Today's Example of Insufficient Reporting

From news-mail.com.au comes this headline....

Jail threat for incest sex offender who broke order

As we know, where consanguinamory is still criminalized, "incest" can mean a variety of things. Unfortunately, the text of the article doesn't shed much light on the situation.

A REGISTERED sex offender who failed to comply with his reporting conditions before missing two court dates now has two months of jail hanging over his head after facing court.

The 24-year-old man, who can not be named, became a reportable offender in 2008 after being convicted of incest.

No more information about the original case is given. In 2008, he was 18 years old, give or take. Assuming the original case was about something that happened in Queensland, it isn't criminal to have sex with someone who is 16 years or older unless "sodomy" is involved or unless they are closely related, which are ridiculous restrictions. So, it is entirely possible this man to have been convicted of "incest" for having had consensual sex with a 17-year-old sibling, half-sibling, nephew or niece, whether they were raised together or not. If that is what happened, it shouldn't have been a criminal matter in the first place,  he shouldn't be a "sex offender," and nobody should care that he didn't report.

On the other hand, he could have been molesting or assaulting a 3-year-old, in which case he shouldn't be walking free at all right now.

But we have no way of knowing, because "incest" is applied to both situations, and the journalists who put this story online were probably just repeating what an insufficient court announcement said, without anyone asking for clarification.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,consanguineous,incest,law,media

There is Big Difference Between Love and Abuse

Candace Sutton had an article I found at heraldsun.com.au under the headline "The Australian Families That Hold Dark Secrets of Incest and Abuse." Unfortunately, for the sake of sensationalism, responsibility went out the window. This might contain triggers for some of you. Here's how the article starts...

BEHIND the door of an ordinary house in a working class Australian suburb, a man abused his three daughters over two decades, offering them to other men for sex and making them perform acts with animals. 

Inside at least three suburban houses in towns nestled in a major industrial Australian valley, one man started raping his 11-year-old daughter and then told her she was "damaged" and unlovable.

Sometimes he forced himself upon her twice a day.

For almost 30 years he kept her a virtual prisoner, fathering her four children who were all disabled.

A third case unfolded over four generations of a family which moved from state to state, always stopping in remote communities to avoid detection.

Eventually they came to rest in the hills behind a quiet rural village, where decades of inbreeding exploded into a horror story of degradation, squalor and rampant child sex under the approving gaze of three family matriarchs - a story which has shocked the world.

These are all terrible cases of child abuse, which involve various forms of abuse in addition to child rape. In this last case, the children would have had plenty of problems even if there has been no inbreeding.

Every week in communities big and small across Australia, children are sexually abused by their relatives.

And by people who aren't relatives. Either way, it is unacceptable.

The article goes on to detail child abuse situations. In the middle of all of that comes this...

Father and daughter John and Jennifer Deaves confessed on television their sex life was “absolutely fantastic”. Picture: Channel 9 Source: News Limited

Uh, What in the world is a picture and caption of a couple of ADULTS who had a CONSENSUAL relationship generated by Genetic Sexual Attraction doing in the middle of an article like this? I know Jennifer. You know what she is a victim of? Bigotry enshrined in law! In more than one way. This is not only offensive to adults who have loving, consensual relationships, it is also offensive to assault and molestation victims, because there is no comparing the situation of the Deaves to the abusive situations listed. This is highly irresponsible journalism. I doubt it was Sutton's decision, to be fair. She's just the person whose name is on the article and she probably didn't to the layout or headline.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,children,consanguineous,GSA,incest,lack of equality harms,media,myths,prejudice,prosecution,stigma

#Candygram

Via GrindTV:

Large sharks off Western Australia are now doing their part to keep surfers and swimmers safe–by sending tweets warning of their presence. Scientists have fitted 320 sharks, many of them great whites, with transmitters that automatically issue warnings to the Surf Life Saving Western Australia’s Twitter feed when the tagged sharks approach within a kilometer of the coast’s popular beaches. The twitter feed has more than 14,000 followers and the real-time warnings, it’s hoped, will help people make more informed decisions when choosing to venture into the ocean.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,sharks,Twitter

Matt Baume: Marriage News Watch

Clip recap: "We have a major setback this week in Australia, but there's still a glimmer of hope. Marriage equality hearings are coming up in two unlikely states: Arkansas and Texas. An Oregon ballot measure passes a major hurdle, and organizers launch a new public outreach campaign on the east coast."

