myGWeek

In our weekly news roundup we are looking at why Australia's fight for marriage equality is no certain win, fear the return of conversion therapy and are inspired by a small primary school in Bristol. This is myGweek.

Since the Australian politicians weren’t able to make up their minds on marriage equality, they simply tasked the public with the decision-making, using a non-binary postal vote. No political issue has such vocal and high-profile support still, there is a real threat that the campaign will fail. With the support of the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, the AFL (Australian Football League), NRL (National Rugby League) and pretty much every single person in the public eye, it should be an easy win for same-sex couples. The arguments of the No campaign are irrational and contradictory anyway, with so-called libertarians denying people the liberty to choose who they marry, conservatives who recognise the power, sanctity and social benefits of marriage but want to stop people from being a part of it, and religious followers who claim to be marginalised and yet marginalise others. Still, whereas polls showed that over 60% of Australians were in favour of same-sex marriage, the number has fallen to the 50s in the last week. Why? Because of how the Yes campaign treats the opposition. Even though their arguments are mostly right, the “be with us, or against us” attitude is hurting the campaign that should be all about love. Remember what happened with Clinton and Trump. The more negative and offensive Clinton got, the more voters jumped ship. Same-sex couples in Australia have been waiting too long for this. Fight fair, fight democratic and fight for love.

Speaking of Trump. Remember the time Trump vowed to fight for the LGBT+ community during his presidential campaign? After taking on gender-neutral bathrooms in public schools and trans individuals serving in the military, the president who always keeps his word, has another ace up his sleeve on how to discriminate the LGBT+ community. Next on the list, his first judicial nominee, Jeff Mateer. Mateer is the assistant attorney general of Texas who’s not only openly homophobic but calls transgender children part of “Satan’s plan” and assures us that same-sex marriage would lead to bestiality and polygamy and is in favour of bringing back gay conversation therapy. Great pick Mr President, guess the leader of the KKK was busy with their newly found momentum.

As if inspired by Trump’s nominee, a federal judge in Brazil has overturned the ban on gay conversion therapy from 1999, allowing psychologists to treat homosexuality as a disease. Rozangela Justino, a Brazilian psychologist took the case to court after having her medical licence revoked because of the ban of the therapy. Following her believes that she was “directed by God to help people who are homosexual” she won the case and will honour us all with her expertise. The outcome of the case caused a great outcry from all around the world with the hashtag #cureagay trending on social media. David Miranda, an openly gay politician from Rio de Janeiro said: “This decision is a big regression to the progressive conquests that the LBGT community had in recent decades. After all, there is no cure for what is no disease.” Like various countries in the world, Brazil is suffering a conservative wave with many LGBT themed events had to be cancelled, due to heavy protesting.

With so many step backs, a primary school in Bristol shows that it can work the other way. Parson Street Primary School in Bristol received an award for its work promoting LGBT+ equality. The school introduced a gender-neutral uniform policy, unisex bathrooms and books celebrating equality and diversity. Headteacher Jamie Barry teaches the children to identify and challenge discrimination. He says: "We don't believe people should be defined by a particular gender, we want to create a culture of acceptance.” And how did they deal with sceptical parents you might ask, easy, they involved them as much as possible. With all those bad news form all around the world, we will need as many people that stand up for what is basic human rights as we can. Keep the good work up.

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