Gay Australia Aborigine Resources

This section recognises that there will be different questions and answers for Indigenous peoples in Australia. These Indigenous peoples are Aboriginal Australians, Torres Strait Island peoples, and those who have been taken from culture and family and may now know little of their heritage and history.

Indigenous and gay?

We know that Australia was home to hundreds of different clan groups with different languages and Dreamings. Attitudes towards sex, sexuality and homosexuality varied across different groups of Indigenous peoples. The impact of western cultures has also been different. Government policies, church missions, and forced adoption and fostering of children have had different impacts on different groups. All these factors still do.

Many Indigenous communities had/have a place for people who identify as ‘sistergirls’. This term is used affectionately between Aboriginal women. It is also used to identify people who identify as transgender or transsexual. There is no one term within all Indigenous communities which covers lesbians, gay men and sistergirls. Some communities used terms like ‘Two-one’ to show their view that two spirits (both male and female) lived within one person.

All Indigenous groups placed and still place a high priority on family, community and the wisdom and authority of Elders. These values remain important for all Indigenous peoples. Indigenous Australians may experience harassment, discrimination and violence to a greater level than do non-Indigenous people. They experience violence against them because of racism as well as homophobia.

Impact of violence

Indigenous peoples are far over-represented as victims/survivors of violence. It is likely that they experience greater levels of homophobic violence. There is no evidence to show that Indigenous people are more likely to be violent against lesbians and gay men. Anecdotal evidence suggests the opposite.

Many Indigenous people have had their life opportunities limited and defined by other people and mainstream Australian culture. Family and culture are very important for most Indigenous people. Those who identify as lesbian, gay transgender or sistergirl have to find a place within their own communities as well as deal with wider racism and homophobia. This may mean not being able to be fully part of either culture.

There is some evidence that those who have anti-lesbian and anti-gay attitudes are also likely to be racist. Indigenous lesbians, gay men and sistergirls are likely to experience higher levels of violence than non-Indigenous gays and lesbians.

Dealing with violence

Use the same strategies listed in this website to tackle homophobic violence. Don’t forget that racism will play an major part in any violence against Indigenous Australians. Link up with organisations working against racism too.
Some specific people and groups will be important if you are working with Indigenous peoples:
= Aboriginal Elders from the local community
= Aboriginal Parents and Citizens Associations (ASSPA Committees) at schools
= Aboriginal community organizations like Land Councils, Councils of Elders
= Aboriginal service providers like Aboriginal Corporations
= The Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project (AVP) has specific resources for Indigenous communities, 02 9360 6687 or 1800 637 360 or visit their website at www.kbdnet.net.au/avp.

Black and gay?

Know someone?

If you know people who are Indigenous and lesbian, gay or sistergirl, make sure you:
= learn about your own racism and your attitudes towards Indigenous people
= support them to maintain family and cultural ties
= recognise the value and respect they show to family and Elders
= link them into the organizations above
= talk honestly with them about sexuality and racism.

You can learn more about the history and culture Indigenous Australians from:

= Aboriginal History and Culture Research Project at www.aaa.com.au/hrh/aboriginal/
= Deadly Vibe magazine at www.vibe.com.au
= Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) at www.atsic.gov.au
= Koorinet at http://www.koori.usyd.edu.au/
= Together we do Better http://www.togetherwedobetter.vic.gov.au/links/viewlinks.asp?type=12

We all need to:

= challenge racism in every day life
= acknowledge the links between racism and homophobia.

Use this website to help you understand how to deal with homophobia. Send us material which will help add to the knowledge and understanding about homophobia and Indigenous peoples, to info@homophobia.org.

Further information

The Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project has some material about homophobia and Indigenous people on their website at www.kbdnet.net.au/avp. You can also download some anti-homophobia resources designed for work with Indigneous communities from this site.