Sister speak
The views of women in the GLBTQ communities will be under the spotlight during this year’s Mardi Gras as part of the ‘Women Say Something’ event.
Two panels of illustrious women from different backgrounds will debate a series of topics of importance to GLBTQ women – pitched as The View, queered up.
The evening will be hosted by DJ Kate Monroe and consist of two sessions of debates, followed by music by DJ GI Jode from 10pm, when audiences can mingle and continue discussions.
Panelists announced so far include burlesque performer Lillian Starr; DJ and Natural State Living creator Kelly Lynch; gender-irreverent performance artist and activist Zoo (aka Cath Davies); Hellfire Club creator Jackie McMillan; two-time Olympic silver medallist and one of Australia‟s most renowned female cyclists, Michelle Ferris; queer indigenous presenter and blogger, Meggan Grose; community creative powerhouse Gillian Minervini; Lemons with a Twist organiser and business woman Mary Shalala; ‟78er, Order of Australia recipient and feminist bookshop owner Gail Hewison; and medical practitioner and commentator on public health and human rights Professor Kerryn Phelps.
“We are such a diverse community and with that there are many issues facing women that are hotly debated online, in bars, in clubs and in the community press. As part of our Say Something campaign, we are giving women a platform to have a say, and to join in a live discussion with our panelists, all prominent members of our communities,” said New Mardi Gras Co-chair Steph Sands
“As a community proper, we all essentially want the same thing, acceptance and equality. Let‟s start with acceptance of our differences and look at those issues facing us as a community.”
Women Say Something will be on Wednesday, March 2, 6.30pm for a 7pm start, upstairs at the Columbian Hotel. Entry is $20,
For more information on the panelists, go to www.facebook.com/WomanSaySomething
Hi Karin,
Thanks for your comment and interest in this issue. This issue is being addressed by New Mardi Gras in consultation with Organisation Intersex International Australia.
At present intersex is not included in the GLBTQ acronym in New Mardi Gras’ constitution, however New Mardi Gras is committed to a consultative and structured process in relation to its future inclusion. A number of different opinions have been communicated to New Mardi Gras directly by intersex individuals and organisations about the appropriateness of the official addition of the ‘I’ in the GLBTQ acronym.
Some are supportive of its inclusion and have lobbied for a constitutional changes, whilst other intersex individuals have clearly indicated that they do not wish for intersex to be added. It is important to New Mardi Gras that we approach this issue in a non-reactive way, and that changes to our constitution are supported by thorough consultation, research and due process with our members. In the mean time any intersex individual or organisation who wishes to participate or become involved in any of New Mardi Gras’ activities is welcome, and we are honoured to join in coalition in struggles against inequity.
Thanks
Steph
“GLBTQ”… are we to take it that I for intersex women are not to be included in this event? If we are to be included, then why have the organizers not made it clear and obvious by using the acronym GLBTIQ?
Hi All,
Just a small clarification on this otherwise excellent article.
Entry is $20 or “what you can afford”. We have done this to ensure accessibility to this event for all our diverse communities which means if you are unwaged you may attend this event for a gold coin donation, or even for free.
Happy Mardi Gras and looking forward to seeing you at the event.
Steph