Victorian Premier shares hate mail: ‘this is why we need IDAHOT’
Image: Daniel Andrews is the new Victorian Premier.
Please note: the content in this post may be offensive or hurtful to some readers.
TODAY is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) which was created to unite millions of people in support of the recognition of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been a vocal supporter of his state’s LGBTI people including marching in Pride March, extending funding to Safe Schools and confirming funding for a number of LGBTI initiatives in this year’s budget.
In honour of IDAHOT, and to demonstrate why it is important to recognise the amount of discrimination, homophobia and transphobia that still exists in the world, Andrews shared a small sample of the homophobic hate mail his office receives with website pedestrian.tv.
Below are screenshots of some of the emails Andrews shared. But he has a clear message for homophobes and transphobes: “Take your best shot, haters. These emails are going in the bin, because equality is not negotiable.”
“If this is what these people are prepared to say to a Premier, I shudder to think what they would say to young people who are hurting no one and who are just trying to be themselves,” Andrews told pedestrian.tv.
“Homophobia, prejudice and hate still exist in every country in the world and we have to call it out wherever we see it. These emails and letters serve only to remind us exactly why we need law reform, leadership and programs like Safe Schools.”
Below are some of the emails he shared:
Facebook users replied to Andrews’ post thanking him for his support, and shared their stories of bullying, discrimination and depression as a result of harassment they had received.
If you have experienced bullying or need someone to talk to, beyondblue offers LGBTI services and counselling. You can visit their website or call 1300 22 4636.
Whilst I do not agree with the style/delivery of many comments above addressed to the Victorian Premier, I do believe that every person in this country (which prides itself on giving everyone a go and fighting for freedom of opinion), needs to reconsider the definition of the word “bigot”.
Bigot = a person who is intolerant to those holding a different opinion.
Makes you wonder doesn’t it? Why is it that in 21st Cent. Australia, anyone with an opinion differing to that of those who are FOR same-sex ‘marriage’, are shut down, ridiculed – not tolerated, i.e. faced with an ever-growing wall of bigotry?
Since when, did any true Australian support the silencing of people’s opinions on a topic which is up for national debate?
…aaaaand, let the cherry-picking begin!!!
Please. If you actually follow some sort of bronze-age religion, keep it to yourself at home, or at your “place of vitriol” — oops, I mean “worship” (yeah, right). By the way, for those watching, you’re exactly 180 degrees to that person you’re supposed to be emulating…you remember him?? No, I guess not…
My opinion is that the vitriol-spewing “holy-rollers” need to get themselves into therapy– A.s.a.p. You have clearly got major, terrifying, repression issues with sex & sexuality– to the point you imagine all sorts of nonsense. Like, that you have ANY idea what it’s like to not ID at 100% hetero. But boy, you sure do think you’re the expert on something you know ZERO about. Step-off & worry about yourself & your issues & stop creating drama like a true queen…oh, wait-a-second! Hmm…….
And that is why email is outdated. Email and social networking such as facebook and others are open to abuse from bigoted thugs and ACL propaganda! This is the very reason why I do not use facebook or email! Thank You to the premier of Victoria and the Labor state government for the full implementation of LGBTO reforms! Bigots should have there rubbish put straight into the shredders were it belongs!