OUTthink - Talking About Marriage Equality with Joe Busuttil
OUTthink returns just as the debate on same sex marriage heats up
While we only took a short break, the reignition of the marriage equality debate proved to be something truly worth discussing.
Even the Australian Medical Association recognises marriage equality as being a physical and mental health issue.
For Joe and I, the discussion isn't so much about wanting to marry as it is around being seen as equal and able to explore that option if we decided that was what we wanted to do. For many LGBTQIA couples in long term relationship, the ability to have marriage equality is going to see them have the same rights and experiences as their non-LGBTQIA family and friends.
The debate leading up to the postal vote is only going to get nastier and nastier, and it will be wise for LGBTQIA folk to distance themselves from some of the more hateful and personal attacks that they may encounter over the course of the next few months. Time out from social media and being able to recognise that the insecurities being projected say more about the people making the claims than them themselves is going to be vital in helping to maintain a detached, objective view to this debate.
There is also the likelihood during this time that you may discover friends (or even family) who have beliefs that support a no vote. It would be easy and understandable to take their decision at a very personal level. While we may not agree with everyone's decision, it does come down to the fundamental right that everyone is entitled to their opinion and their beliefs. It is important when we discover close friends who have belief's that sit in contrary to ours that we take a step back and avoid saying things that could have a further damaging impact on the relationship.
While many of us are still wondering why this is even a topic that needs debate, it is important to ensure that we make our vote count and our voices heard. As tempted as it may be, please don't place glitter in your postal vote or else risk it being seen as a wasted vote. Avoid responding to hate talk with further hate talk; there is little point in trying to change the minds of those who have already made up their minds. Even within the LGBTQIA community, there are those who may choose to vote NO due to their own beliefs; it is important to respect those beliefs regardless of how you feel it may invalidate LGBTQIA people.
Most important, check to make sure that your enrolment details are up to date. You can do that by going clicking here.
In the meantime, check out the latest OUTthink podcast below.
About OUTthink - An LGBT Podcast
OUTthink is a fortnightly podcast aimed at shining a light into topics of mental health and mental wellbeing relating to the LGBTQIA+ community. As a community, we need to be able to discuss topics that are uniquely related to the gay, lesbian, transgender and the many diverse labels in-between, that impact on our psychological well-being.
The latest OUTthink podcast can be downloaded from Podomatic, subscribe via iTunes or streamed from our Youtube Channel.
You can also find out more about Lawrence Akers and Release Hypnosis at the Release Hypnosis website, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Do you have a story that you would like to share? Then why not contact Lawrence and get in touch. You can also find Lawrence and Release Hypnosis on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
You might also like to read;
Release Hypnosis’s Lawrence Akers on JOY FM
OUTthink Now Has a Home On Facebook
OUTthink Podcast – David Clark On Exploring Bipolar Disorder
Bullying In The Workplace
