So May 17^th is behind us for another year.

It was, here in the land of Vegemite sandwiches, the first May with marriage equality – this gives some cause for celebration of achievement and some a reminder that there are still many rivers to cross.

Wednesday 16^th the mighty Mellem and I tag-teamed out at IPC Health in Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne’s south-western suburbs in a sort of personal story/Q and A (a nice Q and A, not like the one on Monday nights) for 2 sessions with staff. Lots of coverage of diverse stuff and trying to speak for who wasn’t in the room. A great reception. (Lots of other rainbow peeps were at other IPC sites during the week too).

The day itself began with a session at Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning for the Victorian Public Sector. 3 TGD peeps being yours truly, Jack Metcalfe (VPS) and Rochelle Johnson (corporate) on a panel talking about inclusivity. Good mix – covered needs post-survey, practicalities and experiences in the workplace and areas to tackle e.g. valuing forms of gender expression and unconscious bias e.g. use of language like “soft” skills re skills that might be stereotyped as “female/feminine.” I’ll save the two real winners that happened afterwards (at morning tea) until the end.

Grab the tram and zap across the CBD to Docklands for NAB’s panel with Ruby Susan, Andrea  and moi. A good mix with the focus of each being bi, intersex and trans respectively with considerable intersectionality. I learnt a lot about Kleinfleders from Andrea – awesome. And thank you NAB and Inga Phail for specifically having the panel the way it was and ensuring for once that all the BITs were there. J https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/myth-busting-idahobit-day-kristy-macfarlane/?published=t

Thankfully the final stop was literally up the lane to the Bureau of Meterology’s first ever recognition of IDAHOBIT. My friend and colleague Rebecca Dominguez was a late withdrawal; only a partial change of name tag as Rebecca Corson joined Joel Radcliffe and me. A good range of perspectives and people joining from all around our big broad brown land by livestreaming, Pleasing to see strong recognition of how valuing diversity attracts good talent and awareness of the limitations of gender barriers of all sorts. A case of clear skies ahead for the Bureau re diversity (sorry, that was a bi pun). Given Melbourne’s weather, every iota of talent is needed to increase the accuracy of forecasts. J

A breather before heading to the Clyde Hotel for a much needed refreshment (and chicken burger) for the Union chats launch event. A great panel emphasising the need for intersectional thinking and standing together in solidarity (as one might expect at a union event).

A slight grumpy pan moment in contrast to this when checking emails on arriving home. I might cover this next week.

I think of those countries overseas where events were misrepresented by media, protested or shut down including Lebanon, Uganda, Ukraine, Russia and Liberia (amongst others). I reflect on how visibility and connectedness will still be needed as basics for some time to come. In that light, two highlights sum it up.

After the formal proceedings at DEWLP, two people came up to me. One was a person who heard myself and other bi people speak at a Department of Health and Human Services Victoria IDAHOBIT panel 2 years ago where the focus was bi. I copped flak at the time for stating people come to bi orgs first not so-called LGBTI organisations that may not be close to the grass roots re bi. She told me she went back to her office directly afterwards and heard two colleagues making biphobic remarks. She had the tools to put them in their place. Any pain from flak dissolved. More importantly, shows, sharing info definitely works.

Definitely the biggest moment of the day was the person who I saw out of the corner of my eye was wanting to have a quiet word (tissues/hanky ready here). They (using pronoun in way of gender not known) mentioned how much having trans visibility meant to them. They work in the VPS and are sorta of OK that if transition is needed it will be OK. But being just at the cusp, they are still a little shaky.

Their voice cracked a little, a few quiet tears began.

Sally: “Would you like a hug?”

“Yes” came the reply.

We hugged.

(I heard from someone at the union event who works for VPS that a summary of the panel was distributed and someone else was similarly boosted. Yes.)

We’re gonna need visibility and connectedness for some time yet. May 17^th and all the other general and specific days for the rainbow are a major tool in in achieving that visibility and connectedness. Long may we mark these days.

From The Australian.com.au

About 400 students from seven schools threw paint-filled balloons at a Victorian police station to promote inclusion of the LGBT community.

