Christmas is traditionally a time for giving, for peacemaking and for the wearing of excessively silly hats. It’s the one time of year when we are supposedly meant to reconcile our differences and have the graces to accept one another as we are. As to why peace-on-earth and ‘goodwill toward all’ isn’t applicable year-round is anathema to me (maybe it’s difficult to be altruistic when not dazzled by the glow of vulgar window displays at Myer) – but, in the interest of the silly season I’m willing to put aside my Grinch-like cynicism and share the love.
And what better way to uphold the very principal of ‘goodwill to all’ than by extending dignity and respect to all within the community? Since Christmas is supposedly a time of graciousness, forgiveness and peace – the tofu-eating, enya-listening hippy pacifist in me thinks that it is now more than ever that we should take the opportunity to engage and to connect with those that would otherwise seek either to ignore, or to actively discriminate against us. So it is in that spirit that Gay and Lesbian Equality will shortly be announcing our Christmas Cards for Equality Campaign.
Those of you following the news of late may know of the success of Greens MP Adam Bandt’s Motion within the Lower House that will require Labor MPs to seek their constituent’s views on marriage and other issues affecting Australians of diverse sexuality and gender. Advocates for equality within and supporting the GLBTI community have now been given a golden opportunity to have their voices heard. We at GALE intend to do exactly that – but this time with a festive, fabulous flair!
We’re asking supporters of equality to write Christmas cards to Federal Labor MPs expressing their feelings about discrimination on the basis of sexuality and gender-identity, including marriage, mental health, trans* issues and so on. Doesn’t have to be anything fancy or long-winded – just a simple and honest statement about why Labor needs to change its discriminatory and outdated policies relating to marriage. It’s too easy to ignore and delete e-mails – so in this instance Christmas cards are perfect, because they physically take up space that someone actually has to go through and open, and because they are a part of the festive tradition.
Because it’s a difficult thing to keep track of, GALE will be designing special Facebook avatars and Twitter campaign ribbons (or ‘Twibbons’) for members who have sent Christmas greetings to their MPs and want to encourage others to do the same. We will also include details of who to contact and how on the Christmas Cards for Equality section of the GALE website at www.galewa.asn.au
For this we will need as much help and enthusiasm as we can get in our effort to send a strong, yet festive message to our elected members, because if you can’t ask for help at Christmas, when can you eh?
Wishing you safe, happy (and ever so slightly decadent) holidays
Kitty Hawkins,
GALE WA Co-Convenor
