FAQ

What is the Carter Network?

The Carter Network was established in 2000 to provide a forum for Democrats' members to discuss sexuality and gender status policy issues. It was also intended to be a social and support group for Democrats' GLBTI members and friends.

The Network has been active to varying degrees in the time since it began, but has played a strong role in disseminating information and promoting discussion amongst members on the sexuality and gender issues that confront them, the broader community and the Party.

The Carter Network has also provided a way to organise a Democrats presence at community events such as Mardi Gras and various pride festivals around the country.

The Carter Network has also periodically presented the Chris Carter Memorial Award, recognising individual contributions to the GLBTI community.

 

Is the Carter Network only for Australian Democrats party members?

This is an open question that has also been raised in relation to other Democrats' networks, and one on which group members and Democrats' members themselves need to decide.

Because Carter is a network as opposed to a formally recognised group within the Democrats structure, there is no requirement that participation be dependent upon membership.

For the time being, it seems the prevailing view is that Carter membership should be open, to invite input on sexuality and gender issues that is as broad as possible, and that perhaps as a consequence of their Carter invovlement, individuals may also be inspired to become Democrats members.

When is the next Pride Parade held in Perth? In fact, what are the dates for Parades around Australia?

In WA, the pride festival kicks off with fairday on the Queens birthday weekend.

In other states, marches and Pride Festivals are right through the year.

NSW - has Mardi Gras Festival through February/March. The Pride Festival occurs for a week in June.

Vic - The Pride March falls within the Midsumma Festival which runs for three weeks and four weekends in January/February.

Qld - Head up to sunny Brisbane for winter and you'll catch their Pride Festival and March which is in June/July for three weeks and four weekends.

NT - They're also making the most of winter in Darwin with the Pride Festival over two weeks in June/July. Not alot of marching but plenty of other fun.

SA - Feast wraps up the year's Pride festivals in November, also running for the preferred length of three weeks/four weekends.