JULIE McCROSSIN

Julie McCrossin talks to people for a living. After 20 years as a broadcaster with ABC Radio National, ABC TV and Network Ten, she is now a freelance journalist and facilitator. She presented the radio show Life Matters on ABC Radio National for 5 years, covering health, welfare and educational topics with a frequent rural focus. Julie was also a team leader on the media quiz show “Good News Week” for 5 years on Network Ten and ABC TV. Julie has worked as a TV reporter for both the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and ANZAC DAY – and she’s thrilled to live in a country where it is possible to do both. But her proudest media moment was her appearance on ABC TV’s “Play School” as a silent clown called Plain Jane.

Julie got involved in gay liberation in 1973 and she was in the huge crowd outside Darlinghurst Police Station in 1978, as the people arrested at the first Mardi Gras were bailed out from the cells. She believes "coming out" is still the most effective way to fight for fully equality.  www.juliemccrossin.com

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

I am part of the campaign because I want to say thank you to the politicians who supported same-sex law reform and I want to remind them there is some unfinished business. Full equality means gay marriage under the Marriage Act and we need to continue the fight.

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

The discrimination that hurts me personally is the ongoing rejection and condemnation by some religious groups. This also puts young people at risk as it reinforces self hatred at a vulnerable time and distresses families.

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

The key issues for me are the health and ageing reforms. As a woman of 55 in a marriage-like relationship and with two step-children, the new entitlements and rights  relating to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme are great. Also the changes in relation to access to aged care and the protection of the family home are very reassuring.

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

We should wear the 85 reforms with pride because we need to advertise the changes so that people find out about their new rights and obligations.

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

This is a huge step forward because it is so comprehensive. It is still rare internationally for a country to go to so much trouble to eliminate discrimination in this way.

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

I like my t-shirt because it is a delicate image about a sensitive topic, the health and ageing rights of gay and lesbian people.

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