Read more »

Posted in: AFER,Arkansas,Australia,Texas

Australia: In The End, Love Will Win

As I reported last night, the marriage shown in this clip is now invalid. Get Up Australia posted the clip shortly after the ruling was announced.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,LGBT rights,marriage equality

AUSTRALIA: Hight Court Rules Against Same-Sex Marriage In Capital Territory

In the last five days, 27 same-sex couples, including two JMG readers, have gotten married in the Australia Capital Territory (ACT.) Those marriages have just been ruled invalid. Via the Australian:

The High Court has unanimously struck down the ACT's gay marriage laws. The decision will mean that about two dozen week-old marriages have no legal effect. The ACT Marriage Equality (Same Sex) laws passed the territory's legislative assembly in October, but only came into effect last month and couples were required to provide four weeks' notice before conducting wedding ceremonies. As of today, about 20 couples have been married to date under the ACT's laws, with the first ceremonies conducted on Saturday. Had the nation's top court upheld the ACT's gay marriage legislation it would have opened the door to similar laws being passed across the country, pressuring the government to make it legal at a national level. The commonwealth government sought an expedited hearing in the High Court arguing the national capital's laws were inconsistent with federal legislation and unconstitutional. Federal government lawyers argued in the High Court that the commonwealth marriage act was intended to ensure that state and territories did not operate as different countries when it came to determining whether a couple was married. The High Court determined that the federal parliament has the power under the Australian constitution to legislate on same-sex marriage, and that whether or not same-sex marriages are legalised is a matter for the federal parliament.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,LGBT rights,marriage equality

JMG Readers Marry In Australia

Via email from two days ago: "Hi there Joe, So last night my partner and I were one of the first couples to get married in Australia. Also wanted to say thanks for all the great work you do on your website, for the last 5 yrs JoeMyGod has been the first site I check in the morning, quite often before I've even said good morning to my now husband. The stories you share each and every day inspire me to continue to strive for equality. Kind regards, Dennis Liddelow."

Their wedding made the national press:

Stephen Dawson is a WA state Labor MP and his new husband Dennis Liddelow is a former DJ turned public servant. They are the first same-sex couple to make use of ACT marriage laws that came into effect on Saturday. In a traditional set of vows, Mr Dawson pledged to Mr Liddelow to love and trust, in sickness and health. After the ceremony, Mr Dawson was asked how it felt to be married. "I feel jubilant," he said. Up to 20 other couples from the ACT, Victoria, NSW and Queensland are due to hold their own ceremonies in Canberra later on Saturday, in the first legally-recognised same-sex unions in an Australian jurisdiction. But the marriages may be short lived if a Commonwealth High Court challenge to validity of the ACT law is successful. The Commonwealth argues the federal Marriage Act is the sole governing legislation. The High Court will rule on the matter on December 12.

Everybody cross your fingers for Thursday's ruling!

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,JMG community,marriage equality

Marriages Begin In Australian Capital

Shortly after midnight local time, one hour ago at this writing, the first same-sex marriages took place in Australia's Capital Territory.

As most Australians were sleeping, Alan Wright and Joel Player were celebrating history with the nation's first same-sex wedding ceremonies held at one minute past midnight in Canberra. The threat of the High Court striking down the ACT's same-sex marriage laws next week was to have been momentarily set aside as they exchanged vows and rejoiced with friends beneath the 55 bronze bells of the National Carillon at Lake Burley Griffin at 12.01am. "To have it finally legalised, it's a big step for us in our relationship, so we're just wanting to get it done," Mr Player said. Mr Wright, 34, said the decision to get married in the middle of the night was made not for a grab at history, but to fulfil the words of their celebrant Sharyn Gunn, who performed the couple's commitment ceremony - which they consider the start of their marriage - four years ago. "She said the minute it becomes legal, you two are going to be the first I marry," he said.

The marriages may have a brief run as on Thursday the High Court will rule on the federal government's bid to overturn the law.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,Canberra,gay weddings

Australian Couple Denied Their Freedom to Marry

By my count, this is the twenty-second ongoing relationship I've covered through exclusive interviews in which the lovers are denied the freedom to be open about their love and denied their freedom to marry.

"Irene" agreed to be interviewed and "Bob" joined in to answer some questions, too.

Read the interview below and ask yourself if there is one good reason their rights to love each other the way they want should be denied.


*****

FULL MARRIAGE EQUALITY: Describe your background.

Irene: We are both in our late thirties, Caucasian, and live in Australia. I work as an office administrator and Bob is a mechanic. We both have a tertiary education and come from middle income families with many brothers and sisters, some half, some full and some through our adoptions.




FME: Are you married or have you ever been married?

Irene:  I was married for a long time. The relationship dissolved on good grounds. It wasn't long after the marriage end that our relationship started. We live with my children.

Bob: I’ve never been married.


FME: How would you describe your sexual orientation... are you heterosexual, bisexual, what?

Irene: I’m heterosexual but a little bicurious. He’s heterosexual - alpha male.


FME: You're in a relationship with each other that includes sex? Are you genetic siblings or half-siblings?

Irene: We are genetic siblings and yes the relationship does include sex


FME: How was your relationship with each other growing up? Did you have any contact? If you didn't, how did you connect/reconnect?

