Category: Uncategorized

Pride means to be able to walk in public with confidence and head held high. To be able to say ‘I’m a gay man’ in conversation with strangers. To listen to and acknowledge the journeys travelled by the elders who have paved the way for this life we lead

My message to men who were unjustly convicted is thank you for paving the way to allow for the lives we lead. Keep telling your stories even to those who don’t listen. Your stories are part of our history.

 

Pride means being proud of who I am despite my differences. That I am just as worthy as everyone else. That I have just as much positivity, life, and energy to contribute to the world as everyone else. That I want to leave the world a little bit better off for those I leave behind, especially LGBTIQ people, other minorities and the Planet

My message to men who were unjustly convicted is thankyou for being who you are, for having the incredible courage to be visible in an oppressive, homophobic world, for having the internal strength to pave the way for the next generation of LGBTIQ people and making our lives a lot easier. We are eternally grateful xx

What’s changed? Shit’s gotten way better in my life time but we’ve got a way to go. Get out of the way bitches! Who run da world? Homos

My mask, entitled Breaking Out, symbolises the gay struggle. The inner yellow is the egg yolk, the shells represent the barriers we face, which is slowly splitting and breaking apart. The outward eyes show that, despite out challenges, we are looking outwards and forwards.

 

Pride means I can be the person I really am, quite independent of the societal commentators on how one should think concerning one’s sexuality. To be relaxed as to how I conduct myself as a gay man in everyday activities. To feel at home with the human race in the uniqueness of each life.

My message to gay and bisexual men who were unjustly charged is to simply move on with your life and don’t try to seek approval for the person you are. Experience shows that those who don’t seek approval are the very ones who receive most approval. Seek friends, acquaintances and groups which accept and love you for the person you are. In conversations, always look people in the eye to assert your own approval because there is nothing to be ashamed of.

From us being looked upon as deviant and immoral by society, government, the churches and police, to tolerance and acceptance, gay and bisexual men have been involved with television programs, movies, education and politics. They’ve had a big influence on fashion design and for men the introduction of smart slim fit clothing and body jewellery which has caught on in a big way in the straight world. These changes came as Australia has moved towards being a secular society where the influence of religious traditions has been greatly diminished and many people make their assessments from other sources. Its only in recent times that the presence of gay and bisexual men has made impact on the powers of government and authorities. The LGBTI’s Pride March has been participated in by federal and state parliamentarians, the armed services and the police force. These changes of attitudes are not ubiquitous, there are still many people who cannot come to be open to new ideas in a progressive society

My mask has a group of soldiers ready to obey orders but as individuals they have minds of their own. Some will be gay and have infatuations of love and desire for each other. They would love to embrace in the bushes but they know being gay is forbidden and such feelings are supressed. The letters FRS+P represent my fears of my sexual feelings (F). (R) represents the risks I have taken in the process. (S) represents the guilt and shame I’ve experienced due to my religious teachings and the attitudes towards homosexuality. (P) represents the pride I now feel having broken down these barriers. I’ve shown a smiling mouth.

Pride means to me being able to live my life true to myself, having true friends around me, gay, bi, straight. Being able to feel comfortable with all my friends as a gay man and Drag Queen. The total acceptance of family and friends of who I am. Doing my best to pass on advice of my life and give as many hugs as possible. Help younger and older LGBTIQ family

My message to Stay Strong. As hard as it is, try to come to terms with this issue. There is help out there for you all. And remember – you are loved. We will always pay tribute to everyone who suffered these injustices

The mask I made today encompasses me as a gay man, having come out at the age of 15 I have seen a lot of changes – some good and some not. But we are family. We are loved. Hugs to the World.