Christine Minkov & Family

Christine Minkov is a proud 49-year old lesbian mother of two “gorgeous” children. Having left Sydney for a sea and tree change ten years ago, Christine and her partner, Kate have led a self-proclaimed “blessed life” in Northern NSW. She works in the community sector and believes passionately in equality and dignity for everyone – this campaign being “another way I can advocate for that”.

Christine and Kate are photographed with their two children - Daniel, 7, and Alice, 3.

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

My partner Kate and I have been together for ten years and have two children together – Daniel and Alice. As parents we are constantly “coming out” to day care, school, doctors, hospitals, Centrelink, sporting teams, our kids friends – everyone. I am OK with this (most of the time) and I want to do as much as I can to let as many people out there know that these laws have changed and that same-sex couples and their children have Commonwealth law recognition. I’m out, I’m vocal, I’m not going away and most of all I’m proud of who I am and I’m proud of my beautiful family.

I also want people within the GLBT communities know about the changes so that they can “come out, come out, wherever you are”.

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

As out-lesbian parents we are frequently exposed to people’s judgements and to individual and institutionalised homophobia. We had our first child, a gorgeous little boy, in 2003. One time, my partner (the non-biological mother of our son) tried to get a script filled for our son (who at the time had reflux) and the pharmacist would not fill it on the basis that Kate was not the child’s “mother”. Hospital staff are wary – though, admittedly, many were not too! People often ask us who the mother [of our children] is and are very ready to make assumptions – such as, assuming that our kids don’t have a dad. Our children’s fathers are a big part of our life and our family. People feel that they are free to comment on our family structure and express how pleased they are when we reveal that the children have a father – like it was any of their business in the first place!

We had a little girl in 2006 and things were a little easier then (or maybe we were used to the ridiculous questions and the judgements). However, it is still confronting every time I have to come out to someone whom I don’t know – Centrelink, school, other parents.

Once when I was speaking at the anniversary of our community legal centre the National Party member walked out on my speech when I said I was a lesbian. Legislation won’t change this however – some people will always be homophobic.

Kate and I would really like to get married but we’ll only do it when it’s legally recognised. This is the greatest form of discrimination we have experienced because it is so important to us as a couple and as mothers. We want our kids to see us married just like everyone else.

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

We can register for the Medicare Safety Net and PBS, we can have both mums names on the birth certificate, our children will feel validated and more secure in the knowledge that our family is (mostly) validated legally in Australia (though not in state law and not in marriage). Children will be protected under the changes as child support will be mandatory should the couple split up. These reforms send a very clear message that discrimination is not legally tolerable.

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

To let people know we are equal and are being recognised by Commonwealth law.

To feel connected with each other – just like the rainbow flag on cars – we can recognise there’s “one of us”.

To decrease social exclusion and isolation.

To let the straight world know we exist and we won’t go away.

TO CELEBRATE!!

To teach our children about discrimination against ANYONE – not just same sex couples and their children.

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

For all of the above reasons and most importantly, for the children (many of whom will be straight) of lesbians and gay men. They deserve to be accepted.

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

It’s child friendly, colourful and I feel good when I look at it.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I won’t rest until Kate and I can legally get married - with our children, families and friends around us witnessing and blessing our love and our relationship. Love this campaign – thank you.