A platform to raise and address issues around same-sex attracted and gender diverse (SSAGD) young people, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

The day is an opportunity to hear from informed presenters, and for learning and discussion in workshop sessions, each facilitated by leaders in their field.

It’s a day for sharing ideas and resources, and for hearing about good practice.

Topics for discussion include creating a culturally inclusive space, working with emerging communities, and the role of religion among various cultures.

This day is open to a range of professionals working with young people; community groups; education providers; all levels of government; as well as students and young people.

Registration is just $20 and FREE for those under 25 who are full-time (secondary or tertiary) students, or unemployed.

Details of how to register, as well as a Program Agenda, will be available early 2014.

“Coming out” in Italian families – a film screening and community event
On Sunday 28 April 2013, at Trades Hall, Lygon St, Carlton, a group of Italian-Australian GLBTIQ
individuals and their families (parents, partners and children) came together to talk about their
“coming out” experiences

The event sponsored by the Australian Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer
Multicultural Council (AGMC Inc.) was a great success. Approximately 50 people participated. The
event also raised the interest of several ethic media including Il Globo newspaper and SBS Radio.

The Italian-Australian community is one of Australia’s largest migrant groups; and like many other
migrant groups where there is an intersection of faith and culture, GLBTIQ individuals often face
additional difficulties when addressing issues related to their sexual identity.

The event was held against the backdrop of the successful AGEDO Project, a project undertaken by
Italy’s equivalent to PFLAG, supporting the parents of GLBTIQ individuals. It included a screening of a short film (with English subtitles) produced and directed by Italian film-maker, Claudio Cipelletti.
Claudio has worked closely with AGEDO (the Association of Parents and Families of GLBTIQ family
members) and the film highlights the emotions and the transitions many families in Italy have made from their initial difficulties through to the full and unconditional acceptance of their children.

Rita De Santis, the convenor of AGEDO, Claudio Cipelletti himself, and Dr Chiara Bertone, Italy’s
renowned researcher in GLBTIQ family studies, provided a podcast for the day. The film screening
was followed by discussions, entertainment by Elvira and her band – “i vagabondi” with their cheeky twists on traditional Italian songs, and of course afternoon dolci!

AGMC Inc. aims to use this event as a catalyst for future events and research with other
multicultural groups in Victoria. Academic administrator and researcher, Dr Tony Mordini, a
member of the Organising Committee has commented – “We believe this project has wider scope
and reach. The issues that will be raised through these narratives are not exclusive to Italian
parents and their children. People of all races, cultures and creeds will resonate with them.”

If you want further information about the project please contact Tony.

Tony Mordini 0412 777 438 / tony.mordini@gmail.com

On Sunday November 29^th, the AGMC hosted a Forum at VAC to discuss the question, “Is My Sexuality More Important than my Culture or Religion?” Over 50 people and 5 invited speakers presented personal experiences and perspectives which were sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always inspiring and challenging.

Alyena Mohummadally, Chairperson of the AGMC and co-convenor of the Queer Muslim network, spoke about her personal journey to embrace all facets of herself as a queer Muslim from Pakistan, and how this will become part of the life of the child she and her non-Muslim partner, Catherine, are having.

Madelaine Imber presented her perspectives as a lesbian feminist from a progressive Jewish background, and told of her experiences of marginalisation in an affluent Australian secondary college: “there were so many blondes”, and in Israel at the Wailing Wall. She called for the need to uncover and reclaim more lesbian feminist biographies and perspectives that have been silenced and denied in all patriarchal religions.

Maurice Wilson introduced the audience to the term “Takataapui” which means “Maori and Gay”.  He gave the audience important insights into pre-colonial Maori spirituality and culture which was far more embracing of sexual diversity, as well as how this intertwined with his Mormon upbringing.

Joseph Chetcuti, who has recently published “Queer Mediterranean Memories” about the hidden gay and lesbian history of Malta and was part of the first Mardi Gras protest, spoke about Catholicism in his life, and strongly stated that cultures and religions needed to accommodate people’s sexualities as one’s sexuality was central.

Finally, Shanton Chang who began the Joy FM “Orange Ribbon” program spoke about his life as a gay Christian Malaysian Singaporean Australian, and how this often puts him on the margins of ethnic, Catholic and gay communities as he is always not quite what is expected or wanted. He called for the gay community not to offend its members who have strong spiritual faith as many have worked out their own personal relationship with God despite the dogma of their church hierarchies.

After some more delicious food, the audience engaged in a lively, inspirational and empowering discussion where many shared their own experiences and concluded that the GLBTIQ communities need to respect and affirm each other’s cultures and religions while working with Australia’s multicultural and multifaith communities to respect and affirm our sexualities.

The AGMC Forum was a huge success with approximately 50 participants involved in a lively discussion.