One year ago today on Wear it Purple Day 2014, Rainbow Territory was formed to advocate for the human rights of Northern Territorians who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ).
Rainbow Territory was created in direct response to homophobic comments made by David Tollner, who at the time was Deputy Chief Minister. “Tollner’s comments were the starting point for many Rainbow Territory members. Working together to end the ongoing discrimination and inequality in the NT is what has kept people involved and energised”, says Rainbow Territory member Jane Black.
In the past twelve months, Rainbow Territory has…
- Held an equality rally at Parliament House
- Built a rainbow boat and sailed it in the Beer Can Regatta
- Made a submission to the review of the NT Domestic and Family Violence Act which highlighted LGBTIQ people’s experience of domestic and family violence, including young LGBTIQ people who are subject to family violence while still living at home
- Built, run and promoted the www.outnt.info community website and newsletter
- Conducted a LGBTIQ community survey that received over 100 responses
- Developed skills and strategies through planning and advocacy workshops
- Made a submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission regarding LGBTQI rights
Rainbow territory is supporting Wear it Purple Day. Wear it Purple Day was created to promote a world in which every young person can thrive, irrelevant of sex, sexuality or gender identity, a world where rainbow young people can be safe, supported and empowered in each of their environments. Rainbow Territory is calling on people living in the NT to wear purple this Friday, and to get active beyond Wear It Purple Day.
“Based on the responses to our survey Rainbow Territory is aware there is still a lot of work to do to end discrimination based on a person’s sexuality or gender identity” says Rainbow Territory member Jane Black. Over 100 LGBTQI Territorians and their allies responded to a 2014 survey by Rainbow Territory. Two thirds of those people had experienced LBGTIQ related verbal abuse. Around one quarter had experienced physical and domestic abuse, and racial discrimination.
Survey respondents support changing the NT Anti-Discrimination Act to include ‘gender identity’ and remove the exemption for religious education institutions to discriminate on the basis of sexuality.
Changes in the NT Anti-vilification Law to include protection on the basis of sexual orientation and, the Federal ‘Marriage Act’ to allow marriage equality were also important to survey respondents.
Rainbow Territory wants you to Wear it Purple on Friday August 28, and get active. If you would like to get involved in our LGBTIQ law and policy reform campaign contact Rainbow Territory through our website www.outnt.info/rainbowterritory/
Rainbow Territory welcomes new members from throughout the Territory.