November - PFLAG Brisbane
Transcription
November - PFLAG Brisbane
PFLAG Brisbane Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Newsletter October/November 2011 Welcome Our last meeting was enriched by the practical and enlightening Rev. Matt Glover. Matt’s down to earth chat with us resonated with many people. For many families reconciling faith and homosexuality is a challenging one and Matt’s idea of a pastoral response by the church is included in this newsletter. As we go to print we are unsure of the Labor Party’s final conference agenda but same sex marriage will hopefully be a hot topic of discussion and we watch with anticipation at what could be the beginning of an exciting time in Australian human rights policy, and the opportunity of equality for our gay sons and daughters who wish to legally marry. I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter and please remember our AGM on the 26th November. Cheers Pip :-) Report From Shelley Queen Elizabeth’s Visit I was very surprised to receive an invitation to attend the official reception for the Queen and Prince Phillip in the mail a few weeks ago. My son James was also invited as my partner and so I decided this had to be a must do. I am not particularly a ‘royalist’ but saw it as a form of recognition of the work I do. I am guessing that I got the invite because I am until November 20th, Queensland’s Senior Australian. It was also a great opportunity to talk with MP’s and Senators that I would have to formally request a meeting and receive a possible knock back. I chatted with among others, Malcolm Turnbull, Julie Bishop and Senator Gary Gray from WA, Craig Kelly from Gladstone electorate and many of the Greens Senators. The night was very well done and it was great to see that the majority of people in the room were from community organisations. So I was very pleased I went, furthermore it was nice to be there and not be racing from one office to the other for meetings. Civil partnerships Senator Sarah Hansen - Young, Paul Thomas, Shelley and Senator Bob Brown photographed in the Great Hall at Parliament House recently at the occasion of the Queen’s visit. I was in Parliament on 24th October when Andrew Fraser’s Private Members Bill was introduced into Queensland. This Bill aims to introduce a civil partnership or union for same sex couples. I felt our State and this country have come a long way since James first came out in 1995. I feel as if marriage will become a reality for our sons and daughters within the next few years. I felt quite overwhelmed as I sat in the gallery, thinking of just how far we have come on rights for our sons and daughters in a relatively short time. It won’t be long and our sons and daughters will be seen as equal in this country. Shelley Argent PFLAG Brisbane - Keeping Families Together www.pflagbrisbane.org.au ays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays ays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Our Aims by es families ● Home ● ● Our Aims ● Our Aims ● Products ● Products & Services & Services To hasten understanding and acceptance by families Our Aims Home To hasten understanding and acceptance by families ● Home ● Our Aims ● Products & Services Prime Minister Julia Gillard is reportedly set to allow a conscience vote on the issue of same sex marriage in Parliament. Disappointingly, (for us) this will now probably occur after the Labor Party National Conference later this year. We would prefer that this vote be held before the conference, in order that healthy and transparent debate be undertaken at the conference, potentially leading the way for debate and legislation change in the Federal Parliament. The issue of same sex marriage may now not make it to the main agenda of the conference. PFLAG’s Shelley Argent has paid to be an observer at the conference. In recent years the National Conference has been held concurrently with a progressive Fringe program. Labor affiliated networks, progressive organisations and charities are able to run a series of events aimed at promoting an exchange of ideas about some of the nation’s most challenging policy debates. In addition to attending the conference Shelley will hold an official PFLAG fringe event. She will be accompanied by a father from Tasmania who has a gay son and has been a Labor Party member for forty years, and a mother from Newcastle who has been in the Labor Party for 10 years. Joining them will be Jeff Thomas who is a Vietnam veteran and ‘tradie’ and has spoken publicly about gay rights on ABC programmes Q&A and Compass. ed.” iliesPFLAG united.”is PFLAG very proactive is very proactive in promoting in promoting acceptance acceptance and understanding The and motto understanding of of people PFLAG of who Brisbane people disclose who is “keeping their disclose sexual families their sexual united.” very proactive in promoting acceptance The and motto understanding of PFLAG ofBrisbane people who is “keeping disclosefamilies their sexual united.” PFLAG●is Coming very proactive in promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose their ● PFLAG Coming ●is Out Coming Out Out en olated, feel isolated, confusedconfused or angry when or angry their when loved their one loved “comes oneout” “comes and diversity this out” is and an tothis important family is an and important area loved where ones. area PFLAG Parents wherecan PFLAG often feel can isolated, 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PFLAG isOut very proactive in promoting acceptance The and motto understanding of PFLAG ofBrisbane people who is “keeping disclosefamilies their sexual united.” PFLAG● is Coming very proactive in promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose their ● Coming ● Coming Out Out ● Projects ● Projects ● Projects Educating the general community Educating the general community en olated, feel isolated, confusedconfused or angry when or angry their when loved their one loved “comes oneout” “comes and diversity this out” is and an tothis important family is an and important area loved where ones. area PFLAG Parents wherecan PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes diversity out” and tothis family is an and important loved ones. area Parents where PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes out” and this is an important area where PFLAG ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Advocates ● Advocates ● Advocates offer assistance. offer assistance. m understands society understands the negative the negative effect homophobic effect homophobic beliefs and beliefs outdated and PFLAG outdated attitudes believes attitudes has it on isthe important has gay oncommunity the that gay mainstream community in society in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and PFLAG outdated believes attitudes it is important has on the that gay mainstream communitysociety in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and outdated attitudes has on the gay community ● Meetings Meetings & Events& Events ● Meetings & Events ● Links ● ● Links ● Links general. general. ● Publications ● Publications & Multimedia & Multimedia ● Publications Multimedia ● Membership ● Membership / Donations / Donations ● Membership & / Donations al, ews state (local, andstate national), and national), newspaper newspaper articles and articles speaking and speaking to community Our to message community organisations