JOHNATHAN DAVIS

Sell described “Scene Queen” (in the best possible way) Real estate agent and all round performer and entertainer (Singer, Comedian, MC and occasional Drag queen, cue: Pixie Darling), Johnathan Davis is so immersed in the Canberra queer scene; he could almost open a nightclub in his head. As a member of the staff at a queer community bar in Canberra, member of Equal Love (marriage equality lobby group) and an active volunteer with the AIDS Action Council, Johnathan Davis is proud to represent this campaign. While in his own words “We have a fair way to go yet”, he acknowledges the signifigent steps taken in this campaign to achieve equality for the sexuality and gender diverse community.

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

I have chosen to represent this campaign as I feel it is an important step in the right direction to achieve full equality for all Australians in all laws regardless of sexuality or gender identity. I am proud to live in a time where these changes are finally being made.

What sort of same sex discrimination have you/anyone else experienced?

Everybody can surely point out a time when someone’s sexuality was used as a tool of ridicule or harassment. A single hour on a school playground would make one aware of the use of the word ‘gay’ in today’s vernacular. These law reforms help show how sexuality and gender diverse peoples are no different and thus over time, will help stop this type of disparaging commentary making there way into the mainstream of Australian culture.

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

These changes are practical and real steps in the right direction. They ensure in many areas of the law now assist, as opposed to hinder, sexuality and gender diverse people in everyday life situations. Now we simply wait until our law makers decide to recognize the most important thing, love.

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

The progression of a nation to recognize any peoples who have been discriminated against is a worthy cause to be proud. Law reform encouraging people to accept and embrace the diversity in there own a community is a great thing. Changes like this in law further increase the visibility of sexuality and gender diverse people. Homophobic comes from fear, fear comes from a lack of knowledge. Educating people on these changes plays a big part in ending discrimation from people, not just laws.

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

Australia is known around the world as a young, progressive forward thinking nation, yet to be so far behind in the fight for equality to sexuality and gender diverse people has let us down on the international stage. Now, as a gay man, I am proud to say where I come from with pride.

What do you like about our t-shirt design?

I feel a particularly high level of pride for my particular t-shirt, as it recognizes Australians who have fought for us and defended our nation, while not being recognized by the people and the government they represent. The men and women of the armed forces make a huge personal sacrifice for our country and now to have the law recognizes so many fundamental elements of there loving relationships fills me with pride.

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