Graham’s personal and professional passion for the gay and lesbian community, as well as the community response to HIV, has spanned almost 20 years.

In the early 90s Graham was a volunteer with the youth program that set up the Freedom Centre, and began working at the WA AIDS Council. After working in the youth outreach programs, Graham later became Education Manager at WAAC.

In 2003 Graham moved to the WA Centre for Health Promotion Research at Curtin University where he continued to work in collaboration with gay and lesbian and HIV community organisations and national centres. Human rights, equality and community empowerment continue to be core principles in Graham’s teaching of future public health professionals.

Graham is the current President of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations and the Director of the WA Centre for Health Promotion Research. Graham credits the sustaining of his strength and energy to pursue his passion is due to the love and support of his partner of 14 years, David.

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

Because only when all lives have equal value will we overcome many of our health and social challenges.  But to be equal we do not all have to be the same. Heterosexism and homophobia are not “points of view”, - they are failures of basic human rights.

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

I have been fortunate to have worked in organisations that consider equality and social justice as core to their values. However this has not always been the case, and to avoid discrimination my colleagues and I held back so much of our potential, and eventually left. I actually think the organisations were the big losers. Tolerance is not enough, we need to value and celebrate the diversity that makes up Australia. It just makes good sense – economically and socially.

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

My partner of 14 years is now actually recognised as my partner. I can now feel secure that if something happens to either of us, whether it is at work or at home, we can focus on the important things, and not discriminatory legal barriers. This is not just a relief for us, but our families as well. Though my Nan stills asks when we are going to get married.

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

Everyone should be allowed to be proud of who they are. While we are all different, we are also equal. But changing laws is not enough – we need to ensure that the changes, and reason for the changes, are proclaimed loud and proud.

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

Because while we always knew we should feel proud of ourselves, these changes say Australian law is officially proud as well. That is a sign of a maturing nation – and that is something we can all be proud of. It is about getting closer to our aspiration of everyone having a fair go.

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