is 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LGBTI 6 of times more likely to sui abandonment by family. abandonment by family. than heterosexual youth; than heterosexual youth; donment by family by at family a time at when a time acceptance when acceptance and understanding and understanding is most needed; is●most make needed; people aware of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is●most make needed; people aware of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is most needed; out l diversity sexual makes diversity people makes less people judgmental less judgmental and removes and removes the “fear” PFLAG the factor “fear” of believes knowing factor educating of someone knowingthe someone who community is LGBTI. who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removesPFLAG the “fear” believes factor educating of knowingthe someone community who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removes the “fear” factor of knowing someone who is LG eing xuality relevant being to relevant 1 in 5 youth to 1 inon 5 youth the street, on the not street, to mention not to those mention sleeping those ● raise sleeping on friends the issue on couches friends of homelessness couches because because ofand family sexuality of family being relevant to 1 in 5 youth on the street, not to mention those ● raise sleeping the issue on friends of homelessness couches because and sexuality of family being relevant to 1 in 5 youth on the street, not to mention those sleeping on friends couches because o abandonment; abandonment; PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM ssion drug and and drug alcohol and abuse alcohol byabuse those by who those identify who as identify LGBTIas when LGBTI they when ● suffer make they lack people suffer of understanding aware lack of of understanding the risk and of depression and and drug and alcohol abuse by those who identify as LGBTI when ● make they people suffer aware lack ofof understanding the risk of depression and and drug and alcohol abuse by those who identify as LGBTI when they suffer lack of understanding and abandonment by family. abandonment by family. out l diversity sexual makes diversity people makes less people judgmental less judgmental and removes and removes the “fear” PFLAG the factor “fear” of believes knowing factor educating of someone knowingthe someone who community is LGBTI. who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removesPFLAG the “fear” believes factor educating of knowingthe someone community who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removes the “fear” factor of knowing someone who is LG PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM bane FLAG - Parents Brisbane and - Parents Friendsand of Lesbians Friends of and Lesbians Gays and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays bane FLAG - Parents Brisbane and - Parents Friendsand of Lesbians Friends of and Lesbians Gays and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Our ms Aims Our Aims ounderstanding hasten understanding and acceptance and acceptance by families by families http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays ● Home● Our Aims Home ● Our Aims ● Our Aims ● Products ● Products & Services & Services To hasten understanding and acceptance by families To hasten understanding and acceptance by families ● Home ffer tance. assistance. ounderstanding hasten understanding and acceptance and acceptance by families by families ● ● Our Aims ● Our Aims & Events Meetings ● Meetings & Events ● ● Products ● Products & Services & Services Publications ● Publications & Multimedia & Multimedia To hasten understanding and acceptance by families To hasten understanding and acceptance by families ● Home ● Our Aims ● Our Aims ● Products & Services ● Products & Services he of PFLAG motto ofBrisbane PFLAG Brisbane is “keeping is “keeping families united.” familiesPFLAG united.”is PFLAG very proactive is very proactive in promoting in promoting acceptance acceptance and understanding The and motto understanding of of people PFLAG of who Brisbane people disclose who is “keeping their disclose sexual families their sexual united.” very proactive in promoting acceptance The and motto understanding of PFLAG ofBrisbane people who is “keeping disclosefamilies their sexual united.” PFLAG●is Coming very proactive in promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose their sexual ● PFLAG Coming ●is Out Coming Out Out isolated, confusedconfused or angry when or angry their when loved their one loved “comes oneout” “comes anddiversity this out” is and an tothis important family is an and important area loved where ones. area PFLAG Parents wherecan PFLAG often feel canisolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes diversity out” and tothis family is an and important loved ones. area Parents where PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes out” and this is an important area where PFLAG can ● Home ● Home ● Home Our Aims Our Aims ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Bullied offer assistance. offer assistance. oiversity family to and family loved and ones. loved Parents ones.often Parents feeloften isolated, feel Our ms Aims ● ● Our Aims & Events Meetings ● ● Products & Services Publications & Multimedia he of PFLAG motto ofBrisbane PFLAG Brisbane is “keeping is “keeping families united.” familiesPFLAG united.”is PFLAG very proactive is very proactive in promoting in promoting acceptance acceptance and understanding The and motto understanding of of people PFLAG of who Brisbane people disclose who is “keeping their disclose sexual families their sexual united.” PFLAG isOut very proactive in promoting acceptance The and motto understanding of PFLAG ofBrisbane people who is “keeping disclosefamilies their sexual united.” PFLAG● is Coming very proactive in promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose their sexual ● Coming ● Coming Out Out ● Projects ● Projects ● Projects gducating the general the community general community Educating the general community Educating the general community oiversity family to and family loved and ones. loved Parents ones.often Parents feeloften isolated, feel isolated, confusedconfused or angry when or angry their when loved their one loved “comes oneout” “comes anddiversity this out” is and an tothis important family is an and important area loved where ones. area PFLAG Parents wherecan PFLAG often feel canisolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes diversity out” and tothis family is an and important loved ones. area Parents where PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes out” and this is an important area where PFLAG can ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Advocates ● Advocates ● Advocates ffer tance. assistance. offer assistance. offer assistance. 