Introduction.

With the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ+ Hate Crimes in New South Wales, Australia’s largest state, issuing its final report, I thought it would be timely to invite some of the people who gave evidence at the Inquiry to share their thoughts on its importance and its findings. This second blog is authored by Carole Ruthchild, who as co-convenor of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL), led the team that conducted the Off Our Backs survey in 1991. The need for the survey was the lack of data on violence against lesbians. In this blog she discusses the significant efforts made by organisations like the GLRL to address violence, improve police responses, and advocate for legal changes to protect the rights of the LGBTIQ+ communities. The blog underscores the importance of continued efforts to eliminate hate crimes and discrimination while acknowledging the important differences between anti-lesbian violence and violence against gay men.

Here is Carole’s blog.

In recent decades, the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance has made significant progress. However, it's important to remember the challenges faced by the community in the 1980s and 90s, particularly in the context of hate crimes and violence. During this turbulent period, as more gay and lesbian individuals courageously came out, they often encountered discrimination and violence. This article delves into that era, highlighting the efforts to combat hate and promote equality. This article is based on the statement I provided to the Inquiry into anti-LGBTQ+ violence.

The inquiry and its findings.

The Special Inquiry was a welcome reexamination of the many unsolved deaths of gay men, many of which bore the clear indications of a hate crime, but which were not properly investigated by the police or were simply written off as "suicides", leaving those deaths unresolved for their families, friends and partners.

What it revealed was the shortcomings in many cases of the NSW Police response to hate crimes against LGBTIQ+ people.

It may not be possible, all these decades later, for all those responsible for those hate crimes to be brought to justice, but the Inquiry was at least able to finally restore some dignity to the victims and hopefully some comfort to their loved ones.

I gave evidence to the Special Commission of Inquiry on 25 November 2022.

Like Dr Gary Cox, I would also like to commend the Hon. Justice John Sackar and all those involved for their handling of the Inquiry.

The 1980s: A time of change and resistance.

The 1980s marked a turning point for the LGBTIQ+ communities in New South Wales, Australia. As more people openly embraced their sexual identity, society's reactions were mixed. While some responded with empathy and understanding, many LGBTIQ+ individuals faced ostracism, job loss, family rejection, and even legal battles over custody of their children.

The emergence of the AIDS epidemic in the later part of the decade brought about a backlash against the LGBTIQ+ communities. Some public figures even described AIDS as "God's punishment." In 1988, the UK introduced Section 28, which prohibited local councils from allegedly "promoting homosexuality." This discriminatory legislation remained in effect until 2000 in Scotland and 2003 in England and Wales.

The birth of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL).

Amid this challenging environment, the GLRL was established in 1988. The GLRL became a leading advocate for lesbian and gay rights in New South Wales, with a mission to achieve legal equality and social justice through lobbying, community empowerment, and collaboration with other LGBTIQ+ organisations.

Throughout its existence, the GLRL achieved several legislative milestones, including the introduction of anti-vilification laws (1993), legal recognition of same-sex de facto relationships (1999), equal age of consent provisions for gay men (2003), and the removal of provisions denying same-sex couples the right to adopt (2010).

The Streetwatch Report.

Streetwatch, initiated in late 1988, aimed to collect information on violent attacks against LGBTIQ+ individuals. However, the response rate from women was notably low, revealing the challenges faced by lesbians in reporting such incidents. Anecdotal evidence suggested that lesbians often encountered verbal abuse, harassment, and intimidation in public places.

Off Our Backs Report: Shedding light on violence against lesbians.

In response to the need for data on violence against lesbians, the GLRL conducted the Off Our Backs survey in 1991. This survey received 42 responses and culminated in the Off Our Backs Report, published in September 1992.

The report highlighted disturbing stories of violence, including physical assaults and verbal abuse directed at lesbians. It revealed that many attacks occurred on the streets, during Mardi Gras events, or in workplaces. The assailants were often men who targeted lesbians due to their sexual orientation.

Differences between anti-lesbian violence and violence against gay men.

There are important differences between anti-lesbian violence and violence against gay men. While both experiences were marked by prejudice and hate, the nature and circumstances of the violence often differed.

Anti-lesbian violence in the late 1980s and early 1990s commonly involved verbal abuse, harassment, and intimidation by men in public places such as bars or public transport. Women out alone or with other women were often "targeted" by men who exhibited predatory behaviour. Such male predatory behaviour had long been common towards women in general, and it continued during this period.

