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LGBTIQ

Background and terminology

Friday 13 July, 2018

Protecting the human rights of people born with variations in sex characteristics in the context of medical interventions



Background

Terminology

Tuesday 3 July, 2018

The Australian Human Rights Commission recognises that respect for individuality impacts on a person’s self-worth and inherent dignity. The use of inclusive terminology respects individuality and enables visibility of important issues.

The Commission supports the right of people to identify their sexual orientation and gender identity as they choose. The Commission also recognises that terminology is strongly contested, particularly terminology to describe gender identity and intersex variations.

Brotherboys, sistergirls and LGBT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Tuesday 3 July, 2018

Brotherboys, sistergirls and other LGBT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience a number of significant and intersecting points of discrimination and marginalisation in Australia.

The Commission’s Resilient Individuals: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Intersex Rights report considered the intersecting issues of racism, homophobia and transphobia faced by these communities. No information was received about intersex issues.

Participants involved in consultations for the report raised some of the following issues:

LGBT older people

Tuesday 3 July, 2018

Older people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or gender diverse or intersex can face particular issues later in life, especially in accessing safe and inclusive aged care services.

The Commission has highlighted some of these concerns in previous reports.*

The Resilient Individuals: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Intersex Rights report raised the following concerns:

Human rights landmark as Australia legalises marriage equality

Content type: Media Release
Published:

Parliament has today legislated for a fairer and more equal Australia by legalising marriage equality.

“On this historic day, Australia joins over two dozen countries around the world in legislating for marriage equality,” said Australian Human Rights Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM. 

Edward Santow, Human Rights Commissioner, said the law was a milestone for human rights in Australia.

Racism, denial and false narratives

I acknowledge the Darug people as the traditional owners of the land on which we meet. May I also acknowledge Dr Sev Ozdowski and his leadership in convening this important gathering. Through hosting this conference, Western Sydney University demonstrates how crucial a voice it is in our national conversation about social cohesion and multiculturalism.

These are challenging times for multiculturalism. Then again, for friends of multiculturalism, it can always feel that way. That is because our multiculturalism remains a work in progress; the goal of an inclusive society involves an ongoing project. And the dimensions of this project evolve over time. Our society never stands still. It grows, it moves, it changes.

Human Rights Commission welcomes marriage postal survey result

Content type: Media Release
Published:

Following the completion of the Federal Government postal survey on marriage reform, the Australian Human Rights Commission calls on Parliament to amend the Marriage Act so that civil marriage is available to all couples, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

“This is an important step forward for the equality of LGBTI Australians,” said Human Rights Commissioner, Edward Santow.

On 15 November 2017, it was announced that a majority of participants in the postal survey support marriage equality.

Finalists announced for Young People's Medal

Content type: Media Release
Published:

A diverse range of finalists will be vying for the 2017 Young People’s Medal, with judges revealing their top five nominees.

“I congratulate this outstanding group of young people for their dedication to advancing human rights,” said Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher.

They are: