CHANCE led the Western Area Gay and Lesbian Support (WAGALS) group to hold a picnic the weekend after marriage equality legislation passed through the House of Representatives and the timing made it all the sweeter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Paula Beattie said the group called the Cook Park gathering after the postal vote outcome was announced.
“It took a long time to get everybody for a particular weekend,” she said.
“It was great timing.”
The picnic on Sunday attracted people from across the region, some of whom had never attended a WAGLAS function before, and as far as Canberra and Sydney.
“It’s not just about our journey, it’s about the kids because now it’s part of normality and people don’t have to suicide because they are ashamed,” Ms Beattie said.
Sara Wedgwood, who was part of the ‘yes’ campaign in the nation’s capital, said she had been in touch with Ms Beattie since 2014 when she presented to a human rights forum.
“It’s been a long journey,” she said of the result.
Keith Fripp travelled from Ben Bullen, north of Lithgow.
He described the passing of the legislation as “grand” and he enjoyed the chance to spend time with friends.
“It gets a bit lonely in a country town, but it’s good to catch up,” he said.
The excitement was palpable from Julie Proctor and Deidre Payne, who met through WAGALS and have been in a relationship for the past 18 years.
“It’s like hanging out with your tribe,” Ms Proctor said.
“You can spend as much time with people as you like, but there’s nothing like spending time with your sub-culture.”
The pair said the milestone had a bearing on small things, like feeling able to hold hands in public.
“I thought the no vote would hijack us more than it already did,” Ms Proctor said.
“I copped that much abuse, I didn’t think I could keep it up – I was threatened with physical and sexual violence on social media.”
The couple anticipated there might be some marital celebrations when they reached their 20th anniversary.
Steve Cooke and his partner, Alan Tatersall, have been in a relationship for the past two years and while marriage was not particularly important to him, Mr Cooke said it was a milestone on the road to general acceptance.
“For those who would like to get married, there’s no blockages,” he said.