Tribute evening to be held for Roz Houston

1 June 2010
On Tuesday 22nd June, between 7:00pm and 10:00pm, there will be a tribute evening at the Republic Bar (upstairs) for the life of Roz Houston, humanitarian extraordinaire. Steve Rogerson's band will play. Steve works in Community Services at the Polytechnic (formerly TAFE), where Roz completed her diploma in Community Services in 2002. A donation of $5 or $10 is requested, but not required.
 

EOI called for rainbow artists' exhibition and auction in June

Two LoG members to marry in Spain

7 January 2010
League members will remember Manuel Munoz, a Spaniard by birth, and Robert Lewik, originally from Poland, founding members of LoG who were very generous in their hospitality to others. If you had been invited to their home on the waterfront at Gordon you would never forget their exquisite paella. Also the dogs, Mr Foxy and Floria.

Sadly, Manuel & Roberto experienced some disturbing harassment and threats of violence, which was unresolved and impossible for them to bear. They decided to return to Spain after the law change that acknowledged same sex marriage, despite the Catholic culture.

Manuel and Roberto are getting married January 15, 2010 at 7:45pm in el Ayuntamiento de Murcia, located in la Glorieta de Espana. Congratulations and best wishes have been sent from the League - we're just sorry that we're unable to make it.
 

Rainbow Awards Announced

6 December 2009
The Annual Rainbow Dinner was held last night at the Mercure Hotel in Hobart. Guests were entertained by a range of talented performers including Lesbodacious - Ian McDonald and COPP's own Jo Goodman, Mz Ima Starr and Melbourne dance troupe, Destiny Forbidden.

Some photos from the night, courtesy of Rod Anderson, are available by clicking here.

The following awards were made at last night's dinner:

• Community Harmony Award * Commitment and Perseverance in Law Reform
  Judy Jackson
  Nominated by Lara Giddings, Attorney General.
  Our community (GLBTI) their family and friends sincerely thank you Judy for your tenacity and dedication in delivering us the Relationship Act 2003, when you were Attorney General of Tasmania. Your political leadership changed views not only across State Parliament but across the Tasmanian community and guaranteed not only recognition of significant relationships and caring relationships but offered pragmatic legal protections and rights our community had previously not enjoyed as of right. Your actions, with the passage of this Act, have ensured our legal rights are protected. Previously the rights you provided our community with were reserved to and restricted to married heterosexual couples. The law reform you promoted has changed attitudes and promoted cultural change affecting the very fabric of Tasmanian society.
   
  
• Community Well-being Award * Outstanding Voices for Change
  Paul Thomas and Bob Brown
  Nominated by John Perry.
  The Rainbow Community thanks Bob & Paul who have registered their relationship and for their courage to present their relationship as worthy of the recognition that other couples have in Marriage. Paul & Bob are a very public same sex couple and have maintained a strong campaign on relationship equity while insisting on respect for privacy in their personal commitment to each other. . Bob and Paul in demanding equity, recognition, and respect for their partnership as for married people is an example that eventually will win through. Their commitment to our community especially members who have a hard time of it as well as celebrating our strength and dignity is helping us to reject the stereotyping that we too often experience.
   
  
• Community Well-being Award * Overseas Development
  Bob Lavis
  Nominated by Brian Doran.
  The Rainbow Community applauds Bob Lavis for his great commitment and self sacrifice in establishing and developing the international best practice Himalayan Spiti Dental Program. Supported by his partner Michael and a dedicated team Bob significantly contributed to communities that develop at the pace of the less well off and not the wealthy – their values are based on shared endeavour and care. Bob & Michael have a deep sense of an inclusive community and encouraging others to develop their talents in a sharing way to the benefit of all. They have uniquely contributed to the rainbow community especially in the construction of an inclusive community where all are equal and discrimination is rejected.
   
  
• Community Well-being Award * Government Services Division
  Centrelink Financial Information Services Hobart - Julie Cowley
  Nominated by Jo Goodman.
  Centrelink staff are thanked and applauded by our community for the four regional forums they conducted in collaboration with the Coming Out Proud State Steering Committee to explain and offer assistance to those same sex couples affected by the Federal legislation removing over 85 pieces of discriminatory legislation. Centrelink is also applauded for the special cultural awareness training provided to staff in preparation for the changes. Julie Cowley is especially commended and thanked for the respectful way that she prepared and delivered the forums and worked with people afterwards. Neville Shaw is also commended in the delivery to all Centrelink Staff of GLBTI Cultural Awareness training in preparation for the changes and sensitive treatment of LGBTI clients.
   
