Gender Diversity Day is to be celebrated in Canberra for the first time this year, on Saturday 28th February 2009.

Gender Diversity Day celebrates the diversity of gender expression in all its forms.

A Gender Agenda spokesperson Peter Hyndal said “Gender is everything about how an individual chooses to present themselves in the world. Gender is about your identity, your physicality, and the way you interact with other people. Gender represents one of the most fundamental identity choices that individuals have in our society.”

“Finally now we recognise that people have the power to express their own gender in an increasing number of ways.”

“Gender Diversity Day is a celebration of the freedom that people now have to express their gender outside of the archaic gender stereotypes of the 1950’s.”

“Gender Diversity Day is also a reminder that the law lags well behind social practice. Many individuals face discrimination for the gender choices that they make, yet ACT law still provides no protection from such discrimination. ACT law also refuses to recognise the gender choices made by many individuals.’

In May 2003 the Stanhope government promised to deliver gender related law reform. A Gender Agenda again calls on the Stanhope government to announce the timeframe on which it plans to deliver its 2003 commitment regarding gender related law reform including gender identity recognition and protection from discrimination.

“The law reform that is required is straightforward, with precedents that can be followed from other jurisdictions which support basic human rights principles.”

A Gender Agenda is holding a “Gender Diversity Day BBQ” from 1PM on Saturday 28th Feb at Glebe Park in Civic (BYO BBQ or picnic food/drinks). The event is open to everyone who believes that the right to freely express your own gender is a fundamental human right.