Equal Love Rally founder Rhiannon Konigson and organisers Mark Green and Steph Meachen at Saturday’s rally that attracted more than 100 to support the push for equal rights.
Young people are leading the charge for inevitable change on marriage equality, Archdeacon Peter MacLeod-Miller said in Albury on Saturday.
His black clerical dress was a stand-out in the sea of rainbow-coloured clothing of the 100 to 200 people, both gay and straight, at the Equal Love Rally in QEII Square organised by the Equal Love on the Border.
Father MacLeod-Miller, one of four speakers, echoed remarks he made last year that he looked forward to the day he can marry same-sex-couples.
“In the end, love will have the last word,” he said.
During the rally he sat with younger members of his St Matthew’s congregation.
“It would be great if the experience of younger people would free older people from fear,” he said.
Albury couple of 10 years Lisa and Julia Bennett sat on a picnic rug with their toddler Hayden Bennett and friend Betty Dejong from Wodonga.
Mrs Dejong, who is straight, attended to support her friends in their fight to one day be given the right to marry, and said their sexuality was never an issue for her.
“I don’t care, as long as they’re happy,” she said.
Another speaker and rally organiser, Steph Meachen, 18, from Albury, was representative of a large contingent of young people present.
Miss Meachen came out as bisexual in February and said she was bullied because of her sexuality.
She said days like Saturday gave her hope and strength.
“It’s a great sense of community and support,” Miss Meachen said.
“Like it’s OK to be who you are and you shouldn’t have to hide who you are.”
Gay Activist Daniel Witthaus, of Melbourne, was one of the guest speakers.
Melbourne-based speaker Daniel Witthaus, 37, founded The National Institute for Challenging Homophobia Education and tours towns to talk to young people.
Overwhelmingly the young people he had spoken to had told him they wanted to be able to hold the hand of the person they love in public without any fear of persecution.
One thing would lead to change, he said.
“It’s not going to be this rally that changes it but it’s the everyday conversations that happen because of it,” he said.
“People will change their minds when it’s people they know.”
Photo: Tara Goonan
Author: Tammy Mills
Publication: The Border Mail
Date: 14 October 2013