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Current Affairs - The opinions of a grumpy old pouf

 
Doug Pollard is a veteran gay journalist, columnist, commentator, and broadcaster specialising in GLBTI issues, based in Melbourne Australia. He often works with Rob Mitchell of the RJM Trust, "We are separate independent and unaffiliated guerilla campaigners and advocates, and the best of mates: nimble, fast-moving, unconventional and above all aiming to drive rapid change", he says.

Good Neighbours

RAINBOW FLAGS OVER MARGARET COURT ARENA
Bob Morley Neighbours
Bob Morely & friend

NEIGHBOURS STARS PAST & PRESENT LEND THEIR SUPPORT


In August 2010 the iconic Australian TV show 'Neighbours' revealed an upcoming gay storyline. Executive producer Susan Bower said "I do believe homophobia is still alive and well, and I have no doubt that we will get complaints about it.”

She said the storyline was a direct result of requests from young viewers in Neighbours' official online forums.

The program needed to be more representative of the community and so the Chris Pappas character was introduced to Ramsay Street.

Freemantle Media said the feedback had been nothing but positive.

Sandy Winton
Sandy & Tessa Winton


Fast forward to 2012 and expressions of intolerance, like recent statements by Margaret Court, still impact those same young viewers who want to see their reality reflected in the media they watch.


Sandy Winton, formerly of Neighbours, stressed his support of the new grassroots movement 'Rainbow Flags Over Margaret Court Arena saying "Good luck with the campaign! Please exercise mine and my wife's free speech on our behalf! Love and tolerance to all."

Bob Morley, the newest addition to the storyline, in the role of love interest for the character 'Chris Pappas' was moved by the intolerance still endured by the gay community, saying "A person is defined by their morals and values, not by their sexuality. I feel that there is no place for such prejudice in today's society."

Freemantle Media welcomed the opportunity for the actors of Neighbours to freely express their personal views.

Pics used with permission of Downstairs At Alma's
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Parade of Tennis Open Champions

Sporting bodies often kick off the final phase of their tournaments with a parade of champions: men and women whose contribution they wish to honour.

The Rainbow Flags Over Margaret Court Arena campaign barely existed a fortnight ago, yet such has been the strength of support that we go into the final weekend of the Australian Open with a still-growing membership and many high-profile endorsements


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A Gay Australia Day Message

Ivan & Chris
Ivan & Chris: 10 years together, married in Canada, single in their homeland Australia

What does it mean to celebrate Australia Day when you're Australian and you're gay?

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NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT FRIDAY

Anton Enus
SBS Newsreader Anton Enus

Ignore the media hype.

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Christians Refute Court

Rev Mike Hercock
pic: SMH

The pursuit and continual argument by Margaret Court, that a gay person is an immoral person and can be helped by changing their sexual orientation, which is sadly enforced by the lack of recognition in our legislation to acknowledge gay relationships by marriage, is distressing on three levels.

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Martina Makes Her point

Navratilova's Rainbows!
Martina Shows Her Colours


Martina Navratilova wasn't going to be airbrushed out of the picture when she took to the court a second time at the Australian Open in Melbourne


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Christos Tsiolkas Gives Margaret Court a SLAP!

christos tsiolkas

Multi-award-winning author throws his support behind Rainbow Flags Over Margaret Court Arena


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Martina's Rainbow

Navratilova Rainbow

This is the Rainbow that Tennis Australia didn't want you to see.

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The score should be love-all

Monday, January 23, 2012
Richard Di Natale

Richard di Natale, Greens’ spokesperson for sport


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RAINBOW FLAGBEARER DETAINED AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Chrissy Adams & Ivan Hinton
Chrissy Adams with the offending flags & Ivan Hinton from RFOMCA

DETAINED
Chrissy Adams just wanted to take her flags to the Australian Open. That’s flags, plural. Her Australian Flag, and her Rainbow flag. But it proved to be more difficult than she expected


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