Tag Archives: Australia

Australia’s First Minister for Quality Vows to Reform Gay Adoption Laws

Whilst the topic of same-gender marriage is a very important (but contentious) issue in the LGBT rights community, another big challenge faces same gender families: adoption.

For various reasons same gender couples look to adoption as a way of adding to their family. Whilst few could argue with someone’s wishes to introduce a child into a loving home and give them a good upbringing, for same gender couples doing so requires them to jump through a ridiculous amount of hoops. In fact, in some places adoption by same-gender parents is prohibited.

Despite being the first state in Australia where a child was born following IVF surrogacy, the rest of Victoria’s policies have remained archaic and adoption policies in the state have been recommended for reform for years. The country’s very first minister for quality now wants to change that though, by bringing Victoria in line with the rest of the country.

Sworn in last week, Minister of Equality Martin Foley is the first person to hold the title. Never before has Australia appointed someone specifically for LGBTQ issues but now that’s exactly what Foley will be focusing on.

After his role was made official, Foley said that Labor (the party he is part of) would tackle Victoria’s lacking adoption policies where same gender couples in the state can be appointed as foster parents or guardians but they cannot adopt a child together. Nor can a step-parent adopt their partner’s child or jointly adopt a child conceived through IVF.

The move signals the Labor Party’s attempts at keeping in line with the official stance they adopted in May of this year. They added same gender adoption rights to their platform and so this marks some serious progress on that front.

But adoption isn’t the only LGBTQ rights issue that Foley and his party will be tackling. Also on the agenda is an amendment to the Relationships Register so that same gender couples married in other countries can have their marriages recognised in Victoria, rewriting laws to prevent discrimination for sexual orientation (or religious beliefs) in the workplace and requiring secondary schools to have programs that support gay students.

Foley also expressed that his appointment is an important step in the LGBTQ rights movement and that these issues are something that his party wants to get right. So it’s early days yet but we’ll keep you posted on any outcomes.

Watch the Trailer for Season 3 of the Hit Australian Web Series ‘Starting From Now’

Another Season 3 trailer for the hit web series ‘Starting From Now’, which will be with us November 18th. Both season 1 & 2 have been a massive internet hit with more than 3 million views.

Actors, Bianca Bradey, Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell and Linda Grasso are still with show, and writer / director, Julie Kalceff, remains at the helm of the production.

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L is for Lesbian – Watch Mini’s Coming Out Story

The National Institute for Challenging Homophobia Education (NICHE) has launched a fantastic campaign in Australia. ‘YourStory’ is an animated vignette telling stories from LGBTI people from regional, rural and remote Australia.

For these animation, Gay equality educator and advocate Daniel Witthaus collected the stories of LGBTI people around Australia. The stories collected were then brought to life by illustrator/cartoonist, Kenton Penley Miller, and award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Duffy (The Doctor’s Wife). Voice artist, Emma Gibbs and production assistant Christian Bürkle round out the small yet committed team who have brought these stories to life.

‘L’ is the first letter in LGBTI, and the first installment tells the story of ‘Mini’, a lesbian from rural Australia. See it below.The first video tells the story of ‘Mini’, a lesbian from rural Australia.

Their hope is that these stories will inspire more LGBTI people to share their stories online in either a visual, cartoon and/or animated way.

Rural Australia is filled with LGBTI individuals who stay, live and grow in their communities instead of heading to the “big smoke”.

The way that NICHE sees it, the more stories that the lives of LGBTI people outside of metropolitan centres the better, and we couldn’t agree more.

This week we will share the other videos – Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex which complete the LGBTI set.

 

Confused About Your Pronouns? Watch this Video by Minus18 to Understand the Importance of Getting Pronouns Right

Pronouns are the words used to refer to a person other than their name, like they, she and he. However, genderqueer people may instead prefer they, xe, or other gender neutral pronouns.

When a trans person comes out, they may have new pronouns they want to use, and it shows respect for someone when you make an effort to use the pronouns they’d like you to use.

A new campaign written and produced by members of Victoria’s (Australia) sexually and gender diverse organisation Minus18, has been created to get people up to speed on the awkward topic of pronouns.

When you come out as trans, people sometimes take a while to adjust to your new pronouns, or don’t quite understand. So we launched a new campaign to help! An article that introduces the topic, a video with a rundown from trans young people, and a web app where you can learn and practice pronouns!

It can take a bit of getting used to. but it’s important to get it right. There are lots of reasons it’s important to use the correct pronouns a person prefers, but the simple answer is it can make a person feel pretty shit when you use the wrong ones.

The Minus18 crew

Minus18 is Australia’s largest youth-led organisation for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people.

‘For every homophobe’ Powerful Speech from Penny Wong – Out Lesbian Senator from Australia

Penny Wong is an out lesbian senator in Australia and spoke about homophobia this week.

