Several Aussies have taken to YouTube to express their frustration and reasons why Australia shouldn’t be left behind as more nations embrace same-sex marriage rights.
Yesterday, marriage equality officially began in Uruguay and the US states of Minnesota and Rhode Island. New Zealand’s same-sex couples can walk down the aisle from August 19.
21-year-old Sydneysider Andrew Dingle says he’s a supporter of marriage equality.
“I’m a straight person in a relationship with a girl, but I can’t sit by and not comment on what I see as a major human rights violation in Australia,” he begins in his video message to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
“Remember you don’t have to be gay to support gay rights. You just have to be human.”
Take a look at Andrew Dingle’s video below.
Wollongong’s favourite drag diva Victoria Vogue doesn’t normally record clips on political topics, but she’s seriously wigged out that Australia is still dragging its feet on this issue.
“As far as I’m concerned there is no valid argument against same-sex marriage in Australia… everyone should be able to marry the person that they love, regardless of sex or gender.”
“That’s what it comes down to. That everyone in Australia should be equal under law.”
Gay Australians are now ‘second class citizens’ and we should get angry about how we’re being treated, says Victoria, who has a “fuck you” message to those who oppose changing the Marriage Act.
Take a look at her lively and thoughtful video here:
YouTubers Carly and Cassandra have also added their stirring message for equality, showing iconic images and videos from the push for LGBTI rights.
“We didn’t wake up one day and choose to be homosexual,” they point out. “It’s not a choice, just as heterosexuals don’t wake up and choose to be straight.
“We all need to realize it’s not just marriage we’re opening the doors to. It’s hope.”
The video concludes with dozens of messages of support from real Australians. Take a look:
Are you a ‘vlogger’ with a cool new video to show us? Email a link to hello@staff.samesame.com.au.
Author: Matt Akersten
Publication: same same
Date: 2 August 2013