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Saturday Magazine

29 Jul 2023

Saturday, 29th July, 2023, Jody Eckert, Tamworth (Hey, Vernon) Mail Box Project.

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Saturday, 29th July, 2023, Jody Eckert, Tamworth (Hey, Vernon) Mail Box Project.

Nevena and Paul talk to Jody Eckert about her Tamworth mail box project.

Jody, has overcome the challenges of being queer in regional NSW wants to share a message of love and acceptance with the LGBTQI community, 

Jody describes herself as “a gal about town” with a passion for organising events and building strong communities.

She grew up moving around Queensland, lived in Maryborough and then moved with her first girlfriend to Sydney, and lived there for about 15 years.

But, after an unplanned pregnancy ; she calls,  “a funny moment for a lesbian”, Jody said things changed.

“I was turning 30, and I thought my life was sorted because I had a partner and we had just bought a fixer-upper reno,” she said. “My second novel was published, but I was very arrogant and thought I had made it, and that life was done.

(sources Star Observer)

Vernon Marshall, a gay man living in regional New South Wales during the 1970s, he set up a post office box for others in the queer community to write to him and share their struggles. Decades after his death, Vernon’s work is being resurrected in Tamworth, where he spent much of his life.

A new post office box has been set up for LGBTQIA+ people to share their thoughts, worries and navigate their sexuality.

Pick up a pen and let it flow

Jody Ekert believes writing a letter, instead of emailing or texting, is an idea that still has merit. “I think there’s a beauty in pulling out some pen and paper and actually writing down what you’re thinking,” she says.

Vernon’s life and activism impress her.

Source; ABC.

 

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