Irene: We had no contact growing up after we were given up for adoption. I was a preschooler and he was a toddler when we were put in a children’s home. We didn't meet again until our late teens when the adoption laws in Australia changed and allowed us to find each other. 


FME: How did sexual affection become a part of your relationship? Was it a sudden event or a gradual process?

Irene: It was definitely a sudden event from my point of view. He says that he had been thinking about it and fantasizing about it for a while. He made the first move in my opinion, but he likes to remind me that I didn't argue with him. We had both probably had a few too many drinks that night which helped to let our guards down. My memory of the night is a little more sketchy than his as I don't really drink. I had never heard of GSA before this and don't think I would ever have considered it due to other childhood reasons.


FME: Can you describe your feelings during that event?

Irene: Nervous, curious and excited.  I wanted to touch him and much as he did me. To feel the closeness that we were both looking for at the time.

Bob: It felt naughty but good.

Irene: Legally we both knew that it shouldn't be happening. It has never felt wrong. When we are together it just feels right.


FME: Describe your relationship now. How long have you been together?

Irene: Been 'together' five years committed to each other for three and living as married couple for the past year. He is my brother, best friend, partner, lover and the only person on the planet that can push me to the point that I want to strangle him while I am curled up on his chest. I can't imagine being without him and he has said me to me that we would run away if we had to. 

Bob: She annoys me just like any sister would or any partner in any relationship would. I love it and will always love her.

Irene: I am the same to him as he is to me. I am his rock and he is mine. 


FME: How do you describe your lovemaking now? Taboo? Natural? Especially erotic?

Irene: All of the above. No inhibitions and complete trust. Neither one of us worry about how the either may react to each others fetishes, we are willing to give them a try. We fit together right. The need and/or want is intoxicating. Can't seem to get enough. In all my years of marriage it was never as good as it is with him.

Bob: All of the above as well as very intense. I had never been married and had lived the single life but now I’m finally happy and settled in our relationship and I wouldn't change a thing.


FME: Do you have these kinds of feelings for, or involvements with other family member or relatives? Any experience in the past with sex or experimentation with a family member?

Irene: Never for either one of us.


FME: Does anyone know the full, true nature of your relationship and how did they find out (especially family)? How have they reacted? Are you able to act like a couple in a public place anywhere, such as a place you visit? Does anyone know you as a couple but not as siblings?

Irene: One friend found out at a rather difficult moment of my life. She didn't take it well. She had always hoped that they could have a relationship. She had always had a crush on him and had a one night stand once. She threatened to call child protection and the police. I had to convince her that it wasn’t going on and now don't speak to her anymore. As for family they have had there suspicions but have never had any proof. No one knows us as a couple and we don't tend to be able to go away as I am primary caregiver of my kids.


FME: Is there anything you've had to do to hide the full nature of your relationship? Having to hide can be a lot of trouble. Are there other disadvantages to being in a relationship like this? Conversely, do you think consanguineous relationships have some advantages and some things better than unrelated lovers?

Irene: Only lying when asked about it which is obviously understandable. The disadvantages are huge, such as the inability to behave like a normal couple around family and friends, and not being able to tell people how happy you are. The family are constantly telling us that we should find ourselves someone special, that we don't want to be alone all our lives. You can tell them a thousand times that you are happy but they just say 'yes right now you are but what about later on?' On the flip side I think that the advantage is the level of trust. We know each other better than we know ourselves some times.  He has my back and I have his. We protect each other from the outside world.  Our bedroom is our bubble.  No one can hurt us in here.

Bob: It's just better than other relationships that I’ve have had. That the trust level is stronger and I feel safer in this relationship than I have in others I’ve been in. I know that if I screws up royally she still loves me. 


FME: What do you want to say to people who disapprove of your relationship, or disapprove of anyone having this kind of relationship? What's your reply to those who would say that this is one of you preying on the other (and that you can’t really consent)?

Irene: Bull----! I am neither the prey nor predator and nor is he. We are both very willing participants. If people disapprove that is their business. We don't impart our beliefs on their lives so they can butt out of ours.  We don't ask for their opinions or permission.  Nor do we push our choice on anyone else. 


FME: Aside from the law, can you think of anything that would make relationships like this inherently wrong?

Irene: As long as it’s consensual and both parties are adults we can't see anything wrong with it.


FME: If you could get legally married, and that included protections against discrimination, harassment, etc., would you?

Irene and Bob: Yes.

Irene: I would love to be able to tell the world that we belong to each other.


FME: What advice do you have for someone who may be experiencing feelings for a genetic relative, especially a sibling? What advice do you have for family members and friends who think or know that genetic relatives they know are having these feelings for each other?

Irene: If you haven’t taken the next step forward then don't unless you are completely sure that the feelings are reciprocated or at least a really good chance that this will be the case. The lives that consanguineous couples lead are difficult at times due to the secrecy involved. You don't get a 'normal' life, however if you go down that path really think about it before you make that move. This type of relationship can be incredible but it ebbs and flows like a 'normal' relationship.  

