In this October edition of the First Mardi Gras Inc. Newsletter, we have:
- Diane Minnis and Ken Davis on the First Mardi Gras Inc. AGM and Annual Report
- Barry Charles on the European Pride Organisers Association AGM
- Robyn Kennedy on the upcoming InterPride AGM & World Conference
- April Holcombe on the online forum: Why the Religious Discrimination Bill is so dangerous
- Diane Minnis on the online forum: The global fight for LGBTI rights: No right-wing backlash!
- How to get your 78ers badges, Raffle tickets and CAMP badges
- Rebbell Barnes and Bill Ashton on our next Social Lunch – Sunday 7 November
- Survey for Adults with Same Sex Parents
- Calendar of Events.
Diane Minnis
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A lively group of members attended the First Mardi Gras Inc. Annual General Meeting, held by Zoom on Saturday 9 October 2021. It was great to have a number of regionally-based members taking part in the meeting.
The following Management Committee members were elected at the AGM:
- Co-Chairs: Diane Minnis and Ken Davis
- Secretary: Karl Zlotkowski
- Treasurer: Richard Thode
- Committee Members: Maree Marsh, Robyn Kennedy, Bill Ashton and Rebbell Barnes.
Barry Charles stood down from the Committee and his role as Secretary to concentrate on managing our membership applications, renewals and records. Many thanks to Barry for his committed work as Secretary, contributions to the newsletter and representing us at meetings of international LGBTIQ organisations. We look forward to continuing to work with you Barry.
And welcome to new Committee member Bill Ashton, who is keen to focus on fundraising and events.
Diane Minnis and Ken Davis
78ers and First Mardi Gras Inc. Co-Chairs
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In the Co-Chairs report, we noted that it has been a difficult year and there are threats to our rights in Australia and from authoritarians around the world.
September and October 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ visibility in Australia. And we held three online Salon78 Forums this year.
The Mardi Gras Parade in stadium mode made the best of a bad situation. We rallied against the NSW Education (Parental Rights) Bill and state and federal religious freedoms bills.
Thanks to the photographers and videographers who allowed us to use their work. Download the 2021 Annual Report. |
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The Association of European Pride Organisations (EPOA) held their AGM on 25 September 2021. First Mardi Gras Inc. as an associate member sat in on the Zoom, which was hosted by Madrid Pride.
The Spanish Minister for Tourism recorded a welcome to the participants.
It was very interesting see how things are going with Pride organisations throughout Europe. Each city reported on how they had celebrated pride through the difficult circumstances of 2020-21.
Amsterdam had no canal parade but hosted a seated stage show outdoors in a park which was broadcast live on the net. Belgium held a series of smaller events over 4 weeks which were Covid manageable. Hamburg spread smaller events over 2 weeks and focused on a Human Rights Conference. While these cities scaled back activities; Vienna, Magdeburg and Geneva had large scale almost normal events. Others delayed or postponed Pride to September. London intended to go ahead with a large parade but due to Covid it was cancelled at the last minute.
Of great concern was that many cities reported an upsurge in anti-queer violence across Europe. The situation in Poland and Budapest is very troubling as the governments and the church join forces to attack and wind back hard won advances.
Cities that will host future European Pride events outlined their preparations.
Belgrade, working in a hostile social environment, is nevertheless holding EuroPride 2022 in September. They reported that at least the media was not negative when the event was announced and they have the support of the Serbian Tourist Board. It remains to be seen if they can get the necessary organisation together. They will not have a website up until April 2022.
Valetta (Malta) is well advanced with plans for 2023. They will hold major events in Il Fosas Square – a stunning location. They have a full program mapped out already including a 2 day HR Conference with the Topic “Equity at Work”. The Government has already chipped in E300,000.
Thessaloniki 2024. They were originally awarded the 2020 EuroPride but the dreaded Covid-19 killed that. They want a highly political event to change things in their society. Since their original bid there has been a shift politically in their region. The local mayor is now not in favour and the Greek Tourism Minister who was originally enthusiastic has been more subdued lately.
