Dean Arcuri speaks to a gay asylum seeker stuck in detention.

Arriving in Australia with valid tourist visas, gay Saudi Arabian journalist Sultan and Nassar* were asked if they intended to seek asylum by a clerk at customs. They thought it would be best to be honest and upfront about their intentions, and that they would be seeking asylum to flee from persecution because of their sexuality.

But standing at the airport at customs, the entrance to a new life was stolen from them. They were handcuffed, put into a van and taken to a detention centre where they’ve remained under guard for over two months.

Sultan shares with Dean what this has been like as he waits for the day the couple will be set free. Then two days later, Nassar was freed and Sultan remains in detention due to a clerical error. He should be free and with his partner by now, instead he is waiting and hoping that this will change before the end of the year.

This is just one asylum seekers story, there are many more whose stories we are not hearing.

This is our Australia!

*Sultan and Nassar’s names have been changed to protect their identities

The post Standing on the inside looking out – Gay Saudi journalist seeking asylum speaks from detention appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.

Planning to protect our rights through a National LGBTIQ Ministerial Advisory Council and updating the standards to protect LGBTIQ students and staff in religious schools; Dean and Louise discuss the nationwide ban on so-called ‘LGBTIQ Conversion Therapy’, appointing a Human Rights Commissioner, and ending all remaining discrimination on a federal level.

Find out how Labor plan to not only protect the rights of the LGBTI communities, but to help build our future.

The post Senator Louise Pratt – how Labor will create a fairer future for all LGBTI Australians appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.

On Thursday 18th October a community forum in Melbourne to get everyone on the same page to understand what we are up against. Felicity Marlowe from Rainbow Families Victoria joined Dean & Robbie on MAD Wednesday to give us a breakdown of what we can expect from the forum and to discuss why we need to come together.
With the Victorian state election on November 24 and the federal election due sometime before May 2019, it is time to get informed, organised and active!

This community meeting is an opportunity to bring your questions, concerns and ideas. This will be an action meeting. Find out more details here.

NEED TO TALK?
Switchboard Victoria provides free online counselling for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people and their friends, families and allies.
Call 1800 184 527 from 3pm to midnight everyday.

The post Community Meeting on Ruddock Religious Freedom Review with Felicity Marlowe appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.

Of the 12.7 million votes cast, 61.6% were returned in favour of marriage equality.

The reaction from the LGBT+ community was overwhelming, with multiple parties taking place through the streets of multiple cities into the evening.

Michael and Dean hopped in their GoGet car for a Drive for Equality, celebrating with Melbourne.

Back in the studio Dylan & Dean reflect on the day

The post Dylan & Dean continue to celebrate – YES Results Day appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.

Of the 12.7 million votes cast, 61.6% were returned in favour of marriage equality.

The reaction from the LGBT+ community was overwhelming, with multiple parties taking place through the streets of multiple cities into the evening.

Michael and Dean hopped in their GoGet car for a Drive for Equality, celebrating with Melbourne.

Gina chats with Dylan & Dean about what this day means to Rainbow Families

The post Hooray for the families & kids with Gina – YES Results Day appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.

Of the 12.7 million votes cast, 61.6% were returned in favour of marriage equality.

The reaction from the LGBT+ community was overwhelming, with multiple parties taking place through the streets of multiple cities into the evening.

Michael and Dean hopped in their GoGet car for a Drive for Equality, celebrating with Melbourne.

Back in the JOY studios, Dean & Dylan take stock of YES Result Day

The post Celebrating with Dean & Dylan – YES Results Day appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.

Of the 12.7 million votes cast, 61.6% were returned in favour of marriage equality.

The reaction from the LGBT+ community was overwhelming, with multiple parties taking place through the streets of multiple cities into the evening.

Michael and Dean hopped in their GoGet car for a Drive for Equality, celebrating with Melbourne.

They made it through peak hour traffic to the biggest celebration of Pride to hit Melbourne all year, but will they make it through the gate?

The post From the gates of Melb Equality Street Party – YES Result Day appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.

Of the 12.7 million votes cast, 61.6% were returned in favour of marriage equality.

The reaction from the LGBT+ community was overwhelming, with multiple parties taking place through the streets of multiple cities into the evening.

Michael and Dean hopped in their GoGet car for a Drive for Equality, celebrating with Melbourne.

It was such a brilliant day of celebration, that we were sure to get stuck in traffic at some point, as we head to the Equality Street Party, Dean & Michael look back on the day.

The post Driving through Melbourne with GoGet – YES Results Day appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.

Of the 12.7 million votes cast, 61.6% were returned in favour of marriage equality.

The reaction from the LGBT+ community was overwhelming, with multiple parties taking place through the streets of multiple cities into the evening.

Michael and Dean hopped in their GoGet car for a Drive for Equality, celebrating with Melbourne.

Next stop was Mollies & Sircuit who are celebrating ten years serving the community.

The post Celebrating at Mollies & Sircuit (+ a 10 year anniversary) – YES Results Day appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.

Of the 12.7 million votes cast, 61.6% were returned in favour of marriage equality.

The reaction from the LGBT+ community was overwhelming, with multiple parties taking place through the streets of multiple cities into the evening.

Michael and Dean hopped in their GoGet car for a Drive for Equality, celebrating with Melbourne.

We popped by The 86, the home of Equal Love Melbourne to join in all the community celebrations.

The post Celebrating with Equal Love at The 86 – YES Results Day appeared first on Mad Wednesdays.