Voting now open for GLORIAs

NSW Labor MLC Penny Sharpe is encouraging everyone to vote early and vote often for the the most ridiculous comments made about LGBTI people and their families during 2012.

Voting opens online today for the 2012 GLORIA (Gay & Lesbian Outrageous, Ridiculous and Ignorant Comment) Awards, which gives everyone an opportunity to expose public homophobia and transphobia in our community.

“This year we have received a bumper crop of over 80 nominations from around the world,” Sharpe said.

“A significant number from the political category came from the federal Parliament’s debate on marriage equality.

“The shortlist has now been decided, and online voting has opened for the winners in each of the six categories.”

Among those vying for a GLORIA this year are Cory Bernardi in the Politics / Law category for linking gay marriage for bestiality; Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the International category for saying homosexuality is ugly behaviour and Miranda Devine in the Media category, for her article linking gay marriage to the London riots;

In the Religion category is Major Andrew Craibe, a senior Salvation Army official who said that non-celibate LGBT people should be put to death; Margaret Court and Jason Akermanis are competing for the worst Sports comment award; and Rupert Everett for the silliest LGBTI comment from within the LGBTI community for saying ‘I can’t think of anything worse than being brought up by two gay dads’.

The winners in each category will be decided by an online voting process and announced at the awards night on October 24 at NSW Parliament House.

“This year we are very excited to have author and journalist David Marr as our host, and very special guest Joyce Maynge,” Sharpe said.

“The penultimate prize, the Golden GLORIA, for the worst comment of the year will be decided by those attending the awards via a ‘boo off’.”

To book tickets to the event or to vote, go to www.theglorias.com.au. Voting continues right up until 5pm on the awards night.