Benedict Brook, Author at Star Observer

Community Hero: Jen Yates

Benedict Brook — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 08:39:46 +0000

In every monthly issue of the Star Observer, we take a look at a champion of the LGBTI community. This month, Benedict Brook spoke to a Canberra psychologist whose work with trans people has bolstered self-esteem, reunited families and even saved lives.

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So fa’fa, so good

Benedict Brook — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 08:15:10 +0000

In an RSL in south western Sydney, Benedict Brook meets the contestants of a very different kind of beauty pageant and is introduced to a way of life that western culture struggles to define.

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Closet Case: Lachlan Beaton

Benedict Brook — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 08:27:31 +0000

Earlier this year, former Victorian Aussie Rules footballer Lachlan Beaton's emotional YouTube please for equality went viral. In the Star Observer's regular look at notable coming out stories, Beaton tells Benedict Brook the untold story of the fellow player who gave him the courage to finally be himself.

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Up, up and a-gay

Benedict Brook — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 07:41:10 +0000

Alan Joyce is arguably the most prominent corporate voice in the marriage equality campaign. The Qantas chief executive talks to Benedict Brook about coming out, the passion his partner has for equality and what he thinks of the arguments of those against marriage equality.

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Success of Aussie at global third gender beauty pageant; dedicates her performance to trans* youth

Benedict Brook — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 04:59:00 +0000

Australia’s first-ever contestant at the Miss Fa’afafine international competition wows judges in Samoa.

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Forget the library — the pub’s the new place to learn about LGBTI history

Benedict Brook — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 04:05:11 +0000

New chair of Sydney Pride History group aims to make the city’s gay and lesbian history more accessible.

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Domestic violence support services failing lesbians

Benedict Brook — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 08:10:04 +0000

Existing services combating domestic violence, organised along gender lines, often don’t know how to deal with the same-sex partners of lesbian victims of violence, says LGBTI health body ACON.

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“I’m proud of the contributions LGBTI people make to Defence”: senior Australian military chief

Benedict Brook — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 04:09:30 +0000

At Australia’s first-ever military pride ball, the armed forces announced a new staff pride network while honours were given to outstanding LGBTI personnel.

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Mums and dads of LGBTI kids embark on mission of (marriage) equality

Benedict Brook — Mon, 07 Sep 2015 06:50:51 +0000

Forty parents have travelled to the national capital to protest at the lack of a free vote on marriage equality as a cross-party bill is debated and despatched in less than 10 minutes.

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NSW Premier Mike Baird “distressed” at Gayby Baby furore

Benedict Brook — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 06:54:56 +0000

However, Baird continues to back decision to restrict when the film can be shown in schools.

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Warren Entsch: If Greece can have a referendum in two weeks, Australia can vote on marriage equality before 2018

Benedict Brook — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 08:18:36 +0000

At a Sydney event, Queensland federal MP criticises Gayby Baby furore and says Prime Minister Tony Abbott is increasingly the “last man standing” against same-sex marriage – even within his own family.

The post Warren Entsch: If Greece can have a referendum in two weeks, Australia can vote on marriage equality before 2018 appeared first on Star Observer.

NSW Young Nationals break party ranks to support marriage equality

Benedict Brook — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 04:00:20 +0000

Move by the NSW youth arm of the Nationals puts pressure on party increasingly divided on issue of marriage equality.

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Puberty Blues star raised by lesbian mums slams Gayby Baby school “ban”

Benedict Brook — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 07:39:46 +0000

As schools and workplaces celebrate Wear It Purple day, actor Brenna Harding tells Star Observer how rainbow families will be the ones who suffer in the wake of criticism over acclaimed documentary Gayby Baby.

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Call for NSW Parliament to apologise for violence at first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Benedict Brook — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 08:11:05 +0000

Coogee MP adds voice to growing chorus of politicians seeking an official admission that policing at the 1978 march was heavy-handed and arrests unnecessary.

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Gayby Baby director criticises NSW Education Minister for film ban following furore

Benedict Brook — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 04:14:21 +0000

Wear It Purple organisers say its full steam ahead showing support for young LGBTI people despite documentary fallout.

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Indie fist in a velvet glove

Benedict Brook — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 05:11:21 +0000

Brendan Maclean says it's the LGBTI community, and being gloriously gay, that have delivered him the breaks. Now he's turning away from his indie back catalogue and partnering with Marcia Hines to delve into a world of disco, dance and cabaret. Benedict Brook reports.

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Closet Case: Michael Kirby

Benedict Brook — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 05:59:42 +0000

Each issue, a prominent Australian shares their coming out tale. This month, former High Court judge, LGBTI advocate and man with the ear of the influential, Michael Kirby, tells Benedict Brook about the fear of growing up gay when homosexuality was illegal and the critical role bangers and mash played in welcoming his partner to the family.

The post Closet Case: Michael Kirby appeared first on Star Observer.

Community Hero: C.Moore Hardy

Benedict Brook — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 05:41:56 +0000

This month the Star Observer's spotlight on community champions falls on C.Moore Hardy, whose photographs have revealed the cheers and tears of Sydney's queers since the 1970s. Benedict Brook reports.

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Sydney gay man on assault charge following fracas with Oxford St bouncers says he’s the victim

Benedict Brook — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 05:40:50 +0000

Joshua Meadows says he suffered lacerations and bruising following an incident outside Sydney’s ARQ nightclub.

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Grin and bare it

Benedict Brook — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 04:37:39 +0000

Art galleries and bookshops are currently awash with images of gay people in various states of undress. Benedict Brook finds out why someone would choose to take their clothes off for public consumption, explores the motivations of those behind the lens and asks where all the images of lesbians are.

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