LGBTIQ community showcased

Marrickville Council celebrated the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning communities of Inner Western Sydney at the council’s third annual LGBTIQ forum.

Mayor Jo Haylen said Marrickville prides itself on being a leader in its celebration of inclusivity and diversity.

“I strongly encourage community members to embrace this unique opportunity, and take a hands-on approach to making our society a better, stronger and more inclusive place to live and work,” Ms Haylen said.

On June 11, about 150 people heard from senior police officers, aged care providers and employment services representatives on their staff training and awareness raising, including the criteria for a “rainbow tick” for their work.

Broadcaster, journalist and long term gay activist Julie McCrossin facilitated discussions on LGBTIQ life in Marrickville and how the council can improve its consideration of the needs of its LGBTIQ residents, workers and visitors.

“As someone who went to her first gay liberation demonstration in 1973 and who personally experienced the era when being a lesbian was considered a mental illness and against God’s will and gay men and gender diverse people were brutalised by police, it was an absolute joy to enter a room decorated with rainbow flags,” Ms McCrossin said.

Council historian Clinton Johnston discussed the launch of Marrickville’s History Project, a collection of oral histories from HIV/AIDS activists, the establishment of the Gender Centre and advocacy for gay and lesbian parents.

“We wanted to find a way to connect with the LGBTIQ community and find out more,” Mr Johnston said.

“Marrickville has the second highest proportion of same-sex couples in Australia behind Sydney, but we also wanted to talk to individuals – we didn’t want to do a generic thing.”

“It’s an opportunity for people to find out about the difficulties faced by the homosexual and intersex community and maybe break down a few of the walls that have been put up.”

Panels of people interviewed and their stories will be on display in Marrickville Library.

Duncan McGregor, convener of the Bingham Cup where 1000 gay rugby players from across the globe will converge in Sydney later this year, discussed the agreement of major sporting codes to stamp out homophobia in their sports.

Ms McCrossin said it is “fantastic that Marrickville Council gives local LGBTIQ people the opportunity to gather and discuss local issues of personal concern and raise them directly with staff and councillors.

“This frank, open democratic process helps to improve mainstream services and provide ideas for new special initiatives. I’m proud to be part of it.”