If you’re a family member then read about GSA, try and understand it. Don't make assumptions and then base your opinion on them. Understand that this form of relationship is difficult and that your family members genuinely love each other; this is not necessarily what they would have chosen for each other. Once 'Pandora's Box' has been opened, closing it again is incredibly difficult if not impossible. 


FME: Any plans for the future?

Bob: Keeping the secret and not getting caught. To keep enjoying it for what it is.

Irene: One day we would like to 'run away' i.e. create some distance so that we can try and live a somewhat normal existence. TRAVEL!!! He once told me that he looks forward to walking around Venice, holding my hand and kissing me if he chooses to without fear of being caught. I can't wait to feel that sort of freedom.


FME: Anything else you want to add?

Irene: You can't always choose who you fall in love with, who makes you feel safe and sexy, who you can't be without, who you would move heaven and earth for, who you would give your life for. We can't change how we feel about each other nor do we want to.  Who has the right to tell us that we can't be together?  Does anyone have the right to make us miserable by forcing us to live separate lives?  What is anyone going to gain from that?  I love him with all of my being and he loves me with every thing he has.  That's all that really matters.

Bob: People might not like it, but hopefully one day we can find friends who live near to us that are living in the same type of relationship. Then we wouldn't have to hide all the time. That would be amazing.  



*****


There you have it. Two consenting adults who plan to continue to live as though married, and who will legally marry once they are no longer denied their freedom to marry.

Why should they be denied their rights? There’s no good reason.We need to adopt full marriage equality sooner rather than later, so that an adult is free to share love, sex, residence, and marriage any and all consenting adults. People are being hurt because of a denial of their basic human rights to love each other freely.

You can read other interviews I have done here.

If you are in a relationship like this and are looking for help or others you can talk with, read this.

If you are a family member or friend of someone who is in or may be in such a relationship, please read this.

Thank you to Bob and Irene for sharing their situation with us!

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,brother-sister,consanguineous,GSA,lack of equality harms,love,siblings

Australian Couple Denied Their Freedom to Marry

By my count, this is the twenty-second ongoing relationship I've covered through exclusive interviews in which the lovers are denied the freedom to be open about their love and denied their freedom to marry.

"Irene" agreed to be interviewed and "Bob" joined in to answer some questions, too.

Read the interview below and ask yourself if there is one good reason their rights to love each other the way they want should be denied.


*****

FULL MARRIAGE EQUALITY: Describe your background.

Irene: We are both in our late thirties, Caucasian, and live in Australia. I work as an office administrator and Bob is a mechanic. We both have a tertiary education and come from middle income families with many brothers and sisters, some half, some full and some through our adoptions.




FME: Are you married or have you ever been married?

Irene:  I was married for a long time. The relationship dissolved on good grounds. It wasn't long after the marriage end that our relationship started. We live with my children.

Bob: I’ve never been married.


FME: How would you describe your sexual orientation... are you heterosexual, bisexual, what?

Irene: I’m heterosexual but a little bicurious. He’s heterosexual - alpha male.


FME: You're in a relationship with each other that includes sex? Are you genetic siblings or half-siblings?

Irene: We are genetic siblings and yes the relationship does include sex


FME: How was your relationship with each other growing up? Did you have any contact? If you didn't, how did you connect/reconnect?

Irene: We had no contact growing up after we were given up for adoption. I was a preschooler and he was a toddler when we were put in a children’s home. We didn't meet again until our late teens when the adoption laws in Australia changed and allowed us to find each other. 


FME: How did sexual affection become a part of your relationship? Was it a sudden event or a gradual process?

Irene: It was definitely a sudden event from my point of view. He says that he had been thinking about it and fantasizing about it for a while. He made the first move in my opinion, but he likes to remind me that I didn't argue with him. We had both probably had a few too many drinks that night which helped to let our guards down. My memory of the night is a little more sketchy than his as I don't really drink. I had never heard of GSA before this and don't think I would ever have considered it due to other childhood reasons.


FME: Can you describe your feelings during that event?

Irene: Nervous, curious and excited.  I wanted to touch him and much as he did me. To feel the closeness that we were both looking for at the time.

Bob: It felt naughty but good.

Irene: Legally we both knew that it shouldn't be happening. It has never felt wrong. When we are together it just feels right.


FME: Describe your relationship now. How long have you been together?

Irene: Been 'together' five years committed to each other for three and living as married couple for the past year. He is my brother, best friend, partner, lover and the only person on the planet that can push me to the point that I want to strangle him while I am curled up on his chest. I can't imagine being without him and he has said me to me that we would run away if we had to. 

Bob: She annoys me just like any sister would or any partner in any relationship would. I love it and will always love her.

