Date: Tue, 7 May 1996 18:13:40 +1000 From: leto@rabbit.com.au (Brendon Wickham) Subject: (Australia) Brother Sister News - 2/5/96 BROTHER SISTER - QUEER NEWS FROM DOWNUNDER Issue 105 - 2/5/96 Including: 1. ANZ Bank Covers Couples 2. Gay Media Out Of Touch 3. Aids Trust Funds Projects 4. Act Recognises Same Sex Couples 5. Tassie Ignores Deadline 6. Treaty Concern This and previous postings are archived for the QRD. Point your URL to http://werple.net.au/~leto/news - or go through the Pacific Region of the QRD at http://www.qrd.org/qrd/world/pacific/ =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ANZ BANK COVERS COUPLES *Following complaints from gay clients, the ANZ Bank has announced it would now recognise same-sex couples. The ANZ confirmed last Tuesday that its Premier Club Overseas Travel and Medical Insurance policy had been amended to cover long-term gay couples in the same was it does heterosexual partnerships. A spokesperson for the bank claimed that while the policy had theoretically always covered same-sex couples, a series of recent queries by clients had forced a clarification of their policy. Businessman Cyril Stokes told Brother Sister the bank had changed its Premier Club policy after some confusion over the definition of "spouse". "I told the bank that no longer were gay people prepared to be treated as second-rate customers. We pay the same fees, rates and charges as heterosexuals and we are entitled to the same privileges. "The bank saw the point right away, and as a result they have changed their policy. "It took some time, because it was in conjunction with the Commercial Union Insurance company, and they had to establish it in a lawful, legal manner - so that there couldn't be any legal disputes," he said. The policy has now been refined, so that both same-sex and different-sex de facto couples are covered - provided they can demonstrate they have lived together for at least two years. Two forms of proof are required - such as phone utility or council bills in both names, or a joint bank account or tenancy agreement. David Wilson, of ANZ Public Affairs, says that as long as same-sex partners are able to meet the legal definition of a de facto relationship, they will be regarded as such by the bank. "The Premier Club travel insurance option is available (for same-sex couples), provided they can prove have been living in a de facto relationship for at least two years," he said. Wilson say the ANZ's decision to clarify its Premier Club policy was a result of consumer demand. "We're constantly reviewing coverage and features of products to take account of demands made by the market- place," he said. Stokes says he has nothing but praise for the bank, and he applauds what he calls its progressive decision. "It was truly amazing that I was able to do all this myself. They were understanding, and I'm actually quite proud of them," he said. The Premier Club Insurance policy covers medical bill and associated expenses, trip cancellation costs, lost luggage and access to an emergency telephone service. Applicants must be Australian citizens, under 75 years of age and can not claim for a pre-existing condition. Matthew Denby GAY MEDIA OUT OF TOUCH *The gay print media is out of touch with the changed queer community, and focuses on the lifestyle of too narrow of one segment largely out of commercial interest, according to Loaded author, Christos Tsiolkas.* He spoke this week to Brother Sister about some of the themes he plans to raise at the forum 'What's Fit To Print', a discussion about lesbian, gay and queer publications in the 90s to be held this coming Sunday 5 May, Christos thought that much of the gay media had been reduced to advertising just one particular gay lifestyle. 'Do we need to see so much space given over to property auction announcements or personal classifieds, when attention needs to be given to the problems faced by, say, young kids out in Cranbourne struggling to deal with their sexuality and homophobia, or other issues affecting the vast number of gays, dykes and queers out there in the suburbs generally? 'I have a problem with this notion of a "gay" identity based on consumption which the gay media reflects, and I wonder if the newspapers and magazines aren't just preaching to the converted. A "gay" identity in itself is incapable of covering all the emotions of any individual, and if the media continues to focus on just one niche area of that identity, it is in danger of alienating not just any sympathetic straight readership, but also a growing majority of the queer community as well.' When asked about the possible reasons for this limited focus, Christos raised the pressure of the advertising dollar. 'Succumbing to where the greatest money is to be made is possibly also just the soft option. The newspapers and magazines have this steady market for this steady volume of advertising, and they have no incentive to change the status quo. 'When the gay press first started, it was very much involved with ideas of community liberation and solidarity. Although those issues are still very much relevant today in certain sectors of the community, the media has chosen to focus on matters relevant to just one particular gay subculture, and failed to keep pace with the broader development of the community. I'd say it would be worth the risk for the gay media to tackle more diverse topics, even those without a clear queer element. They would be better publications for it.' Christos said it was timely that the content and role of the gay media in the community was at last being aired. 