GenQ
http://www.generationq.net/opinion/other-words/the-australia-day-vigil-3018.shtmlThe Australia Day Vigil
When I first read about the story of Craig Gee I was horrified. After reading some user comments on the SSO website I became more and more eager to want to do something.
When I first read about the story of Craig Gee I was horrified. After reading some user comments on the SSO website I became more and more eager to want to do something. But what? My question was answered when mention was made of holding a vigil to show support for Craig and other victims of homophobic violence, and also to show the police we were no longer going to be ignored. He asked if people would be willing to help, and I was! I did what I could to help out, printing posters and postcards advertising the vigil. Also, with the help of some colourful friends (Summer and Belinda) we got signatures for the petition on Friday night, wandering up and down Oxford Street.
The road to get the vigil up and running however was a little bumpy, and at one stage I didn’t think it would go ahead. With some dedication though, the organisation of the vigil was picked up where it left off, and things were happening again. With a great list of performers including the Sydney Homotones, Courtney Act, and Shauna Jenson, and a reputable list of guest speakers the event was shaping up.
The diversity of people in the crowd made it clear to me that the issues at hand were affecting everyone, and no barriers were stopping us from getting our message across.
I didn’t think it would be so hot on the day, and with not much shade in the middle of the park, people’s faces were sure to melt right off. A quick rush home to get a Jackroo for the Homotones was needed, who could be expected to blow in that kind of heat? As 4pm loomed we were a little worried at the lack of people who were scattered around in the shaded areas, but over the next half hour the crowds grew and things were looking good. The diversity of people in the crowd made it clear to me that the issues at hand were affecting everyone, and no barriers were stopping us from getting our message across. Even our puppies were out to show support, and while some were clearly in training for the Fair Day Parade, others seemed happy to sit and be part of the crowd.
The volunteers all looked great in matching shirts (I’m biased of course, I screen-printed them) and the heat didn’t put us off getting the job done. And despite the heat, which clearly affected one speaker, people seemed happy to be supporting something worthwhile. The performances were awesome, and speakers, including MCs Maxi Shields and Steph Sands, were making some good points. Everyone blew their free whistles and the sea of pink Aussie flags (especially on Australia Day) was a real sight. While others estimate 1000 people attended, I reckon it was closer to 2000!
For me the best part of the day came when everyone marched up Oxford Street (which the organisers forgot to mention to the police, oops). We took over the bus lane, and at one point stopped traffic. Courtney Act saw a photo opportunity and took it, posing on the bonnet of a car for anyone who had a camera. Go Courtney! There was a guy with a bugle giving us some inspirational marching toots, a couple of rainbow banners, whistles blowing, and pink Aussie flags and rainbow flags waving. It was a fantastic show of support against homophobia, and proved that people do still care about the state of Oxford Street.
If you couldn’t make it to the vigil but would like to show your support, stop by the Safe Place (across from the Shift) and sign the petition being presented to NSW Parliament by Clove Moore. It will be there all this weekend during operating hours.