Apologising for the old anti-gay laws.

[Gruffudd]

I dont know about the rest of you but for me hearing an apology for the old anti-gay laws is rather a big thing. I remember the end of those laws in the 1980's and just how awful and demeaning the discussion was. I was a child and figuring out how I fitted into the world, that was the world I knew. How far we have come since then. The premier is even supporting marriage.

Then I still think there is room for things to improve. Until LGBTI people are no longer subjected to violence, harassment, and bullying, the work isn't done. This is an important step in recognising the treatment of gay men to have been wrong, but in this lets not forget the treatment of our trans sisters and brothers and our lesbian friends, both groups have been there with us all the way through the struggle for equality - gay men would not be being apologised to without the rest of the community.

This gives me hope for the future of our young people, I want them to never worry about some of the stuff I have had to deal with. And for Victoria, it makes it feel like it is the place to be.

Rob.

[Gruffudd]

Listening to the Premier speak, as it progressed it felt like he was talking to me. Since it has occurred to me that being told that my life and other LGBTI lives matter brings something else. I feel like I belong in a place I have lived most of my life. I hadn't expected that, I think I am so used to those messages that I am not wanted, or my gender or sexuality is not OK, I have a solidarity with all those people like me, and my reaction is to be what I am even if that has meant not belonging. It helps to have it acknowledged that there are hardships still and to think that a government might want to join with us to change that. It doesn't seem real, and I really hope this change lasts and spreads further.

If you haven't watched the video of the Premiers speech please do.

So I might have just felt a little pride in being a Victorian for the very first time in my life. This qualifies as strange.

[HA1]

Hi Gruffudd

Just wanted to let you know that optimism in your post was so good to read. A spark of light!

I also recall reading that QLD is looking at at some substantive changes!

Thanks for sharing,

K

[Paul]

Small steps and small victories, then there's this! This is an amazing thing for a premier to do SO much respect from me for making a giant leap.

Paul

[Chris_B]

For anyone who missed it, here is the full speech:

[Kazzl]

In tears. Huge respect to the Premier and the Victorian Parliament, showing us the way.

What an historic day, and what an amazing speech! Sometimes, just sometimes, after a long time, a government gets it right. Wish I was a Victorian.

Thanks for posting this Chris.