The GLORIAs

You've heard of the Razzies, poking fun at the year's worst movies. This month, the Gay & Lesbian Outrageous, Ridiculous and Ignorant comment Awards will return – and they're open to nominations from the public. In the lead-up to the big night at NSW Parliament House on the International Day Against Homophobia, we spoke with Labor Party MLC and GLORIAs organiser, Penny Sharpe.

How did the idea for the GLORIAs come about?
Every day there are public comments made about people in the GLBTI communities that are at best ignorant and at worst dangerous and homophobic. I wanted to move beyond yelling at the television or the newspaper when I saw comments that annoyed, frustrated or outraged me.

What do you aim to achieve with the GLORIAs and how far will the message spread?
I hope that exposing these comments will make people – especially those in the public eye – think more carefully before they speak. I want the message to spread as far as possible, but it’s the first year so let’s wait and see.

What’s one of the worst remarks you have ever had the misfortune of hearing?
Probably the worst is one from the US where a gun lobbyist called Ron Owen produced bumper stickers that said “Gay Rights? Under God's law the only rights gays have is the right to die.” In the Australian context one that comes to mind is Jeff Kennett’s remarks in 2008 where he supported a football club for sacking a trainer because he was gay with the comments: "It's the same if you have a paedophile there as a masseur, right?… And you might say the paedophile would do no damage, but once it was pointed out to you, you have a duty of care to those underage children not to put them in a situation of risk."

The worst comment gets voted via a Boo Off on the night. How exactly do you measure that?
The winner of each category will be read out. The audience will “boo” the comment they find the most ridiculous. Then, very scientifically, the judges on the night will have to decide what comment gets the loudest “boo”. The inaugural Golden GLORIA will then be awarded.

You also have a category for the silliest comment made from within the GLBTI community. So this works both ways?
The ability to laugh at others also requires the ability to laugh at ourselves. No one is immune from saying something silly: members of the GLBTI community included.

Did you invite Tony Abbott to the event?
Not this year, although Tony Abbott’s comments have been nominated in the past.

You don’t hear public racial comments as frequently as you do ones aimed at the GLBTI community. Do you think we have shown some vulnerability that makes us targets?
No. Fifty years ago it was considered acceptable to say racist things. The community has evolved and now this is less acceptable. Acceptance of the GLBTI community continues to increase within our communities. Over time I think there will be a decline in the frequency of comments.

Is there any chance of this concept backfiring?
Only if people don’t have a sense of humour.

For more information and to cast your vote go to The GLORIAs