A North Queensland council has become the first in the state to introduce an LGBTQI portfolio, to ensure the community is represented in all its decisions.
Key points:
- A North Queensland council has become the first in the state to introduce an LGBTQI portfolio
- The new deputy mayor says LGBTQI people face unique challenges that need to be heard
- There will also be education for the younger generation about the history of the ‘sista girls’ and ‘brother boys’
Newly-elected deputy mayor of the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, Cr Andrew Castors, said he was compelled to make the move after identifying a need in the community.
He said LGBTQI people faced unique challenges that needed to be heard by the local government.
“Their issues are different to the straight community and so I thought that we needed a voice on council as well, and we wanted our own safe haven for all people like us on the island,” he said.
Cr Castors said he would like to see more local councils establish a dedicated LGBTQI portfolio.
“I would like to see, especially the Aboriginal communities, really take it on board,” he said.
ABC North Qld: Dwayne Wiles
)More residents getting the opportunity to ‘be’ themselves’
As part of the portfolio, Cr Castors meets with LGBTIQ residents on the island to discuss matters concerning the queer community.
He also educates the younger generation about the history of the ‘sista girls’ and ‘brother boys’ and how they paved the way for today’s LGBTQI residents.
“We’re seeing members from the LGBT community from the mainland [Townsville] coming to Palm Island and some of them have now applied for housing because they feel more accepted here than they do on the mainland with their own families,” said Cr Castors.
‘Accept me for what I am’
ABC North Qld: Dwayne Wyles
)Palm Islander Amy Lee Oui, 21, is a transgender woman who came out at the age of 12.
“It was pretty wild (coming out), but all my family accept it. (I’ve) just got a lot of uncles to deal with, but they just got to accept me for what I am, what I’m good at and what I’m best at,” she said.
Palm Island recently hosted a fashion show which included many ‘sista girls’ and ‘brother boys’ strutting their stuff on the catwalk.
“The fights that some of the older ‘sista girls’ had in the past made it possible for people like Amy to be up on that runway and come out in female outfits,” said Cr Castors.
The Palm Island community wants to establish a local modelling academy to help residents like Ms Oui follow their dreams.
“It will encourage me to be where I want to be and become a superstar,” Ms Oui said.
The group meets fortnightly on the island.