Intersex activist resigns as city councillor to focus on human rights

INTERSEX activist and former Hobsons Bay Mayor Tony Briffa has announced resignation from the council after five and a half years of service.

Briffa cited that one of the reasons for resigning was a desire to increase focus on human rights work in Australia and abroad, and with Organisation Intersex International Australia, where Briffa serves as Vice President.

“Next week I’m going to Turkey as part of an international meeting on GLBTI issues. I was in Malta two months ago as part of the International Intersex Forum. I’m doing more and more things about GLBTI human rights, and personally, leaving the council means I’ve got more time to focus on that, which is great,” Briffa told the Star Observer.

Briffa also spoke with pride about a host of achievements around LGBTI issues for the western suburbs of Melbourne over the past five and a half years on Hobson Bay Council.

“Even if we just talk queer stuff, up until me getting elected and doing what I’ve done, there were no GLBTI events in the western suburbs at all,” Briffa said.

“We’ve gone from nothing to now being the government partner of Midsumma and having 22 events as part of Midsumma in the western suburbs of Melbourne. I’m very pleased with what I’ve been able to do for the queer community and also non-GLBTI people.”

After serving two terms as Deputy Mayor, Briffa was appointed as an independent to the position of Mayor in 2011, becoming the world’s first openly intersex mayor and serving in the role until 2012.