Test 2

Please select your preferred language.

請選擇你慣用的語言。

请选择你惯用的语言。

English
中文简体
台灣繁體
香港繁體

登入

记住我

初到 Fridae?

Fridae Mobile

Advertisement
Highlights

More About Us

新闻&特写

« 较新的 | 较旧的 »
13 Jan 2011

Gay businesses in Australia to raise funds for Queensland flood relief effort

Australia's National LGBTI Health Alliance has set up a range of support services for people affected by the floods and is seeking donations to assist LGBTI people who are not able to ask mainstream providers for support and to assist LGBTI community organisations who have experienced loses.

A number of gay bars in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra; and gay community newspapers The Sydney Star Observer, Melbourne's Southern Star Observer and Queensland's QNews have announced plans to raise and/or donate funds to the victims of the Queensland floods.

According to the Sydney Star Observer, Melbourne's Xchange Hotel will hold a special fundraiser night on Sunday, January 23, where funds will go directly to the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Fund. So will Sydney's Slide Bar on Oxford Street, according to gay website Samesame.com.au. It also reported that Brisbane's Fluffy nightclub, which was unaffected by the water damage, will be donating all door profits to the Queensland Flood Appeal and cash will also collected by bucket-shakers at the club through the weekend. Canberra's Connections club has promised to match the dollar amount donated by customers this weekend. Several others including Melbourne's Disgraceland/JettBlack; Sydney's Saturday Fucking Night/Nevermind, The Stonewall Hotel and Midnight Shift have also announced plans to raise funds this weekend.

SSO Media, publishers of the Southern Star Observer and the Sydney Star Observer, has pledged 10 percent of all advertising sales from issue 1056 of the Sydney Star Observer and 118 of Southern Star Observer, including sales that have already been made, to the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. Brisbane-based QNews will donate 10 percent of new bookings and upgrades across issues 264 and 265.

As of Friday, Jan 14, QNews reported on its website that its phone lines have been restored after power was shut off around 1.30pm on Wednesday. Its Paddington office, which has not been damaged by the floodwaters, is located just 250 metres from one of the worst hit areas in Milton.

[Update on Jan 17: Ray Mackereth, publisher and managing director of QNews, told Fridae in an email on Monday that his office was temporarily relocated to St Pauls Tavern (who had offered their conference facilities) after the power cut so that they could complete and digitally send the magazine to the printers. The fortnightly magazine was distributed over the weekend and staff will continue to do so early this week wherever possible.]

QNews is also running a billeting program for those who are affected by the flood as "emergency shelters are not always welcoming to trans, gay and lesbians especially couples" and for pets, according to an update on its website. It says the paper has received 100s more offers of accommodation than are needed thanks to the overwhelming generosity of their readers.

It also reported that the ALSO Foundation is holding a fundraiser at their Midsumma Carnival Fair Day in Melbourne on Friday, Jan 14. Funds raised will benefit the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) relief fund.

Brisbane and other parts of Queensland now face a massive task of cleaning up and rebuilding as floodwaters recede after leaving some 26,000 properties – with 11,900 homes completely under water and another 14,700 are partially flooded – in the Brisbane area after the water level peaked early Thursday morning. Fifteen people are confirmed dead, while 55 are reportedly missing. Media reports say the flooding which began in late November in northern Queensland has affected an area roughly the size of Germany and France combined. Some 65,000 homes and businesses in the south-east part of the state are still without electricity – most of those are in the Brisbane area. Meanwhile above-average cyclone activity is expected through to end-March.



The Alliance is a coalition of organisations from across Australia that provide health-related programs, services and research targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse people (LGBTI).

Australia's National LGBTI Health Alliance and other organisations and businesses have also set up a range of support services for people affected by the floods in Queensland. Support services include LGBTI-friendly accomodation, clean-up, counselling and financial assistance. They are also calling for donations to a special fund to assist LGBTI people who are not able to ask mainstream providers for support on sensitive issues and to assist LGBTI community organisations who have experienced loses. Find out more at www.qahc.org.au/floods or by calling 1800 177 434 or (07) 3017 1777. 

