[Vision2020] Claws Out Over Lesbian Festival

[Tim Lohrmann]

The promoters of this festival need a double dose of
sensitivity re-edu...er...training, pronto!
TL


Claws Out Over Lesbian Festival
October 1, 2003
    
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/09/30/1064819927521.html


A spat has broken out over a bid to exclude anyone
other than female-born lesbians from attending or
working at a national lesbian festival. 

Organisers of Lesfest 2004, to be held at Daylesford,
Victoria, yesterday had an exemption from equal
opportunity laws revoked in the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Appeals Tribunal. 

The tribunal decision made earlier this month had
allowed organisers to advertise for only female-born
lesbians to attend or work at the seven-day
conference. 

But the exemption was overturned because the
organisers had failed to notify the tribunal about a
complaint. 

The Australian WOMAN Network, a transsexual lobby
group, had applied to revoke the exemption because the
term "female-born" was offensive. 

Lesfest spokeswoman Anna Holland-Moore said outside
the tribunal there was a difference between lesbians
who were raised female and those born male.

She said the homosexual community was diverse and
transsexuals had the right to celebrate their own
identity. 

"It's not about excluding, it's about affirmation of
our identity," Ms Holland-Moore said. 

"We just wanted a week together to consolidate our
culture and discuss relevant issues." 

She said organisers were also worried about the effect
that opening the festival to non-lesbians would have
on their women-only ceremonies and workshops. 

An internet advertisement for the January festival
says it will be held on 60 hectares on which there
will be "peaceful bush, big gums and lots of bird
life". 

The festival will include political forums, performing
arts, healing space, workshops and talking circles. 

More than 150 people are expected to attend. 

The exemption would have ensured even caterers were
lesbians. Boys aged over eight and non-lesbian girls
over 15 were also banned.

- AUstralian Associated Press



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