Newsletter / May 2010
Welcome Welcome to the first Pride in Diversity e-Bulletin. This e-bulletin will be produced for members and subscribers on an quarterly basis and is designed to keep you up-to-date on any up and coming events, recent LGBT news, member achievements/news, community volunteering opportunities as well as what’s happening within the world of Pride in Diversity. If you have received this bulletin, you have been automatically registered as a member on our subscriber list. However, we are more than happy for any of your employees, LGBT network members or outside interested parties to receive this. Shortly, we will have a sign-up page on the website, until then, should you wish for any names to be added, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A Word From Diversity Council Australia A couple of years ago, DCA saw a need for an organisation that could work with employers to encourage more LGBT-friendly workplaces in Australia, similar to the work being done by Stonewall in the UK. In the spirit of selfdetermination, we felt it was important for the LGBT community to own such a program so supported ACON, with its strong links to the community, in establishing the Pride in Diversity program. DCA was delighted to be able to bring its knowledge from working with employers in the area of diversity to its establishment phase. We encourage employers to get on board with Pride in Diversity and show leadership by supporting diversity and eliminating discrimination and harassment against LGBT employees. Progressive organisations are already recognising they need to draw on talent from all sections of the population and create a workforce culture that embraces diversity in all its forms. Putting into practice workplace changes to attract and retain LGBT employees not only shows support for these employees but brings business benefits in terms of corporate reputation, productivity and market share.
Media Release: Sydney Launch of Pride in Diversity The launch was a fabulous success with approximately 230 people attending. A big thank you to KPMG for hosting the launch, supplying us with a wonderful venue and lots of celebratory food and wines! We received some really positive coverage within both the gay press and mainstream media. The following release ran in several papers, HR magazines and online news agencies across the country:
Leading Employers Sign Up To Create Gay-Friendly Workplaces Some of Australia’s highest profile employers have come out to support the Sydney launch of Pride in Diversity, a program which aims to make workplaces more responsive to the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. This new program has been created by ACON – Australia’s largest community-based LGBT health organisation – in partnership with Diversity Council Australia – the independent, not-for-profit diversity advisor to business – and London-based LGBT advocacy group Stonewall UK. Officially launched today (10 February, 2010) in Sydney by the Hon. Michael Kirby, the importance of the initiative has already been recognised by a broad range of leading Australian employers which have signed up as foundation members of the program. These include IBM, KPMG, ING Australia, Goldman Sachs JBWere, Lend Lease, the Department of Defence, the Australian Federal Police and Telstra. Pride In Diversity Director Dawn Hough says the program is Australia’s first employer support program for the inclusion of LGBT people and is all about helping Australian employers introduce human resource and diversity policies that specifically support LGBT staff. “Research shows that up to 60 per cent of LGBT people experience some form of harassment at work during their careers,” Ms Hough says. “That’s four times the rate of the general population.” Ms Hough says the treatment that many LGBT people experience in the workplace can range from negative comments through to open abuse from both management and colleagues. “This causes many LGBT people to feel uncomfortable in their workplace which can significantly impair their performance.” This is backed up by Dr. Raymond Trau from the Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies at University of Sydney. “Our research shows that an inability to be oneself at work, to constantly feel
PRIDE IN DIVERSITY Newsletter / May 2010
the need to self-edit conversations and to take on a different persona in order to be accepted, has a very real impact not only on the employee, but on the organisation itself,” Dr Trau says. Ms Hough says fear of abuse or discrimination forces many LGBT people to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity while they’re at work, leading to an increase in anxiety or depression. “It’s a very serious issue and employers across the board really need to be taking action to ensure they provide a sufficient duty of care.” ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says following the Australian Government’s recent same-sex law reforms it’s time for employers to fully support their LGBT staff. “Many companies throughout Australia have policies that support diversity in the areas of age, gender, cultural background and disability but hardly any have initiatives that support LGBT people. We’re grateful for the support of Pride In Diversity’s foundation members and look forward to other organisations coming on board to address this important issue in Australian workplaces.” Diversity Council Australia CEO Nareen Young says this is the first time that anything like this has been attempted in Australia. “We’re encouraging businesses and employers throughout Australia to get involved in the program. Participation allows them to not only show support for their LGBT employees but also gain business benefits in terms of reputation, recruitment, retention, productivity and market share. Stonewall UK’s Diversity Champions program has enjoyed enormous success with its LGB workplace inclusion program and now Australia has one that is set to do the same.” Employers will also soon be able measure how inclusive their workplace is of LGBT staff with Pride In Diversity’s forthcoming Australian Workplace Equality Index.