'There's not enough discussion in this city about issues surrounding the gay media. Although I do have the criticism that the focus of the gay / queer newspapers is to a varying degree too narrow, I'm not intending to go along this Sunday in order to espouse any particular course of action. I'm more interested in achieving an open debate, and I'd like to see the relevant editors and publishers there, not to be subject to some sort of inquisition, but just to give an honest opinion about these issues.' Christos' comments were echoed by Crusader Hillis from Screaming Hyena (the queer literary magazine) which is holding What's Fit To Print jointly with GINA (Girls In New Alliances). 'We thought a discussion about the gay media was appropriate now. These are confusing times for the gay print media. Five years ago people had a good idea of what should go into a gay newspaper, but not any more. With the amount of straight material going into the gay press, and with the loss of a sense of community and the notion of an identifiable or united concept of what "gay" is, the gay press faces a real challenge to appease and please all segments of the community.' What's Fit To Print, with speakers Jan Campbell, Kelly Gardiner, Chris Gill, Martyn Goddard, Maria McMahon and Christos Tsiolkas, will be held between 3 - 6 pm on Sunday 5 May 1996 upstairs at the Planet Cafe, 386 - 388 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Entry charge of $3.00, and all inquiries to Crusader Hillis at 9824 0110. Rodney Ford AIDS TRUST FUNDS PROJECTS *The Chair of the AIDS Trust of Australia, Chris Puplick, last week released details of the financial grants made by the Trust for 1996. A total of $209,650 has been allocated for community projects.* "The money allocated this year is a substantial increase on last year," Chris Puplick commented. "The donation of $100,000 by Telstra, together with the aggregation of bequest money, in particular from the estate of the late Chris Connolle, and money raised by the Trust's own activities such as the Food and Wine Fair, have allowed this expansion of our activities. The Trust has maintained sufficient reserves for its operation through until the next major fundraising activities occur and is anticipating further developments of its bequest programme." "The range of projects funded this year is considerable. The Trust received over 100 applications for funding with requests totalling in excess of $1.25 million. Very difficult decisions have had to be made about allocations, but the Trust believes that it has struck the correct balance. Each application was reviewed on its merits and no funds were allocated unless the Trust itself was satisfied with the nature of the project and the accountability of its sponsors." "Allocations mean that NSW receives 33.5% of funds, with the distribution to other States being Victoria 15.2%; Queensland 13.5%, Tasmania 7.1%; Western Australia 6.3%; South Australia 4.7%, ACT 3.5%; Northern Territory 3.3% and National projects 12.7%. The Trust was particularly pleased to be able to fund directly projects in the ACT and Northern Territory for the first time." In Victoria, the AIDS Council will be funded for three projects: a) Rural peer support phone line, b) Carer maintenance activities and c) Satellite information module. Also the Anglican Church will be funded for a community education project. ACT RECOGNISES SAME SEX COUPLES *In a first for this country, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) probate laws have been amended to recognise lesbian, gay and de facto couples.* The changes - which come into force from May 1 - mean gays and lesbians will be eligible for a share of their partner's estate if their partner dies without leaving a will. Until now, only legally married spouses received part of their partner's estate. Gay and lesbian couples were not eligible no matter how long they had been living together. Gay and Lesbian Legal Rights Lobby co-convenor Stevie Clayton said the amendments to the Administration and Probate Act were important, given gays and lesbians were "as lax as the rest of the community when it comes to writing wills." "The ACT's changes will provide a tool for other states to use to bring about change .. and hopefully will encourage the NSW Government to do the same," Clayton said. "No one likes to be the leader in this case, so it's an important move." But Clayton is concerned the ACT's method of tackling discriminatory laws one by one is too slow. She favours a comprehensive bill like the one the GLRL is hoping will go before the NSW Parliament this session. "We are still confident the NSW Government will introduce comprehensive legislation, which will cover issues like probate, before June this year," she said. A spokesperson for ACT Attorney-General Gary Humphries, said the amendments received unanimous support from the Parliament. "We will continue to monitor our laws and make sure they are modern, up-to-date and non-discriminatory," the spokesperson said. In an earlier statement, Humphries said: "I believe this is the first law of its kind in Australia to give non-heterosexual partners a share of an intestate estate. "The Government believes that any loving relationship should be recognised for the purposes of distribution after death, irrespective of the marital status or sexuality of the parties," he said. The Family Provision Act has also been amended, which allows for family members to contest a will. "The people entitled to contest the will now include unmarried partners [same sex or otherwise] and people such as carers who have made a personal or financial commitment to that person," Humphries said. Barrister and AIDS Council of NSW committee member David Buchanan said the changes to the Administrative and Probate Act were first proposed in a 1995 bill drafted by the then Labor Party ACT Attorney-General, Terry Connolly. "It is interesting ... that the reform has since been carried through by the new Liberal Party government." Ruth Pollard, SSO TASSIE IGNORES DEADLINE *The Tasmanian Government has failed to meet a deadline for the lodgement of important documents in the current High Court case on the State's anti-gay laws.* Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Nick Toonen, said the Government had five weeks from March 15 to lodge documents to back up its claim that the case should be struck out. "The Government is in an impossible position because it has allowed a conscience vote in State Parliament but is still defending our anti-gay laws in Canberra," Toonen said. "The result is that the Government is trying to delay presenting its case to the Court because its contradictory position will be politically embarrassing." Toonen said that the High Court case places pressure on Upper House members to support reform. "This is the last chance for our Upper House members to enact gay law reform before it is done for them by the High Court." "Our High Court challenge also means that a referendum would be futile and unnecessary." "In the very unlikely event that there is a referendum and it goes against reform we will continue to press on with our court case." In other developments, the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group says anti-discrimination legislation introduced by the ALP last week is one of the best in Australia. Spokesperson, Richard Hale, welcomed the fact that the bill prohibits discrimination and vilification on the grounds of sexual orientation. TREATY CONCERN The Australian Council for Lesbian and Gay Rights has expressed concern about Federal Government plans to change the procedure whereby Australia ratifies international human rights treaties. Council representative, Rodney Croome, told a consultation treaty making in Canberra this week that there was concern plans to increase treaty consultation with the states would delay and frustrate treaty making. "The Howard Governments plans to replace existing consultative mechanisms with a powerful Treaties Council made up of representatives from states and territories looks like a way of slowing down the process of signing international human rights agreements, Croome said. =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ BOTTOM LINE Smartarse - So gorgeous, he must be good `He's gorgeous!' Gary cried as the blond, tracksuit-clad swimming champion swept to the dais to accept his award. I scoffed, `His nose is too big and he's a bit too fat.' The next young fellow to emerge from the dressing room won my approval. `Well look at him,' I ejaculated, `I want him to win a gold medal in Atlanta And I want to marry him!' The beautiful young man with the impossibly broad shoulders and the spunky baseball cap had done it for me. In the end we decided on a joint favourite, in both the medal and the `sexiest swimmer' stakes. I was heard to moan, at the end of the broadcast, that this year's Olympic team is not as well-endowed with spunky love gods as it could be. Now most Melburnians know that I am one of the most physically gorgeous specimens of manhood around. Therefore I am well placed to comment on the physical attributes of the fellows I see on the street. I was justified on Sunday, for example, walking into a fish and chip shop in Queenscliff and falling instantly in love - and I'm not talking mere lust here, I'm talking love - with the boy behind the counter. It wasn't his fine wit, his dazzling intellect, or even the cast of his delicate, alabaster ankles which did it to me; it was the fact that his brown eyes, drop dead hair-do, aquiline nose and broad shoulders left everyone else in Queenscliff for dead. In other words, horrified reader, I was in love with him because he was sexy! How often does this happen to me, and indeed to many of the gay boys and girls I know? I watched the football before the swimming. I became an ardent Melbourne fan then and there, not because of the team's ball skills but because their superb musculature points to a strict gym. Interestingly, they also seem to go to the same hairdresser and sported some very sexy coiffeurs. I fell in love all over again with the utterly divine Shane Crawford from Hawthorn, a boy so sexy he is calling out to be settled down with in domestic and sexual bliss. Is this love, or just the tumescent fancy of a lovesick columniste? Just because a chap is good looking, or possessed of well-muscled calves, does not make him a). a nice person, or b). the passion and love of my life. I am not the only offender, frivolous reader. We in the queer community tend to place great stock in physical attractiveness. Not all of us, of course, mistake lust for love, but I wonder how many of us unconsciously attach positive personality attributes on the basis of looks? Perhaps we should listen to the theorists who tell us that our concept of beauty is dictated by advertising companies and the fashion industry who use stunningly gorgeous models to sell their products. I refuse to provide an answer to this dilemna, dear reader. I shall simply remain both in love with the beauties I see, and slightly queasy at my lack of ideological soundness. Jeffrey Smart =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ Brother Sister is a fortnightly newspaper published in Melbourne, VIC and Brisbane, QLD, Australia. I have selected the main news stories as well as items of interest. Overseas media who utilise any or all of the above material please credit Brother Sister as your source (and by-line if it is listed). Thank you. Brendon Wickham