 

Australia

读者回应

1. 2011-01-14 17:06  
Well, the overwhelming majority of Gay men and women have Straight parents, siblings and friends, as well as their communities, so of course gay Ozzie people and businesses will fundraise and contribute to help other people. People are people, right? Sexuality is irrelevant in prroviding help and support in a crisis - as, indeed, in pretty much any other event...
2. 2011-01-14 18:30  
为善无近名
3. 2011-01-14 20:29  
I think its a good idea and lots of people loses there houses,cars and everything not even there love ones. Not just for LGBT but for the people who sufferring rigth now in queenslands.
4. 2011-01-15 04:53  
Gay or straight are no different,we all human,don't know why some stupid country don't accept it and think gays are bad or not normal human just because their stupid religion or stupid government don't accept doesn't mean we can't be ourself! I'm so proud of these people !
5. 2011-01-15 04:54  
Gay or straight are no different,we all human,don't know why some stupid country don't accept it and think gays are bad or not normal human just because their stupid religion or stupid government don't accept doesn't mean we can't be ourself! I'm so proud of these people !
6. 2011-01-15 12:13  
lol
7. 2011-01-16 03:38  
They say the floods have cost Queensland something in the vicinity of $15 billion, so they will certainly need all the help they can get from people and businesses (gay and straight).
8. 2011-01-16 08:11  
This would have to be the most infuriating and stupid story I have read about the floods to date.
I am living through these floods. I have lost my car and home and have been quite badly injured because of them. The help I have had from the community I live in has been huge. Not one gay group has come to help us, we have relied solely on the mainstream groups providing assistance and it has been amazing and encompassing. No one has cared wether we are gay or straight.
These stories do more to damage the gay community than to help it. The help being provided is regardless of bias.
I find this story very hurtful to those of us who are living in this night mare. Maybe some positive stories about the floods and the gay guys who are shining through it would have been better.
9. 2011-01-16 08:37  
to #8 quinacridone ... wishing you get back on your feet and health as soon as possible, thoughts and sympathies are with you at this terrible time.

I totally agree with what you said. Not a very helpful article written from a bit of a skewed perspective.

"emergency shelters are not always welcoming to trans, gay and lesbians especially couples"

I simply dont believe that .

Sounds like a thoughtless off-cuff-comment which would offend so many compassionate volunteers from all communties.

Homophobia, racism, is widely exaggerated in australia.

These groups raising funds for only GBLT's is further exacerbating the "them and us" syndrome that many of us seem to want to propagate.

We should be raising funds and contributing to all people affected by disaster.

This is a human tragedy affecting all parts of society and should (and as is the case in Queeensland) require a humane response from all parts of society.

修改於2011-01-16 08:45:50
10. 2011-01-16 09:23  
What kind of stupid article is it ?? Whole Australia is standing behind QLD in this national tragedy and disaster .. what sexuality got to do with it ???
回应#11於於2011-01-16 11:23被作者删除。
12. 2011-01-16 12:10  
I don't know what some of you guys see but I see a heartening demonstration of commitment and community involvement by the above mentioned LGBT businesses to the LGBT and wider communities which is commendable.

13. 2011-01-16 12:18  
More from http://queenslandpride.gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/flood-support-for-lgbt-people-003407.html:

LGBT people wishing to assist with the clean-up operation can ring QAHC to volunteer and people that do not wish to use mainstream support can also contact QAHC for assistance.

The Gay and Lesbian Welfare Association has counselling available from 7pm-10pm on (07) 3017 1717 or 1800 184 527.

The QAHC web site has further details about emergency and support contacts, transport, general clean-up assistance and financial assistance.

QAHC has also arranged its own special flood recovery fund to assist LGBT people who need assistance for sensitive items but are not comfortable seeking help from mainstream groups.
14. 2011-01-16 16:02  
obviously this is a gay & lesbian website so its perfectly fine to cover on what the gay community has contributed to a devastation situation like this.i praise the overseas writer sylvia tan for covering this story. welll done 5XXXXX stars from me.
15. 2011-01-16 18:23  
kellen & dimples00..... of course it is commendable that the gay community is contributing to this crisis, donating to the premiers flood relief appeal.
We as a community would of course naturally show our compassion and human-ness by contributing to all. Sexuality should not come into it.

The above article seems to portray that the gay community here is doing something special by raising funds. Nobody needs a pat on the back. Its just natural. Its absurd. This is an Australian tragedy, and all Australians pull together.

