Sydney - Gender Trail blazers

[Lilian J]

Hello fellow Sydneyites. 

Mardi gras is running a talk at Darling Harbour this friday 730pm to 10pmm with some prominent trans-people and a panel discussion that looks quite interesting.

http://www.mardigras.org.au/2016-festival-event-guide/gender-trailblazers

I was wondering anyone else was going and potentially wanted to meet up for a drink before the event at a nearby cafe or bar Maybe around 5:30pm or 6pm?

Regards
Jamie

[Claire_Sydney]

I'm going to the Ethics Commitee debate at Recital Hall tonight. Unfortunately I've already paid for the ticket.

I'm not sure if I can get to a Friday night panel discussion as well (and I'm also not sure if my psyche can stand much more arguing about gender this week - I was yelling at the TV while watching Q&A).

Can I let you know tomorrow morning?

[Lilian J]

Certainly Claire.

To be honest I picked this one as it is less "debate" and seems a more positive discussion. I skipped Q&A but I did see some shorts Kerryn Phelps delivering smack downs

I'm going to get the train to get to Darling Harbour around 5:30 then find a cafe and I'll post back here where I am if anyone wants to come along.

Cheers

[Claire_Sydney]

Hi Lili.

I can make it tomorrow night!

Unfortunately I work in the suburbs, and I'll need to head home to shower and change then get a train into the city and walk down to Darling Harbour. I'll post back on here how I am going for time. I hope to be there around 6pm.

I'll look out for your post so I know where to find you.

[Lilian J]

Great see you there.
I 'm aiming for 6pm as well and will look for a cafe around Darling Quarter near the theatre.

Have a great day.

Jamie

[Claire_Sydney]

Hi Jamie - I've just left work and the traffic is not moving. It's not looking good that I will be in the city before 7pm.

I'm still going to make an effort to get to the function, even if I am late. Did you want to catch up afterwards instead?

[Lilian J]

No problems.
Ill pm you my mobile number and we can catch up afterwards.

Cheers

[Lilian J]

Great presentations and overall fantastic night to round out a week of what have been acrimonious debates in the LGBT space in Australia this week.

Also was fantastic to meet fellow forum member Claire and see and hear up close the great speakers who attended.

Take away message seemed to be that there is a worrying backlash trend in Australia similar to the US but also an opportunity for the Trans community to start making itself known and lobbying directly to assert the rights that have been won and push for the rights that are still denied and rather than arguing with opponents this requires building allies and convincing the vast bulk of middle undecided people that they don't lose anything by affirming and supporting trans rights.

[Claire_Sydney]

Thanks Jamie. Was wonderful to meet you. I'm still giggling at some of the photos we took, especially the 12-foot illuminated  "TRANS CENTRAL" traffic sign..