On the 1st of August 2009, I was amongst thousands of supporters at the National Day of Action for Same Sex Marriage rally in Fed Square, Melbourne.

This day of action is part of a nationwide campaign, Equal Love, which is in its fifth year of pressuring the government into legalising same sex marriages. In 2008, the federal government amended over 100 laws to allow same sex couples (domestic partners) the same financial and work-related entitlements as heterosexual couples.

Marriage, however, is still illegal for same sex couples. Many participants of the rally were dressed in wedding outfits, and later on, a total of 65 couples were (illegally) married, exchanging vows on the steps of the city’s registry office.

Besides wedding outfits, rainbow colours were of course also a popular feature:

And political t-shirts, button badges, face paint, and eye-grabbing outfits:

(how gorgeous is that guy on the right, seriously)

The rally started with a gathering and some speeches at Fed Square, before taking to the streets. If you’re so inclined, here’s a video of the walk (“hey hey, ho ho, homophobia’s got to go!”)

Here are some photos from the walk:

For the rest of my pictures, take a look around this Flickr set: Equal Love.

Also, watch some videos from the same campaign, of “Mr Government” trying unsuccessfully to schmoooze “Ms Equality”

It was a very positive experience for me, to be around all these people. The parade had thousands of participants, many people in love, with their partners — all they want is to be able to marry each other. Straight people fighting for equal rights. Queer people fighting for their rights. In the end, it’s all just an effort to get love and equality recognised: why should anyone be allowed to police relationships between consenting adults?

As for police at the rally — sure there were police around…they were making sure everyone was safe, and that traffic was still going smoothly, letting the parade through first.

Of course, I came home that day to news that my friends were being tear-gassed, water cannoned, and abused by our FRU and police force in Malaysia, for taking a stand against the ISA. What can I say? The difference was stark.

I love Malaysia, but it breaks my heart when I read about the horrible things our government is capable of.

As for those in KL, Seksualiti Merdeka is now into its second year, and happening soon: 12th-16th August, at The Annexe, Central Market. I hope you attend, and find the event as edifying and rejuvenating as I found this rally.

Flickr: Equal Love (by Tilted World)

The Age: Big crowds turn out in support of gay marriage

Official website: Equal love

Party coming up next month, organised by Rainbow Nite and theKLword. It’s a pride party for everyone, and also a pre-Mini O party (the Mini O party is 14th August, a week after KL Pride). The Mini O is a party that leaves an impression, so this associated party could be a blast too:

KLPRIDE 2009 — A Pre-Merdeka/Pre-Mini O Splashbash

As you all know PRIDE is all about celebrating our sexualities and diversity and showing the world, or at least ourselves, that we are proud of who we are.  PRIDE month globally is June which also commemorates the Stonewall riots. PRIDE, at it’s roots, is a political event, a protest, to highlight LGBTIQ rights and to commemorate all those who have fought for this cause…

Expect loads of games to get you wet, specially designed door gifts including a limited edition KLPRIDE 2009 t- shirt while dancing on the the poolside roof top deck as the sun goes down to the sounds of sexy house, RNB and your favourite retro hits.

Pre-Sales – RM50 (comes with limited edition t shirt and one drink)
At the door -RM60

For tickets/info please email theloudgirl@yahoo.co.uk or call Elaine on 016 357 2610 or Teena on 012 250 0878

Links: Facebook event page; The KL Word; DJ Phinans (you may know her as Fasha/one of the Gol n Gincu cast).

[ Update notes: Flyer wording changed slightly; added introduction from KL Word, and omitted part of the invite from Facebook event group as it no longer reflects the inclusive feel the organisers want for the party ]