Doug PollardRainbow Report on Community
April 9th 2009 01:55
Our topic on the Rainbow Report tonight is community – what exactly is this thing we call ‘the gay and lesbian community? Does it really exist? And if it does, then what does it want?
Politicians say it’s divided, and doesn’t know what it wants. This is the excuse for the rather weak stance on same-sex relationship recognition in the Labor Partys draft national platform, which says nothing about marriage and is allegedly weak on civil unions.
This issue has given rise to a lot of sniping online, with activists divided over whether this is an issue worth fighting over.
However, rather than argue over what we want, surely it’s better to ask. A couple of researchers have set out to do just that.
Sharon Dane, a psychologist and researcher at the University of Queensland, is asking how we want mainstream society to recognise our relationships , and what different types of relationships we form.
While Dr Warwick Hosking of Victoria University is also interested in gay mens relationships. His survey is looking at the role of monogamy, what the rules or arrangements are set up or established within relationships, and do those arrangements affect safe sex practices?
Taken together these two surveys should shed some light on the workings of the GLBTI community and what we expect from the rest of society.
One of the collision points with the mainstream is where the gay community meets up with God. And one of the most difficult relationships we’ve had in recent years – and it’s not getting any better – is with the Roman Catholic Church.
Except in Brisbane, where Father Peter Kennedy has been welcoming same-sex couples and even the gay and lesbian choir at St Marys, until his archbishop threw him out. He’ll join us tonight to give us the latest.
And finally Kaye Sera will ponder just what community means as she peers beneath the bonnet.
That’s all on the Rainbow Report Thursday April 9, 7-8pm AEST. Join in on (03) 9699 2949, text 0427 JOY 949 or email onair@joy.org.au.
"When the Pope marries her son to his boyfriend in St Peters, Rome, we'll know we're getting somewhere."
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Comment by Lady Henrietta Muddling
Potter in a Harry
All this research by all these "fellows". When the issue is so simple at the core.
But that's life I guess. The more educated you get the more you complicate simple issues.
Comment by Doug Pollard
Current Affairs
Rainbow Reporter