Courtney Act / Shane Jenek

Courtney Act is the high-profile alter ego of Sydney identity and entertainer Shane Jenek. Shane rose to prominence when he auditioned for Australian Idol as himself but did not get beyond the selection auditions. Returning the next day as Courtney Act, he wowed the judges and went through to the semi finals. Revealing an impressive voice and singing talents, Courtney particularly impressed judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson, who signed Jenek to the BMG label following the completion of the show.

Why are you representing this same-sex law reform campaign?

I've chosen to represent this same-sex law reform campaign because I think equality is important and having it recognised is important.

Why should people wear these 85 law reforms with pride?

Because they are really important for everybody and they're a really big step forward. I think it's really important that in the eyes of the law that equality is reached. It's hard for people to believe that I'm not out, being a drag queen and all. So I've actually been very fortunate in that I've come through in a generation where I've never needed to hide who I was. I've always sort of worn it with pride so I'm very thankful that's been the case. But I think that that's only been afforded to me because of everything that's gone before. So that's why the WEAR IT WITH PRIDE campaign is really important, to keep that awareness alive. It's about being part of that human family and making sure everyone is recognized as equal.

Have you or anyone you know experienced same-sex discrimination?

I was in a relationship a couple of years ago with a person from Canada. We were wondering what would happen if we stayed together long term. I was interested to find that if we were a straight couple, we wouldn't even need to have any evidence of a relationship, we could just go out and get married and that we could live in either country quite happily. That was really interesting, that just because I was gay I wasn't entitled to that process.

How do you think these reforms will make a difference to same-sex couples?

I think these laws will make a difference to my life and the lives of people around me because the general message it sends out is an important one. It says that gay people are equal to straight people, as are black people and yellow people, and all different people.

Do you think these reforms are a huge step forward for Australia?

I think they're a big step forward for Australia. There's still a lot of sort of argument about gay marriage. These law reforms are sort of an external validation, which I think shouldn't affect how people feel, but I think in reality it kind of will because it puts a level playing field and I think that's important.

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

I like that it has a rainbow. Courtney also likes that it has a rainbow. I like that it has an eyelash and I like that it has a big pink triangle. I like all the colours.

Why should young people to learn about these reforms?

Making things like this relevant to young people is really important, because there's not so much need for identity anymore. There's not so much struggle going on and things like this might seem inconsequential to younger people. They mightn't be aware of the importance of equality and I think that once you sort of forget about that then it just goes by the wayside and all the hard work is undone. Interestingly, the way of old was kind of an 'us versus them' thing. The new way of moving forward is a kind of everyone together. I think that having that sort of separation of gay and straight is maybe not as important these days, and it's

about working together. It's not so much about being gay, gay, gay. It's about being part of that whole human family and making sure that everyone is recognised as equal.