Briffa to march in mayoral robes

Hobsons Bay City Council mayor-elect Tony Briffa will honour his promise to march in mayoral robes in next year’s Victorian Pride March, after wining the top job last week.

Briffa is thought to be the first known intersex public office-bearer in the Western world.

The independent councillor said he was excited about the year ahead and would continue supporting LGBTI issues.

“I’ll certainly continuing advocating for the GLBTIQ community,” Briffa told the Star Observer.

“I’m hoping to continue to chair the GLBTIQ Advisory Committee which meets again in a couple of weeks.

“The Council is also supporting the Midsumma program and [I’ll] be launching that as Mayor this week.”

Briffa said he is looking forward to taking a stroll down Fitzroy St, St Kilda in his official robes in the name of equality for Pride March on February 5.

“We encourage community members from the western suburbs to march with us to show support to the community,” he said.

Organisation Intersex International (OII) Australia president Gina Wilson told the Star Observer Briffa was an “inspiration” for others.

“He gives all intersex people the hope they can live as out and intersex and achieve high public office,” she said.

“Our intersex differences are not the bar they once were and the need for secrecy is not what it once was.

“It’s an enormous step and it’s a vital step. Without mentors there really is no general indication of social acceptance of our differences.”

Since being elected to Hobsons Bay Council in 2008, Briffa has been the driving force behind municipality support for LGBTI issues.

Briffa has an intersex condition and identifies as being both male and female. He has been a vocal advocate on intersex issues.

Briffa said, as Mayor, his key focus areas will be environmental issues, advocacy for improved health care and disability services, and improving community participation with council.

Hobsons Bay Council takes in the suburbs of Williamstown, Altona and Laverton.