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LGBTI 6 of times more likely to suicide ndonment abandonment by family. by family. abandonment by family. abandonment by family. n heterosexual than heterosexual youth; youth; than heterosexual youth; than heterosexual youth; ke people ● make aware people of aware the fear ofof the abandonment fear of abandonment by family by at family a time at when a time acceptance when acceptance and understanding and understanding is most needed; is●most make needed; people aware of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is●most make needed; people aware of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is most needed; FLAG lieves educating believes educating the community the community about sexual about diversity sexual makes diversity people makes less people judgmental less judgmental and removes and removes the “fear” PFLAG the factor “fear” of believes knowing factor educating of someone knowingthe someone who community is LGBTI. who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removesPFLAG the “fear” believes factor educating of knowingthe someone community who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removes the “fear” factor of knowing someone who is LGBTI. e the ● raise issuethe of homelessness issue of homelessness and sexuality and sexuality being relevant being to relevant 1 in 5 youth to 1 inon 5 youth the street, on the not street, to mention not to those mention sleeping those ● raise sleeping on friends the issue on couches friends of homelessness couches because because ofand family sexuality of family being relevant to 1 in 5 youth on the street, not to mention those ● raise sleeping the issue on friends of homelessness couches because and sexuality of family being relevant to 1 in 5 youth on the street, not to mention those sleeping on friends couches because of family ndonment; abandonment; abandonment; abandonment; bane.org.au/aims/ w.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM ke people ● make aware people of aware the risk ofof the depression risk of depression and drug and and drug alcohol and abuse alcohol byabuse those by who those identify who as identify LGBTIas when LGBTI they when ● suffer make they lack people suffer of understanding aware lack of of understanding the risk and of depression and and drug and alcohol abuse by those who identify as LGBTI when ● make they people suffer aware lack ofof understanding the risk of depression and and drug and alcohol abuse by those who identify as LGBTI when they suffer lack of understanding and ndonment abandonment by family.by family. abandonment by family. abandonment by family. FLAG lieves educating believes educating the community the community about sexual about diversity sexual makes diversity people makes less people judgmental less judgmental and removes and removes the “fear” PFLAG the factor “fear” of believes knowing factor educating of someone knowingthe someone who community is LGBTI. who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removesPFLAG the “fear” believes factor educating of knowingthe someone community who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removes the “fear” factor of knowing someone who is LGBTI. bane.org.au/aims/ w.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM bane FLAG - Parents Brisbane and - Parents Friendsand of Lesbians Friends of and Lesbians Gays and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays bane FLAG - Parents Brisbane and - Parents Friendsand of Lesbians Friends of and Lesbians Gays and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Our ms Aims Our Aims ounderstanding hasten understanding and acceptance and acceptance by families by families Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Our Aims ● Home● ● Our Aims ● Our Aims ● Products ● Products & Services & Services To hasten understanding and acceptance by families Home To hasten understanding and acceptance by families ● Home ● Home ● Our Aims ● Our Aims ● Products & Services he of PFLAG motto ofBrisbane PFLAG Brisbane is “keeping is “keeping families united.” familiesPFLAG united.”is PFLAG very proactive is very proactive in promoting in promoting acceptance acceptance and understanding The and motto understanding of of people PFLAG of who Brisbane people disclose who is “keeping their disclose sexual families their sexual united.” very proactive in promoting acceptance The and motto understanding of PFLAG ofBrisbane people who is “keeping disclosefamilies their sexual united.” PFLAG●is Coming very proactive in promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose their sexual ● PFLAG Coming ●is Out Coming Out Out oiversity family to and family loved and ones. loved Parents ones.often Parents feeloften isolated, feel isolated, confusedconfused or angry when or angry their when loved their one loved “comes oneout” “comes anddiversity this out” is and an tothis important family is an and important area loved where ones. area PFLAG Parents wherecan PFLAG often feel canisolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes diversity out” and tothis family is an and important loved ones. area Parents where PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes out” and this is an important area where PFLAG can ● Home ● Home ● Home Our ms Aims Our Aims Our Aims ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Bullied ffer tance. assistance. offer assistance. offer assistance. ● Our Aims ● Our Aims & Events ● Our Aims & Events ● Meetings ● Meetings & Events ● Meetings ounderstanding hasten understanding and acceptance and acceptance by families by families To hasten understanding and acceptance by families To hasten understanding and acceptance by families ● Products ● Products & Services & Services ● Products & Services ● Publications ● Publications & Multimedia & Multimedia ● Publications & Multimedia he of PFLAG motto ofBrisbane PFLAG Brisbane is “keeping is “keeping families united.” familiesPFLAG united.”is PFLAG very proactive is very proactive in promoting in promoting acceptance acceptance and understanding The and motto understanding of of people PFLAG of who Brisbane people disclose who is “keeping their disclose sexual families their sexual united.” PFLAG isOut very proactive in promoting acceptance The and motto understanding of PFLAG ofBrisbane people who is “keeping disclosefamilies their sexual united.” PFLAG● is Coming very proactive in promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose their sexual ● Coming ● Coming Out Out ● Projects ● Projects ● Projects gducating the general the community general community Educating the general community Educating the general community oiversity family to and family loved and ones. loved Parents ones.often Parents feeloften isolated, feel isolated, confusedconfused or angry when or angry their when loved their one loved “comes oneout” “comes anddiversity this out” is and an tothis important family is an and important area loved where ones. area PFLAG Parents wherecan PFLAG often feel canisolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes diversity out” and tothis family is an and important loved ones. area Parents where PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes out” and this is an important area where PFLAG can ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Advocates ● Advocates ● Advocates ffer tance. assistance. offer assistance. offer assistance. FLAG lieves it believes is important it is important that mainstream that mainstream society understands society understands the negative the negative effect homophobic effect homophobic beliefs and beliefs outdated and PFLAG outdated attitudes believes attitudes has it on isthe important has gay oncommunity the that gay mainstream community in society in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and PFLAG outdated believes attitudes it is important has on the that gay mainstream