Neil Van Zee

I was born in Anaheim, California 1941, so I was a pre-war baby. Normal childhood. Entered a Benedictine monastery for one year. Left and joined the US Navy and served between 1963 and 1967, doing two tours of Vietnam in that time.

When I left the navy I took the first plane to Perth and that was in 1967. I arrived here two days off my 26th birthday. I chose Perth because it was the furthest place on dry land away from the US where people still speak English.

I was married in 1968 and stayed married for 10 years. I have one daughter and two grandchildren. I have always been same-sex attracted, but obviously being gay in the US Navy at that time was very dangerous.

I came out in Perth shortly before my divorce. My wife couldn’t put up with my boyfriends. I had a real husband between 1978 and 1983.

Since coming out I have been heavily involved in promoting the rights of gay people in WA and will continue to do so for as long as I can.

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

I was honoured to be invited to participate in this campaign. I have been on the ‘gay scene’ for many years in Perth and have been involved in a lot of previous campaigns advancing the rights of gay people in WA – involved in GAGS (an umbrella organisation of the GLBTIQ community), helped to set up Pride in WA, and GALE.

I have a deeply vested interest in seeing complete equality brought to our community.

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

I am aware it exists but I can’t say that I have experienced any personally. I am also aware that there are people out there who are never going to change their opinion of GLBTIQ people, no matter what campaigns come and go. It is a sad thing to know that.

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

The biggest difference will be to the young GLBTIQ people coming up. It will make services more accessible for them across the board. There will be less discrimination for them to deal with, more equality for them to enjoy. They will know a world with even less institutionalised discrimination.

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

It announces to everyone that what we are wanting is to be accepted as equal members on the Australian society. It will benefit the people who have the courage to stand up and be counted.

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

I see this as just another step forward in an already progressive society. Equality is a highway that we all travel. I guess it is one that we will never really get to the end of, but the journey is more important than the destination.

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

I like the design overall, it is simple and efective, and the colours are to my liking. It says what it has to say efectively.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I think this is a very progressive campaign and I wish it all the success it deserves.

NEIL VAN ZEE