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2015 05 25 Support

DEFGLIS has released a Peer Support training package to increase the number of people able to provide support to LGBTI personnel in the Defence Community.

Designed by DEFGLIS board member James Bonello, a Registered Nurse and qualified counsellor, the training package provides comprehensive guidance on what peer support entails and how to build and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

LGBTI people have a much higher risk of suicide and depression than in broader society, so a greater number of people who are able to provide peer support will strengthen the overall resilience of Defence capability.

2015 05 02 ANZACs in Egypt

Dr Noah Riseman - Australian Catholic University takes a look at two major milestones between World War II and today in the journey toward LGBTI inclusion in the modern Defence Force.

His initial research reveals has uncovered information not previously known about removal of the ban in 1992 and the Gay Ex-Servicemens Association 1982-1984. Read his initial findings in this report.

In late 2012 I read a small article in the Star Observer that mentioned the 20th anniversary of Australia repealing the ban on lesbian and gay service. It intrigued me. Like most Australians, I knew more about the United States’ infamous ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy than about Australia’s own approach to LGBTI military service. As I looked into it further, I found that there was very little written about Australia’s LGBTI Defence history. 

2015 04 25 CBR Wreath Laying

On the centennary of the landing at Anzac Cove, the sacrifice of LGBTI personnel was commemorated alongside their brothers and sisters in arms with rainbow wreaths.

Across the country in major city centers including Canberra, Sydney, Townsville and Melbourne serving personnel laid a rainbow wreath to commemorate the sacrifice of LGBTI personnel that has otherwise been forgotten.

The Shrine at Melbourne was the scene of the 1982 ‘RSL’s day of shame’ where members of the Gay Ex-Serviceman’s Association (GESA) were turned away by then RSL president Bruce Ruxton and denied the opportunity to lay their wreath.

  1. Commemoration of LGBTI Service
  2. First Principles Review: Creating One Defence
  3. Australia Commemorates End of Operation Slipper
  4. Mardi Gras Strengthens Defence Capability and Community