By JOLENE OGLE
FAMILIES, entertainers and supporters will join the LGBTIQ community at Noosa’s Lion’s Park on 24 October, in support of marriage equality at a free, family friendly rally.
Event organiser Robin Bristow said it was time to make some noise about marriage equality.
“We’ve been let down in Noosa by our local representatives and we can’t let this important issue be forgotten,” he said.
“Our message will be particularly aimed at our local Federal Member and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, who has consistently fought against same-sex marriage declaring, ‘it has nothing to do with equality’.”
In the wake of Mental Health Week, Mr Bristow said politicians and the community needed to recognise LGBTIQ people face particular mental health issues as a result of discrimination, homophobia and isolation.
“LGBTI young people have up to six times the rate of suicide attempts as their heterosexual peers,” he said.
Special guest speakers for the event will include representatives from The Greens, Labor and the Australian Sex Party, plus Noosa councillor Frank Wilkie who said healthy communities were inclusive communities.
“Amending the Marriage Act may be a decision for Federal politicians, but there’s a lot we can do to ensure Noosa remains a place where everyone is appreciated and valued for who they are regardless of religion, sexuality, age or race,” he said.
The national spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Shelley Argent will also speak on the day.
“At present, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) community is one of the last minority groups in Australia that lives with discrimination, inequality and injustice,” Ms Argent said.
“Several other first world countries have recognised the need to grant same sex couples their human rights and Australia federally in late 2008 removed the economic discrimination, but there is still more work to be done to gain total equality.”
All people from across the Coast are invited to show their support for the LGBTI community, and participate in a fun day of activities and activism.
Entertainment will be provided by the Meerkat duo and the Alan Casey Blue Dog Bush Band, as well as Melony Brests.
There will be a prize for the best dressed pooch and funds will also be raised for SHOUT of headspace with a gold coin raffle for fantastic prizes.The Noosa Spring Carnival and Marriage Equality Rally will be held on Saturday 24 October from noon to 3pm at the Lions Park, Gympie Terrace, Noosaville.
