Protest small but successful
Organisers of last Thursday’s black armband rally against Centrelink changes were pleased with the event despite a meagre turn-out of eleven people.
Organised by members of Concerned Older Lesbians (COL), the rally encouraged protesters to wear black and don pink triangles, to draw attention to concerns that upcoming changes to Centrelink entitlements will unfairly disadvantage gay and lesbian welfare recipients.
The event may have only attracted a small number but COL organiser Pearlie McNeil was pleased with the impact it had on the wider public.
At least four people came up to us who were directly affected. I was surprised by the reaction from the general public, because five years ago, I would have expected a lot of hostility, McNeil told Sydney Star Observer.
Members of the general public asked us what the pink triangle meant and we handed out fliers, so we drew a lot of attention.
There will be a follow-up protest in early May to try and garner further support, McNeil added.
I think we knew when we went that not everyone could make that time so we would like to have another event -” possibly on May 1. Sometimes these grassroots things have to develop momentum and then people get to know about it and they come.
I agree with Shane: Where were the socialists trying to sell everyone a Green Left Weekly?
On a more serious note, I didn’t even know it was on.
Also no matter how much we support a cause, Many of us do work, therefore do not have the opporunity to attend a protest during working hours.
Wheres my right to marry Kevin Rudd? So much for “so called equality”?
I have great sympathy for your cause, Lavender. Though I’m not affected, I still recognise that those HIV+ and elderly glbqti are family too and I’ve been arguing against the tide for years for the rights of those who will lose out. At the ‘gay marriage’ rallies, hundreds turned out. Where were all those ‘leaders’, rent-a-heads, ‘community’ orgs, ‘activists’ and so on at your rally? One could be forgiven for thinking that they just don’t give a shit about the poor, struggling and marginalised. I guess it’s just not glam enough.
To James, Gary & Oliver,
Why don’t you show us how cool you are & get active around issues which impact negatively the lives of gay men? Oh dear – all is rosy in your lives! Maybe take your blinkers off?
And note too – that the Concerned Older Lesbians demo was not just about lesbians’ lives – but all that the government (& others) call same-sex.
It is too easy to criticise, & its clear that the homophobes & their allies like to see bitchy & destructive comments from & between members of our communities. It’s called wedge politics.
Try replacing cynicism with reality!
I live in hope. . . . .
Hi, I’m a media student from the University of Sydney and I would like to find someone affected by the centrelink changes to share their views on how it is affecting them and their partner. I can be contacted by email at [email protected] and from there I would be happy to arrange a phone or personal interview. Thank you in advance for donating your time.
OLIVER: DO YOU SUGGEST ANY PERSON OVER 65 AND NOT A SELF FUNDED MILLIONAIRE – VOLUNTARILY PRESENT THEMSELVES TO A CAMP WHERE THEY CAN BE GASSED AND CREMATED?
THEY COULD ISSUE US WITH TWO-TONE GREY/PINK TRIANGLES TO PIN ON OUR STRIPPED PYJAMAS – ONE WAY TO SAVE FREE HANDOUTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT. ALL GAYS SHOULD BE SHOULDER TO SHOULDER SUPPORTING THOSE WONDERFUL, BRAVE LESBIANS. WHY ARE YOUNG HOMOSEXUAL MEN SO TERRIFIED OF AGE AND DISRESPECT THE AGED SO MUCH? I GUESS THERE IS NOT MUCH “GAYNESS” IN THE THOUGHT OF NOT BEING PRETTY AND DESIRED ANYMORE… IT’S TOO TOO, CONFRONTING. OLD, GAY, AND LONELY AND A GOVERNMENT FREE HANDOUT!!… WHOA!!
Eleven people showed up! Eleven people who want easy money from Government handouts! How many for May 1st, 2 people.
It’s always good to have a day out.
It doesn’t matter what age you are.
Eleven people and it was deemed a success? You’re joking aren’t you?
Great work by the Concerned Older Lesbians women. Wish I could have been there.
Re the numbers – it’s the impact that matters. And sometimes the public will listen & look more carefully when confronted by a less daunting number. From the photo it looks like the black with the pink triangles made a great impact.
And as for older lesbians getting OUT THERE & doing something – well this will counter those snide comments heard now & again about 1970s feminist & lesbians. Direct action – once learnt, never forgotten!
I hope that you will do it again on the 1st May.
Go women!!