Australian values in multicultural LGBTIQ+ lives and writing

The concept of ‘values’ often refers to key principles that guide and direct us in our conduct and the way we choose to live our lives. A quick definition of Australian (cultural) values would probably highlight notions such as mateship and having a fair go. The concept of ‘Australian values’ has for too long been politicised and claimed as the exclusive domain of select groups. However, any one in Australia who shares the vision, purpose and focus of the body politic can embody Australian values. And those who do can be found anywhere and everywhere. And they were found in a group of LGBTIQ+ multicultural-multifaith Australians (plus an ally) in 2004 when the Australian LGBTIQ+ Multicultural Committee (AGMC) was formed. AGMC created a safe and supportive space where collaboration, loyalty and friendship were valued and nurtured. The AGMC’s book Living and Loving in Diversity: An Anthology of Australian Multicultural Queer Adventures contains a plethora of multicultural LGBTIQ+ Australian stories, and provides an avenue to informing and empowering others. Funded by a grant from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, it contains over 60 personal stories – sad and sexy, funny and feisty – and lets others know that they are not alone. We share our diverse upbringings and multicultural Aussie adventures to show we are a diverse Australian community. Photos from our childhoods remind readers that “we were always there”.