Protesters in Sydney Demand LGBTQ+ Protection Amid Surge in Attacks
Sydney, Australia – Over the weekend, hundreds of activists and allies gathered on Sydney’s Oxford Street to protest against the increasing number of violent acts targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The demonstration, titled ‘Whose Street? Our Street!’, aimed to bring attention to the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ attacks and urge the New South Wales government to prioritize the protection of queer individuals.
Protesters, including drag performers and activists from groups such as the National Union of Students and Pride in Protest, marched down Oxford Street before holding speeches. The recent spike in homophobic and transphobic incidents in Sydney prompted these activists to demand immediate action and the implementation of the state’s proposed equality bills.
MP Alex Greenwich introduced the Equality Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, which seeks to update anti-discrimination laws, safeguard LGBTQ+ individuals, modernize language in existing legislation, and allow those over 16 to register a change of sex or gender. However, the bill has been tabled until further review towards the end of 2023, along with another bill that aims to ban gay conversion therapy and other harmful practices.
During the protest, Jamie Bridge from the Queer Action Collective addressed the audience, shedding light on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. They emphasized the urgent need for affordable gender-affirming healthcare and criticized New South Wales for being the only state to impose restrictions on gender-affirming identification. Bridge highlighted the responsibility of the community to protect their rights and fight for a safer environment.
Another activist, Charlie Murphy, called for the government to expedite the legislation. They emphasized the need for immediate action and urged authorities not to delay any further. Their statement reflected the frustration and urgency felt by the LGBTQ+ community in the face of rising attacks.
While concerns initially arose about potential disruptions caused by the protest, the New South Wales Police provided assistance instead. They ensured the safety of activists and thwarted two counter-protest groups that had planned to interfere with the demonstration.
This protest comes on the heels of yet another concerning incident in the Bankstown area of Sydney. Just a day before the march, an LGBTQ+ event organized for Wear It Purple day was forced to shut down due to safety concerns. Individuals tearing down LGBTQ+ flags, shouting abuse, and causing trouble led to the abrupt suspension of the event. The City of Canterbury Bankstown is treating the incident as a hate crime and conducting an investigation.
As Australia grapples with a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ attacks, the voices demanding protection for the queer community are growing louder. Activists and allies are pushing for the swift enactment of proposed legislations to ensure the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals, while addressing the underlying prejudice that fuels these violent acts.