The colours used were those of the rainbow. The result was an 80m mural produced as part of a collaboration between Merri Health and Moreland City ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, or IDAHOBIT. Dulux was a sponsor, and Bunnings, Metro Trains Melbourne and the Greater Melbourne Cemetery Trust also partnered.

The second part of the event involved students emerging from a 36sq m marquee holding different coloured pieces of cardboard. They were photographed with Snapchat’s annual IDAHOBIT filter, which vomits rainbows on to the image. The result is a giant rainbow vomit emoji that will be released as part of a film produced by Youthworks on the actual­ IDAHOBIT day, May 17.

Fawkner police station was chosen because it sits next to a train line, allowing passengers to see the mural on their daily commutes.

Victoria Police Community Engagement Acting Inspector Troy Papworth said the mural was a way for police to show their support and foster confidence with LGBT people.

“The rainbow artwork will form a permanent 80m mural on the police station fence and is a symbolic way for the community, including police, to show that we’re taking a stance against violence and discrimination,” he said.

“Through the mural, police are also hoping to increase confidence and trust between LGBTI communities and police, and encourage everyone to speak to us if they need help.”

Merri Health community arts and development officer Russ Pirie said the arts were an effective way to get youth involved in social issues. “I think the arts is a really intelligent and powerful way to engage young people in acts of social justice and allyship,” he said.

“As a community we don’t all need to be the same, (we) just need to learn to live together in a way which is safe and inclusive.”

The Starobserver provides each year very detailed coverage of activities around the country. Check it out!

Brisbane burst with rainbows

Source – Nine prominent Brisbane landmarks were emblazened in rainbow lights to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia  (IDAHOT) on the night of 17 May 2018. In addition, multiple city and state institutions  proudly fly the international symbol of pride for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community on the same day.

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Brisbane Powerhouse will for the first time, join Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane City Hall, Treasury Casino, the Story bridge, Victoria bridge and Kurilpa bridge, which will all beam in rainbow lights.

During the daytime, Rainbow flags flew from Brisbane City Hall, and the state headquarters of Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. There was also a free IDAHOT Brisbane City Rainbow Lights Walking Tour and a free IDAHOT Remember Event held at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

Full information on the activities HERE

Photos below by Tina Eastley

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MELT Programme 2018 – Brisbane

IDAHOT Day Ceremony
A community celebration in support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biophobia (IDAHOT Day) including special guest speakers, a flag ceremony and the lighting of the building.

Register and find out more

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Students Give Fawkner Police Station in Victoria A Splash Of Colour

Hundreds of local school students will throw paint-filled water balloons at the Fawkner Police Station to create an explosion of colour and celebration for LGBTI communities.

‘The rainbow artwork will form a permanent 80m mural on the police station fence and is a symbolic way for the community, including police, to show that we’re taking a stance against violence and discrimination,’ Acting Inspector Papworth said.

‘The initiative is also a fantastic way for our young people to tell other young people that they have a right to be proud of who they are. Our youth play an important role in creating safer and more inclusive communities, and ensuring a brighter future for all.’

More info HERE

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Melbourne

ed Square will be awash with live entertainment by some of Melbourne’s most celebrated artists, performers and voices on Thursday 17 May to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

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Move in May

CGU Move In May is the largest public community event of this scale that supports and celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) in Australia.

CGU Move In May is an all inclusive Fun Run/Walk that results in a post event celebration that welcomes any who believes in equality and inclusion – regardless of sexuality and/or gender.

The event will be held on Sunday, the 20th of May, 2018 at ‘The Tan’ – Botanical Gardens.

Event’s Website or Blog:  http://standupevents.com.au/all_events/cgu-move-may/
Event’s Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/Stand-Up-Events-390912194438828/?fref=ts
Event’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/StandUp_Events

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Queensland

IDAHOBIT Toowoomba Australia by PFLAG

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Sydney

• Bloomberg LP IDAHOTB Building Light-up
• GLEE (PwC’s LGBTI+ network) will be hosting a morning tea for all colleagues to come together and celebrate IADHOT day.  We will be sharing stories relating to the topic of the day and hope to have around 100 employees including LGBTI+ colleagues and allies.
• Western Sydney IDAHOT Picnic organised by  The Open Door Community of Christ

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Tasmania

Organised jointly with Amnesty Cygnet group and Rural Australians for Refugees. A chance to highlight why IDAHO Day is an international event, and participate close to home! Join us at 6pm for homemade soup and bread followed by a chance to watch an outstanding and entertaining documentary. ‘The Story of Yes’ highlights events in Ireland and looks at the situation one year after the ‘yes’ vote.

http://www.equalitynetworkcygnet.com

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Perth

Mental health support organisation Neami National are hosting a special afternoon tea this year to share history, raise awareness and network with Perth’s local queer community.

