GAY MEN
AUSTRALIA (1)
In many
ways the Australian gay scene is similar to the scene in many other western
countries, and it is usually fairly easy for visitors to understand Oz ways -
the language is another story altogether, but "g'day mate" starts to
sound natural after a while!
Australia
today is a diverse multi-cultural society with many fairly well-accepted
non-traditional lifestyles, including gay ones. However Australia's
British/Christian background has meant a long hard fight to overcome some of the
strong religious or legal obstacles to being gay here. Blatant homophobia,
harassment or violence against gays used to be fairly common, but as with most
other western countries the situation has improved considerably in recent
years. Most levels of government in most states now actively act against
discrimination based on sexual orientation to at least some extent. Violence
and discrimination are not unknown however, and opposition from the extreme
religious and political/social fringes is still common even to such broadly
popular gay events as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
TOLERANCE
Despite the
fairly high level of tolerance or acceptance, a lot of gay men are still
closeted because of family attitudes or for religious reasons, or for fear of
discrimination at work or in their community. Many feel isolated because
support groups and social events are not evenly distributed, particularly in
country areas. The more anonymous lifestyles of the bigger cities are an
acceptable escape for some, while others take up the struggle of creating
acceptance and support for gays in their local area
Stereotypes
still abound in Australia, and the typical Aussie "bloke" and his
"mates" may still shout "poofter" at some "fuckin'
queers", but the "fuckin' queers" are probably just as tied up
in their butch or bitch or whatever roles as the "real blokes" are in
theirs. To keep breaking down the stereotypes, positive gay role models are
increasingly common, with openly gay politicians, teachers, and characters in TV
shows - which is not to say that other gays in politics, education or the arts
don't have a hard time, like England and the US Australia has its share of
those outed and/or ousted in the line of duty
So all in
all it is a mixed bag, but for most a great place to be gay - either
permanently or as a visitor!
Find the perfect “Ozzie” accommodation and more on: http://www.gaytraveller.com.au
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