Serious question, my fellow Aussies!!!!!

[foreigncorrespondent]

Guys, I have been giving a lot of thought to the current government climate here in Oz towards the LGBT community, and I seriously need some good solid advice.

As most of you would know, currently I have the right to sponsor Sapphocrat as my life partner on the interdependant visa. However, I worry about what may happen in July, after Howard gets full control, and there is just no way in hell of keeping the bastards honest!

I worry that because of how obvious it is that Howard is such a homophobe that even though he got his marriage amendment passed, that he won't stop at just that. That he will continue until he abolishes almost all laws favouring the gay community. And without the checks and balances in place, he will be able to get away with it.

I worry that one day I am going to wake up and hear that Howard is moving to abolish the interdependant visa scheme. Now we all know how he feels about immigrants. He likes to just lock them up and forget about them. This man is anti social towards anyone he deems not worthy of his time, or in his league.

I worry that if he decided to go this route, that it would happen just as quick as what the marriage amendment happened, from mere mention to actually passing and deeming everyone in the LGBTI community second class citizens in their own country.

Now what worries me the most is if he did start this move, that with the two year waiting period between Sapph and I filling out the papers to the immigration process being approved, that we would be totally stuffed, and there would be no way in hell, I would be able to get her into Australia.

So my first question would have to be, do you think I am worrying too much, or do you think I have a right to feel genuine concern?

Now, Sapph and I have talked about this happening a little, but we really didn't talk about it much. Do you think, Sapph and I should seriously consider talking it over with both our families now, and begin preparing them for her possible move in the not to distant future? And on top of that explaining to them, that we really can't take a risk like this, because if Howard begins talking about this, then that one doorway we had open to us, would already be closed on us?

I really need some advice here guys. Normally I would just talk about my fears with Sapph, but she has been so jet lagged since flying back to the states last Thursday, I don't want to add pressure on her at this time.

Those who are close to us, even on DU know that Sapph and I haven't begun the process yet, because Sapph has been taking care of an aging relative who's health has been on the decline for the last few years. So of course because of Sapphs situation, I really don't want to go this route at this time, but at the same time, Sapph and I are risking an awful lot by taking chances.

Thanks in advance for the advice and help, guys!

[theresistance]

1. My advice is to expect the worst

Especially with Howard and when Aust becomes a dictatorship after July (as if it wasn't a one party state already considering the hopeless ALP "opposition")...

[foreigncorrespondent]

2. That is why I posted!

Because I am expecting the worst possible outcome to happen.

Thanks for the response. :)

[no safe haven]

3. I can understand your anxiety

Being separated from your loved one is not an easy thing to have to endure. Added to that the uncertainty of our right-wing lawmakers. Probably the best person to advise you would be an immigration lawyer, I think. They know all the options - should one path fail, then they can advise on another course of action. They might also what's brewing or what's in the wind as far as possible legislative changes.

I think you are right to be concerned. I feel it's just a matter of time before HoWard tries to slam the lid shut. It would be interesting to know what different kinds of relationships are deemed to be "interdependent". If the scheme involves as well hetero relationships and HoWard then went ahead and discriminated against LGBT specifically, then he'd have a fight on his hands.

I wish you all the best.:hug:

[foreigncorrespondent]

7. Thank you!!!

I am going to be contacting a gay immigration group tomorrow and asking them to recommend an immigration lawyer who is gay friendly.

Sapph and I have been doing a lot of talking the last couple of days about all this, and she is just as worried as I am. We both figured it would be a good idea to get full advice from a lawyer before starting anything (because we do still have Sapph's aging relative to seriously think about as well.)

We are hoping Sapph will be able to make another trip down under come March. It will be our five year anniversary then, and we would like to spend this one together. Once we know if and when she can make it, I will then contact the lawyer that has been recommended and make the apt to see him/her.

The interdependant visa isn't limited to same sex couples according to the Department of Immigration. Anyway, if you want to learn more about this one you can find the info here: http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/family/partners/interdependent.htm

Sorry it took so long for me to reply, but between chatting with Sapph online and phone, working, and Australia day/mum's birthday, and dealing with a severe case of second degree sunburn, this is the first chance I had to actually sit down and read the thread properly.

[anakie]

4. I'd have to say go for it

as, to paraphrase The Princess Bride, nothing can stand in the way of true love. I have felt for your predicament since knowing about it and it is one I am passionate about. My mother, who is gay, got her partner into Australia on the same scheme but they had a few problems; mainly the partner overstayed one of her tourist visas at one stage. They have had a committment ceremony yet cant call it a wedding or have it recognized by anyone at official level.

At the time what was surprising was that a male work colleague had married a Filipina, had a child together but she had to leave the country to apply for her permanent status and from the sounds of things they had as many hassles as my mother did. Little consolation for you I know.

As for what Johnnie may do from July. I think personally he would love to ban people like you and my mother from having any rights but we still are not the US and still play some lip service to UN protocols; as well as having long standing anti discrimination laws. He may bluster to appeal to his base but hopefully wont take legislative action.

Family First may be the dark horse here. FF may introduce the legislation, the Libs support it and voila. Once again teflon john gets away with it.

Good luck you two. I'll be watching your progress here.

[foreigncorrespondent]

8. Thanks anakie!!!

Your words actually lend some encouragement because your mother's story is the first I have heard about a successful immigration.

