Queer Avengers: “We’re only just getting started”

The Queer Avengers are underlining that marriage equality is not the end of the line for LGBT struggles. Louisa Wall’s marriage equality bill passed its first reading on the 29th of August, after more than 1,000 marched to Parliament in support of the Bill.

The Queer Avengers note that the cross-partisan support for this bill is positive, but there are harder struggles ahead. “Marriage is a modest reform, it’s not a fundamental change, politicians are generally okay with it,” notes Queer Avenger Sara Fraser. “We’re only just getting started.”

The Queer Avengers say much has changed, and still needs to change. “We have a lot more freedom now to express ourselves, without fear of getting beaten up,” concedes Fraser. “But there’s so much more to do.”

Fraser particularly highlights the oppression faced by youth. “Kids are still getting kicked out home for coming out, still self-harming and committing suicide. Addressing queer and trans homelessness is much more challenging for the system, it requires a lot more investment than just extending marriage rights.”

“Equality will not just trickle down to the most marginal. We need to fight for it, and more voices need to be heard.”

Fraser also highlights that there is a broader spectrum of relationships and identities which marriage and adoption law does not address, including indigenous kinship structures and polyamory. “Consent is the bottom line, not state sanction,” says Fraser. “What’s upset me most has been the reaction from our own communities. That we must behave, don’t rock the boat, don’t make too much noise and don’t mention other types of relationship.”

“This isn’t just about marriage,” concludes Fraser. “It’s about rights, it’s about equality and consent. We’re calling for a struggle beyond marriage.”
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