An Open Letter To Australia

Thank you.

Just, thank you.

In the past year we have seen some horrific atrocities occur to the LGBT community. Whether it be fathers murdering their own son for being gay or the horrific allegations in Chechnya, this has certainly been a dark year for the rights of homosexuals, transgenders, and many others who identify with a different gender or sexual identity and unfortunately have to pay a sickly price for it in this society, in a world where there should be none.

So when I heard of the Australian vote, and saw celebrities such as Chris and Liam Hemsworth wanting to advocate for this "non-legally binding" vote, I was worried. Despite the steps we've taken, such as Germany allowing same-sex marriage, they've always felt staggered. It seems ever since same-sex marriage was ruled as law in the United States Supreme Court, the wind has been blown out from under our sails.

But now I know that this is far from the truth.

Australia came about and proved us wrong. The amazing number of people (especially young people) who voted for this when the system was clearly betting against them was staggering, and once again pulling up a huge victory for the LGBT community. When I see all these people walking together holding up pride flags and crafted signs, I don't see anything more than a beautiful group of people striving for unity. Whether they be straight, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, or whatever else they identify with; I am always so proud of them. These people came out for a fight and I can just say that Australians put up a great fight against their government.

And even with all this celebration and joy, intense discussions are now underway. We have heard from the Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, that he would like to see same sex marriage in action by Christmas. This is where the real fight begins.

Australia, you have taken one great stride towards the better treatment of a select few human beings all over your country and that is amazing. But, now is, things get tough. You have to keep the pressure on: marches, letters, discussions and questions with your representatives in government. It's no lie that there are many people in the Australian Parliament who would rather argue and evade from the very notion that all people should have human rights, and the right to marry. It is because of this and their tough but ignorant stance, that we need the Australian people to act now.

Keep pressuring them to get this through, the vote itself was not legally binding and despite how badly that would play to the public to have politicians puppet them around, they can still do it. It is disgusting to think about, yes. Will the Australian government even risk such a thing? I don't know. But even a slim chance of them turning their back on this and the Australian people, is a chance that we cannot risk.

Australia, thank you. Thank you for setting an amazing example, thank you for being open-minded, and thank you for all your support for the LGBT community.

You have taken a step in the right direction.

But just remember, until it comes into law, the fight for same-sex marriage is still not over.