PENNY SHARPE

Penny Sharpe is a Labor Member of the NSW Legislative Council. She is the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport. Penny is also a member of the UTS Council and Vice President of the Evatt Foundation. She was previously a Councillor on Marrickville Council. Penny was the first lesbian to be elected to the NSW Parliament (and actually admit it). Penny and her partner Jo have been together for 17 years and previously were foster carers for young women aged 15 17. They now have three children of their own aged 11, 6 and 10 months.

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

The 85 laws are 85 steps forward for gay men, lesbians and their families. As a member of parliament I know how hard won the reforms have been. I am pleased to stop and celebrate the achievement and to make sure that people know just how much has changed.

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

The main area of discrimination I have faced has been the recognition of my family. My partner and I have three lovely children but until these reforms (and reforms in NSW passed in 2008) I was not considered to be the legal parent of my children. This has now changed.

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

These reforms mean that our relationships are included and they matter. These reforms acknowledge that no matter who you choose to love you will receive the same legal protection as everyone else. In health, education, social security, pensions, medicare, veterans affairs we are all equal now.

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

Because these reforms were hard won by the many people who refused to be treated like second class citizens, those that refused to take no for an answer when it came to equality that is something I want to wear with pride.

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

These reforms lead the way internationally in recognising same sex couples. There is more work to do but we should not underestimate how comprehensive and far reaching these reforms are.

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

I love that it acknowledges the gay men and lesbians in our armed forces, the role they play and that they need the legal protection that these reforms give for themselves and for their families. Also it's red and it has a rainbow with a very fast plane!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I think full equality is on its way we just have more work to do together.

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