FC Gearing up For Pride
In the lead-up to Pride, the Freedom Centre will change some of their key monthly events to prepare for an exhibition expected in late October. The monthly Guyspace and Girlspace nights have gone to make way for the CREATE evenings in September to generate pieces for the exhibition. The centre is calling out for anyone under 26 with an artistic flair to contribute. Dani Wright from the Freedom Centre encouraged anyone to head on down on either of the two CREATE Thursday evenings. The Freedom Centre will be changing up its events again in October with a monthly skills-share evening planned and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific event in conjunction with YouthLink.
Survey Aims High
Curtin University will be taking count again this year with its biennial LGB community survey. The survey will be distributed throughout Pride month at events such as Fair Day. 2006 was the last year that both men and women were involved in the survey and this year organisers hope to exceed the 2,000 participants’ mark that was achieved previously. Project Coordinator Rita Freijah said the survey was an opportunity for members of the community to help shape health initiatives. ‘Participation in such surveys provides a robust research base and information for policy makers and health promotion organisations, which assists in funding for appropriate and directed health promotion interventions,’ Freijah said.
New Year For GRAI
Two of the founding members of GRAI have left their positions on the board with the arrival of a new member to represent the retired GLBTI population in WA. Founding members Steve Singer and Damian Douglas-Meyer left the group at the August 17 meeting at the Freedom Centre to allow new members a chance on the board. Virginia Hailes also left the board but Debbie Sinclair-Lane joined the board as a new member. GRAI President Jude Comfort said it was business as usual with a small but engaged group. The meeting addressed the success of research conducted and the release of the ‘We Don’t Have Any Of Those People Around Here’ report.
Youth Forum Seeks Input
Plans are in the pipeline for Pride’s youth initiatives as the next QU Youth Forum rolls around this month. For the second meeting this year, the forums are looking for yet more participants to contribute and debate future initiatives for Western Australia’s LGBT younger folk. Some of the ideas include a designated after party for under-age Pride goers and youth nights yet to be announced at the Moon Café. The forum will take place at the Freedom Centre on Tuesday September 7 from 6.30pm.
GLCS Plan Ahead at AGM
GLCS will be conducting its Annual General Meeting this month to review the past year’s efforts and frame future action for the year ahead. The Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service meeting will be held at the Freedom Centre, 664 Brisbane St on September 6. Kicking off at 6.30pm, the meeting will discuss the future of the organisation in areas of volunteer numbers and the challenges that face the service. For more information call 9486 9855.
Get Involved With GALE
Gay and Lesbian Equality WA will be hosting a post-election workshop at the Northbridge Piazza Community Facility on Saturday, September 4 from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Federal Senator Louise Pratt and State MLC Lynn MacLaren will be speaking at the free event which will look at strategies for the campaign for full equality with the new Federal government, and the current State government. To register go to www.galewa.asn.au/workshop
Benn Dorrington
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