Nareen Young, CEO, Diversity Council Australia, Mark Orr, President, ACON, The Hon. Michael Kirby AC, CMP, The Hon Catherine Branson QC, Human Rights Commissioner, Dawn Hough, Program Director, Pride in Diversity, Nicolas Parkhill, CEO, ACON
Michael West from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council gave a welcome to country. Master of Ceremonies: Richard Wilkins. Keynote Speaker: Hon. Michael Kirby AC, CMP
For more information, visit www.prideindiversity.com.au
Membership Update: Welcome new members Since our launch, we have presented Pride in Diversity to a significant number of organisations both within the private and public sector. While many are looking at membership in the new financial year, we are pleased to welcome on board: • Department of Health and Ageing • Suncorp
Pride in Diversity Foundation Members join The Hon. Michael Kirby AC, CMP and The Hon Catherine Branson QC, Human Rights Commissioner for a photo opportunity.
PRIDE IN DIVERSITY Newsletter / May 2010
Mardi Gras 2010: PID Fair Day And Mardi Gras Participation Pride in Diversity participated for the first time in the Sydney fair day and in the Mardi Gras parade, tagging on to the end of ACON’s 25 year celebratory float. Fair Day provided us with an opportunity to speak to employees of member organisations and to introduce ourselves to LGBT employers at the event. Dawn Hough and Gerry Meleady at PID’s first Fair Day stall, 2010.
The excitement of Mardi Gras was shared with employees from KPMG, Telstra, Australian Federal Police and ING Australia. A big thank you to Gabriel Maciel from ING Australia who joined the parade to photograph some of the excitement on the night. Next year we are anticipating an independent float with many more of our members joining in.
Pride in Diversity members prepare for the first PID Mardi Gras parade – supported by KPMG, Telstra and Australian Federal Police and ING Australia.
This Is Oz THIS IS OZ is an online photo gallery where people upload an image of themselves holding a hand written message addressing discrimination, diversity or equality. By doing so they contribute to helping fight discrimination against Australia’s LGBT community. Part art project, part human rights campaign, This Is Oz is all about making Australia a place where everyone belongs. This is a unique opportunity to promote your organisation as supporting LGBT diversity and inclusion. We encourage you to get some of your executive, LGBT networks or general employees together for a group photo for the THIS IS OZ website in support of IDAHO. Feel free to incorporate company banners or logos …. !!! Take a stand and show your support today! For This Is Oz, Vanessa Trezise, Sydney Sky News Presenter
PRIDE IN DIVERSITY Newsletter / May 2010
“The forum was extremely moving for many, and hearing first hand the stories of some of those within the LGBT community clearly touched the hearts and opened the eyes of many who had previously had very little opportunity to participate in such an open sharing of personal lives or the opportunity to ask questions that, on an everyday basis, one may not feel comfortable asking,” Ms Hough said.
The next training course, planned for May, will be open to AFP members from across Australia.
PID Attends AFP GLLO Training Australian Federal Police runs a three day program for their GLLO members (Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers). Dawn Hough, Program Director PID attended the three day program in April which covered general LGBT awareness, police specific topics of interest, a presentation from the ACT AIDS Action Council and a moving panel of LGBTI members. Congratulations to Delia Quigley for an extremely well run and inspiring event.
Pride In Diversity Takes Another Step Forward Date published: 19/04/2010 10:15 The first Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer training program to be held in three years, and the first since the AFP became a foundation member of Pride in Diversity, has attracted a number of Canberra-based AFP members interested in contributing to the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) network. Pride in Diversity Program Manager Dawn Hough was joined by Australian Defence Force members and sworn and unsworn AFP members who are interested in diversity issues, regardless of their own gender orientation. “This program provided valuable information on some of the unique challenges faced by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community. The fact that it was attended by so many members of the AFP who do not identify as LGBT but who wanted to show their support and to understand some of the challenges faced by the community is a great testament to the work that has already been done by the AFP in this space,” Ms Hough said. A feature of the three-day program was the two-hour long LGBT community panel held in the IDG Theatrette that was open to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the LGBT Community and the issues they sometimes still face.
