‘OI’ CAMPAIGN

It’s about bloody time we say ‘oi’ to
HOMOPHOBIA in rural Australia.

Even today, 20 years ‘Beyond Priscilla’, homophobia is still hurting rural Australia.  The evidence is now beyond debate.  Communities talk about two things: rural youth suicide and young people having no choice but to leave their hometowns for the big smoke.

Many people in rural communities – gay and straight – report that they feel uncomfortable about the way that people talk about and treat lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.  Yet most of them don’t speak up, because they don’t know what to do or say.

Young people in rural Australia all agree that what makes the biggest difference is whether the people around them support them or not.  You can make a difference, no matter how small.

We’ve had enough.  It’s about bloody time we say ‘oi!’ to homophobia.

*****

WHAT TO DO

If it’s safe, say something when you hear ‘fag’, ‘dyke’ and ‘so gay’.

SAY ‘oi!’

FOLLOW IT UP:
– That’s not OK around here.
– I’m/we’re not OK with racism, sexism or homophobia.
– That’s my/our mate.
* feel free to use humour if you’re lucky enough to be funny

LOOK OUT FOR
THE VICTIM:
– Make sure they’re OK, and know they can get support from places like beyondblue, Kids Helpline and LifeLine.

Download the ‘oi’ campaign Media Release here: Media Release OI 14

Download the first poster here: Oi_A3_rural_PRINT