It’s been debated in parliament for years. And no, it’s not the GST (thankfully – that would be hella boring to read about).
With the discussion on marriage equality leading us towards an upcoming postal vote I thought I’d use my 15 minutes of fame from Australian Survivor to weigh in on the issue.
And in speaking out I undoubtedly turned to the Australian Survivor cast to grab their thoughts. After all, I lived on an island with many of these people where we spent hours upon hours strategising, playing “who am I?” and talking about food (we really were starving).
More importantly, I especially valued their opinion because they’re 24 people who’re all vastly different and represent all walks of life – and it was because of this that I was shocked at how united everyone was in their support of marriage equality.
Within a few hours of asking the cast their opinion every one of them had gotten back to me stating they supported it (often with appropriate rainbow and coloured heart emoji’s, because gay life). And it made me wonder – what is it about these people that despite being so different, united them on this issue?
They’re all incredibly resilient and open minded. In many (if not all) of their responses, their support behind marriage equality was a no-brainer. They didn’t view marriage equality as a threat to their lives the way some organisations that oppose the notion do. And the reason why is simple. Because it isn’t a threat. It has no impact on peoples lives who aren’t gay.
Marriage equality isn’t going to cut your pay cheque (but it might boost it if you’re in any of the industries propped up by weddings), it won’t threaten national security, and people aren’t about to sprinkle glitter on you as you walk down the street if it passes (however, I will gladly welcome anyone who wishes to throw some glitter my way).
But on one hand, I understand why some people – especially from older generations – oppose it. Surely if I had grown up consistently being told something was bad for 30 years my thoughts on the topic would be firmly ingrained.
To these people I want to reach out and ask, even plead with them, to reconsider their thoughts.
Being gay myself I can confirm that is isn't a choice, and we really do just want the right to be able to tie the knot and be officially married to a person we love. A yes vote from you would mean the world to many people in the gay community.
For those who're already in favour of marriage equality please spread your support to your family and friends. Chances are you have or know someone who is gay in your life (whether you know it or not) and they would be grateful for your support.
If there's anything I've learnt from the US election it's that anything can happen. Please voice your support through a yes vote and help ensure marriage equality gets across the line.
Love is love.
Tune into Australian Survivor on Sundays and Mondays at 7:30pm on Ten. Peter Conte is an Australian Survivor S2 contestant. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
Top Comments
Remember Trump & Brexit? If you believe in marriage equality then vote yes in this thing.
I personally do not believe that churches/religions should be required to marry gay couples, but that doesn't mean I support the religious viewpoint. The concept of non religious marriage overseen by a celebrant is well established and accepted if not loved by religions. Non religious people shouldn't have their beliefs limited by religion, it is a two way street.
I just can't see how it is morally correct to stop people doing something that doesn't harm anyone, including yourself. Because of that morality I'll vote yes.
THIS is the voice of gay people I think we need to hear more of! Less hysteria! More regular debate and a conversation. None of that 'if you vote no you are a horrible old bigoted so and so!' But the understanding that the lgbti community are looking for themselves is shown here. I understand if you have been told something is wrong for 30 years it is hard for you to get your head around. But please listen to our point of view. Most people that I know that are thinking of voting No are simply older people who are not horrible, but have just grown up in another time, and have had a certain negativity drummed into themthe. Many have never even met a gay person! So a normal conversation I think is the way to go. I know when i have spoken to people like this they have often said 'i never thought of it that way'.
I'm so very glad that the act of having a conversation can bring about more understanding & a greater unity on this issue, especially for people living it day to day. However my heart & head say that in this day & age, there really shouldn't be a need for this "discussion/debate" in the first place. A "yes" vote in this ridiculous plebiscite will not, in any way, negatively affect any "no" voter! I also come from a catholic family & even the "oldies" have voiced their intent to vote yes on the simple premise that "love is love" 🌈