Tag: australia gay rights

Australia: Norfolk Island may introduce same-sex marriage this year

Norfolk Island in Australia, could legalise same-sex marriage this year, as plans to introduce legislation have been lodged. The self-governing territory could see a major hike in tourist numbers, if same-sex marriage becomes legal. The legislation which is yet to be introduced, would establish a new law to work alongside the Federal Marriage Act, but… Read more »

Sydney hosts two-month Queer Arab Film Festival

Australia: The Australian city of Sydney is hosting a two-month Queer Arab Film Festival to better understand the problems and challenges Arab, Muslim, Middle-Eastern LGBTIQ community face in a region that has harsh anti-gay laws and prejudices. Classical Arabic and Islamicate literature from the 9th to the 16th centuries was replete with examples of characters… Read more »

Olympic kayak hopeful talks of relief after coming out as gay

An Olympic kayak hopeful has discussed coming out as gay, saying it was a relief, and that he had an overwhelmingly positive reaction. Connor Taras, 25, missed joining the 2012 Canadian Olympic team by half a second, and still travels to the US every winter for training. He said being gay but not out meant… Read more »

Support For Ian Thorpe From Ricky Martin, Gareth Thomas, Matthew Mitcham

Ricky Martin, Gareth Thomas and Matthew Mitcham are among the celebrities applauding Olympian Ian Thorpe’s decision to come out gay. “Congrats @IanThorpe!” out singer Ricky Martin tweeted. “Brave man! Happy for you! Millions appreciate what you’ve done! Proud of you! #SelfLove.” After years of denials, Thorpe, Australia’s most decorated Olympian, acknowledged he’s gay, saying he… Read more »

Gay Australia News & Reports Sep – Dec 2008

1 HIV rates climbing: new figures 9/08 2 Sydney celebrates first gay Jewish commitment ceremony 9/08 3 Olympic champion Matthew Mitcham “proud” to be gay role model 10/08 4 Queers in our military 10/08 5 Why are gay men reluctant to test for HIV? 11/08 6 Lesbian Legal Rights Historically Passed by Australian Senate 11/08… Read more »

Gay Australia News & Reports Jan – Sep 2008

1 Gays protest homophobic violence in Sydney 1/08 2 A loud, proud crowd at Gay Pride March 2/08 3 More than gay, the young ones move on 3/08 3a Gay rights group tackles homophobia 3/08 4 Gay Couple Win Out Over Church Group 4/08 5 Australian diver comes out ahead of Olympics 5/08 6 The… Read more »