FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT AS PRESENTED AT THE AGM, 5 August 1999:
It seems along time ago that we had our first meeting that recognised the need to have a lobby group in this state. The years since have seen a lot of fruitful volunteer work achieve much change. The profile of lesbian and gay rights has lifted within our community, within the mainstream and even within the hallways of the law and policy makers.
Our work as Co-convenors this year has taken us from community events to student lecture theatres; from E.O. meetings to the private homes of those affected by discrimination. We've spoken at public rallies in the city and to smaller gatherings in a range of rural areas. We've supported other community groups in their development (ie. TransGender Victoria) and actions (eg. PLWHA, ALSO).
We've seen the Rights Lobby find its feet within the community and get greater recognition - not just for our own organisation, but for the importance of the issues that we raise. Many lesbians and gay men in this state still fail to realise how short-changed we are by the system. We are simply not afforded the same basic human rights that heterosexual people are.
The struggle remains for us on several fronts. We still need to work to raise awareness among our own community of not only the discrimination directed at us - but also about the many ways in which we can challenge this discrimination. We need to continue to work at all levels to fight not only against this discrimination but for the same social justice afforded others.
We need to work to change the broader community's perspective; often there are allies that are simply unaware of the injustices that we experience. This can be done through the media, from VGLRL representatives talking to the press, through to people in the membership and community writing letters or calling radio shows. It can also simply be done by all of us by keeping ourselves informed and talking to our friends and families.
There is now a Rights Lobby firmly established in this State and we have shown ourselves to act thoughtfully and professionally with respect to issues for gay men and lesbians. We believe that we have shown leadership and given a voice, much needed within our community, to issues of discrimination and human rights.
The future for us is one of consolidation and growth. The VGLRL is now firmly a part of the lesbian and gay community, both represented and informed by our members and others in the community. We believe we will be able to introduce and support some real and positive change in this state in the near future.
Janet Jukes
Kenton Miller
COMMITTEE FROM 1998 ELECTIONS:
Braith Bamkin
Penny Byrne
Peter Di Sciascio
Monica Ferrari
David Gray
Giselle Horvat
Janet Jukes
Kenton Miller
Robert Pearce
Terri Smith
OFFICER POSITIONS
Female Coconvenor: Janet Jukes
Male Coconvenor: Braith Bamkin (to March 1999)
Male Coconvenor: Kenton Miller (fm March 1999)
Secretary: Peter Di Sciascio
Treasurer: David Gray
COMMITTEE MEMBERS CO-OPTED DURING THE 98-99 YEAR
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WORKING GROUPS DURING THE 98-99 YEAR
Elections Working Group - This working group comprised of: Robert Pearce, Kayleen White, David Gray, Peter Di Sciascio and Pippa Reeves. As well as being VGLRL members, Kayleen and Pippa are also representing TransGender Victoria on the work group.
Membership & Promotions Working Group
Relationships Working Group
OUTCOMES OF 1999 AGM:
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COMMITTEE FROM 1999 AGM:
Penny Byrne
Peter Di Sciascio
Monica Ferrari
Maree Gladwin
David Gray
Giselle Horvat
Megan Jenner
Kenton Miller
Robert Pearce
Paul Rees
OFFICER POSITIONS FROM 1999 AGM:
Female Coconvenor: Megan Jenner (Aug 99 to Apr 00 and June 00 to the 2000 AGM) and Katy Reade (Apr 00 to June 00)
Male Coconvenor: Kenton Miller
Secretary: Peter Di Sciascio
Treasurer: David Gray
Find a full copy of the 1998-99 Annual Report by clicking here>>
In November of 1999, the Fertility Access Rights (FAR) lobby was established in to raise awareness of the discrimination and health risks inherent in the restriction of access to assisted reproductive technology specified by the Victorian Infertility Treatment Act (1995). It later became a working group of the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby in December 2002.
