From: "Overt" Subject: Queer Action Group Formed in Capital Date: Mon, 3 May 1999 17:37:26 +1200 Overt adjective open, unconcealed E-mail: overt@paradise.net.nz ~ Web-site: http://www2.crosswinds.net/~overt Regan Andrew- Media Officer 76B McAlpine Avenue ~ Mt Cook ~ Wellington ~ New Zealand Phone +64-4-3844869 ~ E-mail: rfa_fag@hotmail.com MEDIA STATEMENT May 3, 1999 QUEER ACTION GROUP FORMED IN CAPITAL: On the 28th of April a group of concerned citizens in Wellington, New Zealand formed an action group called "Overt" to insure that the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are protected. It is an ongoing organisation opposed to all forms of discrimination against the queer community. Overt is a group dedicated to combating homophobia and heterocentrism wherever it may be and aims to promote a safer world for queer people. Overt was formed in response to anti-queer pamphlets being distributed by an anonymous Christian group around the centre of Wellington on the weekend of April 23rd. The pamphlets contained loaded, biased and un-informed pieces of propaganda. However, these "Christians" were not expecting the large number of vocal opponents they would encounter while distributing their information. They were surrounded by a large group of angry queers who pacifically tried to convince them that their beliefs and actions were destructive and morally wrong. When the people who were distributing the propaganda were questioned about the information contained in the pamphlets, it became apparent that they had undertaken very limited research on the topic. In response, the group of queer people realised that an action group was necessary in the capital to combat such dangerous prejudice. Overt was born several days later. Although Overt is not a religious group, it is not opposed to Christianity. Rather, Overt is opposed to the Church being used to put forward homophobic concepts. Overt recognises that a queer way of life and Christianity can co-exist and are compatible within the individual. Likewise, Overt does not oppose heterosexuality or heterosexuals, but instead protests the discrimination levelled against queer people in general. Overt will challenge homophobia within society regardless of whether it is in the form of aggression, violence, religion, legislation, or even within institutions. Homophobia is the unqualified hatred of queer people caused by prejudice, bigotry, heterocentrism, lack of understanding and misinformation. It is a widespread force in our society which spreads fear and hatred within both its victims and perpetuators. Such a force has a negative affect on society as it eliminates the possibility for a harmonious existence for all, and as such, it must be eliminated. Homophobia denies basic human rights to a large portion of society. One of the primary causes of homophobia is heterocentrism. However, most people are oblivious to the existence of such a fundamental societal problem. Heterocentrism is the domination of heterosexual values and principles upon all people through the exclusion of queer values and visibility. People are surrounded from birth by the concept of heterosexuality- most parents are heterosexual, most grandparents are heterosexual, most parent's friends are heterosexual and the media shows a disproportionate number of heterosexual people. Meanwhile, very few queer role models are provided. Although this may not be a conscious attempt to exclude queer people, they are excluded nonetheless. Such a situation creates hatred against queer people because of a general fear of the unknown. It also creates depression and self-hatred within queer individuals. People need to feel a form of acceptance and inclusion within society, otherwise, even the most talented and confident people can feel as if they have little worth as a member of society due to their isolation from it. Fighting alienation should be an aim of every society. Overt recognises the huge dangers of heterocentrism and will combat it wherever it is seen. Currently these dangers are very apparent with the high suicide rate amongst young queers, particularly in New Zealand - a nation easily classed as the suicide capital of the world. Overt will battle homophobia and heterocentrism through activism, advocacy and visibility of and for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Initially the group will be publicising the compatibility of homosexuality and Christianity, identifying legislative short-falls, creating networks with similar organisations such as the Lesbian Avengers and dealing with individual topics on an issue by issue basis. Several projects are currently being undertaken by Overt including involvement with the International Day of Silence on May 19th. Also, a pamphlet is currently being created and an Overt web site is up and running at http://www2.crosswinds.net/~overt. ENDS Contact: Regan Andrew - Phone: (04) 3844869 E-mail: rfa_fag@hotmail.com