The panel was followed by a BBQ so panel and LGBT community members and existing GLLOs could share their experiences with the new GLLOs and give them an idea of the issues that may arise for them during their tenure. The next training course, planned for May, will be open to AFP members from across Australia.
PID Speaks At Sydney University & NEEOPA Pride in Diversity had the opportunity late April to speak to a group of postgraduate students at Sydney University and the National Equal Employment Opportunity Practitioners Association in early May. At NEEOPA, Dawn was joined by Robyn Worthington from Goldman Sachs JBWere and Mike Gordon from IBM. These two foundation members provided a compelling business case for LGBT inclusion and spoke of their own LGBT diversity journey. Both of these awareness building sessions assist PID in getting the message out to diversity practitioners re: the importance of LGBT inclusion. Already booked for the Workplace Diversity Conference on June 17, we would be delighted to hear of any additional speaking opportunities that you become aware of. Likewise, if you would like us to speak at any of your organisational events, please do not hesitate to contact us.
PID First Seminar Series – Hold This Date The first of the PID seminar series is due to take place around 3pm on 27 May at Sydney University, followed by a networking event open to all PID members, and their LGBT employees. Small fee for non-member organisations. This seminar will discuss changing legislation in relation to LGBT employees and what it means for organisations in relation to building awareness, policy and change implementation. Our guest speaker is Cate Tinney, Director, Discrimination at Fair Work Ombudsman, and we’re also hoping to also engage one of our foundation members to relay their experience. Please hold this date, formal invitations will follow.
PRIDE IN DIVERSITY Newsletter / May 2010
Penrith Panthers
Get active for IDAHO on May 17! The International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is recognised in over 50 countries around the world on 17 May, the date in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.
Dawn Hough, Pride in Diversity Manager, Sydney
In Australia, although we’ve come a long way, unjust laws and unfriendly attitudes mean that discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people is still widespread. This is why we need IDAHO. It’s a great opportunity to challenge homophobia and transphobia and to celebrate diversity. Anyone can get involved and any action, big or small, makes a difference. Learn more about IDAHO at http://idahomophobia.org/wp/
The Circle, Network Ten
Easy ways to get active for IDAHO • Get involved with our online anti-homophobia project: www.thisisoz.com.au • Vote in the GLORIAs (www.theglorias.com. au), tongue-in-cheek awards for the most outrageous, ridiculous, ignorant comments made about GLBTI people • Learn more about GLBT discrimination in Australia (www.glrl.org.au) and talk to people about what you learn • Host a morning tea, bake a rainbow cake, fly a rainbow flag • Put up posters at your workplace or school about IDAHO or other GLBT issues • Some more ideas can be found at http://www. acon.org.au/about-acon/campaigns/speak-up. • Add an IDAHO message to your email signature • Write a letter to the editor about discrimination against GLBT people • Make an effort not to say ‘that’s so gay’ and speak to others about why not (www. thinkb4youspeak.com) For more ideas check out the IDAHO website (http://idahomophobia.org/wp/) and their 2009 Annual Report.