The quote from 'Qnews' that emergency shelters are "not welcoming to trans gay and lesbians especially couples" is without substance and an rather inflammatory quote, one that the editor of fridae should have removed or "Sylvia Tan" might have tactfully not added to her article. There is enough pain, death, suffering and heartache in our country now without stirring up that type of hatred.

Thanks to ALL people for helping in this crisis, from the government of many countries,( even the Indonesian Government donated one million dollars), singapore and NZ have given practical aid of special forces and helicopters etc,...... businesses, community groups ( GAY & STRAIGHT) for raising funds, the thousands of volunteers straight, gay, and of all religions and colours of skin.

When it all boils down.... we are all human. This is a human tragedy. The response has been human.

Lets not politicize it.

Communtiy divisions not needed here... thanks but no thanks.
修改於2011-01-16 19:11:00
16. 2011-01-16 18:50  
Do you mean to say that you object to lgbt businesses / orgs raising funds for lgbt individuals in need? And does this objection only apply in the face of a natural disaster or at all times?
17. 2011-01-16 19:04  
Kellen #16.......... in the context of this natural disaster occuring in Queensland (and rapidly spreading to our southern states) which is an immediate national emergency, affecting all, gay, straight, black, white yellow or brown....... and in context of the above uneccessary article.
The above article is so out of sync with what is happening here (in regard to feelings, attitudes, public reaction to the disaster) the editor/author should have run-it-by an aussie before submitting on this site.

GBLT "orgs", groups and businesses raising funds for gay/lesbian/bi-sexual/transgender-related issues/needs is much needed as many are underfunded by the government.
Gay businesses and organisations raising money for public appeals to help in this crisis is commendable, as are ALL businesses, orgs, and groups, & individuals It is a naturally humane response to pain and suffering of our fellow humans.

We are gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and transgender, and we have a heart.
Straight people do too!
修改於2011-01-16 20:12:39
18. 2011-01-16 20:34  
The opening paragraph of this article"

"Australia's National LGBTI Health Alliance has set up a range of support services for people affected by the floods and is seeking donations to assist LGBTI people who are not able to ask mainstream providers for support and to assist LGBTI community organisations who have experienced loses."

I need to ask here...... why cant these LGBTI ask mainstream providers for support? Is this a serious fact, or is it a ficticious embellishment to make an article sound dramatic?

LGBTI persons have no problem in normal circumstances asking for help and support form "mainstream"providers" whether it be from businesses, medical, social services.
Why would an emergency be any different.

so silly! Truly written by a person who has NO idea what society is like in Australia.
回应#19於於2011-01-16 23:45被作者删除。
20. 2011-01-16 23:48    
Jupiter101

Thank you for your feedback.

I'm the author of the article above. As attributed in the article, the fundraising efforts were first reported by various gay newspapers in Australia, and the fundraising for LGBT individuals and groups affected by the flood is an appeal by the National LGBTI Health Alliance. The Queensland Pride newspaper similarly mentioned the same in a post on their website. Your question as to why LGBTI individuals aren't able to ask mainstream providers for assistance is perhaps best put to the Alliance.

On a personal note: As an alumnus of Griffith University and the Queensland College of Art, and editorial intern at the (now-defunct) gay Brother Sister newspaper's Fortitude Valley office, I'm personally very saddened by the disaster and I hope everyone gets the help and support they need.
21. 2011-01-17 18:54  
Sorry, I seem to have started something here. What I was initially trying to say was that this article implies that GLBTI people cannot access help from mainstream services. This is simply not true. The mainstream providers have been incredible. My friends who are LGBTI have had no trouble finding assistance and infact I think we had more assistance than some straight communities: and this wasn't by gay people but all.

I had a family, mum, dad and 4 kids under 15 turn up in my lounge room and ask me if i needed help, they didnt ask if i was gay... they probably didnt need given some of my art works on the wall. But they worked for hours, left their phone numbers gave me hugs. Now if LGBTI people cannot accept that help there is something wrong.

My neighbour who had more damage than me done, is a Transexual and he had 3 guys from one of Brisbanes well know rugby teams help at his house.... he will no doubt dine out on this story for months.