  
• Courage of Conviction Award * Recognising the Importance of Suicide Prevention
  Ian Horncastle - Men in Uniform Postcards
  Nominated by Marnie Punch.
  Enormous appreciation goes to Ian Horncastle for his passion and dedication to suicide prevention. His personal loss of a loved partner has driven him to dedicate his photography and fundraising skills & talents to Lifeline. There is no doubt his efforts will result in others not suffering through a loved one’s suicide. Utilizing his talent and expertise in photography, Ian has devoted his time and skills to several projects. Significant has been the ‘Men In Uniform’ series of post cards and the launch in Kings Cross raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention strategies targeted to the sexual & gender diverse community. While the monies raised through the project are significant, just as important is bringing suicide prevention awareness to the public especially those that have experienced a personal loss.
   
  
• Community Well-being Award * Outstanding Voices for Change
  Outright Youth Support Group
  Nominated by Sandi Verrier.
  The Outright Youth Support Group is a most important innovative initiative providing critical peer support for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Young People to better support young rainbow people ‘coming out’ into a sometimes hostile and threatening environment. Tonight we applaud them as well as the teachers and youth workers who have supported them. The group is currently working with schools and polytechnics to establish a basis of peer and professional support for young sexual & gender diverse people in educational and at work. As well they are organising special social celebrations in a cultural and safe environment for their peers. The Group aims to establish sensitive support for LGBTI people from one dedicated teacher/social worker in each high school and college. As well they have developed a cultural awareness tool kit for professional and peer support in schools.
   
  
• Community Well-being Award * Community Services Division
  MAN2MAN Program - Brian Morris
  Nominated by Jude O’Day.
  The MAN2MAN Program (formally the Gay Men’s Health Program) has re-established an emphasis on the sexual health of men who are attracted to other men. The Program, coordinated by TasCAHRD’s Brian Morris has effectively reached out to men in all parts of Tasmania but notably to those in the North and North-West of Tasmania. As well as on-line outreach the work of the Program has resulted in increased numbers of men accessing sexual health services and established effective relationships with local government, services and groups in regional Tasmania.
   
  
• Community Well Being Award * Establishing a Positive Harmonious, and Creative Communal Setting
  DS Coffee Lounge - Steve Hollingsworth & David Batters
  Nominated by Cr Liz Smith.
  The unique contribution that Rainbow People make to the creation of a culture that celebrates and values its diversity is immeasurable in establishing harmonious communities. Tonight we recognise and applaud Dave & Steve’s great contribution to the Huon Valley community through setting up the DS Coffee Lounge & Internet Café as a place where people can relax, meet one another and share their lives in a positive, harmonious and creative communal setting.
   
• Community Well being Award * Community Services Division
  Gay & Lesbian Switchboard
  Nominated by Dr Wilfred Laycock.
  The Switchboard telephone counselling & referral service is applauded for its support to rainbow people in Tasmania. The confidential professional service is an essential service in remote rural areas of Tasmania where support is not always readily available and the situation of isolation and discrimination can create a desperate and critical loneliness. The Coming Out Proud four regional Community Liaison Committees have all identified the desperate situation in the rural areas and is conscious of the awful results and desperation of some members of our community who are isolated but often harassed or discriminated against.
   
  
• Community Well being Award * Excellence in Social Events for the Gay & Lesbian Community
  Gay & Lesbian Centre Inc - TasPride Festival
  To night is a chance to thank all the past and present members of the Gay & Lesbian Centre for their dedication, commitment and professionalism in providing social events that promotes the positive contribution of our community in Tasmania. Over the years GLC Centre has presented a program of events celebrating Tasmanian’s sexual & gender diverse communities. This has involved great effort by the organising committee and other dedicated organisations. The membership of the GLC which now incorporates the very successful Pride Festival is very well served with regular information about gay life in Tasmania through the GLC newsletter and website. Gay social life in Tasmania is quite unique to that on the other island given the smaller and most dispersed population but is essentially tied up with our well-being and image as a community.  
  
  
• Community Well being Award * Outstanding Volunteer Support
  Michael O’Halloran
  Nominated by Julian Punch.
  The Rainbow Community thanks Michael for his work in establishing and maintaining the League of Gentlefellows and Coming Out Proud Web Sites. They are an important source of information and ‘gay friendly’ resources for people who have a need for this unique and important information. . Michael played a critical role in creating a collaborative and positive relationship with local government and the local community service organisations. Michael’s professionalism and planning skills are very well respected in the community and have led to a competent management planning process that is now replicated across Tasmania to assist provide for strategies that will allow GLBTI people in four regions to ‘come out with pride’ and live in their community with dignity as fully respected and participating members.
   
• For services to the Sexual and Gender Diverse community over the past six years in particular.
  Julian Punch
  Julian showed insight and compassion for people in the GLBTI sector through starting the League of Gentlemen. Now known as the League of Gentlefellows, this group is inclusive of all those within the sexual & gender-diverse community, along with their families and friends. This social activities group provides regular social events for anyone to meet in relaxed and safe space. Julian has networked and involved members extensively from across the state, nationally and internationally. Julian commenced a confidential membership list and with the assistance of Marty has developed a database which comprises fifteen hundred members.
  