communitysociety in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and outdated attitudes has on the gay community in ● Meetings Meetings & Events& Events ● Meetings & Events ● Links ● ● Links ● Links eneral. general. general. Publications ● Publications & Multimedia & Multimedia ● Publications Multimedia Membership ● Membership / Donations / Donations ● Membership & / Donations Our agemessage is delivered is delivered through radio through interviews radio interviews (local, state (local, andstate national), and national), newspaper newspaper articles and articles speaking and speaking to community Our to message community organisations is organisations delivered on a variety through on a of radio variety topics interviews of topics(local,●state and national), newspaper articles and speaking Our to message community is organisations delivered through on aradio variety interviews of topics(local, state and national), newspaper articles and speaking to community organisations on a variety of topics Projects ● Projects ● Projects gducating the general the community general community Educating the general community Educating the general community ● Contact ● Us Contact / Worldwide Us / Worldwide ● Contact Us / Worldwide elevant the difficulties to the difficulties of being lesbian, of beinggay, lesbian, bisexual gay, or bisexual transgender. or transgender. relevant to the difficulties of being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. relevant to the difficulties of being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. ● Advocates ● Advocates ● Advocates FLAG lieves it believes is important it is important that mainstream that mainstream society understands society understands the negative the negative effect homophobic effect homophobic beliefs and beliefs outdated and PFLAG outdated attitudes believes attitudes has it on isthe important has gay oncommunity the that gay mainstream community in society in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and PFLAG outdated believes attitudes it is important has on the that gay mainstream communitysociety in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and outdated attitudes has on the gay community in We e there believe is athere needis to: a need to: We believe there is a need to: We believe there is a need to: ● Links ● Links ● Links eneral. general. general. ● ● ● Membership ● Membership / Donations / Donations ● Membership / Donations ke people ● aware people that aware sexual that orientation sexual orientation isn’t a choice; isn’t a choice; make people aware thaton sexual orientation isn’t a choice; make people awarethrough thaton sexual orientation isn’t a choice; Our age message ismake delivered is delivered through radio through interviews radio interviews (local, state (local, and state national), and national), newspaper newspaper articles and articles speaking and speaking to community Our to● message community organisations is organisations delivered on a variety through a of radio variety topics interviews of topics (local, state and national), newspaper articles and speaking Our to● message community is organisations delivered aradio variety interviews of topics (local, state and national), newspaper articles and speaking to community organisations on a variety of topics ● Contact ● Us Contact / Worldwide Us / Worldwide ● Contact Us / Worldwide mote ● difficulties an promote understanding an those that living those ingay, the living gay in community the gay community aren’t deviants aren’t deviants or lack morals; or lack morals; ● promote an understanding those living in the gay community aren’t deviants or lack morals; ● promote an understanding those living in the gay community aren’t deviants or lack morals; elevant the to the difficulties of understanding being that lesbian, of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or bisexual transgender. or transgender. relevant to the difficulties of being that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. relevant to the difficulties of being that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. hlight ● highlight the struggle the of struggle self loathing of self versus loathing self versus acceptance; self acceptance; ● highlight the struggle of self loathing versus self acceptance; ● highlight the struggle of self loathing versus self acceptance; We e there believe is athere need is to: a need to: We ● believe there is a need to: We ● believe there is a need to: more phasise ● emphasise the prevalence the prevalence of suicidal ofattempts suicidal attempts for LGBTI for youth LGBTI between youth between the ages the of 15 ages years of 15 and years 24 years. and 24 LGBTI years. youth LGBTI emphasise are youth 6 times the are prevalence more 6 times likely more to of suicide suicidal likely toattempts suicide for LGBTI youth between the ages of 15 years and 24 years. LGBTI emphasise youth the are prevalence 6 times of suicidal likely toattempts suicide for LGBTI youth between the ages of 15 years and 24 years. LGBTI youth are 6 times more likely to suicide n heterosexual than heterosexual youth; youth; than heterosexual youth; than heterosexual youth; ke people ● make aware people that sexual that orientation sexual orientation isn’t a choice; isn’t a choice; make people aware that sexual orientation isn’t a choice; make people aware that sexual orientation isn’t a choice; of aware the fear ofof the abandonment fear of abandonment by family by at family a time at when a time acceptance when acceptance and understanding and understanding is most needed; is●most needed; of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is●most needed; of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is most needed; mote ● an promote understanding an understanding that those living those in the living gay in community the gay community deviants deviants or street, lack or lack morals; ● promote understanding that because those living in the gayrelevant community deviants or street, lack morals; ● promote understanding that because those living in the gayrelevant community deviants or street, lack morals; e the raise issue the of homelessness issue of homelessness andthat sexuality and sexuality being relevant being to relevant 1 aren’t in 5 youth to 1 aren’t inon 5 youth the on morals; the not street, to mention not to those mention sleeping those raise sleeping on friends the an issue on couches friends of homelessness couches because of and family sexuality of family being to 1 aren’t in 5 youth on the not to mention those raise sleeping the an issue on friends of homelessness couches and sexuality of family being to 1 aren’t in 5 youth on the not to mention those sleeping on friends couches because of family ndonment; abandonment; abandonment; abandonment; hlight ● highlight the struggle the of struggle self loathing of self versus loathing self versus acceptance; self acceptance; ● highlight the struggle of self loathing versus self acceptance; ● highlight the struggle of self loathing versus self acceptance; ke people ● make aware people of aware the risk of the depression risk of depression and and and drug alcohol and abuse alcohol byabuse thosethe by who those identify who as identify LGBTI as when LGBTI they when ● suffer make they lack people suffer understanding aware lack of understanding the risk and of depression and and alcohol abusethe by