Irene: I am the same to him as he is to me. I am his rock and he is mine. 


FME: How do you describe your lovemaking now? Taboo? Natural? Especially erotic?

Irene: All of the above. No inhibitions and complete trust. Neither one of us worry about how the either may react to each others fetishes, we are willing to give them a try. We fit together right. The need and/or want is intoxicating. Can't seem to get enough. In all my years of marriage it was never as good as it is with him.

Bob: All of the above as well as very intense. I had never been married and had lived the single life but now I’m finally happy and settled in our relationship and I wouldn't change a thing.


FME: Do you have these kinds of feelings for, or involvements with other family member or relatives? Any experience in the past with sex or experimentation with a family member?

Irene: Never for either one of us.


FME: Does anyone know the full, true nature of your relationship and how did they find out (especially family)? How have they reacted? Are you able to act like a couple in a public place anywhere, such as a place you visit? Does anyone know you as a couple but not as siblings?

Irene: One friend found out at a rather difficult moment of my life. She didn't take it well. She had always hoped that they could have a relationship. She had always had a crush on him and had a one night stand once. She threatened to call child protection and the police. I had to convince her that it wasn’t going on and now don't speak to her anymore. As for family they have had there suspicions but have never had any proof. No one knows us as a couple and we don't tend to be able to go away as I am primary caregiver of my kids.


FME: Is there anything you've had to do to hide the full nature of your relationship? Having to hide can be a lot of trouble. Are there other disadvantages to being in a relationship like this? Conversely, do you think consanguineous relationships have some advantages and some things better than unrelated lovers?

Irene: Only lying when asked about it which is obviously understandable. The disadvantages are huge, such as the inability to behave like a normal couple around family and friends, and not being able to tell people how happy you are. The family are constantly telling us that we should find ourselves someone special, that we don't want to be alone all our lives. You can tell them a thousand times that you are happy but they just say 'yes right now you are but what about later on?' On the flip side I think that the advantage is the level of trust. We know each other better than we know ourselves some times.  He has my back and I have his. We protect each other from the outside world.  Our bedroom is our bubble.  No one can hurt us in here.

Bob: It's just better than other relationships that I’ve have had. That the trust level is stronger and I feel safer in this relationship than I have in others I’ve been in. I know that if I screws up royally she still loves me. 


FME: What do you want to say to people who disapprove of your relationship, or disapprove of anyone having this kind of relationship? What's your reply to those who would say that this is one of you preying on the other (and that you can’t really consent)?

Irene: Bull----! I am neither the prey nor predator and nor is he. We are both very willing participants. If people disapprove that is their business. We don't impart our beliefs on their lives so they can butt out of ours.  We don't ask for their opinions or permission.  Nor do we push our choice on anyone else. 


FME: Aside from the law, can you think of anything that would make relationships like this inherently wrong?

Irene: As long as it’s consensual and both parties are adults we can't see anything wrong with it.


FME: If you could get legally married, and that included protections against discrimination, harassment, etc., would you?

Irene and Bob: Yes.

Irene: I would love to be able to tell the world that we belong to each other.


FME: What advice do you have for someone who may be experiencing feelings for a genetic relative, especially a sibling? What advice do you have for family members and friends who think or know that genetic relatives they know are having these feelings for each other?

Irene: If you haven’t taken the next step forward then don't unless you are completely sure that the feelings are reciprocated or at least a really good chance that this will be the case. The lives that consanguineous couples lead are difficult at times due to the secrecy involved. You don't get a 'normal' life, however if you go down that path really think about it before you make that move. This type of relationship can be incredible but it ebbs and flows like a 'normal' relationship.  

If you’re a family member then read about GSA, try and understand it. Don't make assumptions and then base your opinion on them. Understand that this form of relationship is difficult and that your family members genuinely love each other; this is not necessarily what they would have chosen for each other. Once 'Pandora's Box' has been opened, closing it again is incredibly difficult if not impossible. 


FME: Any plans for the future?

Bob: Keeping the secret and not getting caught. To keep enjoying it for what it is.

Irene: One day we would like to 'run away' i.e. create some distance so that we can try and live a somewhat normal existence. TRAVEL!!! He once told me that he looks forward to walking around Venice, holding my hand and kissing me if he chooses to without fear of being caught. I can't wait to feel that sort of freedom.


FME: Anything else you want to add?

Irene: You can't always choose who you fall in love with, who makes you feel safe and sexy, who you can't be without, who you would move heaven and earth for, who you would give your life for. We can't change how we feel about each other nor do we want to.  Who has the right to tell us that we can't be together?  Does anyone have the right to make us miserable by forcing us to live separate lives?  What is anyone going to gain from that?  I love him with all of my being and he loves me with every thing he has.  That's all that really matters.

Bob: People might not like it, but hopefully one day we can find friends who live near to us that are living in the same type of relationship. Then we wouldn't have to hide all the time. That would be amazing.  