At the end of the meeting issues were raised about the relationship between EPOA and InterPride. EPOA remains concerned that InterPride is planning to support annual World Prides which would affect the viability of EuroPride. This reflects the debate at the October 2020 InterPride AGM over an application from Montreal Pride to hold a 2024 World Pride which would have had implications for the viability of Sydney 2023. Further annual World Prides have since been proposed. We reported on this in October 2020 Newsletter.
Negotiations will continue through the year as EPOA say they find InterPride a sluggish and unresponsive organisation. It was reported that Copenhagen/Malmo were “unhappy” with aspects of InterPride over World Pride 2021.
Barry Charles
78er and First Mardi Gras Inc. Member
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Just a reminder to register for the InterPride online Annual General Meeting and World Conference. You can participate in a wide range of workshops and caucuses including women, trans, non-binary, elders, black and people of colour.
I will be co-presenting on the outcomes of the Stakeholder Engagement Consultation to inform development of a new Strategic Plan and will be a member of the panel on Intergenerational Pride: Youth and Seniors.
Here is the registration link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-annual-general-meeting-world-conference-tickets-164419137065
There is no fee for member organisations of InterPride, such as First Mardi Gras Inc., and a small fee for non-members.
Members of our Oceania region (Region 20) will be meeting online with members from Asia (Regions 18 and 19) during the conference at 6pm Sydney time on Thursday November 11. If you would like to participate please let either myself, Diane Minnis or Russell Weston know.
Robyn Kennedy
78er and First Mardi Gras Inc. Committee Member
robyn.kennedy@interpride.org
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Speakers at this online forum hosted on 7 October 2021 by Macquarie Socialists and Macquarie University Queer Collective were:
- Karen Pack, former Christian educator, sacked for her sexuality
- Karl Zlotkowski, Secretary of First Mardi Gras Inc.
- April Holcombe, Co-Convenor of Community Action for Rainbow Rights
- Amy Lamont, member of Macquarie Socialists.
The Religious Discrimination Bill could be put to federal parliament at any time; activists need to be ready to resist on the streets. It’s worth reminding ourselves that legalised discrimination against LGBTI people is an ongoing injustice, with or without this bill designed to make it worse.
That’s why hearing from Karen Pack and Karl Zlotkowski at this forum was so immensely instructive and moving. Pack recounted the shame she felt as a young person, and the pride and self-worth she developed over time through accepting her sexuality. Her sacking by the Christian college at which she was teaching is despicable. Laws enabling this discrimination are already on the books and should be scrapped. Pack’s story usefully rebuts the LGBTI-lobby narrative about how we can “fix” the Religious Discrimination bill: these institutions already have too much power! Her point that most ordinary Christians are pro-LGBTI reminds us that class divisions and political interests underpin the right-wing backlash waged under the banner of ‘religious freedom’. Only the richest, most privileged religious institutions are really waging this attack. It is so heartening to hear that someone so cruelly mistreated as Karen Pack refuses to be cowed or silenced, but fights on.
Karl Zlotkowski, a 78er from the first Mardi Gras, laid out just what a fight it has been to get to where we are today. At every point, enshrining anti-discrimination rights in law has been a battle, and right-wing forces have tried to overturn them almost immediately or halt the next advance. Much respect to the veterans of our struggle for fighting against even greater odds and carrying those lessons into the movements today.
I made the argument that, since the Religious Discrimination bill is a battle by the right, we must show maximum resolve through street protest. Any compromise or attempt to reason with the powerful will only send the message that we are weak. Mass resistance, angry and defiant, will undermine their confidence that there is political mileage to be made in waging culture war’s that are only supported by a minority of people.
The Macquarie Socialists and Queer Collective who put this on should be commended for such a useful and rousing event. Their efforts, recounted by Amy Lamont, at Macquarie Uni to discuss LGBTI issues as a student body – despite the opposition of the university-appointed student ‘council’ – help lay the groundwork for protests against the Religious Discrimination bill as we draw closer to its passage in parliament.
April Holcombe
Co-Convenor of Community Action for Rainbow Rights
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Sydney-based Community Action for Rainbow Rights (CARR) and Melbourne’s Rainbow Rebellion held an online forum – The global fight for LGBTI rights: No right-wing backlash! – on Saturday 16 October 2021.