ages thoseof who as 24 LGBTI when ● make they people suffer aware lack of understanding the risk of depression and and alcohol abusethe by ages thoseof who as 24 LGBTI when theyyouth sufferare lack understanding and phasise ● emphasise the prevalence the prevalence of of suicidal ofattempts suicidal attempts fordrug LGBTI for youth LGBTI between youth between the ages of 15 ages years of 15 and years 24 years. and 24 LGBTI years. ● youth LGBTI emphasise are youth 6 of times the are prevalence more 6 of times likely more to of suicide suicidal likely to attempts suicideand fordrug LGBTI youth between 15 identify years and years. ● LGBTI emphasise youth the are prevalence 6 of times more of suicidal likely to attempts suicideand fordrug LGBTI youth between 15 identify years and years. LGBTI 6 of times more likely to suicide ndonment abandonment by family. by family. abandonment by family. abandonment by family. n heterosexual than heterosexual youth; youth; than heterosexual youth; than heterosexual youth; ke people ● make aware people of aware the fear ofof the abandonment fear of abandonment by family by at family a time at when a time acceptance when acceptance and understanding and understanding is most needed; is●most make needed; people aware of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is●most make needed; people aware of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is most needed; FLAG lieves educating believes educating the community the community about sexual about diversity sexual makes diversity people makes less people judgmental less judgmental and removes and removes the “fear” PFLAG the factor “fear” of believes knowing factor educating of someone knowingthe someone who community is LGBTI. who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removesPFLAG the “fear” believes factor educating of knowingthe someone community who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removes the “fear” factor of knowing someone who is LGBTI. e the ● raise issuethe of homelessness issue of homelessness and sexuality and sexuality being relevant being to relevant 1 in 5 youth to 1 inon 5 youth the street, on the not street, to mention not to those mention sleeping those ● raise sleeping on friends the issue on couches friends of homelessness couches because because ofand family sexuality of family being relevant to 1 in 5 youth on the street, not to mention those ● raise sleeping the issue on friends of homelessness couches because and sexuality of family being relevant to 1 in 5 youth on the street, not to mention those sleeping on friends couches because of family ndonment; abandonment; abandonment; abandonment; bane.org.au/aims/ w.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM ke people ● make aware people of aware the risk ofof the depression risk of depression and drug and and drug alcohol and abuse alcohol byabuse those by who those identify who as identify LGBTIas when LGBTI they when ● suffer make they lack people suffer of understanding aware lack of of understanding the risk and of depression and and drug and alcohol abuse by those who identify as LGBTI when ● make they people suffer aware lack ofof understanding the risk of depression and and drug and alcohol abuse by those who identify as LGBTI when they suffer lack of understanding and ndonment abandonment by family.by family. abandonment by family. abandonment by family. FLAG lieves educating believes educating the community the community about sexual about diversity sexual makes diversity people makes less people judgmental less judgmental and removes and removes the “fear” PFLAG the factor “fear” of believes knowing factor educating of someone knowingthe someone who community is LGBTI. who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removesPFLAG the “fear” believes factor educating of knowingthe someone community who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removes the “fear” factor of knowing someone who is LGBTI. bane.org.au/aims/ w.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM Talking to Someone Who Really Understands Makes it So Much Easier Working through some of the deeper emotional issues with having a gay or lesbian son or daughter can be one of the most painful and stressful experiences of your life. Counselling is a highly effective way of feeling better and also can assist in keeping your family together. Centre for Human Potential have been working with parents of gays, lesbians and transgender for over 15 years. Contact one of our friendly psychologists to explore whether counselling can be of real benefit to you and your family, or simply call and book a time with one of us. Phone: 3211 1117 Email: [email protected] ● Products & Services ● Coming Out ● ● Home Bullied ● ● Our Aims & Events Meetings ● ● Products & Services Publications & Multimedia ● ● Coming Projects Out ● ● Bullied Advocates ● ● Meetings & Events Links ● ● Publications Multimedia Membership & / Donations ● ● Projects Contact Us / Worldwide ● Advocates ● Links ● Membership / Donations ● Contact Us / Worldwide Big Budda Boom connecting your senses Video to DVD Corporate Events and Staging Artwork and Design Web Design and Hosting Audio Engineering www.bigbuddaboom.com.au PFLAG Brisbane - Keeping Families Together www.pflagbrisbane.org.au Our last meeting was very well attended and we were grateful for the contribution of Rev. Matt Glover who joined us via teleconference from Lilydale in Victoria. Matt is Senior Pastor of Lilydale Baptist Church and has been involved with the Gay community for the last fifteen years. The elderly are barred from Matt is convinced that in every church there moving into aged care with is somebody who has their life-long, same-sex partners questioned their sexuality. because their status as a It’s his guess that even now, couple is legally The love of God, most churches contain unrecognized. communicated by those people that are questioning from the faith community their sexuality, but struggle in Of course, those living with that care for LGBT people, private. HIV/AIDS are treated as the needs to be told and “unclean” of our time. displayed It is an issue that touches without fear. many of us at one level People in all of these or another through family, situations, both inside and friends and work colleagues, outside the Church, need to and Matt be loved and cared for by more than just the believes it is important that an LGBT community. appropriate pastoral response be articulated for the church. All of them need to be free from the oppression and anxiety that has been unfairly A pastoral response to the LGBT community, placed on them. in some ways, will be no different to any other group of people. This is a pastoral response to homosexuality. However, there are unique needs and challenges that are quite foreign to heterosexual people, but which gay people must face all the time. The process of selfawareness leading to coming out, and then exploring and accepting one’s orientation can be a very lonely, traumatic and confusing time for a LGBT person and a time where “travelling companions” are desperately needed. Family members of LGBT people also face their own “coming out” and must wrestle with their feelings and responses to the news that the orientation of someone they love is different. LGBT people from ethnic and religious minorities, as well as the disabled, face enormous