Once gay and lesbian people were totally invisible and even banned from being mentioned on film and television. First appearances on movies were mostly evil characters such as homicidal maniacs. Hollywood hasn't helped us much. Now gay characters regularly appear on sitcoms, gay men and lesbians have their own shows (Ellen) and there are even gay channels.

At our next meeting we will consider the ways gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people have been represented on film and television, and talk about how these representations have changed over time. This will be an interactive talk, it will include discussion of the ways in which LGBTI people interact with these texts, and what role film and television representation plays in raising awareness of gay individuals and issues. Should be very interesting.

Sexual Ethics & Morality

As people from faith background we are very familiar with the Christian churches view on sex. It’s simple. One sexual partner for life (hopefully); your opposite sex spouse. Anything out of that context is considered immoral, promiscuous and adulterous. However, over 90% of heterosexual Christian couples who come to the altar to get married are not virgins when they make those vows. Where does that leave the LGB Christian who can’t legally get married in this country? What if I no longer subscribe to a Christian belief system. Is morality still important to me?

During Anthony’s talk this Friday areas covered will include:
• What is sex? Abusive. Addictive, Intimate, Spiritual.
• Contrasts of the sexual ethos in the gay world and the Christian world
• Developing personal boundaries around sexual activity and intimacy
• What does sexual freedom really mean?
• What are the options if you are a gay Christian?
• Why Freedom 2 b[e] has a ‘cruise free’ guideline and what that means
• Personal morality and living in integrity
• What impact does coming out of the closet have on your sexuality?
• Separating sexual addiction and abuse. Who is attracted to ex-gay ;programs?
• Differences between lesbian and gay male sexuality
• Safe sex?

Presenter:
Anthony Venn-Brown was a leader in the Assemblies of God and a popular preacher in the mega-churches of Australia. After 22 years of attempting to change his sexuality through counselling, exorcisms, 40 day fasts, ‘ex-gay’ programs and marriage he was forced to face reality. Nothing had changed: he was still gay. After his resignation from the ministry and public confession, he struggled to come to terms with the loss of his friends, faith and purpose. Anthony is now a respected community leader and dedicated ambassador for the LGBT community, educating people about sexuality and assisting others to resolve the perceived conflict between their faith and their sexuality. His award winning autobiography ‘A Life of Unlearning’ is now in its second print and he has appeared on national TV programs such as 60 minutes, Sunrise, the Morning Show, Mornings with Kerri Anne and the ABC’s Hungry Beast. Anthony is also the co-founder of Freedom 2 b[e] and was twice voted one of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Australians.

Imagine a world where large companies and organisations are actively seeking LGBT employees and even competing for the number one position of preferred LGBT employer of the year.

I first came across such a program when I visited Stonewall, UK’s leading LGBT Rights organisation headquarters, whilst in the UK last year. The work they are doing re ending discrimination and creating equality in the workplace is amazing.

A similar program, based on the UK model, is operating here in Australia now, headed up by Dawn Hough. Look who has already signed up as members.

Come along to our next Freedom 2 b[e] chapter meeting and hear about some of the exciting things that are happening and discover how this impacts you personally in an employment or educational setting.

PRIDE IN DIVERSITY:
Pride in Diversity is Australia’s first and only not-for-profit workplace program designed specifically to assist Australian employers with the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees.

As a member-based program, Pride in Diversity works closely with HR and diversity professionals in all aspects of LGBT equality and within all sectors of the Australian workforce. No matter the organisations starting point, we work with their teams to understand the importance of LGBT inclusion and to map out a strategy that will enable them to successfully work towards best practice.

This year, Pride in Diversity will launch Australia's first Workplace Equality Index that will measure and rank organisations on their level of LGBT inclusivity.

Pride in Diversity is based on the Stonewall UK's Workplace Champions model and is proud to partner with ACON, Stonewall UK and Diversity Council Australia.

You've seen them at our meetings. They marched with us in this years Mardi Gras parade for the first time. But do you know their story?

http://www.freedom2b.org/gallery/937

At our June meeting we have the pleasure of Robyn and Ann sharing their intriguing story. I asked for bios and this is what they gave me. Which probably reflects the style and content of what they will share.

This is what they wrote:
We were born in Australia and England, raised in conservative evangelical Christian families

We have:
• over 50 years of marriage between us
• 7 children
• over 50 years of Church Ministry/pastoring/leadership

Once thought we were heterosexual but now identify as lesbian and living happily ever after.....with each other!

It's been a while since the last Freedom 2 b[e] Youth but do not despair because it's about to kick off again with a bang!! We are meeting at Newtown (exact details TBC) at 2pm on SATURDAY 1ST MAY. Come to one or come to all.

Sydney meeting is always the first Friday of the month. Friday April 2nd is Good Friday.

For those who are in Sydney for the Easter Weekend join the Freedom 2 b[e] gang for a cruise on Sydney Harbour to Manly. Then famous fish and chips on the beach.

Bring:
Frisbee or other things such play things for the beach if you like.
Your Iphone hehe.
Or just chill out.

4:00 pm ferry departs from Circular Quay Wharf for Manly from Wharf 3.
9:00 pm ferry departs from Manly for Circular Quay

Fares are $6.40 single or $3.20 concession each way.

Terese Hutchison has broad experience in working as a vocational educator and counsellor and she is currently undertaking her final year of a Master of Clinical Psychology in order to establish her private practice in 2011. Terese has a passion for empowering others to overcome adversity and develop psychological well-being and resilience.