  Julian, with Michael O’Halloran, formed the Coming Out Proud Program (COPP), which has culminated recently in the formation and incorporation of the Tasmanian Council for Sexual and Gender Diverse People (TCS&GDP), a state body made up of representatives from COPP and other GLBTI organisations, existing to represent the issues of the Tasmanian GLBTI community to the State Government. COPP works on a local level in association with local government in Tasmania to foster equity and social inclusion policies for the community. COPP evolved by recognising the social injustices against people who are GLBTI and have suffered discrimination and harassment. Julian has been instrumental in supporting victims of discrimination and has ensured political leaders, government agencies and unions have been aware of cases and supported victims in their struggle for justice.
   

University of Queensland conducting survey of same-sex attracted Australians

16 July 2009
The University of Queensland is conducting a national online survey of GLBTI people, entitled Not So Private Lives. The aim of the survey is to offer a positive and unique contribution to the growing body of research on the lives of sexual minorities in Australia and ultimately help provide a more effective means of communication between people differing in sexual orientation.

The survey is anonymous and comprehensive and can be completed at any time before midnight on Friday 14 August. It should  probably take no more than half an hour to complete. To access the survey, click here.
 

Article on Apology by Hobart City Council

9 July 2009
Corey Peterson has made available a copy of the article he wrote for The TasPride/GLC Newsletter on the apology which the Lord Mayor of Hobart delivered in December 2008 for the Council's actions twenty years earlier in Salamanca. To download a copy of the article (PDF, 1.4MB) click here.
 

David Chadwick to publish a book on growing up Gay in rural Tasmania

LoG Poster and Brochure released

23 February 2009
A poster and brochure promoting The League of Gentlefellows was released today. To download a copy of the brochure (PDF, 122KB) click here. To download a copy of the poster (PDF 149KB), click here.
 

Milk

30 January 2009
Tonight over seventy League of Gentlefellows members and friends attended the Milk Film Night and enjoyed the inspiring story central to gay liberation in the USA.  Starring Sean Penn, the film portrays how two members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors - Harvey Milk and  Mayor George Moscone - were assassinated by Supervisor Dan White on November 27, 1978.  Harvey Milk's life leading up to his election, his successful efforts to politically represent San Francisco's gay community, and the city's reaction to the assassinations are documented with extensive news film and personal recollections.  

Thanks to the Village Cinema Hobart for their hospitality.  $35.15 was given in donations to the Coming Out Proud Trust Fund for Suicide Prevention.  On the left is a photo of Julian and Brian taken on the night by Craig White.

Australia Day Sizzles

The League of Gentlefellows Events Calendar

13 December 2008
The LoG Calendar 2009 will be soon listed on this website.  It will include a range of social functions for both men and women only in the Leagues of Gentlemen and Gentlewomen as well as the mixed functions held last year at the Red Velvet Lounge, Cygnet and this year at the Magnolia Cafe, West Hobart.  It is hoped that our community will get behind the functions to ensure that the efforts in organising them and the host people will be rewarded.

The Rainbow Dinner and Address

13 December 2008
This year is the 20th Anniversary of the arrests of 130 people following a complaint about the gay & lesbian stall at the Salamanca Market.  It is also the 10th Anniversary of the enactment of anti-discrimination legislation in Tasmania.  These are significant milestones in the path of self-determination and liberation from oppressive laws and exclusion of the Rainbow People from the mainstream.

The Rainbow Address ‘Looking Forward – Looking Back’ was an opportunity to discuss these events and to acknowledge and celebrate our diversity as well as our unique contribution to the Tasmanian Community. Senator Bob Brown and Justice Pierre Slicer were both inspirational reflecting on the path ahead for the Rainbow People by way of our past history of struggle.  Both Pierre and Bob have made a valuable contribution to the constructive dialogue, of expecting acknowledgement of our diversity, respect within the general community and celebration of our unique contribution to society. 

Auction at the Rainbow Dinner

13 December 2008
At the Rainbow Dinner, Master of Ceremonies Roger Chevalier auctioned a beautiful and provocative painting on canvas that Graham Deller kindly donated to support the work of the COPP Community Liaison Committees in the regions as well as the establishment of the Gay & Lesbian Switchboard. Graham’s generosity is greatly appreciated.  The quality of Graham's painting spoke for itself on the night when the auction price raised $1450. Graham will sell many more paintings to the disappointed bidders.  The picture at left is a detail from the auctioned work.

Proceeds from League of Gentlefellows Events

13 December 2008
Proceeds from LoG events this year will be distributed to the COPP Community Liaison Committees and to our partner program, the Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Victoria – 1800 184 527 – through the COPP Trust.  Members are encouraged to be generous as both projects are an important part of our community.

2007 Rainbow Awards announced

Cradle Coast Chapter holds its first social event

Northern Chapter blossoming

Rainbow Annual Awards