Pinkwashing - If every major brand is on the rainbow bandwagon, is the fight for queer rights done and dusted?
As rainbows adorn the logos of big corporates and Pride Month becomes a marketing staple, does the public embrace of all things queer signify genuine progress in the fight for LGBTIQ+ rights, or is this simply 'pinkwashing'? This edition of Muse: On ideas will explore where we’re up to in the struggle for queer rights and equality, and how much all the colourful shows of allyship are really contributing to this cause.
Image by iuriimotov on Freepik
Muse: On Ideas is a monthly series of talks bringing together Canberra’s brightest minds to discuss the current and emerging big debates of our time. These talks will inform, challenge, and leave audiences with plenty to muse on! They will showcase our city’s world-leading experts and thinkers, through vibrant salon-style conversations hosted by Dr Jennifer Rayner.
Join Jen in conversation with this month’s panelists, Rachel Lee, Professor Mary Louise Rasmussen and Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
Tickets: $10
The Muse: On Ideas series is a non-profit making program. All revenue raised from entry tickets will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to promote reading and exploration of ideas, and allowing us to better connect with our Indigenous stories.
Panelists
Dr Jennifer Rayner - Host
Dr Jennifer Rayner is an advocate, a writer and a lifelong Canberran. She is the author of two books on issues of equality and economic justice, and has worked at the coalface of public policy and politics across all levels of Australian government.
Andrew Barr has served as the ACT’s Chief Minister since 2014, making Australian history as the first openly gay head of state. Under his leadership, the ACT has consistently been at the forefront of LGBTIQ+ rights and social justice. Andrew played an important role in advocating for the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia, and has worked hard to progressively improve both rights and services for LGBTIQ+ Canberrans - particularly in our schools and healthcare system. Making Canberra the most inclusive city in Australia has been an ongoing mission throughout his time in office.
Professor Mary Louise Rasmussen is a leading expert in the fields of gender and sexuality, with a strong focus on sociology, social change, and feminist and queer theory. She has conducted comprehensive research in the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, aiming to build transdisciplinary understanding of sexuality and gender. She is the author of the forthcoming book Queer Generations: LGBTQ Growing up, Belonging and Sexual Citizenship, which delves into the experiences of LGBTIQ young people growing up in Australia at different times.
Rachel Lee is a transfeminine public servant, working for an Australian Government agency. She is currently on the Board of A Gender Agenda, a community organisation actively engaged in increasing public awareness and understanding of intersex, trans and gender diversity issues. She has also been an active participant in Pride Networks within APS agencies.