Homophobia Hypocrisy

Yesterday a seminar was held at Mansfield Town Hall, led by Sue Hackney of rural gay youth outreach program Way Out.
The seminar was supported by shire mayor Marg Attley. She said it took a whole community working together to change and stop nurturing homophobic attitudes. Great words. However, she has not lifted a finger to help the most visible victim of homophobia in her town, Ken Campagnolo.
When confronted by questioners she could not explain why the council had made no efforts to help Ken in his struggle with the DSE and the Bonnie Doon football club.
When reporters from the paper later attempted to question her on the issue they were told she had gone to Melbourne for three days - although it is reported that she was in the next room at the time, and could be glimpsed through a glass door.
Efforts to combat homophobia in rural areas and save young people from isolation and self-harm will founder unless local community organisations such as the football and netball clubs are front and centre in the effort.
Instead Ken, who trained many young footballers over the years, continues to suffer without any support from the local politicians who pay lip service to the notion of combatting prejudice.