The 85 attendees, mainly from Sydney and Melbourne, heard from three excellent international speakers. They all talked about the right-wing backlash against LGBTIQ rights and how it developed and is impacting in their countries.
Sherry Wolf, a New York-based union organiser and socialist, traced the origins of the right-wing backlash in the United States.
Opposition grew from around 2010, when women and the LGBTIQ community won new rights and made legislative gains.
Now with the rise of the Trumpian far right, laws against trans participation in sport and access to bathrooms are being pushed through in state after state. Currently there are 23 bills in state legislatures against trans kids’ activities in schools.
US politicians have landed a despicable blow against reproductive rights in the state of Texas, completely outlawing abortion after six weeks.
The most aggressive attacks are on the trans members of our community, but also on other LGBTIQ folk, women and people of colour. Racial disparities in law enforcement and sentencing are readily apparent.
Brazilian activist Virginia Guitzel, a transwoman, writer and education worker; also traced the history of the right-wing backlash in her country.
In June 2013 there were progressive and workers demonstrations. Marriage equality and trans rights were won and the media portrayed LGBTIQ and trans people more positively. But the far right began organising and Bolsinaro was elected President in 2019. Virginia noted that the One Nation bill in NSW is similar to Bolsinaro’s attacks on trans people in Brazil.
Covid has sharpened the divide between rich and poor and increased discrimination against the LGBTIQ community, women and people of colour. Brazil has the highest rate of murders of trans people in the world and 80% are black trans people.
In the UK, Laura Miles is a trans and LGBTIQ activist, writer and former academic. The right there is weaponising attacks on trans rights as a wedge against women’s and LGBTIQ rights.
In 2015-16, the Parliamentary Committee on Women and Equality led to better access to trans health services and self-declaration of trans status for birth certificates. Seventy percent of survey respondents supported this and the Tories initially also supported these measures. But with the right wing backlash, including from some radical feminists, they changed their position. Even the progressive press in the UK now publish anti-trans articles.
In Hungary, Poland, other countries in Eastern Europe and in Malaysia; right- wing, populist, authoritarian regimes are using attacks on trans people against LGBTIQ and gender rights.
In Russia, legislation has been passed against discussing LGBTIQ issues in sex education and trans people can no longer get driver’s licenses as they are classed as mentally ill.
However, in the UK, most young people, feminists, women’s organisations and unions are trans inclusive. The attacks on trans people are to divide the working class and benefit the top 1% as our community doesn’t conform to gender roles and the traditional family under capitalism.
With their so-called "Religious Discrimination" bill, the Liberal government in Australia is back on the warpath against LGBTI rights. Our historic victory for marriage equality in 2017 showed we have the majority on our side. But since then, the conservative right has been determined to turn back the tide of progress.
All three speakers called for grass roots organisation and mass protests to oppose these bigots and their actions. Activists in these countries are not taking these attacks lying down. They are organising ordinary people to get out on the streets, demand their rights and beat the bigots back.
And we need to continue to be grass-roots activists and join in the next CARR demo: Protest Perrotet at 12pm on Sunday 31 October 2021 at Sydney Town Hall.
Diane Minnis
78er and First Mardi Gras Inc. Co-Chair
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78er badges are $5 each and postage is $3.09 (total $8.09). If you want to order more than one badge, the postage is still $3.09 for up to five badges. To order badges, email your name, postal address and the number of badges required to info@78ers.org.au. Then make your payment by funds transfer. Alternatively, you can post a cheque
CAMP badges are $3.50 each plus $3.00 packaging and postage. To order and obtain pricing for multiple badges, contact Robyn Kennedy at rk.am@bigpond.com. Please include your name, address and number of badges requested. Banking details for direct deposit will be provided. |
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2021 Raffle
We have opened up raffle ticket sales so that you can order by email. First make your payment, using the bank details in the 78ers badge article above, and then email your name and number of tickets. We will then email you a photo of your ticket numbers and your name on the ticket stubs.
