In July 2009, the Federal Government amended 85 pieces of legislation that discriminated against same-sex attracted couples.
The 85 federal law reforms mean significant changes for many gay and lesbian people and marks significant progress towards equal treatment under the nation’s laws. While most of these changes have had a positive impact, for some, the changes have meant that previously beneficial loopholes in federal legislation no longer exist.
In order to understand the impact of the legislation on our lives, the Wear It with Pride campaign was developed to engage and inform people about the changes. The Wear It with Pride campaign is based around a series of 85 t-shirts inspired by various human stories behind the reforms. The multifaceted campaign features a combination of high profile and community based awareness-raising events including a comprehensive website, www.wearitwithpride.com.au, national and community advertisements, educational resources and a series of information sessions delivered throughout Australia.
Charlie Brown, Reg Mombassa, Jayson Brunsden, Henry Roth, Alex Zabotto Bentley and Rachel Gilbert are some of Australia’s most creative and influential designers lending their talents to the project. Wearing the t-shirts and telling their stories in their roles as ‘influencers’ are a host of high profile gays and supporters including Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Ruby Rose, Richard Reid, Noel Tovey, Dr Kerryn Phelps, and Jess and Lisa Origliasso (the Veronicas).
On June 8, the National LGBT Health Alliance and ACON are teaming with WAAC to present the launch of the Wear it With Pride Campaign in WA. National Wear it With Pride Campaign Coordinator, Corey Irlam, will be in Perth to explain the campaign and the implications of the legislation changes. Joining Corey Irlam at the launch are the eight Western Australian ‘influencers’, including Dr Graham Brown, Dani Wright, Tim Brown, Samantha Dowling, Neil (Nanna) Van Zee, Verity James, Charles Denham and Mark Reid, who will be showcasing the WA designs and adding their stories to the national education campaign. Designers who have contributed their fabulous designs to the WA submission of the campaign are Lauren Wilhelm, Timothy Godbold, Nadine Toussaint, Alistair Yiap, Alvin Fernandez and Grant Cook.
For more details on the WA Wear It With Pride Launch education session please contact the WA AIDS Council on 9482 0000.
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