Senator Penny Wong has delivered a speech in federal parliament focusing on homophobia in Australian society. In her speech the senator praised swimmer Ian Thorpe for coming out, criticised the homophobic comments of AFL commentator Brian Taylor and highlighted the challenges faced by young LGBTIQ people.
“Everyday in Australia people are made to feel confused, conflicted or even guilty over their identity. Thoughtless comments like Brian Taylor’s only contribute to an environment where feel like this.” Senator Wong said.
“It isn’t a joke to be on the receiving end of a word like ‘poofter’ or many words like it,” said Senator Wong, “it’s no joke to be caught in the cross-fire of prejudice, and it’s no joke to live with the fear of being rejected, or vilified and persecuted because of who you are.
“The fact is we still hear homophobic slurs and insults bandied about as if it were acceptable, harmless – just a bit of a laugh. Well it isn’t a laugh to a young person, growing up, working out who they are, surrounded by an atmosphere of hostility.
“They can feel alone, isolated from their peers, isolated from their community and even their own family, as if people like them are so worthless they can be abused,bullied, belittled or mocked, that it’s perfectly acceptable.”
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