Acutely aware that her gay friends and family still face inequality in modern society, a highly motivated Melburnian, Angie Greene, took action. Move in May was a day of sport and support for the LGBTI community, attracting football heroes, TV stars, politicians and hundreds of regular folks. Matthew Myers was there, and files this report. Photography Warren Knower.
Worldwide IDAHOT Day (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia) is a special day for the LGBTI community. Held on May 17 this is the day where such phobias, bullying and hate-crimes are brought to the attention of the world, in the hope that we can make change. Given the recent tragedy in Orlando, we now more than ever, need to look after each other, our selves, and continue to raise LGBTI awareness.
While Crown Princess Mary addressed the IDAHOT Forum in Denmark, London City Hall raised the rainbow flag, Genoa turned its fountains pink, Cuba had a street parade, Pakistan a panel discussion, Albania a bike (P)ride) and Argentina danced a special tango.
But while celebrations are big, particularly in Europe and Latin America, the message is only just starting to seep in for Australians. Across the nation school children held cake sales while government departments also made an effort to raise awareness. Meanwhile, Melbourne saw its very first Move In May event.
Created by Angie Greene, Move In May took place on Sunday May 22 with a fun run around the famous Tan (Botanical Gardens) track followed by a post celebration of food and music. With the message of equality and inclusion, it was of no surprise to see the likes of Victoria’s Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality Rowena Allen, Australian Equality Party Leader, Jason Tuazon McCheyne, Greens candidate Jason Ball and legendary Molly Meldrum in attendance.
Hundreds of people, young, old, gay, straight, bi, transgender, black, white, you name it, proudly stepped forward, literally, for the LGBTI community in a show of respect and strength. So what motivated Angie Greene into creating what looks set to become a growing movement?
“I was inspired to create Move In May due to IDAHOT, which is such an important and symbolic day in our history,” says Angie. “I’ve seen it being heavily celebrated in Europe and parts of America, but couldn’t understand why there was no significant big-scaled event to support it here in Australia.
We wanted to create an event that was for all people – regardless of sexuality or gender. In my experience, the straight community (which I am part of) needs to do a lot more in terms of actively showing their support for equality and inclusion. We do not gain equality without all people, from all communities coming together.”
Angie herself comes from something of a sporting dynasty with her brother Steven and father Russell having played AFL football for Hawthorn, while her grandfather legendary tennis player Frank Sedgman won 22 grand slam titles. On top of that her godfather is Molly Meldrum!
“I have two older brothers – one is gay and one is straight. My Godfather is gay and I have many LGBTIQA friends. These loved ones are my inspiration for creating Stand Up Events and Move In May because the fact that it’s nearly 2017 and we are still being defined by our sexuality or gender is outrageous. I detest the fact that I have certain privileges over the people that I love, purely because I am straight. That’s not okay, and it needs to change!”
Like many of our straight allies, Angie is no stranger to what homophobia has done to members of the LGBTI community and her bond with such people, including many friends and family members has also shaped her attitude and approach, not to mention a thorough research into the facts.
“Another reason I set up Move In May, is that fact that I am 29 years old and have lost four friends to suicide – all male. Men are twice as likely to suicide than women and when we add the LGBTIQA people into the equation, this community is four to five times more likely to suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. In fact, 14 percent are more likely to attempt suicide, with the Trans Community being 50 percent more likely to attempt. These statistics are heartbreaking, terrifying and it needs to change.”
Angie’s support is mirrored by an array of Move In May ambassadors, which includes Neighbours stars Scott McGregor and Rhys Uhlich, NRL legend Ian Roberts and a string of other sportspeople including many AFL footballers.
“A lot of people assume that I secured AFL Ambassadors due to my family connections, which is not true,” says Angie. “The people that I know through my family are Chris Judd and Molly Meldrum. But I researched other potential ambassadors by seeing who had externally shown their support for the LGBTIQA Community and whom I saw as role models. I made contact on websites, through managers, social media…any way I could. Having said this, I take the role of the ambassadors seriously. There have been some high profile people that, after meeting with them, I acknowledged that it would not be a good fit and left it at that.”