I am very well aware of all of these issues, but sometimes as gays we need to stop being precious about how/where we live and who we sleep with and realise that we are part of a huge community that when needed buckles in and helps.
22. 2011-01-17 19:01  
For the rude person who emailed me and accused me of being a drama queen above other things... here is what happened to me in the floods - I think I have a right to comment.

I was on my way home from my office in Lockyer Valley last Monday afternoon and got caught in the torrent of water in Withcott. My car was pushed about 500 metres backwards down the road and ended up in a drain. I eventually had to escape from my vehicle and spent sometime standing between my vehicle and the one that had pushed into it, my car had tipped to a 45degree angle and was going to topple into a drain - meaning I would certainly be drowned.

I was fine for a while but got hit a tree being washed down the roadway. I lost my footing and was washed underneath my vehicle and had to grab hold of a road side speed sign as the water washed around me. I stayed hanging onto the post until eventually the water level dropped.

Physically I am very beaten up with most of the skin torn from my legs below my knees by the tree branches, lumps of wood and large pieces of bitumen. I have no skin left on my right fore-arm as I wear a silver bracelet on that arm and I held that bracelet tight to keep me from being washed away as I clung to the road sign. I have a great bruise on my ribs from being washed into the road sign.

I was very well looked after in the town that this occured in by the locals, but unfortunately it meant that I could not get to my own home and move things out before the flooding got to it.

I count myself very lucky amongst the people affected by the floods, I have received minor injuries which in a few weeks will be forgotten. I have lost things, and only things. What I hold precious to me is still with me.

I am sharing this so you may have some understanding of what people in this area have gone through.
23. 2011-01-17 19:23  
quinacridone, thanks for sharing your story. Great to read that you were well looked after by the people you've encountered. It could well be the case that every LGBT person is similarly well looked after (and that one's sexuality is not an issue) and does not need to turn to a LGBT welfare/support group for help but in case anyone does, it's good to know that there are groups out there to help those who might need it.
24. 2011-01-18 08:49  
quinacridone, most of us cannot even imagine the ordeal that you (and sadly many thousands of others) have experienced. I am so sure that I couldnt have coped as well as you have, even strong enough to write about it here.
Your physical injuries may heal, but be aware that the shock of such an ordeal may not have manisfested itself. I'm heartened to know that you were cared for by the local community, and hope that you continue to get support.
In the coming months many will need support other than medical and material. Emotional and psycological support will be a big issue.

I hope fridae follows up on this story and maybe relate experiences of our LGBTI brothers and sisters who have gone through this.

Take care.
25. 2011-01-18 11:32  
according to the material that I have read recently the floods in Australia and countries suffering much higher loss of human lives Bangladesh Sri Lanka and Brazil etc. are from unusual weather patterns attributed to global warming, if true then it's a good reason to take note and pressure all governments to move more ardently in regards to reigning in offending polluting industry and improve industry practices through investment in clean technology, Australia is a better resourced country than many and an offender to adding to global warming it would be good if money raised in Australia was going EVERY where in dire need to help the displaced and suffering in ALL countries who have less available capital to respond to the needs of their suffering people, I hear Pakistan is still in dire straights and though not a flood problem Haiti is still lagging behind in countries paying their support pledges, of which I am proud to say Australia is not one of them.
Environmental catastrophe caused by global warming needs a concerted human responce equal to that put behind HIV prevention & health care which also started out very lacking
修改於2011-01-18 12:13:24
26. 2011-01-19 07:05  
i think there should be more micro financing in the gay community, like small personal loans and banks to help gay people all over the world, but quite often this money goes to gay saunas and sex businesses vs. legitimate business by capable gay people

i still don't really know what constitutes a gay business from a straight one except for the sexuality of the owners, i guess the free market will decide the winners and losers, but its good people will reach out and help those in need
27. 2011-01-19 07:06  
i will send some money and thanks for posting how to help out and send some cash their way

请先登入再使用此功能。

Social


请选择新闻及专栏版本

精选个人档案

Now ALL members can view unlimited profiles!

Languages

View this page in a different language:

赞好

合作伙伴

 ILGA Asia - Fridae partner for LGBT rights in Asia IGLHRC - Fridae Partner for LGBT rights in Asia

Advertisement