Ministry of Queer
(This article has been lost online due to the merger of the Southern Star and Sydney Star Observer websites. Below is the original unedited article. Our apologies for any inconvenience).
Ministry of queer
No, that’s not the name of a new dance album or an inner city fashion store; rather it’s a possible policy for queer organisations.
One of the recurring themes arising from many of the committees, government or otherwise on which I sit is “yes that’s a great idea, but from where do we get funding for it? Department of Justice? Health? Human Services? Communities?” It seems good ideas can disappear into a bureaucratic black hole simply because we don’t fit neatly into government organizational charts.
Now if we were contemplating ideas for young people it would be a case of going directly to Office for Youth. Indigenous issues have a Department of Aboriginal Affairs. So even though our needs are equally as important, GLBT people don’t have such a department to co-ordinate our needs within government.
So readers, what do you think? Is asking for a specific department within government (both at the state and Federal levels) something we need? Or is asking for it the equivalent of believing in Santa Claus – it’s too unrealistic? Please let the VGLRL and/or Southern Star know your thoughts.
I’ll take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy season and a queer new year. Rest up, spend time with those you love and we’ll see you refreshed for the fun of the Midsumma/ Pride March/ Queer Film/Chill out season…oh, and a couple of elections later in this year too!
By: Sally Goldner, the spokesperson for Transgender Victoria.
