In the early ‘70s I became a straight ally and the experience was life-changing. I felt like a gay man in a woman’s body – so many of my favourite things were thrown back at me from the kind of gays I was drawn to. In those days we called it “camp”, an acronym of Campaign Against Moral Persecution. To be camp was to be out-there – outrageous, fabulous, theatrical and tragic! As a woman whose style and behaviour were described as camp, I had found my tribe. I’m happy to say I have conducted the wedding of one of the founders of Campaign – to his partner of 50 years.
But it wasn’t all just dressing up and whirling around Oxford Street. As a straight ally, I was there to witness the “moral persecution” and cruelty of the ‘70s and the first Mardi Gras in 1978. I was confused and terrified in the ‘80s when AIDS decimated the gay community and society apportioned blame and shame; in the next two decades, I watched kids struggling in schools to “come out” and be accepted.
I followed with anticipation the campaign for Marriage Equality and was thrilled to take my very first booking for a lesbian couple the very day Australia said “YES!”
I volunteered at World Pride in Sydney in 2023 and soaked up the exuberance and variety of celebrations organised. I was proud. I was a straight ally.
I’m not for you if you’re opposed to flamboyant - but know that I am capable of camping it up or playing it down – the theatrics and script are yours to direct.
As well as lesbian, gay and trans weddings, I hope to channel weddings from interfaith and multicultural communities – couples whose faith and nationality intersect to form a rich and unique culture. For decades I taught Languages other than English (Indonesian, French and German) and English as a Second Language.
Over the years I’ve conducted a diversity of ceremonies, from intimate elopements to complex rituals, for neighbourhood friends to overseas couples.
Learning is life-long, and I’m committed to the annual Professional Development mandated by the Attorney General’s Department.
I’m also a foundation of Australian Marriage Celebrants Inc., the largest professional association of celebrants in Australia.
Blue Mountains, Northern Beaches, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs are my go-to locations.
