#dearoz

In a secret meeting last week, Australia’s Prime Minister banned members of his party from voting 'Yes' on marriage equality. It was a dirty move. 

But a few brave politicians have promised to take a stand for love and vote 'Yes' anyway. If a few more rebellious politicians join in, marriage equality could have enough support to pass.

So that got us to thinking... imagine if members of Parliament could see beautiful photos of gay and lesbian couples who HAVE been allowed to marry – like in the UK, Canada, and the USA – just before they're deciding what to do. It'd remind them of the global wave of marriage wins and show that the tide can’t be held back. 

All Out members from around the world sent in photos to make this beautiful video. If enough people chip in, we can buy an advertising slot on Sky News – a channel that streams inside Parliament. The powerful message could get enough politicians to join the rebellion and vote 'Yes' on marriage equality.

Will you chip in to make it happen? Here’s the link: go.allout.org/en/a/australia-equality-advert

#DearOZ aka Australia,

#FunFact #MarriageEquality is not actually about marriage equality. I used to think it was. I have been living in the US for the last 5 years and when the Supreme Court here ruled in favour of marriage equality I realised that is was so much more than that. THIS IS ABOUT EQUALITY.

Marriage equality is a tool that is being used by conservative government and religious people to subjugate the LGBT community. It enables them to say "you are less than", it enables them to say "this is ours, not yours". There is no actual reason why same sex people shouldn't be able to marry. There actually isn't a legitimate reason, the US is proof of that. The economy didn't collapse. The churches didn't explode. Nothing happened except that the world became a better place.

The truth is, whether the government says so or not, we are all equal and while we don't need them to agree in order for it to be true, I was shocked at the feelings that overwhelmed me when marriage was made legal in all 50 states of America. I had just landed in Mexico City and a boy I was dating last year sent me a message about it. I started scrolling through Facebook and tears streamed from my eyes. I really didn't realise what it meant until it happened. I don't know how to put it into words either, but it was very similar to the feeling of relief I had when I came out to my Mum and Dad when I was 18. After Mexico I flew to NYC for Pride and celebrated along side everyone there was magic in the air (to really drive the celebration home I was still in drag at 10am the next morning in Harlem with Bianca and Detox, and missed my flight to Ptown)

I sent a message to a friend in Australia saying "Is everyone in Australia kinda getting over hearing about Marriage Equality?" he replied "I haven't heard much about it???". That is why I am making this post! Get out to those rallies Australia, sign those petitions, talk about it on your social media, to your friends, your family, and get involved however you can. It is kind of embarrassing for us (Australia) to be on the wrong side of history. Hell might freeze over before Tony allows his party a conscience vote, but they are having a meeting about it next Tuesday so make it known loud and proud to the Coalition that marriage equality must happen now.  #wecandothis

Here’s the deal: there’s a marriage equality bill on the table in Australia, and the government is deciding right now whether to block it. They need some love.

Will you post a photo to send to politicians trying to block equality? (Think wedding pics, selfies with the person you love, or just you with a note! Just like these amazing ones from All Out members worldwide.) 

Tag it with #DearOz and we’ll put your pictures from around the world where the government can’t ignore them. If you don’t want to post, you can send them over to [email protected].