Sadly, and in a cruel sense of irony, since the first Move In May event took place, we have seen one of the worse cases of LGBTI hate crimes yet, with the deadly attack on Orlando’s Pulse nightclub in June. Angie, along with the rest of us found it hard to make sense of this act of terror.
“There is simply no way that I could explain how I reacted to the news of Orlando. I have never felt so sad, so confused, so anxious and so angry all at once. And then I saw how much love, support and compassion was shown afterwards and it filled my heart with so much love and hope. It is an indescribable feeling.
I really believe and hope that Move In May will be even stronger next year. The aftermath of Orlando showed the world that evil will not override love, and now more than ever, communities need to come together and stand up for equality and inclusion”.
While Move In May is an annual occurrence coinciding with IDAHOT Day, Stand Up Events is the larger association set up by Angie to address homophobia and other issues on a wider ongoing level.
“Stand Up Events in a non-for-profit incorporated association that is dedicated to challenging homophobia in sport and in life,” says Angie. “Our main goal is to implement our customised preventative programs into junior sporting codes in rural and metropolitan areas. We are working towards these programs to make them impactful and measurable, and we want to teach our youth that derogatory language and behaviour is simply not ok. We want to breed a more equal and inclusive environment for everyone.”
There is no doubting how successful the first Move In May event was. From the participants to the volunteers and ambassadors to those who happened to be just looking on, all agreed there was a special sense of community and humility.
“There was a vibrant and friendly atmosphere with people from all types of communities coming together,” says Angie. “There was the message that we are simply all the same. I genuinely cannot wait for Move In May 2017!”
A Word From The Ambassadors
From AFL footballers such as Brendon Goddard (Essendon), Trent Cotchin (Richmond) and Matt Spangher (Hawthorn) to legendary tennis player Frank Sedgman and music icon Molly Meldrum the Move In May ambassadors are a show of force. Here’s what some of them have to say…
Matt Spangher (Hawthorn Footballer)
“I have a personal attachment in that my sister is gay and I’m really lucky that I have a family that is completely accepting. We love her and her partner more than anything, but unfortunately that’s not the reality for everyone, and I’ve seen some of her friends go through some hard times. But I think that public opinion is changing and Move In May is a step in the right direction.”
Scott McGregor (Actor)
“If you look at marriage equality in Australia, I think it’s ridiculous that we just haven’t got there yet. But I think it is inevitable, and being a part of Move In May helps push for these sorts of things to happen. I love being a part of it and the support it has received is just awesome. I think it’ll grow and grow. Not long ago, we had a gay storyline on Neighbours, which was great and positive, and I really think we should be much further along than we currently are.
Chris Judd (Former Carlton Football Club Captain)
I’ve been great friends with Angie Green’s brother Steven for years and I could see how passionate she was about Move In May and Stand Up Events. My wife Bec and I both have friends that are in same-sex relationships and I think it’s a good time to be having these conversations. Move In May is quite unique, but it’s also quite colourful and a lot of fun.
Brock McLean (Former Carlton footballer)
Any cause that plans to raise awareness and help to eliminate homophobia and discrimination is something I’m always interested in and passionate about. My sister is gay and I have some close gay friends. That’s why I started speaking out against homophobia. The most important things in my life are family and friends. I just want to see them treated the same as every other human being. There’s a lot of potential for growth with Move in May and I have no doubt that we’ll see Move in May days Australia wide.
Registrations for Move In May 2017 open next February. For more, and to watch the ‘moving’ video featuring music by Ruby & Jack Dacy visit standupevents.com.au
If you are feeling depressed or in need of help contact beyondblue.org.au Tel: 1300 22 4636 or lifeline.org.au Tel: 131114
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