Home & Away stars
Member Articles Sought Each e-bulletin, would like to highlight one or two activities / achievements of our member organisations. If you would like an article placed within the next e-bulletin, please send your submission to dawn.hough@prideindiversity.com.au
PRIDE IN DIVERSITY Newsletter / May 2010
Recent News Fed Gov Urged To Protect Human Rights Of Gays, Lesbians + Transgenders 21/04/10 - After ruling out an Australian Bill of Rights, ACON has reaffirmed its call to the Federal Government to introduce anti-discrimination laws to protect the human rights of gay men, lesbians, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people. Following 18 months of community consultation, the Federal Attorney General Robert McClelland today announced that the new Australian Human Rights Framework will not include a human rights act or charter. Instead, he says the Government will review existing antidiscrimination legislation. ACON, Australia’s largest community-based GLBT health organisation, says Australia’s current Federal antidiscrimination legislation provides protection for every significant minority group in the country except GLBT people. ACON President Mark Orr says: “Right now, Commonwealth laws protect against discrimination only on the grounds of sex, race, disability and age.” “This means under Federal law, there is no protection for people who experience discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. “This is particularly concerning given that the Federal Government is now poised to take over the funding of hospitals and the management of primary health and aged care services across Australia. “This is clearly a matter which needs to be addressed as soon as possible, as it has the potential to undermine the equitable provision of health services to hundreds of thousands of GLBT taxpayers.” “There have been numerous consultations on this issue over many years. It’s now time for action. Federal antidiscrimination laws should be amended immediately to protect the rights of GLBT Australians.” Mr Orr says while increased funding for the Human Rights Commission and human rights education is welcome, it’s no substitute for legal protection. “Under NSW law, as well as those of other states, GLBT people are afforded varying degrees of protection against discrimination. “Despite the same-sex law reforms introduced by the Federal Government in July last year, GLBT people remain vulnerable to discrimination in the federal sphere. “Given the Federal Government’s commitment to ending discrimination and given that the overwhelming majority of Australian’s support anti-discrimination laws for GLBT people, we call on the Rudd Government to take immediate steps to protect the rights of GLBT people and make Australia a place where everyone belongs.”
Community Events, Volunteering & Fundraising Each e-bulletin we will highlight a different community event, volunteering or fundraising opportunity that your LGBT networks may like to get involved in. As organisations seek to engage with the community, these opportunities provide a meaningful way of showing support and raising awareness. For additional information on any of these opportunities, please contact Dawn Hough on (02) 9206 2136.
Anchors Aweigh! The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir and the Sydney Detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band, in conjunction with the Defence Gay & Lesbian Information Service present: Anchors Aweigh! A uniformly exciting evening of swing, jazz and that unforgettable big band sound. Venue: Paddington Town Hall Date: Saturday 22nd May @ 8pm Venue: Petersham Town Hall Date: Sunday 23rd May @ 3pm Tickets: $30 ($25 concession) plus booking fee Bookings: 1300 306 776 or www.mca-tix.com.au
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission An event to launch new research conducted by Victoria University and Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria, that will explore the sport experiences of LGBT communities in Victoria, is being held in May. Come Out to Play is the first comprehensive survey of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sport experience in Australia, and provides rich insight into the sporting lives, passions, rewards and challenges of these sports participants, supporters, volunteers and workers. Venue: VicHealth, 15-31 Pelham Street, Carlton Date: Thursday 20 May 2010 Time: 2.30pm Speakers include: • Dr Helen Szoke, Commissioner, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission • Todd Harper, CEO, VicHealth • Dr Caroline Symons, Senior Lecturer, Victoria University • Will Minson, Western Bulldogs Football Club If you would like to attend, please RSVP to VicHealth at dchristou@vichealth.vic.gov.au, or call (03) 9667 1354.
