THE BRISBANE FORUM 01/10/02
This was held in the Brisbane City Hall and was well attended by about 70 people.
There were information stalls for people to pick up literature.
At just after 6.30 pm the 10 speakers and the organiser filed onto the stage. After a
lengthy introduction by the organiser we were off and running with Professor Milton
Diamond, then his wife Connie. Most felt that there was not enough time allocated to
them, as 10 minutes per person was scheduled.
They were followed by Krissey from ATSAQ Andrew a young FtM who spoke very
well and is very well adjusted. We had a longer discourse from Shelley about support
for younger children who come out while at school. Very interesting and they mainly
support Gay and Lesbian, but will support Transgender. The group is totally voluntary
with about 30 outlets in Australia. Because it is very hard for youngsters to come out
and there is no "best time" they find the suicide rate is 3 times the National average.
After the break Detective Superintendent John Riley of the QLD Police gave his talk
on attempting to break down barriers. This they have attempting since 1991 when it
was first muted but did not work when finally set up in 1995. We now have a Police
Liaison group which is run in conjunction with input from the LGBT so that the idea
is to break down Police prejudice towards our community. The liason group now runs
training sessions for all new Police officers in conjunction with LGBT over a 3 day
intensive training course to help to overcome any prejudice that may exist.
He said "Vision is the catalyst to create support groups" The LGBT community is
about 10% OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY SO SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH
CLOUT TO LOBBY BOTH STATE AND FEDERALLY BY FORMING
COMMITTEES. If we do not do this, it will remain as is, useless.
Gina {ATSAQ} every state has different anti discrimination acts. Wants TGs
included in the QLD anti discrimination act ASAP. She has done immense work in
this field and after many knock backs is still hammering at State Government. At
present suicides are down from 30/40 a year to about 5. Interestingly out of 137
suicides not one wrote a suicide letter.
This Lady is all guts and works very hard for the TS community, but we have to all
pull together if we are to achieve what John Riley advocates.
Susan Booth acting Anti discrimination Commissioner. She has recently taken
over from the preceding one. She said QLD had the best Anti Discrimination laws 10
years ago, but are now way behind. She hopes that the Attorney General will adjust
the laws by the end of this year, "Don't hold your breath"[my words].Would also like
to see the laws on vilification amended as it is still lawful in QLD to vilify someone.
After this she wants to tackle privacy laws and Birth Certificates. I wish her well.
OPENDOORS This is a federally funded support group for kids 12 to 18. They
started in September 2001 and opened their doors from January 2002 with 2 full time
and 2 part time staff. They say that kids know at an early age what they are and need
help coming to terms with their feelings.
Senator Andrew Bartlett Very supportive of our cause and believes that State and
Federal Governments are dragging their feet. Again another who believes in lobbying
at state and Federal levels via your elected member.
Summation
Overall a very interesting evening. I hope that we can show a concerted effort and that
all areas of LGBT can work together. We have to overcome the fragmentation that
currently exists, and within the TG Society we have to all pull together if we are to
achieve any of the goals that were spoken about. It's a great pity that there is so much
divisiveness within the whole LGBT community and even more within the TG
community. Until we overcome these differences we cannot and will not go forward.
We maybe 10% of the whole Community, but that is the sum of the whole. At present
it is more likely to be only 1% or 2% that will stand up and be counted and that is
across the board!
Kathy Anne Noble.
