David Alexander, Author at Star Observer

The Sunshine State’s darkest chapter

David Alexander — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 06:22:09 +0000

While the rest of Australia excelled during the early response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, one state government dragged its LGBTI citizens down during their greatest hour of need. David Alexander speaks to three key figures involved in the fight against homophobia and discrimination during the time of the Joh Bjelke-Petersen government.

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Melissa Etheridge: Crazy and brave

David Alexander — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 07:32:38 +0000

One of music’s most iconic — and out lesbian — artists has fought off cancer, received 15 Grammy nominations and won two, and was one of the most high-profile campaigners against California’s Prop 8. After 27 years, Melissa Etheridge is not letting anything get in her way. David Alexander reports.

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“She’s going to blow your mind”: Dami Im to compete for Australia in Eurovision

David Alexander — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 03:26:00 +0000

Conchita Wurst talks to the Star Observer about Dami Im's new role as Australia's Eurovision contestant for 2016.

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“Enough is enough”: a survivor’s call for Queensland to ban “gay reparative therapies”

David Alexander — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:38:58 +0000

A survivor of electro shock conversion therapy, that was promised to cure him of his homosexuality in the 1970s, has called on the Queensland government to follow Victoria's recent lead and ban all forms of the controversial practice.

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Candidates for Brisbane’s upcoming council election respond to LGBTI community survey

David Alexander — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 00:24:29 +0000

In a first for Queensland politics, candidates for Brisbane City Council's upcoming election responded to a survey addressing LGBTI issues facing the city's diverse community.

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Wallabies expertise sees the Brisbane Hustlers ready to take on the world in 2016

David Alexander — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 02:37:21 +0000

With the next Bingham Cup approaching later this year in Nashville, 2014's runner up has enlisted some Wallabies expertise to build upon their successes.

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Being equal and out is the name of the game for Sunshine Coast Pride

David Alexander — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 01:55:30 +0000

Returning for its eighth year, a message focusing on achieving equality and being proud lies at the heart of next weekend's Sunshine Coast Pride Festival.

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Exploring identity with the Brisbane Queer Film Festival

David Alexander — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 04:42:27 +0000

Starting today, the 17th Brisbane Queer Film Festival moves to its new home at the New Farm Cinemas, continuing to offer diverse and compelling cinematic content from not only around Australia and the world, but local Brisbane works as well.

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Brisbane’s MELT 2016 a “great success” with doubled crowds and more diversity

David Alexander — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 00:42:31 +0000

Brisbane's queer arts and culture festival has wrapped up another stellar year with promises it can only get better in 2017.

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Queensland PrEP trial to expand following landmark collaboration

David Alexander — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 07:56:29 +0000

BREAKING: The Queensland government will expand the size of its PrEP trial following the establishment of a working group.

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Qld policeman apologises for homophobic treatment of fellow officer as new LGBTI network established

David Alexander — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 06:14:25 +0000

With the establishment of a new support network today, the need for respectful and inclusive treatment of LGBTI police officers has been highlighted by a Gold Coast case where an apology was issued for homophobic vilification of a constable by a Senior Sergeant.

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Prominent LGBTI community health expert appointed to Qld council on domestic violence

David Alexander — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 05:19:43 +0000

A new Queensland government council now has an expert LGBTI voice to help look into roadblocks that contribute towards underreporting of same-sex domestic violence and community-specific issues.

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Brisbane gay couple look to crowdfund access to IVF in Australian first

David Alexander — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 02:27:32 +0000

With costs that can exceed $25,000, Chris and Todd Kinsey-Manning are hoping the community can help contribute towards their plans to start a family.

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Qld Health Minister won’t rule out PrEP trial expansion following a call to action

David Alexander — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 08:24:02 +0000

Following Victoria and NSW's recent PrEP trial expansions, Queensland's Health Minister is not ruling out a similar increase but is facing a call to act soon by the state's AIDS council.

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Lord Mayor candidates for Brisbane City Council elections look to woo LGBTI community

David Alexander — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 02:59:49 +0000

We kick off our coverage of the March elections for City of Brisbane, Australia's largest local government, with a wrap up of all the LGBTI-specific commitments already made by the major parties and players.

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Hopes for better relationship with Qld government after “successful” LGBTI roundtable

David Alexander — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 04:59:29 +0000

Representatives from across the LGBTI community agree that the first LGBTI roundtable with a Queensland government in five years was a productive start to a reinvigorated relationship.

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Invitation extended to ACL to see stories about rainbow families during Brisbane’s MELT

David Alexander — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 06:38:24 +0000

The director of 'Gaybies' explains why he expects the play to soon become a historical piece, while one half of the Naked Magicians invites the anti-gay lobby group to come see the production.

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Dangerous (and cruel) intentions heat things up at MELT

David Alexander — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 07:20:14 +0000

David Alexander chats with the director of the emphatically queer and feminist production of Dangerous Liaisons, Stephen Nicolazzo, about manipulation, sexism and Cruel Intentions ahead of its run at Brisbane's MELT festival next month.

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First LGBTI community and Queensland government roundtable in five years returns

David Alexander — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 06:42:35 +0000

The reestablishment of an LGBTI community and government roundtable being held tomorrow in Brisbane hopes to determine the best means by which the community can raise their concerns directly with the government.

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Brisbane rally to raise awareness on trans prisoner rights and abuse

David Alexander — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 07:28:56 +0000

Organisers of the rally hope to shed light on issues facing the trans community and incarceration.

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