LGBTI Forum: Meet the Candidates for Brisbane Central

A meet the candidates forum is to be held in the Brisbane Central electorate to discuss issues of importance to Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Queensland voters. The Brisbane Pride Festival, Brisbane LGBTIQ Action Group and the Star Observer have partnered to host this important event were voters will be given the chance to question their election candidates. All candidates (LNP, ALP, Greens and independent) have confirmed their attendance. Brisbane Pride Festival President, Peter Black, announced the partnership to host the forum: "The Brisbane Pride Festival is excited to partner with the Brisbane LGBTIQ Action Group and the Star Observer for this local candidate forum" said Black. The public are encouraged to attend and take the opportunity to hear from candidates specifically on issues directly impacting on LGBTI Queenslanders. All candidates will be given the opportunity to speak, followed by questions from the audience. Members of the community will be given numerous options of putting their concerns forward. In addition to forum attendees asking questions directly to candidates at the forum, people can submit written questions which will be read out at the forum. Questions can be submitted by posting them to this Facebook event, or by e-mailing president@brisbanepridefestival.com.au. While speaking of this unique opportunity to engage directly with future legislators, Brisbane Pride Festival President, Peter Black, states: “Forums likes this are an important part of the democratic process as they give the community the opportunity to get to know the candidates and ask them questions about the issues and topics that are important to them." Black adds: "We need to talk to the candidates and encourage them to develop LGBTI policies that support our rights, promote equality and tolerance, and provide for ongoing, meaningful consultation with the LGBTI community into the future." Convener of Brisbane LGBTIQ Action Group, Phil Browne, encourages everyone to attend: "Come and quiz the candidates on their party's policies and voting history - decide who will treat you with the most respect and dignity, by granting you equal civil rights" he adds "it's our democratic right to ask each candidate why they are worthy of our vote." Browne stresses that in a contemporary society "legislating identical equal rights for everyone costs nothing. There is no justification for Queenslanders having lesser rights than people living in other states. A government that values all citizens will grant equal rights, while also balancing the economy." Referring to the upcoming forum, Elias Jahshan, Editor of Star Observer, comments, "Opportunities such as these serve a vital role in ensuring a vibrant and engaged democracy. In addition, the importance of keeping the community informed and allowing them to directly interact with candidates cannot be understated", Jahshan adds: "As with most Australian elections, out of all the issues, promises and debates presented by the major political parties, the economy is often in the spotlight the most. However, it is crucial to remember that an economy is made up of a diverse range of people whose voices deserve to be equally heard." The organisers wish to thank The Sportsman Hotel for providing the venue for this forum. Why not arrive early for a "Sporties" meal before the forum! Arrive at 6:45pm for a 7pm start.