The ACT Government is again seeking community views to help shape the next stage of the Territory’s Social Plan. We invite you to join the conversation. “

I’d strongly encourage anyone with a bit of time to sign up for the forums and start waxing eloquent about the needs of the trans, intersex and genderqueer populations of Canberra. The more voices that speak up, the better. We gain visibility, not only within government departments, but also in the wider community as other non-LGBT members of the Canberra region read our responses.

Possible things you could consider bringing up:
- The need for crisis accommodation for sex and gender diverse people
- The need for a safe non-commercial social space for sex and gender diverse people to meet
- The lack of trained medical professionals in general, and specifically ones aware of sex and gender diverse issues
- The need for funded sex and gender diverse organisations, run by and for sex and gender diverse people
- The need for a program that targets innovative social enterprises and provides them with support that allows them to more effectively service the community.

To get involved in the consultation, check out the website: http://bangthetable.com/actsocialplan

For more information about the consultation see here: http://www.cmd.act.gov.au/policystrategic/socialplan/developing_an_update

The Australian Government Marries the Christian Right

August 1st is the National Day of Action for Marriage Equality, in place since the Same-Sex Marriage Ban. A bunch of folk from A Gender Agenda were at the protest in Garema place, and some of us even got “Gay Married” on the day. The protest was politically relevent, and a lot of fun. Equal Love came through for the trans population with a trans inclusive banner, and trans inclusive speakers. Gabrielle Hitch, Farida Iqbal and several of the speakers were particularly determined to make sure that the trans perspective on the marriage debate was heard.

I was pleased to be able to wander through the crowd seeing trans men, trans women, drag queens, drage kings, genderqueers, and the partners and children of our fabulously diverse community, all out in support of the event. It was even nicer to know that all those people were hearing themselves being included in one of the most overtly trans inclusive marriage rallies Canberra has ever seen.

So, kudos to Gabrielle Hitch, John Kloppy, Farida Iqbal, and all the other kids from Equal Love who worked so hard to make the protest happen.