GLCS – All the colours of the rainbow

Writing this just after IDAHO, it’s been fantastic to see people from the LGBTI and wider communities coming together in solidarity on the issues of homophobia and transphobia.

It’s been a timely reminder for me that occasionally I should step outside the queer bubble (or at least poke my head out to see what’s going on) and support other, broader campaigns and causes.

The next big thing on the commemorative date calendar is National Reconciliation Week, May 27 – June 3. At first glance you might say, “What do queer rights have to do with Indigenous rights?”, but human rights are human rights. No matter what minority you fall in to, connection across communities is important to break down discrimination in whatever form it takes.

Many people also have intersecting communities – there are Indigenous Australians who fit somewhere under the rainbow umbrella, yet for the most part tend to be invisible.

There are exceptions to this, of course — most recently the ACON Aboriginal Project First Australians Float picked up the ‘Say Something’ award for their great entry in the Mardi Gras Parade.

Reconciliation Week is a starting point for organisations such as GLCS who have historically lacked services and information specifically aimed at supporting Indigenous Australians (beyond the occasional outdated poster or pamphlet).

Commemorative events spark people to seek information and connections, to improve their awareness and understanding.

I’ve found numerous websites providing information on Indigenous issues, ways the non-Indigenous community can better acknowledge and respect Indigenous communities and elders, and links to useful services.

Useful sites: www.reconciliation.org.au and www.nswreconciliation.org.au (the national and state Reconciliation pages) and my favourite: www.houseofblackstar.com — a fabulous collective of Indigenous LGBT and sistergirl performers and artists working towards Indigenous visibility, wellbeing and empowerment in the queer community and beyond.

The theme of Reconciliation Week 2011 is ‘Let’s talk recognition’. GLCS believes that talking helps and recognition is important — within and across communities, all colours of the rainbow.

GLCS telephone counselling and information line: daily 5.30–9.30pm, 02 8594 9596 or 1800 184 527. Lesbian Line: Mondays 5.30-9.30pm, 02 8594 9595 or 1800 144 527. Info on our support groups available on our website.

info: Visit www.glcsnsw.org.au or email [email protected]

By FIONA PASKULICH, GLCS