Gay former DJ runs with Greens in Melbourne
Former DJ James Harrison has been announced as the Greens candidate against Coalition MP Kelly O’Dwyer in the inner-east Melbourne seat of Higgins in the upcoming federal election.
Harrison has been involved in Melbourne’s LGBTI community as a DJ and advocate for years, and told the Star Observer his experiences helped inform his decision to enter politics.
“When many have to go through a process of coming to terms with our own sexuality…I think that puts us in a position to be more open minded about the world generally, and to question social norms,” he said.
“I started up a small youth group encouraging LGBTI young people to get more involved in outdoor activities, rock climbing and things like that, because I really felt there’s a need for more positive ways of interacting and meeting people outside bars and clubs.”
Harrison said that while he is “passionate” about LGBTI issues, climate change was his biggest concern.
“That’s one of the main reasons I’ve chosen to run with the Greens…we need to be doing a lot more to cut pollution and transition to a sustainable society,” he said.
As the current MP for Higgins, Kelly O’Dwyer made headlines earlier this year by announcing her support for marriage equality in opposition to her party’s platform.