Sapph and I are expecting some problems simply because even though we have been together for almost five years, for the last three years we haven't been able to live together. And have only seen each other for a total of 28 days out of each year (including this last trip.)

Sapph will organize to get letters from her relatives Dr's explaining that she has been the only person able to be there etc, etc, etc. Then we will also organize letters from friends (both online and in person) of people who know us and know us to be a couple, etc. Every little thing helps.

I also know that after a couple have been together for five years, the immigration department will become a little more lenient about some stuff. But still, one never knows.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your mum's story. It really does give us hope. :)

[anakie]

15. have you seen this mob

gay and lesbian immigration task force site. looks like they have a branch down there in the bleak city


http://www.glitf.powerup.com.au/#

[canberra]

5. Don't worry too much

A lot of people here seem to think the sky is falling but you should be ok.

The gay marriage bill was more of a kneejerk political reaction to what was happening in the US at the time and I don't think is symptomatic of any broader agenda on gay rights. In fact I think that same bill also freed up access for same-sex couples to their partner's life insurance/superannuation etc

Without knowing the exact nature of that type of visa, generally once you have applied for it even if the rules do change there will be transitionary arrangements so that people who have already applied will carry through the process.

[foreigncorrespondent]

9. Believe me...

...telling someone not to worry so much when their relationship depends on a government regulation which could be removed some time, is easier said than done.

Sapph and I have faced many hurdles together. We realize that the immigration process is the last hurdle we need to get over in order for us to be able to be together properly. We also know that that hurdle will be the biggest and the hardest.

By the way, the _only_ reason Howard awarded the LGBT community some extra goodies in his bigoted amendment was simply so when he would be called a bigot (and he was) he could come back and say; "Oh but gee wiz, I gave them all this other stuff, how does that make me a bigot?" (which he did say.)

Not only did it remove our right to marry and deemed us second class citizens, it also took away out right to adopt children from overseas. So nice to know that the government is so bigoted that it would prefer these kids to remain in orphanages across the world, rather than come to a home where they will find two loving parents who love them unconditionally. But then, that's Howard for you. This is the man who hates children so much, he has them thrown overboard!

[Djinn]

6. can understand why you're worried

this government has a LONG history of picking scapegoats and whipping the public into a feeding frenzy over them, asian immigrants, indigenous issues (particularly stolen gen) refugees, The UAstralian Greens etc etc

Personally I'd be more worried if FF had got the balance of power as (like many religious folk) they are OBSESSED with others people's sex/love lives but as Howard has his own way completely I think there's less chance of him needing to pander to anyone prejudices in order to push through his economic policies.

He went feral against indigenous rights because Pauline Hanson stole his thunder and he had to keep the nutbags both at bay and placate their voters, doesn't need to anymore so I think we'll actually see less demonising.

Still, glad I'm not in your position

[foreigncorrespondent]

10. I know what you are saying, mate...

...and it does make a lot of sense. But as I said, I do have a bad feeling about this, and I have been listening to a lot of what the bigoted old prick has been saying about gay stuff over the last few months. I can't help but think back to how he said about having any form of gay stuff being shown on TV before a certain time at night, because kids should not be subjected to that kind of "indecency." Of course my sister (who is the mother of three, two under the age of six) would tell you, her kids shouldn't be subjected to Howard. LOL

Anyway, thanks, mate!!!

[Djinn]

11. be fair though FC

obviously we can't expose children, they might grow up thinking being gay isn't something to be ashamed of - shock horror!!:evilgrin:

[foreigncorrespondent]

12. Oh!!!!

You are cheeky!!!!

I'm sorry, but I expose kids to Sapphs and my holding hands when ever we are together, do I need to stop? ;)

[Djinn]

13. well obviously

because children copy what they see - the only reason I'm stright is that I saw a bloke and a chicky holding hansd when I was a kid - otherwise god know how I'd have turned out??

I always wonder about the "exposed the children" wailers think gay folk came about - if since the dawn of time children have taken their sexualty cues from people they see surely no-one would be gay??

[foreigncorrespondent]

14. That's exactly right!

But remember, it is a choice to be with someone of the same sex. So I guess we don't take our cues from things we see, unless it suits them to have something removed like TV shows which include gay characters.

Ya know I was told a while ago by this wanker I work with, that the only reason I am a lesbian is because I have an over active sex drive. That most men can only do it once a day and that wouldn't be good enough for me. After I picked my mouth up off the floor, I reemed him a new one for that.

Overactive sex drive indeed! Just goes to show how misinformed some people truly are.

[Djinn]

16. I guess my man is really a chicky in disguise then!

my favourite response to these morons is to ask which couple "made" them straight most are pretty sure they were always straight, but they can never make that leap of logic and apply it to the gay community??

[Phoebe_in_Sydney]

17. Can't offer much solid advice

... as neither immigration or LGBT rights are my specialty.

But I would like to say that, having been involved in long-distance relationships, you have my sympathy and I admire the strength of both of you.

Re Howard, I do think the asshole would love to follow right down the Bush/Cheney path in every respect, but I honestly don't think the religious right has as much power here, and I don't think our corporate media sucks quite as hard as the US version.

At least with media organisations like the ABC & SBS there's a fighting chance that the public won't be brainwashed and lied to quite as comprehensively as has happened in the US.

I know it's cold comfort, but I cling to what I consider rational hope that we might avoid the worst of the Christo-facist elements that dominate in the US these days. And it's not like I'm an inveterate optimist or anything :-)