All posts tagged: gay

Why You Shouldn’t Gay Yourself Down For Anybody, Including Your Potential Boss

Published by thequeerav

When I was twelve-years-old I decided that I wanted a career in Journalism, the reason being of course, I wanted to meet Hilary Duff and nothing was going to stop me. This is what dreams are made of…Am I right?! This of course transformed into a desire to meet many interesting people from all over the world. Flash forward a few years to when I was 16 and my dreams were still as strong, my degree picked out and my goals set whilst those around me fumbled with what they wanted to do with their lives and what they wanted to study. I began a degree in Mass Communication majoring in Corporate Screen Production and Journalism at the beginning of 2010 (Aged 19) at Curtin University. I was shocked at first to find the degree, and indeed my future profession seemingly dominated by an array of picture perfect, feminine, stereotypically straight looking women. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel threatened. With my much more masculine appearance and identifying in the not …

Glee's Chris Colfer is a Talented Writer Aswell?!

Published by thequeerav

Chris Colfer, better known for his golden globe winning role on Glee has proven his talents do not just remain on screen. Colfer has recently published a children’s book ‘The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell’ and I was more than excited to read it! This page turner had me living in my 10 year old body for a few days as I was engrossed in a fairy tale world. The story tells of 12 year old twins Alex and Conner who get lost in their grandmas story book. Forget the classic Disney versions of Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Chris pulls inspiration from Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm brothers. From the very beginning I fell in love with both characters, Alex the quiet and reserved girl who loves reading and Conner the typical class clown boy who has trouble staying awake in class. Throughout their adventures they each bring their own humour to the story. It all starts with a book given to Alex on her 12th birthday that she and her brother …

Perth Rally for Marriage Equality

Published by thequeerav

Crowds gathered at Stirling Gardens in Perth on Saturday August 11 for the eighth annual Marriage Equality Rally. That’s right! It’s been eight years since the ban on marriage equality in Australia. The event, organised by Equal Love WA included speakers Lynn Maclaren (Greens), Louise Pratt (Labor), Bec Leighton (National Union of Students), Owen Bandura (regional high school student speaking out against homophobia in schools), Amber Maxwell (Equal Love WA) and Sam Cavallaro (Curtin University Queer Officer). For further information about Equal Love WA click here. But for now, check out these photos!

Ellen vs. Jane – Battle of the Books

Published by thequeerav

I had the pleasure over the last couple of weeks of actually having time on my hands to read a book or two. And so what did I decide to read? Two of the biggest gay books I could find, Jane Lynch’s memoir Happy Accidents, and Ellen Degeneres’ Seriously…I’m Kidding. Let me just start with the fact that both of these woman are very amazing and inspirational. From struggles in their past, to the positive influence they have in the media world and the LGBTQ community today, they are two very awesome people. Because of this, it’s very difficult for me to give either of their most recent books a bad review, however I’ll try my best to be a little critical (as much as it pains me). Happy Accidents is Awesome (oh, my attempt at being critical just went down the drain). I know I know, I love her as an actress so I’m being pretty bias, but I’m sure anyone who picked up the book not knowing who she is would enjoy it just as much, honestly. …

Young Gay Man Wins WA Beginning Teacher of the Year Award

Published by thequeerav

The LGBTI community has come a long way in recent years in terms of acceptance. Even so, we still hear stories of inequality worldwide which makes stories like this one all that more important to tell. Scott Sullivan is a young teacher originally from Perth, Western Australia. He’s passionate about his work, he’s committed to his students and because of this was awarded WA Beginning Teacher of the Year Award 2011. He also identifies as an openly gay man. I asked Scott some questions about his teaching career, his experiences and winning this award in the hope of inspiring not just LGBTI youth, but all youth worldwide. How do you identify yourself to the people around you in terms of your sexual orientation? I consider myself as gay. I came out to my family when I was 16 and have been quite comfortable in acknowledging my sexual orientation since then. In terms of school, I am out to all of my co-workers, however my students do not know. Are there any learning experiences you had …