*****


There you have it. Two consenting adults who plan to continue to live as though married, and who will legally marry once they are no longer denied their freedom to marry.

Why should they be denied their rights? There’s no good reason.We need to adopt full marriage equality sooner rather than later, so that an adult is free to share love, sex, residence, and marriage any and all consenting adults. People are being hurt because of a denial of their basic human rights to love each other freely.

You can read other interviews I have done here.

If you are in a relationship like this and are looking for help or others you can talk with, read this.

If you are a family member or friend of someone who is in or may be in such a relationship, please read this.

Thank you to Bob and Irene for sharing their situation with us!

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,brother-sister,consanguineous,GSA,lack of equality harms,love,siblings

Writer of Into My Arms Interviewed

I mentioned the novel Into My Arms previously on this blog. The author, Kylie Ladd, was interviewed for a broadcast in Australia. You can listen to it or download it. Ladd is an egg donor, and she talks at length about that.

Kylie's latest novel deals with one of our deepest taboos: sexual attraction between blood relatives.

It's an idea that has come from the phenomenon of 'genetic sexual attraction', which suggests long-lost siblings, who first meet as adults, have a very high possibility of being sexually attracted to each other.

I want to clarify that Genetic Sexual Attraction can happen not only between siblings, but between parents and their adult children, and between aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews. I'm glad that the subject was mentioned on the program.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,consanguineous,GSA,media,siblings

Writer of Into My Arms Interviewed

I mentioned the novel Into My Arms previously on this blog. The author, Kylie Ladd, was interviewed for a broadcast in Australia. You can listen to it or download it. Ladd is an egg donor, and she talks at length about that.

Kylie's latest novel deals with one of our deepest taboos: sexual attraction between blood relatives.

It's an idea that has come from the phenomenon of 'genetic sexual attraction', which suggests long-lost siblings, who first meet as adults, have a very high possibility of being sexually attracted to each other.

I want to clarify that Genetic Sexual Attraction can happen not only between siblings, but between parents and their adult children, and between aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews. I'm glad that the subject was mentioned on the program.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,consanguineous,GSA,media,siblings

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out

Or perhaps pluck them out? Actually, while Oedipus Rex is famous ancient theatre that includes what today might be described as mother-son Genetic Sexual Attraction, I haven't heard of anyone in modern times having this reaction. But then, the guy did kill his own father, and maybe that had something to do with it? Chris Boyd reviews a theatrical production that is another take on this ancient tale and the review can be found at theaustralian.com...

Anne-Louise Sarks and Benedict Hardie in By Their Own Hands. Picture: Pia Johnson 

THEATRE
By Their Own Hands
By Benedict Hardie and Anne-Louise Sarks.
The Hayloft Project, Melbourne Theatre Company Southbank Theatre, The Lawler, June 14.

THE Hayloft Project's take on the Oedipus story obsesses over the nuts and bolts of the incestuous relationship with the same kind of lurid curiosity that the Learning Channel showed to "extreme cougar wives" and their three, four and five-decade-younger lovers.
Like last year'sOn the Misconception of Oedipus this play fingers incest as if it were a bruise, as if there were things to be gleaned from re-experiencing the pain. Implicitly, mother on son incest is "nicer", apparently, than father on daughter.

Hmm. If anyone reading this blog sees it, please report back.

Tickets $25. Bookings: mtc.com.au or (03) 8688 0800. Ends June 23.

I realize this is based on a classic work, but I'd like to see more neutral or positive portrayals of relationships that exist today and always have.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,consanguineous,GSA,media,mother-son

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out

Or perhaps pluck them out? Actually, while Oedipus Rex is famous ancient theatre that includes what today might be described as mother-son Genetic Sexual Attraction, I haven't heard of anyone in modern times having this reaction. But then, the guy did kill his own father, and maybe that had something to do with it? Chris Boyd reviews a theatrical production that is another take on this ancient tale and the review can be found at theaustralian.com...

Anne-Louise Sarks and Benedict Hardie in By Their Own Hands. Picture: Pia Johnson 

THEATRE
By Their Own Hands
By Benedict Hardie and Anne-Louise Sarks.
The Hayloft Project, Melbourne Theatre Company Southbank Theatre, The Lawler, June 14.

THE Hayloft Project's take on the Oedipus story obsesses over the nuts and bolts of the incestuous relationship with the same kind of lurid curiosity that the Learning Channel showed to "extreme cougar wives" and their three, four and five-decade-younger lovers.
Like last year'sOn the Misconception of Oedipus this play fingers incest as if it were a bruise, as if there were things to be gleaned from re-experiencing the pain. Implicitly, mother on son incest is "nicer", apparently, than father on daughter.

Hmm. If anyone reading this blog sees it, please report back.

Tickets $25. Bookings: mtc.com.au or (03) 8688 0800. Ends June 23.

