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THIS IS OZ EXHIBITION TO KICK OFF AIDS AWARENESS WEEK IN PORT MAC

Wed, 11/11/2009 - 11:04am — admin

11 November 2009

Port Macquarie MLA Peter Bessling has joined Wallabies captain Sterling Mortlock, Olympic champion Matthew Mitcham, Greens Leader Sen. Bob Brown, cast members from Home & Away, players from the Penrith Panthers and many other famous and everyday faces to be part of a national campaign to fight discrimination against Australia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community.

Called This Is Oz, the project is an online photo gallery where participants can upload pictures of themselves with messages that challenge homophobia or celebrate diversity and social inclusion. The web address is www.thisisoz.com.au

Submissions to the project from Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast residents are set to be showcased at an exhibition at the Port Macquarie Library on 24 November at 6pm to mark the beginning of AIDS Awareness Week.

Produced by ACON, Australia’s largest community-based GLBT and HIV/AIDS organisation, the project aims to improve services and opportunities for GLBT Australians by demonstrating public support for GLBT rights as well as illustrating the impact that homophobia has on the whole community.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says This Is Oz is all about making Australia a place where everyone belongs. “As Australians, we pride ourselves on the principles of freedom and equality that have become hallmarks of our society,” Mr Parkhill says. “However, unjust laws and unfriendly attitudes mean that GLBT Australians don’t always get a fair go.

“While the reforms that have been made recently at the Federal level are a step in the right direction, there’s still a long way to go before the journey’s over. We know that a great many Australians share our vision for an inclusive Australia. This Is Oz offers them a simple yet powerful way to speak up and show their support for a society that embraces diversity and accepts people on face value.”

Port Macquarie residents are being encouraged to participate in both the campaign and the local exhibition by submitting images to ACON’s office in Port Macquarie. Alternatively, a photographer can be made available on request.

Images should be emailed to kheap@acon.org.au by Monday 16 November or contact Kim at ACON on (02) 6584 0943 for more information.