The issue of LGBTI related domestic and family violence (DFV) will literally move to centre stage during a special Queer Thinking forum during this year’s Mardi Gras Festival.
Presented by ACON and Mardi Gras at the conclusion of a performance of the stage play Ladies Day at the SBW Stables Theatre on Saturday 27 February, a panel discussion will explore the impact of domestic and family violence on LGBTI people and communities, with one in three LGBTIQ people reporting some form of abuse at the hands of a partner or family member.
The panel will feature a range of experts from the DFV and LGBTI community sectors including Domestic Violence NSW CEO Moo Baulch, NSW Police Sgt. Kate Baker, Inner City Legal Centre solicitor Cedric Hassing and Ladies Day writer Alanna Valentine. A survivor of domestic violence will also speak about their experiences. The panel will be moderated by ACON Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator Kai Noonan.
Ladies Day explores the issue of LGBTI domestic and family violence through a dramatic story inspired by real stories from LGBTIQ community members in Broome. During the froth and festivity of the event, a brutal act of violence stands as a stark reminder that gay life in a remote Australian community is not just all swishy hemlines and debonair gents.
The Queer Thinking forum is titled Out Loud: About Domestic & Family Violence in LGBTQI Communities, and will take place in the Stables Theatre between the matinee and evening performances of the play on Saturday 27 February. Some of the questions that will be explored include – is this an epidemic in our communities? What are we going to do about it? What specific needs do LGBTQI people have? What are the barriers to getting help?
ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says ACON is proud to be associated with both the play and the forum through a partnership with Mardi Gras and Griffin Theatre. “ACON is thrilled to be involved with this special Queer Thinking forum as well as the premiere season of Ladies Day, as this is a valuable opportunity to contribute to the important discussion in our community about the impact of domestic and family violence,” Mr Parkhill said. “This is an issue we are working to address with the vital assistance of many people and organisations, and the forum provides a unique platform for people to find out more about how to get help or support others.”
Important information about domestic and family violence will also be distributed to Ladies Day theatre audiences, along with details of how to access support and legal advice.
ACON’s Domestic And Family Violence Strategy was launched in September 2015, along with funding to deliver a primary prevention campaign to increase awareness of healthy relationships among lesbians and to identify the early signs of DFV in the broader LGBTI community.
Queer Thinking LGBTIQ DFV Forum
When: Saturday 27 February, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Venue: SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod St, Darlinghurst, Sydney
Tickets: $10 + bf – www.mardigras.org.au/queer-thinking
Ladies Day Season
When: 5 February – 26 March
Venue: SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod St, Darlinghurst, Sydney
Tickets: www.griffintheatre.com.au
For more information please contact:
Michael Badorrek, ACON Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Manager
E: mbadorrek@acon.org.au T: +61 (02) 9206 2001 M: +61 (0)431 594 007
