DEFGLIS/FR Seminar "Positioning ourselves for the future"
A SEMINAR described as a major step in achieving culture change and sponsored by Defence was held in Canberra in early October.
The inaugural Defence Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) seminar saw 20 participants take part in Positioning Ourselves for the Future, a joint venture between the Defence Fairness and Resolution Branch (FR) and the Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service (DEFGLIS).
John Diercks, Director General of FR opened the seminar.
Most recently same-sex legislative reform which resulted in many discriminatory laws being amended has provided the impetus to break-down more of the barriers to equality,” he said.
“This seminar is an opportunity to explore how well Defence is progressing in providing an equitable workplace, one in which gay and lesbian personnel are welcome and supported.
“Breaking down barriers and changing culture can be a long term process,” Mr Diercks said.
DEFGLIS Chairman CPOWTR Stuart O’Brien agreed saying, “It is important that both FR Branch and DEFGLIS are relevant and well positioned to respond to the demands of a changing work environment.”
According to Peter Sullivan, Director of FR, the seminar was important to consider support and services available to Defence personnel who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, and to identify areas of potential improvement.
Speakers included Director of Conditions Information and Policy Services, Ingrid Singh, Director General of Defence Community Organisation Michael Callan, Director Joint Health Support Agency GPCAPT Michael Seah and Federal Agent Delia Quigley, who presented on the Australian Federal Police’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) Network, which she chairs.
“It is difficult for some members to understand the difficulties surrounding the life journey of others, Agent Quigley said.
“Imagine not being able to be yourself because you are a Christian in a Muslim world, black in a white society, disabled in an able-bodied world or even gay in a society that is heteronormative.
“Diversity is about acceptance, not mere tolerance,” she said.
AC Troy Jorgensen said, “The ADF is leading the way in anti-discrimination, equality and diversity,”
CPL Elissa Croker said, “It is important that we in Defence get the message out there that homophobia is unacceptable.
“It not only affects us, but also our heterosexual colleagues who have family and/or friends in the GLBT community.
“This negativity impacts on everyone’s capability,” CPL Croker said.
LS Sam Duncan said, “The education of all Defence members about what diversity is all about, that it’s not just a throw away word because it’s topical.”
The seminar concluded with workshops which brought together elements of the seminar focussing on a way forward and to consider a GLBT Network.
DEFGLIS Chair CPOWTR Stuart O’Brien ended the seminar saying, “FR and DEFGLIS have shown that the ADF has embraced diversity within and shown the wider community how inclusive the ADF has become.
Back Row L - R
Federal Agent Delia Quigley; PTE Nathan Howarth; AC Troy Jorgensen; SIG Michael Purdon; LS Sam Duncan; MAJ Damien Hadfield; David Auld.
Front Row L - R
CPO Dion Chandler; CPL Elissa Croker; CPO Stuart O'Brien; CPL Amanda Eriksson; CPO Anita Van Der Meer.
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