I realize this is based on a classic work, but I'd like to see more neutral or positive portrayals of relationships that exist today and always have.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,consanguineous,GSA,media,mother-son

Update on Veto Situation

The hopeful bride-to-be has updated me on the situation I blogged about here.

She received a latter from someone in authority of the facility where the intended groom is held. That person with veto power will making a decision soon. In the mean time, the lovers who want to marry can submit things like:

• evidence that they have lived together (what if they don't want to do that until they marry?)
• letters of supprt from members of both immediate families expressing support for the union (really? other people in your family have to approve?)
• statements from both lovers of intent to get premarital counseling (generally a good idea, but required?)
• official documents and informal personal statements about the bride-to-be's criminal record (again, it was the "crime" of loving another consenting adult, so it sounds like they want her to say her relationship was all wrong and she deserved her criminal sentence)
• a plan about how any children, theirs or otherwise, will be protected from the groom-to-be (the implication being a woman who has no kids and hates having kids around would be more likely to pass this test)

The implication is that if they do these things, they might be allowed to marry. This is despite the fact that if the groom-to-be was not incarcerated, nobody would look into criminal records or require passing any of these other tests. The bride-to-be is now asked to submit paperwork as though she is asking for parole, despite the fact that she finished her sentence years ago.

What is the harm of letting them marry?

If you're free to marry the person you love, realize how fortunate you are that nobody else can have a veto over your marriage, because so many people in the world, even in supposedly modern countries, aren't allowed their rights.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,freedom to marry,law,persecution,prejudice

Update on Veto Situation

The hopeful bride-to-be has updated me on the situation I blogged about here.

She received a latter from someone in authority of the facility where the intended groom is held. That person with veto power will making a decision soon. In the mean time, the lovers who want to marry can submit things like:

• evidence that they have lived together (what if they don't want to do that until they marry?)
• letters of supprt from members of both immediate families expressing support for the union (really? other people in your family have to approve?)
• statements from both lovers of intent to get premarital counseling (generally a good idea, but required?)
• official documents and informal personal statements about the bride-to-be's criminal record (again, it was the "crime" of loving another consenting adult, so it sounds like they want her to say her relationship was all wrong and she deserved her criminal sentence)
• a plan about how any children, theirs or otherwise, will be protected from the groom-to-be (the implication being a woman who has no kids and hates having kids around would be more likely to pass this test)

The implication is that if they do these things, they might be allowed to marry. This is despite the fact that if the groom-to-be was not incarcerated, nobody would look into criminal records or require passing any of these other tests. The bride-to-be is now asked to submit paperwork as though she is asking for parole, despite the fact that she finished her sentence years ago.

What is the harm of letting them marry?

If you're free to marry the person you love, realize how fortunate you are that nobody else can have a veto over your marriage, because so many people in the world, even in supposedly modern countries, aren't allowed their rights.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,freedom to marry,law,persecution,prejudice

Australian Producer Seeking GSA-Experienced

I found this ad at a website that appears to be one for all sorts of ads...

Wanted: Looking for people who have experienced Genetic Sexual Attraction

Camperdown NSW 2050

Date Listed:

04/06/2013

Last Edited:

04/06/2013

Looking for people who have experienced GSA (Genetic Sexual Attraction)

A Sydney production company is researching GSA for a documentary aimed at raising awareness and removing the stigma around GSA. They would love to hear from you if you have had any experience with GSA or know someone who has. Full privacy and anonymity is guaranteed if required. Financial compensation will be considered depending on the participants level of involvement with the project.

Please contact: mygsastory@gmail.com

My immediate question is, why didn't the production company identify themselves? Is that against the rules of the site where the ad appeared? Even if this "production company" turns out to be just one person, wouldn't a serious producer at least have a Facebook page?

Anyway, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt in that respect, for the sake of moving on...

I would very much like to see a good production that deals with Genetic Sexual Attraction honestly and in a positive way. Although the ad gives the impression that is their plan and promises privacy an anonymity, I always caution anyone who responds to ads or solicitations like this to be very careful. Media productions are often edited for an agenda that might not be supportive or ethical. If the producers think it is to their benefit, they may portray GSA in general in a negative light or any given person or relationships in a negative light. Also, the kind of attention one might garner from being involved can bring many challenges and complications, especially since consanguinamory is still illegal in Australia.

If the producers handle things well, this could be a very good thing for people who are experiencing or have experienced GSA and for relationship rights in general, including full marriage equality.

Here's an update.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,coming out,consanguineous,GSA,incest,media

Australian Producer Seeking GSA-Experienced

I found this ad at a website that appears to be one for all sorts of ads...

