well.

“All of the comings and goings and tragedies around refugees that has been absolutely epic as well. All of the drownings on boats, to before that detention. Today I’m hoping for a sense of optimism. Australia has just welcomed it’s millionth refugee, and there are LGBTIQA+ people making new lives here as part of that.

Her long career saw Pratt spend time in both government and opposition.

“It’s so much better to be in government,” she said. “But its not always as much fun as a backbencher in government.

“Opposition can be really useful for people like me, because we were quite successful in stopping a bunch of regressive things around worker’s rights, religious freedom and a whole range of issues.” Pratt said.

“Ministerial process and cabinet processes can make it hard sometime for you to have your say.” Pratt said.

“It’s a good time to have left parliament.” Pratt said noting the strong majority Labor has on both a state and federal level, but she also points to across the political spectrum there are more LGBTIQA+ people than ever before.

” I fell like out community is represented and I hope in the future it will continue to be. In the Labor party queer people are present in all party forums.”

Asked what advice she’d give to an LGBTIQA+ person considering a political career, Pratt is encouraging.

“You should give it a go – absolutely.” she said. “But they way to do it is to really just start participating. I never became political to become a politician. I started out of my concern for a whole range of issues, really starting a student, and as a queer person, and then as a unionist.”

As she prepares to be honoured by her party colleagues in the Pride Parade, Pratt said it felt “really weird”.

“I’m not always someone who wants the spotlight, but I’m taking it in good grace and I’ll enjoy the night.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing a bunch of comrades I haven’t seen in recent months, and there so many people in Rainbow Labor who made an extraordinary difference, so I’m very honoured.”

The post Louise Pratt to be celebrated at Pride Parade appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Well, it’s that time of year again. Community groups are frantically adding finishing touches to their fabulous floats. Drag performers are finessing their chorey ahead of their main stage appearances. The streets of Northbridge are bracing for an explosion of sparkle. It’s the final weekend of PrideFEST for 2025.

I’ve heard many reflections on this year’s theme – We Are Here – over the last few weeks. It’s all about our community taking up space in the world. We exist here on Whadjuk Noongar Country in Perth, across the state, and around the globe. We belong in workplaces, organisations and spaces throughout society. We are here, and we’re not going anywhere.

Alongside these reflections, there has been much discussion about the rise of anti-LGBTIQA+ sentiment in physical and online spaces. This is certainly happening. When it was revealed that the 2030 Gay Games would be coming to Perth, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Pride WA and Team Perth, social media posts were flooded with nasty, disgusting, hateful comments. Recently, the Perth Rainbow Swans spoke to mainstream media about the vile torrent of bile they experienced ahead of their Pride Swimming Carnival. When these stories were mentioned the office of my day job, my colleagues were shocked this is happening in 2025. While I wish I were surprised, both anti-LGBTIQA+ voices and the apathy of those with power and influence, have long been chipping away at our protective social barriers.

At least two members of the WA Government, John Carey and Hannah Beazley, have publicly condemned this emerging rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric. As Minister for Youth, Beazley has also championed work on the state’s first LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy and accompanying Action Plan. The government should be commended for the progress they have made. I cannot, however, glaze over their role in what is happening here. In opposition, both state and federal Labor parties featured vocal leaders in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. In government, they have actively backed away from our corner.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese removed mention of LGBTQIA+ people from Labor’s manifesto ahead of his first election as leader. In 2017, WA Labor promised a suite of reforms long-awaited by our communities. Since Mark McGowan’s first election as Premier they have dragged their feet to roll these reforms out – abolition of the Gender Reassignment Board, expunging historical LGBTQ+ convictions, and now surrogacy reform is close to reality. We’re still waiting for changes to the Equal Opportunity Act to protect students and teachers in faith-based schools. There is no reason these changes needed to be dropped as breadcrumbs for us to nibble on across a decade. Real leadership means taking decisive action, speaking up for us at every opportunity, and visibly condemning discrimination and hate speech – not stepping back and letting it play out. I am sure there are people fighting hard for progress within the party, but at the end of the day, ‘better than the other guys’ is just not enough.

Our trans and gender diverse siblings have also been in the crosshairs for quite some time. A global campaign of misinformation, lies, fear-mongering and straight up hatred has kept some of the most vulnerable people in our communities splashed across sensational headlines and in the mouths of ignorant politicians for years. Between the UK Government’s blind acceptance of the flawed Cass Review, and President Trump’s penchant for using trans people as a political football, of course elements of the public would become emboldened to share their twisted views about our communities more broadly.

I can also speak to my own experience. Just recently I was on a date, it was a Tuesday night and this fella and I were holding hands as we walked down William Street. It was relatively busy for a weekday evening, people were out getting ice cream or a late night meal. A group of young people, perhaps high school age or in their early 20s, drove past filming us and shouting some slurs you can probably imagine. I laughed it off and told them where to go. They drove past again, asking what I said. This time, I stayed quiet, we continued walking. As we arrived on the corner of William and James St, I heard a voice very close to my left ear.

“What the fuck did you say to me?”.

The four kids from the car had surrounded me. I didn’t know how to react. I was angry and I didn’t want to back down. I silently looked him in the eye as he continued to berate me.

“I don’t care if there’s fucking cops across the road mate. They won’t care. I’m not afraid of them.”

I remained quiet. I held my date’s hand tighter. There was so much I wanted to say but, for my safety, decided not to. I looked to one of the young women with this charming chap. I thought I might elicit some sympathy.

“Don’t look at me faggot. I hate you too.”

That one stung. Thankfully they left.

After a decade in this business, I often believe I am numb to these things. I’ve realised that’s a lie I tell myself. I was shaken, humiliated and forced to confront my place in the world. On a Tuesday night? I just wanted some mapo tofu.

I decided to share this experience because it has been a catalyst for much reflection, not just on this year’s Pride theme. This personal confrontation, in the context of these amplifying anti-queer voices, was a much-needed reminder of where I find my Pride. There are few things I am certain about in my life – but at the top of that list is my commitment to work for this community. The value I find in keeping OUTinPerth alive has long been a driving force in my life, but I’ve often avoided writing opinion pieces because I find myself asking – who cares what I think? Why does my voice matter?

I know now my answer – I care. I care what I think, and I believe in what we do. Serving this community gives me great pride, and I have never been more galvanised to wield this platform to share your stories, connect our community and squash our critics.

All of this is to say, we are here – together. We have each other to lean on. We all have our own experiences, our own wellsprings of Pride, but as a community we can and must stand side by side in solidary, continue to lift each other up and raise our voices in unison. After all, as Aretha said, it’s the power that gives you the strength to survive.

So however you choose to celebrate – in the streets, on the dancefloor or curled up on the couch – get amongst it and honour the journey we’ve made together, that our forebears have made for us, so we could march boldly through the streets of our city awash with rainbows, glitter and Pride.

Do you need some support?

If you need someone to talk to, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGED: info@discharged.asn.au / discharged.asn.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au

The post OPINION | Pride offers strength to survive in the face of rising hate appeared first on OUTinPerth.