The raffle will be drawn just prior to the 2022 Mardi Gras Parade.
Rebbell Barnes and Bill Ashton
78ers and First Mardi Gras Inc. Committee Members
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The book on CAMP pioneers being produced by 78ers and original members of CAMP NSW, Robyn Kennedy and Robyn Plaister, is nearing completion with $30,000 having been raised through grants and donations so far.
The book brings to life the vital role that CAMP activists played in inspiring and initiating a social movement that continues to this day. Individual members of CAMP from each state branch tell their own stories and highlight their lived experiences, including the life-changing support their community offered at a time when lesbians and gay men were despised by much of society. Their stories also convey the excitement of protest and change.
This 300 page large format book includes newly commissioned professional portrait photographs of CAMP members from across Australia, together with rare archival images and detailed accounts of the challenges and achievements of each state CAMP branch. Funding has enabled the engagement of a professional photographer, graphic designer, copy editor, payment of photo rights and associated costs. Raising sufficient funds to meet these costs is a great achievement but after a year’s work, we face a shortfall for printing costs. All donations welcome via GoFundMe page: gofundme.com/f/help-commemorate-the-camp-pioneers
Robyn Kennedy
78er and First Mardi Gras Inc. Committee Member
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Join us for a Social Lunch at midday on Sunday 7 November at the easily accessible Terminus Hotel. We book tables on the light and airy upstairs balcony. The meals are reasonably priced and allergies are catered for.
The Terminus Hotel is at 61 Harris St Pyrmont. There is a light rail stop, with lift access, nearby in John Street Square. The 389 bus runs from Park St near Town Hall and stops across the road from the hotel. RSVP to: info@78ers.org.au.
Rebbell Barnes and Bill Ashton
78ers and First Mardi Gras Inc. Committee Members
Right: 6 June 2021 lunch. Photo from Diane Minnis' phone.
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Here is a request from Adèle (she/her), a year three psychology student at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
"For my bachelor’s thesis, I am conducting research on the psychological well-being of adults (18+) that were raised by different and same-sex couples.
"Therefore, I’m looking for people 18+ who were raised by different or same-sex parents to take this survey. However, I’m having trouble finding people raised by same sex parents which is why I’m reaching out in hopes that you can help me reach more people.
"Data is collected anonymously! It should take around 15 to 20 min. so to compensate, at the end of the survey you can indicate if you would like to enter yourself in a raffle to win one of two 15$ vouchers.
"I would appreciate it so much if you could share this with people who you think would be willing to participate or pass the message along. Please let me know if I can give you any more info at: lavergne.adele@gmail.com." The survey can be taken in English, French, or Dutch :)
https://erasmusuniversity.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_095LMRhewKwwGWi?fbclid=IwAR1uhbDxwrY_XqtEbr-pe9Fcq2lmnskfRsyQqFP6EcjbvZuInx5J5JdAKeE |
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Calendar of Events
- OUT in the OPEN Festival, Shepparton – 28 October to 7 November 2021 http://outintheopen org.au/
- Social Lunch – midday, Sunday 7 November 2021, Terminus Hotel, Pyrmont, RSVP to info@78ers.org.au
- Protest Perrotet – 12pm, Sunday 31 October 2021, , Sydney Town Hall
- Fruitopia Fair Day, Lismore – Sunday 14 November 2021 https://tropicalfruits.org.au/events/fruitopia-fairday
- First Mardi Gras Inc. General Meeting – 4pm, Saturday 20 November 2021, by Zoom
- Coastal Twist Arts and Cultural Festival – 19-23 January 2022 https://coastaltwist.org.au/whats-on/events/
- Broken Heel Festival, Broken Hill – 24-28 March 2022 https://www.bhfestival.com/festival-tickets
- Rainbow on the Plains Festival, Hay – March 2022 (dates to be confirmed), http://www.haymardigras.com.au/
- Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras – March 2022 (date to be confirmed), https://waggamardigras.com/
- Newcastle and Hunter Pride Festival – has been rescheduled to October 2022, see website for details https://newcastlepride.com.au/
Please check links closer to the advertised dates for confirmation of events.
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