Wanted: Looking for people who have experienced Genetic Sexual Attraction

Camperdown NSW 2050

Date Listed:

04/06/2013

Last Edited:

04/06/2013

Looking for people who have experienced GSA (Genetic Sexual Attraction)

A Sydney production company is researching GSA for a documentary aimed at raising awareness and removing the stigma around GSA. They would love to hear from you if you have had any experience with GSA or know someone who has. Full privacy and anonymity is guaranteed if required. Financial compensation will be considered depending on the participants level of involvement with the project.

Please contact: mygsastory@gmail.com

My immediate question is, why didn't the production company identify themselves? Is that against the rules of the site where the ad appeared? Even if this "production company" turns out to be just one person, wouldn't a serious producer at least have a Facebook page?

Anyway, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt in that respect, for the sake of moving on...

I would very much like to see a good production that deals with Genetic Sexual Attraction honestly and in a positive way. Although the ad gives the impression that is their plan and promises privacy an anonymity, I always caution anyone who responds to ads or solicitations like this to be very careful. Media productions are often edited for an agenda that might not be supportive or ethical. If the producers think it is to their benefit, they may portray GSA in general in a negative light or any given person or relationships in a negative light. Also, the kind of attention one might garner from being involved can bring many challenges and complications, especially since consanguinamory is still illegal in Australia.

If the producers handle things well, this could be a very good thing for people who are experiencing or have experienced GSA and for relationship rights in general, including full marriage equality.

Here's an update.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,coming out,consanguineous,GSA,incest,media

Meanwhile, in Western Australia

A production in Perth features a FFF polyamorous triad, as noted by Nadine Walker at outinperth.com...

Imagine a consenting relationship between three people, now imagine them all being women.  The Fringeworld production Poly offers an insight into what that would look like…

It seems three women in love makes for an interesting show.

I would think so.

Showing at the Moonhouse Tent just outside the Court Hotel, the previously sold out production attributes it success to a number of key aspects, actress Ann-Marie Biagioni explained:

‘It’s relatable to everybody, the context doesn’t really matter, which is why I think we’ve drawn a really great crowd. People who are gay are coming to see it, to appreciate the fact that this is something not prominent here. There is not a lot of theatre about this kind of thing. I think places like this need that kind of stuff.’

 I agree.

Poly will be showing at the Moonhouse Tent at Fringeworld from February 20 – 24. Grab your tickets at fringeworld.com.au

As the producers are finding out, poly people are everywhere. It is important to have some theatre and some media reflecting that reality. For some it is a something new to look at, but for many people it is life. They are polyamorous, always have been, and always will be.

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,LGBT,media,polyamory,same-sex,triads

Will Queensland Regress?

The Australian territory may regress by changing the law to interfere more in consensual relationships. See this article from Rae Wilson at qt.com...

A LOOPHOLE enabling de facto partners a legal defence to incest in Queensland through marriage is a step closer to being shut.

Two petitions against the defence, enacted in Queensland during 1997 to legalise "Brady bunch" relationships among step-siblings, have been lodged in Queensland Parliament.

Stepsiblings, adopted siblings, half-siblings, or full siblings... if they are all consenting adults or are minors close in age who are acting with mutual interest with no coercion, should not be subject to criminal charges or discrimination.

Child safety advocate Beryl Spencer collected the 252 signatures after becoming closely involved with an Ipswich family in a case where the Court of Appeal quashed an incest conviction through this defence in 2008.

The man was initially convicted after a trial in Ipswich for having sex with his de facto wife's 17-year-old daughter, making her above the consenting age but not yet an adult.

However, the Court of Appeal found the man and teen were "lawfully entitled to be married".

The Court of Appeal did find his actions "morally reprehensible" though, noting he regarded the girl as his daughter and she regarded him as her father.

Prosecute predators for abuse, neglect, assault, etc. Leave lovers alone. If the law allows her to consent to have group sex with five strangers in their 40s or 50s, should it prevent her from having sex with someone who married her mother? Either we take her ability to consent and her decisions over her own body seriously or we don't. I am not arguing against age of consent laws, but they should be applied consistently. Nobody has to think any given relationship or sexual encounter is a good idea to see that if others choose to do it, that should be their right.

Queensland, and Australia as a whole, should adopt relationship rights, including full marriage equality, for all. If someone does not have the right to decide with whom she can share her body and her love, what rights does she really have?

ADDITION: I should have noted that there are current, former, and future stepsiblings and stepparents/adult stepchildren who have had sex or ongoing romances. To criminalize their relationships is absurd. Also, what will the legal restrictions be? If a John legally weds Jane, it will be illegal for him to have sex with Jane's 30-year-old daughter Helen even though Jane is supportive? But it would still be legal for John to have sex with Jane one night and Helen the next and live with both of them as long as he doesn't legally wed Jane? Would two people who met in their late teens be forbidden from getting together because their parents then married? Isn't is much more simple and fair to stick to prosecuting assaults/molestation, rather than consensual sex?

Read more »

Posted in: Australia,boundaries,courts,father-daughter,incest,law