Are Victoria’s LGBTI communities currently experiencing the “Golden Age”?

The days of Commercial Road being the centre of Melbourne's Gay community are long gone, replaced by a new paradigm illustrated in part by the general acceptance and understanding of LGBTI people throughout society. However we have a long way to go before true equality for all LGBTI people has been achieved.

Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews recognised this in the lead up to the last state election promising that if elected he would appoint a Minister for Equality and Australia’s first Gender and Sexuality Commissioner.

Embedded in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and answerable to the Equality Minister Martin Foley, that Commissioner is Rowena Allen.

It’s fair to say that since being appointed in July, Commissioner Allen – preferably known as Ro – has hit the ground running.  With a signature style that is approachable, available, collaborative and warm, Ro has managed to connect with stakeholders and communicate with mainstream in ways many would have thought impossible.

Word For Word was given exclusive access to record Ro’s presentation recently, following the AGM of Victoria’s Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby.

First up Rowena Allen’s presentation reports on the first few months as Commissioner.  That is followed by Ro in conversation with VGLRL co-convener Sean Mulcahy and then Dean Beck speaks to the out-going co-convener Anna Brown who explains why it is that Victoria needs a Gender and Sexuality Commissioner.