Equal Marriage Rights in Washington: Senate Approves Bill

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The Washington State Senate Passed a bill on Wednesday that will legalize same sex marriage. Gov. Chris Gregoire supports the measure and has agreed to sign it into law when it gets to the House. Applause broke out in the public galleries when the Senate passed the measure, a 28-21 vote. Democratic Sen. Ed Murray, a gay lawmaker from Seattle, and the bill’s sponsor believes those who vote against gay marriage should not be accused of bigotry nor should those who vote for it be accused of “undermining family life or religious freedom.” “Marriage is how society says you are a family” he said. Sen. Dan Swecker, R-Rochester argued against same sex marriage saying it will change the definition of marriage and “will lead to the silencing of those who believe in traditional marriage.” A referendum clause has been rejected, meaning opponents will have to wait to file a challenge once the law is passed. If opponents aren’t able to gather enough signatures, same sex couples will be able to get married starting June. For further information click here.

“Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman" says Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu

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Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu believes that marriage should stay between a man and a women and centuries of tradition should not be overturned by gay marriage. Sentamu, the second most senior cleric in the Church of England doesn’t however, object to Civil Partnerships but in an interview with the Telegraph recently referred to them as being ‘friendships.’ “We supported Civil Partnerships because I believe that friendships are good for everybody” he said. “If you genuinely would like the registration of civil partnerships to happen in a more general way, most people will say they can see the drift. But if you begin to call those ‘marriage’, you’re trying to change the English language.” Peter Tatchell, the co-ordinator of the Equal Love campaign disagrees with Sentamu’s opinions. “It is not a Christian value to demand legal discrimination against gay couples and to treat them as inferior, second-class citizens with fewer rights than everyone else.” For the further information on the story visit The Telegraph and The Gaurdian.

Starbucks: A Supporter of Gay Marriage Legislation

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Starbucks published a statement January 24 showing their support for gay marriage legislation in the state House and Senate, Washington, DC. The growing list of Corporation support also includes Microsoft. Such support is aiding in the attempts for full marriage equality in Washington. The Starbucks statement reads as follows: To: U.S. partners Date: January 24, 2012 Re: A Message from Kalen Holmes: Starbucks Supports Marriage Equality Dear partners, Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Starbucks strives to create a company culture that puts our partners first, and our company has a lengthy history of leading and supporting policies that promote equality and inclusion. This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company. We are proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network group, which is one of the largest Employer Resource Groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender …

Gay Australian Couples Now Able to Marry Overseas

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The Federal government is now allowing gay couples to marry overseas where ‘gay marriage’ is legal. A ban has been lifted, allowing the couples to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment to marriage (CNI), a form which was once only granted to ‘straight couples.’ This form informs other countries that those applying to marry are of age and not already married (or bound by any other obstacles). The announcement came from Attorney-General Nicola Roxon recently stating that as of February 1, the ban would no longer exist. “This important change will allow same-sex couples to take part in overseas marriage ceremonies, and be considered married according to the laws of that country,” Ms Roxon said. Whilst any overseas marriage is not acknowledged as such in Australia, it can be used as evidence of a de facto relationship for the purposes of federal and state laws. Many have welcomed this decision including Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich. “It’s already painful enough for same-sex partners to have to marry overseas, away from family and friends, without the Australian Government …

Self Evident Truths – A Project About Equality

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Did you know that in 29 states in the USA you can legally be fired for your sexuality? Self Evident Truths is a project that began in 2010 by New York City artist iO Tillett Wright who brings to light such facts. She aims to take portraits of anyone who remotely fits into the LGBTQ spectrum showing “the humanity that exists in every one of us through the simplicity of a face.” The project aims to capture the faces of over 4000 people all over the US, having started NYC at 300. “All men are created equal, it’s written in the Declaration of Independence. We’re failing as a nation to uphold the morals upon which we were founded,” says Wright. “This is my contribution to the civil rights fight of my generation.” To find out more about the project and how you can get involved click here.