obstacles. Taken from A Pastoral Response to the Homosexuality in the Church Rev. Matt Glover Lilydale Baptist Church October 2010 It was written as part of his theological studies and in response to the pain and suffering he has seen in his journey with the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender) community. The full article can be downloaded at www.pflagbrisbane.org.au FYI: QAHC’s faith site http://www.qahc.org.au/faith links to www. gaychurch.org which recommends the following 2 Brisbane churches and other communities all of which can be found on Facebook. Metropolitan Community Church, New Way Community Chapel, LGBT’s: Praying out loud and proud . QAHC also lists Muslim, Buddhist and other support groups. PFLAG Brisbane - Keeping Families Together www.pflagbrisbane.org.au Christians 4 Equality - Religious Leaders Speak Out “When a couple want to be part of the institution of marriage, when they fully accept the same rights and responsibilities of marriage and treat marriage with the respect it deserves, why should they NOT get married? As a Christian minister, I believe that marriage is under threat from many angles, but also believe that recognizing same-sex unions will help return marriage to its rightful place in society.” Rev Matt Glover (Baptist Minister, Melbourne) “From a Christian point of view, marriage is an institution designed to serve two social needs: 1. contribute broadly to social stability 2. provide a stable environment for the nurturing of children. If this is the case then the only questions Christians need to concern themselves with when it comes to the issue of gay marriage are these two: 1. Would gay marriage lead to greater social stability? 2. Would a married gay partnership be likely to provide a more secure environment for the nurturing of the children of a gay couple than an unmarried one? I think the answer to both these questions has to be ‘yes’.” Fr Dave Smith, (Anglican parish priest, Sydney) “Today in Australia we all live in a secular non discriminatory society. Churches and other spiritual institutions exist within this society. It seems to me that in a secular and non discriminatory society gay couples should be as free to marry as any other human couple. If people wish to be married within a religious or spiritual institution’s framework then they should accept the rites and rules of that institution. However it is the state that legitimises all marriages.” Rev Bill Crews (Uniting Church Minister, Sydney) “How can I, a heterosexual who’s been very happily married for 50 years, tell anyone else they don’t have the right to form a loving, committed, lifelong union and enjoy the fruits of marriage as I have done? Marriage is not a club to be restricted to some. Like the Gospel, it is a blessing to be shared.” Rev Rowland Croucher (Baptist Minister, Sydney) Access to marriage, a public expression of commitment and love, is an essential part of being human and an inalienable right. As Christians we need to support those who are excluded and challenge those who through exclusion dehumanise and discriminate. I urge you to join the campaign to welcome our GLBT friends to express their love and commitment to each other through this special rite.” Rev Roger Munson (Uniting Church Minister, Canberra) www.christians4equality.com.au PFLAG Brisbane - Keeping Families Together www.pflagbrisbane.org.au Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Aims :: PFLAG Brisbane - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Our Aims elies by families ● Home ● ● Our Aims ● Our Aims ● Products ● Products & Services & Services To hasten understanding and acceptance by families Home Our Aims To hasten understanding and acceptance by families ● Home ● Our Aims ● Products & Services amilies ited.” PFLAG united.”is PFLAG very proactive is very proactive in promoting in promoting acceptance acceptance and understanding The and motto understanding of of people PFLAG of who Brisbane people disclose who is “keeping their disclose sexual families their sexual united.” very proactive in promoting acceptance The and motto understanding of PFLAG ofBrisbane people who is “keeping disclosefamilies their sexual united.” PFLAG●is Coming very proactive in promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose th ● PFLAG Coming ●is Out Coming Out Out isolated, ften feel isolated, confusedconfused or angry when or angry their when loved their one loved “comes oneout” “comes and diversity this out” is and an tothis important family is an and important area loved where ones. area PFLAG Parents wherecan PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes diversity out” and tothis family is an and important loved ones. area Parents where PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes out” and this is an important area where PF ● Home ● Home ● Home Our Aims Our Aims ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Bullied offer assistance. offer assistance. ● Our Aims ● Our Aims & Events ● Our Aims & Events ● Meetings ● Meetings & Events ● Meetings elies by families To hasten understanding and acceptance by families To hasten understanding and acceptance by families ● Products ● Products & Services & Services ● Products & Services ● Publications ● Publications & Multimedia & Multimedia ● Publications & Multimedia amilies ited.” PFLAG united.”is PFLAG very proactive is very proactive in promoting in promoting acceptance acceptance and understanding The and motto understanding of of people PFLAG of who Brisbane people disclose who is “keeping their disclose sexual families their sexual united.” PFLAG isOut very proactive in promoting acceptance The and motto understanding of PFLAG ofBrisbane people who is “keeping disclosefamilies their sexual united.” PFLAG● is Coming very proactive in promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose th ● Coming ● Coming Out Out ● Projects ● Projects ● Projects Educating the general community Educating the general community isolated, ften feel isolated, confusedconfused or angry when or angry their when loved their one loved “comes oneout” “comes and diversity this out” is and an tothis important family is an and important area loved where ones. area PFLAG Parents wherecan PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes diversity out” and tothis family is an and important loved ones. area Parents where PFLAG often feel can isolated, confused or angry when their loved one “comes out” and this is an important area where PF ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Bullied ● Advocates ● Advocates ● Advocates offer assistance. offer assistance. am ty understands society understands the negative the negative effect homophobic effect homophobic beliefs and beliefs outdated and PFLAG outdated attitudes believes attitudes has it on isthe important has gay oncommunity the that gay mainstream community in society in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and PFLAG outdated believes attitudes it is important has on the that gay mainstream communitysociety in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and outdated attitudes has on the gay commu ● Meetings Meetings & Events& Events ● Meetings & Events ● Links ● ● Links ● Links general. general. ● Publications ● Publications & Multimedia & Multimedia ● Publications Multimedia ● Membership ● Membership / Donations / Donations ● Membership & / Donations ocal, rviews state (local, andstate national), and national), newspaper newspaper articles and articles speaking and speaking to community Our to message community organisations is organisations delivered on a variety through on a of radio variety topics interviews of topics(local,●state and national), newspaper articles and speaking Our to message community is organisations delivered through on aradio variety interviews of topics(local, state and national), newspaper articles and speaking to community organisations on a variety of Projects ● Projects ● Projects Educating the general community Educating the general community ● Contact ● Us Contact / Worldwide Us / Worldwide ● Contact Us / Worldwide ual ay, or bisexual transgender. or transgender. relevant to the difficulties of being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. relevant to the difficulties of being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. ● Advocates ● Advocates ● Advocates am ty understands society understands the negative the negative effect homophobic effect homophobic beliefs and beliefs outdated and PFLAG outdated attitudes believes attitudes has it on isthe important has gay oncommunity the that gay mainstream community in society in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and PFLAG outdated believes attitudes it is important has on the that gay mainstream communitysociety in understands the negative effect homophobic beliefs and outdated attitudes has on the gay commu We believe there is a need to: We believe there is a need to: ● Links ● Links ● Links general. general. ● Membership ● Membership / Donations / Donations ● Membership / Donations tation a choice; isn’t a choice; make people aware thaton sexual orientation isn’t a choice; make people awarethrough thaton sexual orientation isn’t a choice; ocal, rviews state (local, and state national), and national), newspaper newspaper articles and articles speaking and speaking to community Our to● message community organisations is organisations delivered on a variety through a of radio variety topics interviews of topics (local, state and national), newspaper articles and speaking Our to● message community is organisations delivered aradio variety interviews of topics (local, state and national), newspaper articles and speaking to community organisations on a variety of ● Contact ● Us Contact / Worldwide Us / Worldwide ● Contact Us / Worldwide he living gay in community the gay community aren’t deviants aren’t deviants or lack morals; or lack morals; ● promote an understanding those living in the gay community aren’t deviants or lack morals; ● promote an understanding those living in the gay community aren’t deviants or lack morals; ual ay, or bisexual transgender. or transgender. relevant to the difficulties of being that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. relevant to the difficulties of being that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. versus lf acceptance; self acceptance; November ● highlight the struggle of self loathing versus self acceptance; ● highlight the struggle of self loathing versus self acceptance; We ● believe there is a need to: We ● believe there is a need to: more attempts for LGBTI for youth LGBTI between youth between the ages the of 15 ages years of 15 and years 24 years. and 24 LGBTI years. youth LGBTI emphasise are youth 6 times the are prevalence more 6 times likely more to of suicide suicidal likely toattempts suicide for LGBTI youth between the ages of 15 years and 24 years. LGBTI emphasise youth the are prevalence 6 times of suicidal likely toattempts suicide for LGBTI youth between the ages of 15 years and 24 years. LGBTI youth are 6 times more likely to than heterosexual youth; than heterosexual youth; t ation a choice; isn’t a choice; make people aware that sexual orientation isn’t a choice; make people aware that sexual orientation isn’t a choice; nt ndonment by family by at family a time at when a time acceptance when acceptance and understanding and understanding is most needed; is●most needed; of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is●most needed; of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is most needed; he living gay in community the gay community deviants deviants or street, lack or lack morals; ● promote understanding that because those living in the gayrelevant community deviants or street, lack morals; ● promote understanding that because those living in the gayrelevant community deviants or street, lack morals; sexuality being relevant being to relevant 1 aren’t in 5 youth to 1 aren’t inon 5 youth the on morals; the not street, to mention not to those mention sleeping those raise sleeping on friends the an issue on couches friends of homelessness couches because of and family sexuality of family being to 1 aren’t in 5 youth on the not to mention those raise sleeping the an issue on friends of homelessness couches and sexuality of family being to 1 aren’t in 5 youth on the not to mention those sleeping on friends couches becaus abandonment; abandonment; versus lf acceptance; self acceptance; ● highlight the struggle of self loathing versus self acceptance; ● highlight the struggle of self loathing versus self acceptance; ression nd and and drug alcohol and abuse alcohol byabuse thosethe by who those identify who as identify LGBTI as when LGBTI they when ● suffer make they lack people suffer understanding aware lack of understanding the risk and of depression and and alcohol abusethe by ages thoseof who as 24 LGBTI when ● make they people suffer aware lack of understanding the risk of depression and and alcohol abusethe by ages thoseof who as 24 LGBTI when theyyouth sufferare lack understanding an attempts fordrug LGBTI for youth LGBTI between youth between the ages of 15 ages years of 15 and years 24 years. and 24 LGBTI years. ● youth LGBTI emphasise are youth 6 of times the are prevalence more 6 of times likely more to of suicide suicidal likely to attempts suicideand fordrug LGBTI youth between 15 identify years and years. ● LGBTI emphasise youth the are prevalence 6 of times more of suicidal likely to attempts suicideand fordrug LGBTI youth between 15 identify years and years. LGBTI 6 of times more likely to abandonment by family. abandonment by family. than heterosexual youth; than heterosexual youth; nt ndonment by family by at family a time at when a time acceptance when acceptance and understanding and understanding is most needed; is●most make needed; people aware of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is●most make needed; people aware of the fear of abandonment by family at a time when acceptance and understanding is most needed; ual bout diversity sexual makes diversity people makes less people judgmental less judgmental and removes and removes the “fear” PFLAG the factor “fear” of believes knowing factor educating of someone knowingthe someone who community is LGBTI. who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removesPFLAG the “fear” believes factor educating of knowingthe someone community who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removes the “fear” factor of knowing someone who is sexuality being relevant being to relevant 1 in 5 youth to 1 inon 5 youth the street, on the not street, to mention not to those mention sleeping those ● raise sleeping on friends the issue on couches friends of