Same-sex attracted Bendigonians have said they are being used as “political pawns”, and community health workers have called for respect, as tensions grow over the federal government’s plebiscite on marriage equality.
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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s plans for a popular vote on same-sex marriage were again threatened on Monday when Nick Xenophon announced he and his party colleagues would not support the policy.
The NXT decision follows the Australian Greens’ declaration last Friday they would block a national poll on the issue for fear it would endanger the mental health of LGBTI young people.
Bendigo Community Health Services chief executive officer Kim Sykes said her organisation was determined to see same sex-attracted people enjoy the same privileges as other Australians and asked for any debate about marriage equality to remain civil.
“We understand that there are a range of views of this matter, but I would hope that people would hold those conversations respectfully, and recognise that we are talking about people's lives,” she said.
Her service governs the operation of headspace Bendigo, an organisation caring for the mental health of young people.
Asked about the potential impact of a plebiscite on same-sex attracted youth, Ms Sykes said mental health was especially vulnerable during teenage years.
“Adolescence is a time in which people are seeking to individuate and make decisions,” she said.
“They should be allowed to do that in a safe environment and in a non-judgmental one.”
Speaking last Friday on Wear It Purple Day, a national awareness campaign for LGBTI young people, La Trobe Unveristy student Jess Panczel said same-sex attracted youth had been used as “political pawns” during the 2016 election season.
Ms Panczel, who is president of the university’s Rainbow Eagles LGBTI club, described the plebiscite as “a complete waste of time”.
“You never hear people talking about straight rights like this,” she said, explaining days like Wear It Purple made increased levels of support in the community more visible.
“You can feel pretty isolated, particularly in country towns like Bendigo, but seeing people have your back is really great.”
“I think more and more every year you see people getting on board with the cause.”
Mark Kearney
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
Journalist. Traveller. Pop culture connoisseur. Mark is passionate about education, the arts and social justice, especially stories affecting the LGBTI community.
