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It’s easy to feel pretty dispirited by the **horrors** at the moment, including the seemingly global pushback against all the LGBTQIA+ community’s hard won rights. And you’re allowed to feel that way, I’m not an emotion cop.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has just revealed a massive and confronting report into the “widespread discrimination” trans and gender diverse Australians face. On the one hand, it’s depressing to see it all laid out, and to see how massive the problem is - but it’s also comforting that dedicated members of our community are putting in this kind of work, and giving us a powerful tool that will hopefully be heeded by the people in power.
In today’s newsletter, we’ve collected a bunch of features interviewing brilliant comedians and performers, and a heartfelt tribute to the iconic Maxi Shield. Enjoy! And take a break from the horrors.
TOP STORY
Human Rights Commission Report Finds Widespread Discrimination Against Trans Australians
Released on International Trans Day of Visibility, the Australian Human Rights Commission's Equal Identities report draws on 97 submissions alongside national and international research, described as a “snapshot” of trans existence and rights in Australia.
The review identifies persistent and distressing patterns of discrimination, which affects trans and gender diverse Australians access to safety, essential services, and the ability to fully participate in society.
by Patrick Lenton
PRESENTED BY LIFEBLOOD
BLOOD DONATION EQUALITY
More people can now donate plasma, including gay men, transgender people, and PrEP users.
ENTERTAINMENT
The Trailer For The New RuPaul Film Is Officially Here And It’s Incredibly Queer
The first official trailer for the new RuPaul film Stop! That! Train! has dropped and fans are gagging.
Featuring the likes of Ginger Minj, Jujubee, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Latrice Royale, Marcia Marcia Marcia, Monét X Change, and Symone the expectations for this latest and ridiculous new outing for the Drag legend have been high.
by Michael James
FEATURE
A Tribute To The Inimitable Maxi Shield
There are some people who feel larger than the rooms they stand in — and then there are people like Maxi Shield, who somehow made entire cities feel smaller and more connected, kinder and more loving, just by being in them.
Chloe Sargeant pens a tribute to the iconic and beloved Maxi Shield.
by Chloe Sargeant
FEATURE
Anarchic Artist Collective Briefs Has Officially Come Of Age
“Circus with attitude, drag with muscle, and burlesque with bite”: artist collective Briefs is celebrating 18 years of their anarchic, fabulous shows.
Patrick Lenton talks to Fez Faanana about their new show Briefs: The Works, which they've taken to Melbourne’s Spiegel Haus for the comedy festival.
by Patrick Lenton
FEATURE
Bro-Mosexuals: Tim Collins And Hannah Conda Are Real-Life Brothers in Wigs
The chance of two brothers from the same family both becoming professional homosexuals in wigs is not super high — but Hannah Conda and Tim Collins are living proof that the odds are never zero.
Lydia Jupp chats to the brothers about their new touring comedy show, Brothers In Wigs.
by Lydia Jupp
