IN the summer heat, surrounded by other hopefuls waiting… what does Australia thinks of me? My heart is racing and my thoughts are scattered. I try to focus on what’s being said on my office laptop, news live from Canberra for the 10am announcement. Words seem muffled. Anxious for the plebiscite result, “Tell us already”, someone behind me whispered nervously.
It’s scary. A familiar feeling for most of us who have fought so hard to get here but yet again asking for acceptance. Yet again coming out. Sleepless nights. Random moments of panic. Doubt. What ifs percolate our minds as our hope for the outcome is doused by fear in case it doesn’t go to plan. It’s that awful shame-based fear designed to somehow protect ourselves from the vulnerability of this moment. And yet, vulnerable and exposed is what I feel as we wait for the result of a national debate that I, together with my community, have been dragged through discussing our legitimacy, dignity and worth.
The clock hits 10am… Please say YES!
61.6% answered yes to our prayers. Emotions are high, my tears said it all. What seems like three letters forming just one word is in fact a powerful statement by an overwhelming majority of people for change, transformation and progress. Thank you for understanding how important those three letter words meant.
A month later, parliament changed the Marriage Act to include the LGBTI. Finally, in the eyes of the law, our love is equal.
YES gives us the confidence and permission to actively author the next chapter of our collective Australian story. We know that our work is not yet done. We know that other challenges stand before us. We know that equality is not a title, but rather an ongoing practice of intention, engagement and mindfulness. But right now on this historic moment, it feels incredible to be a gay man in Australia and to know that I am accepted and of equal worth.
Love is love.