Being pseudonymous as a blogger doesn’t mean I’m in the closet in ‘real’ life. Who knows? Maybe I am on the list

it’s still very difficult for lesbians and gay men to mention their personal lives in the unself-conscious way that heterosexuals do

But you’re happy to publish the list and add names to it.

It’s a list of people who are open about being gay and who are in influential positions in our culture. Yes, I’m happy to publish it. I think such lists can help change things so that anyone could be open, in any circumstance.

Kylie Kwong

Not that I did much research into the matter but I never knew.

I wouldn’t say McCrossin is a Liberal! But some of the men on that list might very well be Libs.

Yes, but they haven’t been outed yet.

As for Julie, if you’re not prepared to believe Bob Ellis’s claim, and why would you, all the signs are there: she’s almost devoid of shrillness and far to reasonable to be a Howard hater.

So you don’t want to be on the list then?

it’s still very difficult for lesbians and gay men to mention their personal lives in the unself-conscious way that heterosexuals do

But you’re happy to publish the list and add names to it.

But this is a very specific argument – it’s not just about self-interest, it’s about self. I’m an old gay liberationist – I think that in speaking up for ourselves, we come to define our interests. No one else can do that; no one else can (or does) decide what would be good for us and hand it to us.

I’ll feel more secure when I feel totally free to speak on my behalf – in all situations

What’s holding you back?

Not much does hold me back but I am occasionally in situations where I’m reticent about being open because I fear being feared. And I’m very aware that in many occupations (teaching, for example) it’s still very difficult for lesbians and gay men to mention their personal lives in the unself-conscious way that heterosexuals do.

Making a distinction between a lobby group/interested party and a call by the broader community for change does not necessarily characterize the interested parties as sub human. It is reasonable to consider self interest in assessing the merits of an argument.

I’m happy when straight people speak out on my behalf

I’m not requesting straight people to speak for us; perhaps if they could speak with us?

I’ll feel more secure when I feel totally free to speak on my behalf -in all situations

What’s holding you back?

I wouldn’t say McCrossin is a Liberal! But some of the men on that list might very well be Libs.

Others that have come to mind are Julie McCrossin and Kerryn Phelps, but perhaps they were influential in the past.

Or the poll was decided by liberalpartyophobics.

If people feel able to dismiss lesbian and gay aspirations towards equality on the basis that well, they would think that wouldn’t they, then we’re clearly not accepted as fully human.

I’m happy when straight people speak out on my behalf but I’ll feel more secure when I feel totally free to speak on my own behalf – in all situations.