“For every homophobe, there are hundreds of thoughtful, tolerant, decent and ethical people,”

Senator Penny Wong

Reacting to Ian Thorpe’s coming out interview and footy commentator Brian Taylor’s ‘big poofter’ remark at the weekend, Wong said homophobia shouldn’t be laughed off, as it obviously affects the lives of so many LGBTI Australians.

“It’s no joke to be caught in the crossfire of prejudice, and it’s no joke to live with the fear of being rejected, or vilified, or persecuted because of who you are… That fact is, we still hear homophobic comments and slurs bandied around as if they’re acceptable, harmless, just a bit of a laugh. Well it isn’t a laugh to a young person growing up, working out who they are, surrounded by an atmosphere of hostility. They can feel alone, isolated from their peers, isolated from their community and sometimes even their family.”

Senator Penny Wong

Recent research into students in Australian schools, and sporting culture survey results revealed today show that homophobia is still a major issue with most people – gay and straight – on the receiving end of anti-gay slurs.

Boooooo – The Season Finale of ‘Starting From Now’

Here it is the final of Starting From Now – the lesbian web series that follows the increasingly tangled lives of four gay women in inner-city Sydney.

If you love the show as much as we do, be sure to get be hind the team who produce it. They have launched a crowd funding campaign in order to make Season 3. You can check out the list of rewards at this link: https://dana.io/starting-from-now

S2 E6 | Synopsis: Darcy has a decision to make.

New Episode of the Australian Hit ‘Starting From Now’

Watch episode 5 of the lesbian web series ‘Starting From Now’. The series is the brainchild of multi-award winning writer/director, Julie Kalceff, and stars Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell, Bianca Bradey, and Linda Grasso.

Steph feels as though she’s losing Darcy and makes one final bid to win her back.

Starting From Now S02 E05

Its Here Episode 4 of Season 2’s Starting From Now

Starting From Now, is the exciting lesbian web series from Common Language Films, that follows the increasingly tangled lives of four lesbians in Sydney. The series is the brainchild of multi-award winning writer/director, Julie Kalceff; the show stars Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell, Bianca Bradey, and Linda Grasso.

S2 E3 | Synopsis

Kristen decides to take control and it’s Steph who pays the price.

Watch Lesbian Web Series Starting From Now, Ep03 of Season 2

From Common Language Films, Starting From Now is the hottest lesbian web series set in Australia. The show stars Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell, Bianca Bradey, and Linda Grasso.

S2 E3 | Synopsis

After being out all night, Kristen finally arrives home. Darcy treads carefully as the tension mounts between them.

Your Next Addition of Hit Lesbian Web Series ‘Starting From Now’ – S2 E2

If you haven’t seen the lesbian web series from Australia, then you’re missing out. Starting From Now! is now in season 2, and the drama is in fall swing.

From Common Language Films, the show stars Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell, Bianca Bradey, and Linda Grasso.

S2 E2 | Synopsis

Steph sees the party as a chance to talk to Darcy. But when Kristen sees them alone, she finally realizes what’s been going on.

Its Here – Season 2 of Starting From Now

The series, which has been praised for it’s strong performances and addictive story line, has reached close to half a million views since in launched in March 2014. It’s currently showcased on the largest lesbian media sites in the United States (One More Lesbian) and the Caribbean (PNT), where it regularly heads the top 5 of the programs featured. The series also regularly rates in the top 10 of the peoples choice of indie soaps in U.S. blog, We Love Soaps.

We launched Season 2 of Starting From … Now! on Tuesday night. This meant not only releasing the first episode online, but also holding a launch party where we screened the first three episodes of the season for cast and crew, family and friends, industry and press. It was a great night.

Lauren Orrell

Season Two will see the return of it’s popular Australian cast, Bianca Bradey, Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde and Lauren Orrell. The story line follows the fallout from Season One’s infidelity between characters Steph Fraser (de Possesse) and Darcy Peters (Lourde).

When I first set out to make this web series, I hadn’t planned on making a second season. I thought I’d make one season and then move onto another project. But then something happened. It was the day after we’d wrapped. I remember returning some of the gear we’d borrowed for the shoot, hauling it through the streets of Sydney. I was exhausted. I’d hardly slept, we’d just come off a ten-day shoot and the gear was really heavy but I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen next. What happens later that day, that week, when Darcy goes home, when Steph next sees Emily, when Kristen finds out? It kept nagging at me. I wanted to know, just as much as anyone else. So I went home and wrote it and there was Season 2. It sounds flippant to say it like that and I wish writing was that easy, but for some reason, these episodes came to me more easily than anything else I’ve ever written. It’s like they were already there, just waiting to come out.

