It’s an intense and emotional time for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Australia at the moment. So, I thought I’d spread some positivity and encouragement on social media, notably my Cherrybomb Media Facebook page, Twitter, (@sara_harnetty) and Pinterest. I think many of us need it.
In this socio – political climate, it’s easy for LGBTQ+ people to get discouraged. It’s easy to get angry, tearful or maybe even hopeless. To have the lives and relationships of LGBTQ+ people debated 24/7 in the media and social media alike.
Through our stresses and tears, I believe we should say one thing: thank you.
Thank you for those who have been vocal about same – sex marriage and other rights on our behalf.
Thank you to counsellors who are dedicated to helping those in distress.
Thank you for all the teachers, counsellors and support staff who have and continue to help LGBTQ+ youth without judgement. To admit being LGBTQ+ or that your unsure as a young person can be scary. Thank you for sticking by us through the struggle
Thank you to the parents who’ve decided to stick by their LGBTQ+ children, even when the cost was great.
To peers and friends who have embraced the LGBTQ+ people among you. Thank you to those who have allowed us to come out when we wanted to. You’ll never know how much that means to us.
From a personal note, to all those who’ve stood by me when I’ve struggled and have given me a soft place to fall, thak you so very much. You’re in my heart always.
Another personal note: I’d like to thank those who have offered support on my blogs or on social media. It’s not always easy writing about this sort of stuff. In fact, at times, it’s terrifying. But you all make it worthwhile. So thank you. This includes peoole who supported my blog Asexuality in a Sexual World.
The Australian High Court has ruled that the postal survey on same – sex marriage can go ahead. The surveys are expected to be posted out in the next couple of weeks. The result will known in November.
I understand some of you will be disappointed about this. I wish I could give you all a hug. All I’ll say is that, if you have a particularly strong view, then complete and send a (valid) vote.
Let me make this clear — the abuse suffered by Sydney’s Dr. Pansy Lai — some threats have been so serious that police have been involved — is inexcusable. To be quite frank, some in the ‘Yes’ campaign have been absolutely feral. Stop it!
Having said that, allegations, printed in news.com.au that Dr. Lai and the Australian Chinese for Families supports ex – gay ‘therapy’ concern me. She’s denies pushing ex – gay ‘therapy’ onto patients, but claims that there is no harm in the practice. This goes against mainstream medical opinion in the Western world.
I’m not calling for Dr. Lai to be sacked. I just hope her views don’t affect her practice.
To those who dismiss this and say that if you had a sore foot, would you care what her views were; GPs deal with mental health, too. Personally, when I was younger, a GP prescribed anti – depressants and organised for me to go to a counsellor after diagnosing me with mild depression
Secondly, I’ve been to counsellors in regard to issues with sexuality. This was after weeks — maybe months — of fear and self – hatred. If I found out that the counsellors, Student Advisor (I was at school at the time), or other staff were prejudiced against LGBTQ+ people, I would have just hated myself even more and woudn’t have trusted the staff enough to open up. Just the fear of what could happen was bad enough (the fear wasn’t confirmed, by the way. They were all really good).
I’ll be frank, if I knew that my doctor had prejudices against LGBTQ+ people and/ or they supported ex – gay ‘therapy’, I wouldn’t trust them with my health, period. I would want someone who didn’t adhere to proven and accepted medical practice.
For those who still dismiss my critique and say that it doesn’t matter, how would you feel if your doctor had personal beliefs about vaccination that went against mainstream medical knowledge? If your brought a child to this doctor, even for other reasons, would you trust him/ her? I’ve got a feeling many wouldn’t. I feel that way about any medical professional who spreads misinformation about LGBTQ+ people. It’s happened for too long. I can’t tell you how many YouTube videos I’ve watched and how many stories I’ve read online about LGBTQ+ people who’ve gone through ex – gay ‘therapy’. They’re lives were nearly destroyed, until they accepted their sexuality.
Again, I condemn the abuse towards Dr. Lai, especially when police had to involved. I won’t even say that she should be deregistered. What I do think should happen is that maybe there needs to be an overall evaluation of the medical profession to make sure that GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc, don’t have any harmful beliefs about LGBTQ+ people that is going to turn into harmful practice. LGBTQ+ people deserve proper health care like everyone else.
Has this post brought up any issues for you? You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beond Blue: 1300 224 636.
I didn’t know that Natalie Imbruglia’s hit Torn was a cover until this morning. It doesn’t surprise me, though. Growing up in the 1990’s, I remember that many songs that were hits were covers (as in being sung by another artist before), or had been written by someone else.
How many of these do you know that were covers?
All 4 One: I swear
This All – 4 – One hit was an R’n’B rendition of a country hit originally sung by John Michael Montgomery in 1993, while All – 4 – One did it the following year. The song is written by Gary Baker and Frank J Myers.
Daryl Braithwaite: Horses
This song is as Aussie as Vegemite! Or wait, no it’s not, actually. The former singer of Sherbet did covered this song in 1991. The song was originally recorded in 1989 by Rickie Lee Jones. It was written by Rickie Lee Jones and Walter Baker.
Nothing Compares 2 U: Sinead O’Connor
Does everyone know this song was originally by Prince?
Baby Give It Up – Cut’n’Move
This cover from the Danish dance pop group in 1993 is my favourite. It was originally done by disco group KC and the Sunshine Band in 1982. Written by frontman, Harry Casey.
Without You – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey was massive when I was a kid. I had a video of one of her live performances and used to (try) and sing along to it every time I watched it. This song was originally released by Harry Nilsson in 1971. It was written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans. (Sorry can’t embed the video at the moment. For some reason it always embeds the Cut’n’Move one).
What covers do you remember from the ’90’s? Which one is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.