PRIDE IN DIVERSITY Newsletter / May 2010
TEE CHANGE How do you help GLBT Australians understand landmark legal reforms affecting their lives? How else but with a clutch of celebrities and a rack of designer T-shirts… Thirty years ago, laws affecting gay and lesbian Australians were nothing to celebrate. Homosexuality was a criminal offence, gay and lesbian relationships had no legal status and discrimination was an entrenched part of the legal landscape. Thankfully, times changed. Homosexuality was eventually decriminalised throughout Australia and gay men and lesbians started receiving some basic forms of relationship recognition. However, right up until last year, a raft of national laws still discriminated against same-sex couples in areas such as employee entitlements, privacy rights, tax, superannuation, child support and insurance. The change came in July 2009 when the Federal Government amended 85 pieces of Commonwealth legislation which discriminated against same-sex couples. It was an incredible outcome that came after years of moving protests and tireless lobbying from gay and lesbian activists. However, helping the GLBT community understand the complexities of the legal reforms was quickly identified as an issue that needed to be addressed. After all, what’s the point in having new rights and responsibilities if you don’t know what they actually are or how they will affect you? That’s the purpose of Wear It With Pride, a national campaign funded by the Federal Government that aims to increase awareness and understanding of the law reforms among members of Australia’s GLBT community. Launched on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in February, the campaign is based around a series of 85 designer T-shirts, with each shirt linked to one of the 85 historic reforms. A range of celebrities and GLBT community personalities appear in the campaign, each promoting a particular shirt/reform and then encouraging people to visit the Wear It With Pride website (www. wearitwithpride.com.au) to find out which shirts/ reforms ‘fit’ their individual circumstances. Some of the famous folk who’ve donated their time either as designers or ambassadors include singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte, TV personalities Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Ruby Rose, Kylie Gillies and Richard Reid, designers Charlie Brown, Reg Mombassa and Henry Roth, entertainer Todd McKenney, former Australian Medical Association President Prof. Kerryn Phelps,
PRIDE IN DIVERSITY Newsletter / May 2010
In addition to being a campaign ambassador, singer and TV presenter Natalie Bassingthwaighte allowed the video clip for her recent single Love Like This to be a promo for the campaign. Bassingthwaighte, whose T-shirt marks the changes to workplace laws, also gave all profits from the single to the campaign. “
renowned Indigenous arts practitioner Noel Tovey, The Veronicas’ Jess and Lisa Origliasso and Air Commodore Tracy Smart, the highest-ranking ‘out’ lesbian in the Australian Defence Force. In addition to the website and a national advertising schedule, the campaign also involves a series of information seminars delivered in cities and key regional centres across Australia. Created by leading advertising agency M&C Saatchi – which donated a significant amount of its time and expenses – the project was produced by ACON on behalf of the National LGBT Health Alliance. ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says he hopes the campaign will inspire GLBT community members to find out more about the new laws. “Despite the continuing debate around same-sex marriage and adoption, these new laws represent an important milestone for human rights in this country, an achievement of which we can all be proud,” he says. “They also mean a range of new and amended entitlements for samesex couples, so I encourage all GLBT community members to visit the campaign website or to contact their local ACON office for more information about the impact these new laws will have on their lives.” For all the details go to www.wearitwithpride.com.au
The 2nd Annual Workplace Diversity Forum
“Having the same legal rights for all relationships is a massive step forward for the community as a whole,” says TV presenter and DJ Ruby Rose whose shirt marks changes to relationship recognition. “I think the biggest difference (about these reforms) is the real sense of equality they will instill in the wider community - that our children are protected, property is protected the same way and that same-sex couples are allowed to express their love in the same way as everyone else.”
The 2nd Annual Workplace Diversity Forum in Sydney will feature leading case studies from organisations who have successfully promoted equal employment opportunity and inclusion initiatives within their business strategy. The forum is proudly supported by Diversity Council Australia and Pride in Diversity, both of which are organisations leading the charge in advancing and building awareness for diversity in Australian business and the workplace. This is your last chance to register to attend the Workplace Diversity Forum with the early bird offer, which expires 21 May 2010. Please contact Ark Group Australia on aga@arkgroupasia.com for more details on our early bird offer, or if you have any comments or suggestions regarding the forum.
Workplace Diversity Promoting equal employment opportunity and inclusion initiatives within your organisation Date: 17 - 18 June 2010 Location: Sydney Event Type: Connected forum and workshops Early bird ends 21st May 2010 Expert panel of speakers representing: • Allens Arthur Robinson (AAR) • Pride in Diversity • AH Revelations • Freehills • KPMG • Australian Employers’ Network on Disability • Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board Proudly supported by: Courtney Act is the high-profile alter ego of Sydney identity and entertainer Shane Jenek. Shane has chosen to represent this same-sex law reform campaign because he thinks equality is important and having it recognised is important.
• Diversity Council Australia • Pride in Diversity Official Media Partner: CCStrategy.com.au
PRIDE IN DIVERSITY Newsletter / May 2010
Contact Details Pride in Diversity PO Box 350 Darlinghurst 1300 Tel: (02) 9206 2136 | Fax: (02) 9206 2002 | Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088 Email: info@prideindiversity.com.au | www.prideindiversity.com.au
Proudly supported by our foundation members: