ROBERT JONES + PARTNER GREG TILNEY

Robert Jones has recently completed a Bachelor of Engineering, and currently working for a Structural Engineering company in Sydney. As an avid user of YouTube, which he self-confessed was his distraction from impending exams, he launched his video blog www.youtube.com/robmuch – motivated by the distinct lack of online video discussion on GLBT-related issues (particularly from an Australian perspective). Since it’s inception, ‘robmuch’ has garnered over 4000 regular viewers on the site. Videos on the video blog have included discussion of gay rights and other topics related to the GLBT community, and also updates on gay news throughout the world.

Robert was photographed for the campaign with his partner, Greg Tilney. Greg grew up in a small country town in the Central West of NSW. He recently graduated from the University of Wollongong with a degree in Journalism and Advertising/Marketing and is currently working in business marketing for online media company CBS Interactive.

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

My blog has been all about promoting discussion and informing people about GLBT issues and related news around the world. Being a part of this campaign means I can better inform those around me and those who watch my videos of the 85 law reforms and the rights and responsibilities than are associated with these changes.

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

Submitting ideas and discussion on a public forum such as YouTube will always attract negative comments from so-called “haters”, so I’ve had my fair share of same-sex discrimination online, but the anonymous nature of the comments means that I can generally brush it off. In “real life”, I’ve had friends who have been discriminated against in their workplace for being gay, such as one friend who was transferred to another location because their employer couldn’t have “two gay guys working in the same store”.

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

These reforms are so wide ranging, from protection from discrimination in the workplace, to parenting rights for same-sex partners. As both my partner and myself are just starting out in our respective careers, I have no doubt that these reforms will influence our lives at some stage, whether it be protecting our rights or simply providing peace of mind.

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

A lot of people have fought very hard for a very long time to see some legal recognition of GLBT rights. These reforms should be considered as trophies, and should be worn with pride.

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

This group of law reforms is one of the biggest steps forward toward full equality for Australia’s GLBT community since legalising same-sex sex or allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. The reforms will provide much needed protection and security for the GLBT community in many aspects of our lives.

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

I like that the number 17 has been placed on a medal, it's showing that these law reforms are real achievements, and people should be proud to wear these reforms as a medal on their chest. The colour is very flattering as well!

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