Good advice on how to win gay rights from Hong Kong barrister Vandana Rajwani of H.A.R.D. – Hong Kong Against Racial Discrimination (South China Morning Post) – adapted for Australian conditions.
NO INFIGHTING. Form a coalition of sympathetic groups across the country, agree on the common objective, and delegate areas of responsibility according to experience.
GET CASE STUDIES to cover the spectrum of discussion. Have people talk about their own experiences. Do it at a BIG gathering in the national capital and invite press and television. Personal stories have far greater impact than impersonal principles. People will come forward if they know they are not alone.
SUPPORT PEOPLE WHO COME OUT. Make sure there is an emotional and financial support network for those who come forward, but strenuously protect the anonymity of those too afraid to speak out.
MONEY TALKS. Find out what your objective means for the Australian economy. Work out the costs and benefits to the wider community.
TARGET BUSINESS. Equal opportunity often equals improved productivity.
VISIT SCHOOLS. Talk directly to students, at their level, about the issues involved.
REGULARLY TALK DIRECTLY TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. They may not understand what it is like to be discriminated against, and may think they’re doing nothing wrong.
IT’S NOT ABOUT BEING GAY. Being gay is not the issue. Morality is not the issue. It’s about human rights. (To paraphrase Bill Clinton, “It’s the equality, stupid.” – Doug) Homosexuality is a hard sell, but if you tear it down to basic rights the average person will find it easier to understand, and your opponents will find it harder to attack you.
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