RICHARD REID

Richard Reid is out, proud and rapidly becoming one of the most sought after personalities in Australian television, radio and print. Having graduated with honors from New York City's Hunter College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in film and theatre literature, Richard earned a second degree from Seattle’s Central College in Broadcast Communications.

Richard began his broadcast career in Seattle, Washington. Moving to Los Angeles, Richard produced for the E! Channel, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight and The Insider, where he also served as a correspondent. In Australia, each day Richard dishes and dissects the dirt on the Channel Nine Network’s TODAY Show and is the resident "In-house Gossip Guru" for the Austereo Radio Network. Richard also writes a weekly column for Woman's Day.

Why are you representing this same-sex law reform campaign?

I was shocked when all of a sudden there are HEAPS of reforms - like 85? People need to know about this. I mean it's like this big secret 85? That's amazing. I want people to know about it so their lives can be better.

Why should people wear these 85 law reforms with pride?

Because these 85 reforms are hard won. We're talking blood, sweat and queer tears went into these and so you should be proud. Display it out loud and proud because you fought for these and you got em.

Have you or anyone you know experienced same-sex discrimination?

I've been in TV a long time and I’ve had viewers write in before and say really trashy things about me - so there is hate out there. I’ve also had friends lose jobs when they've come out of the closet and that's a real shame. And these aren't high level jobs, these are like waiters, valet guys, just average jobs and people are just have no recourse - we're firing you, cause' you're gay.

How do you think these reforms will make a difference to same-sex couples?

One of my main goals is to make the world a better and safer place for this new generation of young gays up and coming. They're going to have the luxury of these reforms, leading to things like same-sex marriage! I really think that these reforms are paving the way for the queers of tomorrow.

Do you think these reforms are a huge step forward for Australia?

Worldwide everyone thinks that Australia is queer heaven, but really when you come down here, there is some old school discrimination against the queer community. I really think that this is a real step in the right direction. God knows over in America we&'re still fighting baby, still fighting and it's good to see that we're kindred spirits in that way.

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

Well, it's very Sapphic sensual I will say that! I thought for sure I was going to get two sailors, but it's actually two very sexual, sensual women and can't you see the love, it's popping out! And the colour's not bad either.

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