Tim Brown

Tim Brown is the owner and operator of Connections Nightclub and has worked here for nearly 20 years. He has been very involved with the gay and lesbian community of this city for all that time. In that time he's seen huge changes in our community and the wider public’s attitudes towards us but knows we still have work to do to be seen as, and to see ourselves as, equal. These reforms are a very important step towards that.

Tim has lived with his partner, Peter for 17 years and although they are no longer a couple, they are still business partners in Connections.

That means Tim is free to work his way towards sharing his super with someone… just not in a Winnabego!

Why have you chosen to represent this same-sex law reform campaign?

Law reform is of vitally important for our community. Recognition under the law is crucial to our acceptance as a community and as individuals.

What sorts of same-sex discrimination have you as / anyone you know experienced?

Having worked in Connections for many years I’ve met dozens of young people who hadn’t felt like they belonged or even had families until they discovered this community. This is an insidious and pervasive form of discrimination, with young people feeling like they can’t be who they are and not seeing themselves as equal.

How do you think these reforms will make a difference to your life, or to the lives of those close to you?

More equitable laws will make the wider community more aware of who we are and that we are no different to them. They will also serve to remind us that we are equal and that who we are is something to be proud of.

Why do you think people should wear these 85 law reforms with pride?

Because they are concrete recognition of who we are as people, that is, that we are equal, under the law.

Why do you think this is a huge step forward for Australia?

Australia prides itself on being an egalitarian society. We are part of that society and, as such, this is a huge recognition of our equality.

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

Well, it made me laugh out loud when I saw it. Unfortunately though, I’m not really a Winnabego sorta guy. Maybe my T-shirt should have had a 5 star hotel on it…

TIM BROWN