DAVID WEBBER

David Webber, 41, is a Senior Officer of Community Engagement, working in the Emergency Services with NSW State Government around public safety and natural disaster community resilience.  He was instrumental in organising the entry of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) participation in the Mardi Gras Parade for the past 2 years.

David has been involved with the Wollongong gay community for over 20 years, including working with ACON Illawarra in education and community development.  He has been involved with a range of local social support groups, including: UNITY Wollongong for 15 years, MOTIV (Members of the Illawarra Float), GLLI (Gay and Lesbian Line Illawarra), and sporting groups (the Screaming Queens volleyball team).

David, also known as a few pseudonyms, dabbles in performing – his current alter-ego, being Miss Cara Van-Park.  He lives in Wollongong with his partner of 17 years.

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

I have been involved with the Wollongong GLBTI community for many years through the social support group UNITY Wollongong and other groups. I have also worked with ACON Illawarra in community education and community development. I am a gay man who is in a same-sex relationship that has lasted 17 years. I believe that it is important to contribute to and participate in the development of your community (mine being the GLBTI community) to have access to services and options available to you as a member of that community.

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

Fortunately I have experienced very little directly. Saying this, I am aware of inequalities within some areas where I am excluded because I am in a same-sex relationship.

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

Having the same choices open to me as other relationships do gives me a sense of acceptance within the broader community and recognition of my relationship – whether I choose these or not. It is the lessening of barriers which others never have to even think about which makes living as part of a same-sex relationship easier.

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

To advertise to other people in our communities that these reforms have been made. Many people within our own community do not realise that inequalities still exist. It is also a celebration that our relationships are becoming recognised.

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

I am in two minds about this. It is a great to have reforms and legal rights around equality for access for same-sex relationships but I also think it is indicative of an embedded and ingrained cultural norm we have that is fundamentally homophobic to have the need to have these reforms. It is an equaliser but wouldn’t it be better if we did not need one?

What do you like about your T-shirt design?

I love it. Even before I read the designer's Dan Funderburgh statement, I had thought that the intricate design reminded me of design that you would find on banknotes and currency (which I love spending!) - a look of importance and investment. These are the same values which I share in my relationships. The colours are great.

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