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Bendigo

IDAHOT Day Rainbow Walk. contact mareedixon@bchs.com.au

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Victoria

Warrnambool Celebrates IDAHOBIT 2018

• Wednesday 17 May: Rainbow flags will fly from Brisbane City Hall (to be confirmed), and the state headquarters of Qld Police Service, Qld Ambulance Service and Qld Fire and Emergency Services.
• Wednesday 17 May: Rainbow lights will illuminate Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane City Hall (to be confirmed), Story bridge, Victoria bridge, Kurilpa bridge and Treasury casino. (discussions taking place with other Brisbane landmarks for possible further rainbow illuminations)
• Sunday 21 May: Community Day, followed by memorial ceremony.

Congratulations to all the folks behind this fabulous action, that will be seen around the world!

See more on city’s website

Health and HIV-prevention group ACON have this week announced that they will provide a number of small grants for independent community groups and social campaigns to support IDAHOT 2016. In order to receive the grant groups must be planning events in support of IDAHOT 2016 that address this year’s theme of mental health and wellbeing.

For more information or to apply please visit ACON’s online application form. Successful applicants will be informed by May 4th.

Please note: ACON is an independent organisation and is not directly affiliated with the IDAHOT committee. Funding decisions and other matters related to this campaign are not made by the IDAHOT committee. 

In Western Sydney, local activists and the Open Door Community of Christ will host a picnic day on May 17 to celebrate members of the local LGBTI community. As well as showing solidarity, the church group hope to shine a light on the difficulties faced by LGBTI individuals and to encourage others to take a stand against discrimination. The event will be attended by over 200 people, including politicians and religious leaders, and will also run alongside local IDAHOT events run by campaigners and local authorities.

Also in Sydney, LGBT film project Queer Screen will host a special screening of 2015 lesbian romance Carol. Tickets for the film will help raise funds for local groups working with the LGBT community.

A number of other events will also be held in local communities across Australia. In Brisbane local landmarks will once again be lit in rainbow colors, including the city’s largest bridge (thanks to the Brisbane LGBTIQ Action Group), while organizations including businesses, charities, and even police will also mark the day within their local communities.

Across the region the Queensland Police and Queensland Ambulance service will mark the day by flying the rainbow flag.

In the city of Toowoomba the local branch of PFLAG will hold a Rainbow Picnic for the LGBT community and their allies. The event will take place May 15th and is encouraging participants to begin a conversation about the themes surrounding IDAHOT 2016.

Australia will also see its first “Move in May”, as the Melbourne based Stand Up group aims to gather a 5000-strong crowd to march against heteronormativity on May 17.

In Hobart, Tasmania, local activists will hold a breakfast gathering for IDAHOT 2016. The event promises to be a fun social event for the LGBT community and allies, as well as an important fundraiser for local LGBT projects.

In Townsville, students at James Cook University have invited the public to join them in celebrating IDAHOT 2016. Student campaigners will be present on the university’s campus to discuss issues of sexuality and gender identity with fellow students, all to mark IDAHOT 2016.

In Adelaide, local community organisers have planned an LGBT picnic event to mark the day. The event invites members of the LGBT community, and allies, to come together to enjoy the day in a casual setting.

In Darwin, Victoria, local authorities will make the day with a public flag-raising ceremony (the rainbow flag, of course!) and a film screening of newly-released documentary GayBy. Details of the day’s programme can be found online.

In Gisborne, Victoria Macedon Health Ranges will hold a special screening of Kuma Hina, a film which focuses on the experiences of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The film is free to the public.

