Gay Today: World

Tasmanian Gay Activist
Honored by Government

Roseanne Offends Georgina

By Rex Wockner
International Gay News

Tasmanian Gay Activist
Honored by Government

Rodney Croome

Rodney Croome, the most well-known gay activist in the Australian state of Tasmania, was named an inaugural recipient of the Tasmania Day Community Service Award this month.

The honor was presented by Gov. Guy Green and announced in the state parliament.

Green thanked Croome for "fostering greater respect for the state's gay and lesbian community and playing a major role in reshaping Tasmania as a more tolerant, open and diverse community."

Tasmanian Premier Jim Bacon added: "This is truly a sign of how far we, as a community, have come."

Said Croome:

"This is an award for all Tasmanians who are devoted to the ideals of inclusion and tolerance, but most of all it is an award for the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. I salute my brothers and sisters for their endurance and courage in transforming this island community into a safer and happier place for all minorities."

Roseanne Offends Georgina

The world's first transsexual member of parliament refused to sign a consent form to allow the U.S. talk show Roseanne to air a segment taped January 29.

New Zealand's Georgina Beyer said Roseanne departed from scripted questions and "belittled" her with "tacky" inquiries.

Producers agreed to ax the segment. The remainder of the episode has not yet aired.

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Related Sites:
Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group

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