Stars rally for the Star
FROM activists to actors, musicians to comedians, a flurry of famous faces have got behind the Star Observer’s fundraising campaign.
Singer Dannii Minogue, campaigner Peter Tatchell, Ru Paul’s Drag Race contestant Courtney Act and Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn (who plays Hodor) are just some of the names to back the publication – Australia’s oldest LGBTI news source – in its quest to raise $75,000 through a crowdfunding campaign.
The deadline to reach the target expires tomorrow, with the publication warning that if it does not receive at least the full amount, all the money will be returned to donators.
Comedian Josh Thomas said “yes” to the fundraiser and encouraged his fans to follow his lead and become “a fucking hero” by donating.
I donated to @star_observer‘s pozible campaign because I am a fucking hero. You could be one too: http://t.co/DqfTSQv707
— Josh Thomas (@JoshThomas87) September 2, 2014
Walkley-nominated SBS journalist and 2014 Mardi Gras telecast co-presenter, Patrick Abboud, said the Star Observer was “one of our most important GLBTQI mags,” with quality reporting and “solid investigative journalism,” words echoed by his news colleague Anton Enus.
Quality reporting. Solid investigative journalism. Save @star_observer one of our most important GLBTQI mags http://t.co/0cWWjeWsbj — Patrick Abboud (@PatrickAbboud) September 2, 2014
Star of Channel 9’s House Husbands, Julia Morris, said “love love love… Star Observer” and asked her followers to make a pledge.
@star_observer Love love love Sydney Star Observer. Would love your support to keep this gem alive http://t.co/H4mY2GKDTb jx
— Julia Morris (@Ladyjmo) August 29, 2014
X Factor judge and sister to Kylie, Dannii Minogue, tweeted the campaign to more than a million followers.
Meanwhile, author Benjamin Law encouraged his “fellow gaylords” to send a few dollars the Star’s way.
Independent #LGBTIQ publication @star_observer (est. 1979) needs our help to survive. Get involved, fellow gaylords. http://t.co/SUUdVA06UI — Benjamin Law (@mrbenjaminlaw) August 20, 2014
Walkey award-winning ABC journalist and Star Observer contributor Monique Schafter, actors Magda Szubanski and Tim Campbell and comedians Tom Ballard, Pam Ann, Nath Valvo and Joel Creasey also backed the fundraiser.
They joined musicians Sam Sparro, The Presets, Beccy Cole, Nathalie Bassingthwaite and Anthony Callela, out gay sport stars Matthew Mitcham, Belle Brockhoff and Jason Ball, as well as UK rugby hunk and anti-homophobia campaigner Ben Cohen.
Organisations publicly supporting the campaign include renowned US LGBTI equality organisation GLAAD, Australian Marriage Equality, Black Rainbow, the LGBTI Health Alliance, ACON, the Victorian AIDS Council, Living Positive Victoria, the gay and lesbian rights lobbies in NSW and Victoria, QueerScreen, DIY Rainbow, Harbour City Bears, and festivals Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Brisbane Pride and Midsumma.
Star Observer chief executive Daniel Bone said support was heartening: “It is wonderful to see so many well-known people and community leaders from not just Australia – but across the world – making a public statement of support for the Star Observer and recognising the importance of insuring our community continues to have a strong and vibrant independent voice.”
Donations to the Star Observer campaign can be made until just after 3pm on Thursday, September 4 at http://www.pozible.com/project/185044
Others who have tweeted in support of the Star Observer’s crowdfunding campaign:
The @star_observer needs your help. Please donate to keep this important Australian institution on her feet http://t.co/E0g4cb9E7M
— Courtney Act (@courtneyact) September 2, 2014
Over the years @star_observer has always been so supportive of me & many other artists adventures! F*cking pledge! http://t.co/vCUoAd2qzU
— Nath Valvo (@nathvalvo) August 14, 2014
“@star_observer: @SteveGrandMusic Just because I <3 my Aussies “were Australia’s oldest LGBT news outlet & need help http://t.co/YFCyW7Z7sT”
— Steve Grand (@SteveGrandMusic) August 30, 2014
Australia’s oldest #LGBT publication needs you. Help protect the @star_observer! Donate at http://t.co/eY9ei4wtWc
— GLAAD (@glaad) September 2, 2014
Protect independent LGBTI journalism. @star_observer needs your help. http://t.co/6h5o2mCnZ9
— Monique Schafter (@MoniqueSchafter) August 20, 2014
Just put in my support for a magazine who has supported me from the beginning. Good luck @Star_Observer! http://t.co/4YzusMb94e
— Brendan Maclean (@macleanbrendan) August 31, 2014
Please have a look MT @star_observer Just hours left in Pozible campaign! Aust’s oldest LGBT news outlet needs help: http://t.co/Y9RVEaaP0n
— Anton Enus (@AntonEnus) September 2, 2014
Donations to the Star Observer campaign can be made until just after 3pm on Thursday, September 4 at http://www.pozible.com/project/185044