In Melbourne, La Trobe university will host a film screening and talk to mark IDAHOT 2016. The event is organised by the university’s Psych Society to support 2016’s theme of mental health and wellbeing and is free to the public.

In Frankston City local council authorities have invited members of the public to help them mark the day with a morning flag raising event. The event will see the rainbow flag raised to mark IDAHOT 2016 and will also feature public talks and a free morning tea.

National banking service ANZ will help mark the day with fundraising and public displays in business sites across the country. Staff will mark the day in various ways, while funds raised will go directly to LGBT charities and the IDAHOT committee.

Also on a national scale, a number of student groups will hold events on their campus in support of IDAHOT Australia. Plans are currently in place for Melbourne,

For more information on events and news please keep an eye out for our upcoming 2016 annual reports.

In Brisbane actions from the Brisbane LGBTIQ Action Group helped to create an iconic scene after local authorities worked with the group to light the city’s Story Bridge, and the City Hall, lit in the rainbow colours. The group also raised a rainbow flag above city hall, and hosted a number of events across the city that included live music, information stalls and a public memorial for the victims of homophobic and transphobic violence.

Also in Brisbane the Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Pride Choir held a special film screening and performance to raise funds and draw attention to the day.

Across the country the self-organised group IDAHOT AUS worked to support the efforts of young people and activists. The group also coordinated a mass action which was supported by at least 15 groups across the country. For their action the group asked individuals to ‘Go Purple’ for IDAHOT, and sharing their images and messages of support online.

The campaign saw individuals and entire groups throughout Australia join in, helping to turn the entire country purple for the day.

The campaign also came alongside a coordinated fundraising effort that helped raise money from donations and sponsorships for local LGBT services and campaigns.

Three other councils in Queensland also agreed to fly rainbow flags in similar actions held in Ipswich, Somerset and Townsville. Local authorities throughout Melbourne’s metropolitan area also took part in the same way. (Preston, Northcote, Moreland and Banybule, Hobson’s Bay, Frankston, Greater Geelong, Morningtn Penisula Shire).

In the City of Darebin a fundraiser was hosted by (Re)framing Gender at Northcote Town Hall. The event featured live music and poetry performance, as well as a puppet show and free food. The fundraiser helped to raise money for local LGBT support services whilst also raising awareness of the day.

In Moonee Valley City Council local activists organised a public discussion in which individuals were invited to talk about the issue of LGBTI representation, equality and access. As well as raising awareness of these key issues organisers hoped the event would help to create constructive solutions to addressing many issues.

In Blue Mountains, Sydney, a special event to name the local city of the year cooincided with the day. The event also saw a special LGBT focus with the raising of the rainbow flag. The ceremony was followed by a public address by local activists that discussed the issues of marriage equality and also living as a young trans person.

The event was closed off with musical performances by a local choir and samba group, as well as free food and the chance to meet with activists and individuals from within the LGBTI communuty.

In Yarra Glen Victoria sports and activism came together at the second annual Aussie Rules ‘Pride Cup’. The event was held at local reserve parkland and incited members of the public to join a small tournament to celebrate diversity in sports, whilst also combating the common stereotypes seen in many sporting circles.

The event was a great success and was covered by many news outlets. Organisers hoped that as well as promoting the ideals of IDAHOT the event would help to bring together the often seperate communities of sports fans and LGBTI groups.

Across the country the Australian Safe Schools Coalition celebrated incredible success with their ‘Be Better Allies’ campaign, which was launched to coincide with IDAHOT 2015. As part of the project the group encouraged schools across the country to support LGBTI youth with events, workshops and celebrations marking the day.

The group also encouraged school groups to wear matching colours for the day to raise awareness for the ideals of the day. The project was highly successful and saw over 300 schools across Australia sign up to take part.

In Melbourne the gender diversity group Y Gender supported young trans and intersex individuals with a small number of events that aimed to raise awareness whilst also advocating for the rights of gender non-conforming minorities.

In the lead-up to the day the Australian/New Zealand branch of It Gets Better held a special performance by Aussie girl group G.R.L. The event was streamed online also, and was aimed to help raise awareness for the day among young people in both countries.

And finally, In Sydney several events were held across the city, including small informal gatherings, official-level recognition and even large-scale public gatherings.