homelessness couches because because ofand family sexuality of family being relevant to 1 in 5 youth on the street, not to mention those ● raise sleeping the issue on friends of homelessness couches because and sexuality of family being relevant to 1 in 5 youth on the street, not to mention those sleeping on friends couches becaus abandonment; abandonment; 37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM 26th ression nd drug and and drug alcohol and abuse alcohol byabuse those by who those identify who as identify LGBTIas when LGBTI they when ● suffer make they lack people suffer of understanding aware lack of of understanding the risk and of depression and and drug and alcohol abuse by those who identify as LGBTI when ● make they people suffer aware lack ofof understanding the risk of depression and and drug and alcohol abuse by those who identify as LGBTI when they suffer lack of understanding an abandonment by family. abandonment by family. The PFLAG Annual General Meeting will ual bout diversity sexual makes diversity people makes less people judgmental less judgmental and removes and removes the “fear” PFLAG the factor “fear” of believes knowing factor educating of someone knowingthe someone who community is LGBTI. who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removesPFLAG the “fear” believes factor educating of knowingthe someone community who about is LGBTI. sexual diversity makes people less judgmental and removes the “fear” factor of knowing someone who is 37 PM http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM PFLAG Brisbane AGM 1.30 pm 30 Helen St Newstead December 1st Get RED Gala Cocktail Party Wednesday 1 December Hotel Urban Brisbane 345 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane From 7pm Join hosts Camilla Severi from B105 and David Graham in Getting RED this World AIDS Day. Bid on one-off pieces designed by a number of Australia’s leading designers and fabulous auction items . Tickets : $90 per ticket or buy 4 or more for $70 per ticket Info: www.getred.com.au be held on Saturday 26th November at QAHC, 30 Helen St, Teneriffe at 1.30.p.m. If you are interested in being on the committee or would like to hold an official World AIDS Day World AIDS Day Information Stall Wednesday 1 December King George Square From 9am to 7.30pm Live Entertainment, information Stall with display of vintage posters, red ribbons, leaflets and people to talk to. 1st http://www.pflagbrisbane.org.au/aims/ (1 of 2)31/01/2011 6:09:37 PM position e.g. President, Secretary or Treasurer etc., or would like to know more about how PFLAG operates, please come along. You also may have some goals or projects you would like PFLAG to undertake and be part of. If so, please come along and contribute to our group. Everyone is welcome at the AGM and the meeting to follow. PFLAG Brisbane - Keeping Families Together www.pflagbrisbane.org.au Tsiolkas was The Slap, was the 2009 winner of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and is a plot-driven, unpretentious novel written by Australian author Christos Tsiolkas. The idea for the book came from a real life incident in which Tsiolkas’ mother gave a child a small smack at a family gathering. Although the incident was not a contentious one for those involved, it stayed with Tsiolkas and became, many years later, the catalyst to pen the Aussie book he had always wanted to write, and to highlight issues he had grown up with as a Greek Australian. The book comprises a set of eight vignettes told from the perspectives of eight different adults who were present at a suburban Melbourne barbeque when a man slapped someone else’s out of control four-year-old son. It’s a quietly epic work that raises compelling and at times unsettling questions about family, personal identity, class, race and sexuality without resembling a sociology text book in the slightest. born and grew up in Melbourne. He was educated at Blackburn High School and the University of Melbourne where he completed an Arts Degree in 1987. His first novel, Loaded (1995), was filmed as Head On (1998) by director Ana Kokkinos, starring Alex Dimitriades. In 2006, his novel, Dead Europe, won The Age Book of the Year fiction award and is currently being made into a feature film, produced by the team behind the Oscar winning The King’s Speech. He is openly gay and has been with his partner Wayne for 26 years. A self confessed ‘bad activist’ Tsiolkas believes that on a fundamental human rights level, same sex marriage should be allowed. He has no desire to marry his long term partner however, citing the struggle and continued love necessary to maintain their long term relationship as all the proof they need. With reference to: www.samesame.com.au www.abc.net.au/tv/firsttuesday Each of Tsiolkas’ characters – from Harry, the man who is utterly convinced that he was right to slap the boy threatening his own older son, to Rosie, the mother of the child who so keenly feels a need for her son’s attacker to be punished – is voiced with stunning authenticity. The novel doesn’t fall into a trap of moral relativism, rather Tsiolkas deftly navigates the complexity of his characters’ choices and the constraints that limit them. Even more surprising is this novel’s power to spur self-reflection. The reader is unwittingly drawn into thinking and rethinking their own reactions to the events that unfold and to the resulting actions and feelings of the protagonists. It is deeply moving, both because of the sadness of the compromised existences it charts and because of the strange sense of belonging it evokes. This is Australia, it seems to whisper, and it’s full of people who are everything and nothing like you. The Slap has aired recently on ABC TV and past episodes can be viewed on www.abc.net.au/iview Jennifer Byrne’s interview with Tsiolkas can be seen on www.abc.net.au/tv/firsttuesday PFLAG Brisbane - Keeping Families Together www.pflagbrisbane.org.au PFLAG is very proactive in promoting acceptance and understanding of people who disclose their sexual diversity to family and loved ones. Parents often feel isolated, confused or angry when their loved one ‘comes out’ and this is an important area where PFLAG can offer assistance. Join us at our meetings, held every 2 months or contact us by phone: 0400 767 832 or email: [email protected] PFLAG Brisbane Annual Membership Form Please complete the form below and return to PFLAG. You can also pay online - www.pflagbrisbane.org.au Larger donations are always welcome. Thanks for your support. Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Ph: _________________ Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________ Membership Type: Family - $25.00 annually - I have included a cheque or Australia Post Money Order made out to PFLAG Brisbane Inc. Corporate - $100.00 annually - (includes website and newsletter advertising) I have included a cheque or Australia Post Money Order made out to PFLAG Brisbane Inc. Mail to: PO Box 1372, Eagle Farm BC Qld. 4009 Bring to: 30 Helen St, Teneriffe 4006 Pay Online: www.pflagbrisbane.org.au Pay direct deposit: Account Name - PFLAG Brisbane BSB - 124-001 Account No - 2023-8607 Bank of Queensland Please make sure you provide us with your contact details (name, email and /or postal address so we can receipt your payment and ensure you receive our newsletters. PFLAG Brisbane - Keeping Families Together www.pflagbrisbane.org.au