Lauren Orrell


S02 E01 | Starting From Now

Kristen arrives home, oblivious to how Darcy has spent the afternoon. She suggests they throw a party to celebrate Steph’s birthday. While careful not raise Kristen’s suspicions, Darcy does everything she can to talk her out of it.

Second Season of Lesbian Web Series, Starting From Now, Announced

Common Language Films have confirmed that a second season of their increasingly popular lesbian web series, Starting From Now, is currently in production and due for release from the 3rd of June 2014.

Starting From Now – Season Teaser

Actors, Bianca Bradey, Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell and Linda Grasso are all returning to the show, with writer and director, Julie Kalceff, remaining at the helm of the production.  Whilst not much is being given away about the plot at this point, Kalceff has indicated that the series will follow on from the Season 1, Ep 6 climax

This news follows the highly successful release of the first season, which has attracted over 150 000 views in 4 weeks across different platforms.

For more information visit www.startingfromnowtv.com

Watch Season 1

Lesbian Web Series – Starting From Now – Episode 6

Watch episode 6 (and the final episode) of the lesbian web series ‘Starting From Now’. The series is the brainchild of multi-award winning writer/director, Julie Kalceff, and stars Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell, Bianca Bradey, and Linda Grasso.

Episode 6 – Synopsis

After hitting rock bottom, Steph knows she has to make some changes and she’s going to, starting from now. She does everything right and it looks as though, finally, she’s getting her life back on track. But for how long

Watch Episode 6

Lesbian Web Series – Starting From Now – Episode 5

Episode 5 of the lesbian web series ‘Starting From Now’. This exciting web-series is part of a new wave of media content driven by women and other traditionally marginalised film makers to fill the diversity gap left by mainstream film and television.

Episode 5 – Synopsis

Steph realizes the best thing for everyone is for her to move out. She finds a place of her own and tries to make amends for past wrongs.

Watch Episode 5

Lesbian Web Series – Starting From Now – Episode 4

Episode 4 of the lesbian web series ‘Starting From Now’ – a show, which follows Steph Fraser as she pursues her dream job. Life takes a complicated turn when she falls for her childhood friend, Kristen’s , long term girlfriend, Darcy as she shares their small inner-west home.

Episode 4 – Synopsis

A night out with Darcy and Kristen was never going to end well. Steph does something she’ll regret and it’s Emily who pays the price.

Watch Episode 4

Lesbian Web Series – Starting From Now – Episode 3

Episode 3 of the new six-part lesbian web series ‘Starting From Now’, staring Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell, Bianca Bradey, and Linda Grasso.

The show follows Steph Fraser as she pursues her dream job. Life takes a complicated turn when she falls for her childhood friend, Kristen’s , long term girlfriend, Darcy as she shares their small inner-west home.

Episode 3 – Synopsis

An awkward dinner with Kristen and Darcy ends up turning out better than first thought. Things are actually starting to look up for Steph. But just when she thinks her life is back on track, it all starts to fall apart.

Watch Episode 3

Lesbian Web Series – Starting From Now – Episode 2

Watch episode 2 here of the sexy new lesbian web series ‘Starting From Now’ from Australia. The series is the brainchild of multi-award winning writer/director, Julie Kalceff, and stars Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell, Bianca Bradey, and Linda Grasso.

Episode 2 – Synopsis

Even meeting cute office manager Emily isn’t enough to distract Steph from her disastrous first day at work. But when she gets home and finds a sympathetic ear in Darcy, the less than perfect start is well and truly forgotten.

Watch Episode 2

The song featured in Episode 2 is “Bitter Little Yellow Fruit”, performed by Alison Avron, music by Alison Avron, lyrics by David Maney. It’s available from iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/wrong-notes-anecdotes-ep/id470583568

Lesbian Web Series – Starting From Now – Episode 1

Starting From Now, is a new lesbian web series from Common Language Films, that follows the increasingly tangled lives of four lesbians in Sydney. The series is the brainchild of multi-award winning writer/director, Julie Kalceff, and stars Sarah de Possesse, Rosie Lourde, Lauren Orrell, Bianca Bradey, and Linda Grasso.

The show follows the naive and awkward Steph Fraser ( Sarah de Possese ) who moves to the city to pursue her dream job. Life takes a complicated turn when she falls for her childhood friend, Kristen’s ( Lauren Orrell ), long term girlfriend, Darcy ( Rosie Lourde ) as she shares their small inner-west home.

Episode 1 – Synopsis 

Steph has just landed what appears to be the perfect job. She arrives in Sydney full of hope and expectation, determined that a fresh start is just what she needs. But when Steph falls for Darcy, her friend’s girlfriend, life gets complicated.

Watch Episode 1


Source – http://www.startingfromnowtv.com/