In Western Sydney a public picnic was held at the Regatta City Park. The event, which was supported by local authorities and organised by activists, featured live music performance, a roller derby event and speeches and food available to the public.

At the city’s Southern Cross University a diversity symposium was held in which students and staff discussed shared experiences and the impact of homophobia, transphobia, discrimination and violence.

Students from the University of New South Wales also organised Australia’s first IDAHOT mass gay wedding! The event (which did not officially join couple in marriage!) aimed to raise awareness of the day, whilst also tackling the many issues facing LGBT people within the student body. As well as the promotion of LGBT equality students were also invited to bring a ‘mate or a date’ for an afternoon of barbecuing and fun.

***

For further information please contact IDAHOT Australia.

One of the most impactful of these actions was the lighting up of the Brisbane Story Bridge in Queensland, Australia, for the IDAHOT 2014 (pictured), which was widely shared on social media around the world on the Day.

We asked Phil Browne of the Brisbane LGBTIQ Action Group, the group that pressured Brisbane council to do this, a few questions about they went about organising for this action. And they told us this inspiring story…

What was the context for the action?

Brisbane is the capital city of the Australian state of Queensland, and is Australia’s third largest city, with approximately 2.25 million living in the metropolitan area. Queensland has a reputation of being Australia’s most conservative state, with some commenting it is 20 years behind more progressive parts of Australia. Many other metropolitan, regional, and even rural councils do a great deal to acknowledge and support their LGBT residents. Our group wanted to bring similar reforms and activities to the Brisbane City Council, which administers a significant portion of the metropolitan area and is Australia’s largest local government.

BLAG was formed in mid 2011. A public meeting was promoted via gay media, to form a new lobby group to push for Brisbane City Council to show greater awareness of, and inclusion of/support for marginalised LGBT residents. Initially we contacted many other Australian councils asking what initiatives they had for their LGBT citizens. We then had hard evidence of the great support and recognition many other councils offered, and we presented this when we met with Councillors at Brisbane City Council.

It was important that we be seen to be asking for support of a marginalised minority group, rather than asking for “special rights”. We knew LGBT people experienced far worse health and social outcomes as a result of suffering long-term prejudice and discrimination, but we needed impartial evidence that proved this, to support our call for action by our council. To this end we located credible research findings demonstrating these worse health and social outcomes – including, alarmingly, a four times higher rate of suicide attempts – and we presented these findings too, when we met with Councillors.

These research findings include, this compilation of Australian Bureau of Statistics and other research findings, and the February 2014 Growing Up Queer report by University of Western Sydney.

Since our group’s inception, we have made a point of maintaining communication with all sides of politics. Brisbane City Council is currently controlled by the Liberal National Party (LNP), with Councillors from the Australian Labor Party (ALP) in opposition, plus one Independent Councillor. We meet and communicate with both the Council and the Council opposition, plus other political parties likely to run candidates in future elections. All sides of politics need to be aware of issues that are important to LGBT residents.

Where/how did the idea originate? What were the main assumptions behind the idea, the main expectations?

BLAG members were aware of many other Councils, both in Australia and internationally, that take actions to recognise IDAHOT. We researched actions taken by other Australian Councils, including flying the rainbow flag from Council buildings, holding IDAHOT events, and illuminating Council buildings/structures in rainbow lights.

Our aim was to promote public awareness of the harm homophobia/transphobia does to real people, and to generate awareness and positive behaviour change in mainstream society. We also wanted to offer a strong show of support to LGBT people, especially youth, who may be suffering in silence and thinking they are the only gay person in Brisbane – how positive is it for an LGBT kid to see their city’s largest bridge lit in rainbow lights! It would have been a great help to have this positive imagery during our own upbringing, so if we can assist others in their journey to acceptance, that is terrific.

We also wanted to offer a strong show of support to LGBT people, especially youth, who may be suffering in silence and thinking they are the only gay person in Brisbane – how positive is it for an LGBT kid to see their city’s largest bridge lit in rainbow lights!

What were the risks/threats/obstacles involved and how did you deal with them?

We couldn’t see any major risks. Our aim all along has been to maintain a respectful communication with all side of politics. We knew that to be taken seriously, we needed to be calm, respectful, organised and well researched.