In contrast, violence against gay men, as revealed by the Streetwatch data, often took a more physically aggressive form and was sometimes perpetrated by gangs of young men who specifically targeted gay men for assault. While both forms of violence were deeply troubling, the differences in their nature and circumstances were notable.

The data: Off Our Backs Report (1992)

Nature of attacks:

33% of respondents reported the harassment and violence as ongoing.
29% of respondents who reported being physically or sexually assaulted sustained serious injuries requiring medical treatment.
33% sustained lacerations or severe bruising.

Time and location of incidents:

19% of incidents occurred at or after an organized Mardi Gras event.
45% of incidents occurred in the street.
39% of incidents occurred at work or in other public areas.
27% of incidents occurred between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. and 59% occurred between 6:00 pm and 3:00 am.

Characteristics of survivors:

96% of respondents identified as white Australian.
38% of respondents were aged 30-39 years; 48% were aged 20-29 years.
88% of incidents involved men only; in 10% of cases, both men and women were present, with women either observing or contributing to the verbal abuse.

Characteristics of assailants:

38% of respondents knew their assailants.
31% of incidents involved 3-4 assailants; 19% involved 5 or more.
31% of assailants were aged 21-25 years; 23% were aged 16-20; and 29% were aged 30+.

Reason for assault:

100% of respondents felt they were attacked because they were or perceived to be lesbian.
In 74% of incidents, the assailant(s) spoke to the respondent, with 84% involving anti-lesbian abuse; no incidents involved robbery.

Witnesses:

65% of incidents were observed by witnesses; only 18% of these resulted in intervention.

Immediate post-assault action:

31% of respondents felt able to fight back; 29% took protective action.
42% of respondents told friends/partners about the incident; 4% spoke to a counsellor.

Reports to police:

10% of respondents reported the incident to police.
Of those who did not, 24% felt nothing could be done, 19% cited no women police officers as the reason, 10% involved alleged police abuse, and 35% felt the police would not take the report seriously.

Recommendations and progress.

The Off Our Backs Report made 34 recommendations to address the issue of anti-lesbian violence. These recommendations included amending the Anti-Discrimination Act to include a ground of homosexual vilification, introducing hate crimes legislation, and providing training and support for victims.

This research contributed to significant changes, including the appointment of Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (now known as LGBTIQ Liaison Officers) within the NSW Police force. These officers played a crucial role in improving the response to LGBTIQ+ victims of crime.

Looking back and moving forward.

While progress has been made, the fight against hate crimes and discrimination continues. Eliminating violence against lesbians, and all forms of hate crime, remains a challenging but noble endeavour. The experiences of the LGBTIQ+ communities in the 1980s and 90s serve as a reminder of the importance of ongoing advocacy and education to promote equality and acceptance for all.

In 2017, Australia took a significant step forward when nearly two-thirds of its citizens voted in favour of marriage equality for same-sex couples. This milestone demonstrates the power of collective action and the potential for positive change.

As we reflect on the past, let us continue to work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, can live free from discrimination and violence.

Carole Ruthchild, 7 February 2024.

*Carole Ruthchild has a diverse background in law, policy, and activism. She holds a Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons.) from the University of Warwick and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons. 1st class) from the University of Technology, Sydney, along with a Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice. Carole had a significant career in the NSW Attorney General's Department, later the Department of Justice, where she served as a Senior Policy Officer, focusing on issues related to victims of crime, women in the criminal justice system, and the LGBTI+ communities. Her notable achievements include contributing to the establishment of the NSW Victims Support Scheme and legislative changes related to same-sex marriage in 2017. Carole has a rich history of activism, particularly in the women's and LGBTIQ+ movements, both in the UK and Australia, and she has received awards for her work in promoting gay and lesbian rights, including the Chris Carter Memorial Award and induction into the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby Hall of Fame.

Ending hate.

Boomers, as we know, eliminating gender-based violence and hate related violence against LGBTIQ people, as well as racial, and other types of prejudice related violence, is possible. Violence is a human action, which means that an alternative human action to violence is possible, which in turn means that prevention is a smart investment.

And remember, you can access This Boomers Life., on Facebook.

LGBTIQ Hate Crimes: Violence against lesbians in New South Wales Australia: A journey through the 1980s and 1990s.