Embracing Diversity Collection

PRE 1992

The Gay Ex-Services Association operated from 1982-84. Their President was Max Campbell, who served in the Royal Australian Air Force from 1961-81, including a tour in Vietnam 1966-67.
The Association was prevented by the R.S.L. from laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in 1984. You can read more about the incident and the reflections of Max Campbell in the first report back from the research team.

1992

On 23 November 1992, the Keating Government announced a cabinet decision to revoke the policy on homosexual behaviour. This came as welcome news to young sailor Anita Van Der Meer who had taken a complaint to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in response to the Royal Australian Navy seeking to discharge her for being same-sex attracted. While the Commission did not have the power to act, her complaint was one that led to the removal of the policy.
Personnel who were involuntarily discharged prior to 1992 on the basis of their same-sex attraction can seek to have their discharge paperwork amended to reflect a voluntary discharge.

1996

1996 saw the formation of G-Force, the first known support group for actively serving members. The group marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras against the express wishes of Defence Headquarters. President of G-Force David Mitchell - then a Sergeant in the RAAF - received threats from a senior officer in Defence who threatened his career if the march proceeded.
Just prior to the march, Defence members were approved to march in the G-Force float but were not permitted to march in uniform.
Mitchell and G-Force went on to advocate for recognition of same-sex partners by Defence Health Funds.

1999

In 1999, Andy Stuht - a member of the Navy - organised the second participation of Defence personnel in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. The group was called "Defence In Unity." The group was not provided with permission to march in uniform, and instead elected to march wearing various retired items of Defence uniform.

2002

The Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service - DEFGLIS was formed in 2002 by then Petty Officer Stuart O'Brien.

2003

In 2003, Defence implemented a ban on members undergoing gender transition while in the Australian Defence Force. At this stage in history, DEFGLIS did not have knowledge, or experience with gender transition or gender identity.

2005

2006

Health Directive 210 Policy on the prevention, detection and management of blood borne virus infections is released.

2007

DEFGLIS President Stuart O'Brien receives a letter from Defence senior leadership outlining agreement and conditions for Defence personnel to participate in Mardi Gras. A signal is released from Defence providing permission for Defence personnel to participate in Mardi Gras.

2008

Defence personnel participated in the Sydney Mardi Gras with formal approval from Defence in DEFGLIS civilian attire.

2009

Following release of the Acts Interpretation Act in 2009, further inequality was removed between same-sex and opposite-sex couples. However policy discrimination remained in effect and continues to remain in effect as of 2015 maintaining inequality between how same-sex and married couples are recognised by Defence.

2010

In 2010, Defence removed the ban on transgender personnel by withdrawing its policy. At this point, a number of personnel in Defence had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

2011

In 2011, DEFGLIS was renamed to Defence LGBTI Information Service to better reflect the membership base and clarify inclusion for all LGBTI personnel and their families. An interim board was established and a new website was launched to improve sustainability and improved governance for the association.

2012

General David Hurley - Chief of Defence Force granted approval for Defence personnel to participate at the Sydney Mardi Gras in uniform.

2013

Defence personnel marched for the first time at the Sydney Mardi Gras in uniform. The contingent was led by Air Commodore Tracy Smart, the most senior openly serving LGBTI person in Defence, and DEFGLIS founder Warrant Officer Stuart O'Brien. The Australian Army released an Army Pride Pin - the first time a Defence symbol had been combined with an LGBTI diversity theme.

2015

The sacrifice of LGBTI service personnel was commemorated by DEFGLIS members for the first time across Australia. All three service Warrant Officers marched in the Defence contingent at the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. Defence launched the Defence Pride network at the inaugural Military Pride Ball hosted by DEFGLIS. The Defence Pride Network is the Defence internal employee support network for LGBTI personnel. Defence ranked equal 17th in the Australian Workplace Equality Index awards and the top public sector inclusive employer alongside the Australian Federal Police. Health Directive 234 outlining medical care considerations for personnel with gender dysphoria was released.

2016

The method by which families were recognised by Defence was streamlined into a single process for married and non-married couples. The new process removed differences in the burden of proof required to prove the existence of a relationship, and aligned requirements with those used by other government agencies.