An obstacle was the Council not complying with our requests – we overcame this by going to the the Council Opposition, and campaigning for widespread media coverage (details below).

How did you get it done? How much time did it take? How much did it cost? How many people did it involve? What were the tactics that you used?

Once we had obtained evidence showing actions taken by other Councils for IDAHOT, we then presented this to our own Council. This included the following webpages, complete with photos, on other Council websites (Hobson Bay, Darebin, Moreland, Wyndham). Importantly, we also included research findings showing how anti-LGBT discrimination and prejudice, results in far worse outcomes for LGBT residents (such as the above research reports).

We asked that the Council take actions to show support for LGBT residents by means of:

• Flying the rainbow flag from Council properties/flagpoles.
• Illuminating our city’s largest bridge, the Story Bridge, in rainbow lights for IDAHOT.

Unfortunately the Lord Mayor did not agree to our requests. Had we given up then – nothing would have been achieved. Instead, we then showed the Council Opposition our requests, and they agreed to raise the issue during Question Time at a Council meeting.

Shortly after, during a Council meeting, the Opposition asked the Lord Mayor if he would support our request – and the Lord Mayor again refused. Multiple journalists attend Council meetings, and they pounced on this story, requesting media interviews with our group. The media were very supportive and we gained media attention via local suburban newspapers, a newspaper covering the whole state, plus radio and television news interviews. It was big news and clearly the media were on our side.

It was during a subsequent radio interview, that the Council unexpectedly announced they would illuminate the Story Bridge in rainbow lights for IDAHOT. This was followed by this letter from the Council advising they will also illuminate the Story Bridge in rainbow lights for IDAHOT in future years.

How much did it cost? How many people did it involve?

Our group had no costs in achieving this.

A handful of people had input in this process. Different people took on different roles:
Some researched what other Councils did for IDAHOT (this involved Google searches, plus approaching Councils by e-mail and phone). Others composed and responded to e-mails to/from Council. Others did media interviews. Others provided quotes to be used in a media release.

How do you rate the impact of this action, and how did you see its effects?

The impact was far greater than we had ever imagined. If this has helped just one troubled LGBT person dealing with discrimination, or prevented one suicide, it has been so so worth it.

We are very pleased with the end result, which had a big impact.

Many LGBT locals commented on how terrific is felt to see their identity, and their very existence acknowledged so publicly by Council. The gay and mainstream media reported on this and carried photos of the bridge boldly beaming rainbow colours (Council didn’t get the colours 100% correct – but we will work with them to improve the colours next year). Social media was abuzz with photos of the rainbow bridge, and it was noticed not only all over Australia, but around the world.

The impact was far greater than we had ever imagined. If this has helped just one troubled LGBT person dealing with discrimination, or prevented one suicide, it has been so so worth it.

We still would like to see our Council follow other Councils and fly the rainbow flag for IDAHOT. We will keep advocating for this to happen.

What advice would you give to other people who’d like to undertake this activity?

Do it – just go ahead and do it.

Don’t rush in, it’s far better to do your research and have a plan. It may initially seem unachievable, but if you take it one step at a time, it can be done.

Once you have all your supporting evidence, and are clear in what you want to achieve, then it’s time to proceed. Make sure you can provide hard evidence to your Council that demonstrates LGBT people are suffering worse health and social outcomes as a result of marginalisation following prejudice and discrimination – without this, you can be seen as wanting “special rights”. Also make sure you provide evidence of what other Councils, both locally and internationally, are doing to support LGBT residents. By all means provide your Council with media articles about Brisbane City Council illuminating our city’s largest bridge in rainbow lights.

If the Council is not supportive, then go to the Council opposition and try and gain support from them. Even if your Council is supportive, it’s good practice to keep the Opposition and other parties informed of your group’s activities and goals.

If you believe your requests are fair and just, and your Council does not support your requests for action, then go to the media. Learn to write a media release and send this to local media outlets if required. Make sure you include concise details of – who, what, where, when and why. By providing a high-resolution photo and 3 or 4 one-line quotes from supporters, you make your story much more likely to be published.

Should the media not support your cause, then get community members to write letters to local newspapers in support of your cause.