LGBTQI in 2015

Is it easier to be gay in Australia today than it was ten years ago?

It is not only easier to be gay in Australia than it was a decade ago, it is also easier for the entire LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and/or Intersex) community.

Ten years ago, the 'Marriage Amendment Act' (2004), made changes to the original 'Marriage Act' (1961), ensuring gay or lesbian couples married overseas would not be recognised as legally married in Australia. This change was, in the opinion of Kirsty Magarey in an article on the Parliament of Australia website, brought about by "...the fear that same-sex marriages could take place overseas and subsequently be recognised in Australia." Now, if that doesn't scream outrageous homophobia to you, I honestly cannot think what would.

Homophobia and discriminatory beliefs were at the very heart of the 2004 Act, and this reflects not just the attitudes of those in parliament at the time, but of society as a whole. Whilst marriage is still not legal for the gay and lesbian community, (a backwards attitude in my eyes), it is a much better situation for the LGBTQI community today than it was a decade ago. In 2008, changes were made to legislation that prohibited the discrimination of a person based on their sexual orientation, and now, there is increasing pressure on the government to change the marriage laws, in keeping with the trends set internationally.

It is important to note that much of that support for LGBTQI people comes from the internet; social media has become an amazing outlet for people who associate with any of the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or intersex to show and discuss their own beliefs and feelings. This discussion is extremely important for the quality of life of the LGBTQI community in Australia, as well as the rest of the globe; it promotes thought, helps to eradicate long-held stereotypes, and raises awareness about the issues that face these people.

Tumblr, YouTube, Facebook... the younger generation have taken on the internet, and spread the word. Tyler Oakley, a household name for many, is just one example of the vast numbers of people who have used the internet to spread the message: Love is love. No matter who you are, no matter who you love. This is a message of peace, one that has been shared all over the world. And one that has led to much greater acceptance and awareness of the LGBTQI community than ever before: after all, we, the new generation are proof.

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