Annette Xiberras

This summary recounts a keynote presentation by Annette Xiberras at the AsiaPacific Outgames, delivered in Wellington during an event focused on rights across the Asia Pacific region. Annette Xiberras, a recognized Wurundjeri elder, shares personal experiences, beginning with an acknowledgment of the Māori land upon which they gave their speech.

Xiberras speaks about the deep connection to the land within Aboriginal culture, where the land is viewed as a provider of life and is deeply respected, as exemplified by Xiberras' ancestor's lesson on the importance of leaving a flower for others to enjoy. They also touch on the common ground found between different belief systems, including the story of creation and the universal connection to the Earth, despite differences in narratives.

The presentation boldly dives into Xiberras' lived experience as an Aboriginal and member of the LGBTQ+ community. They recount their upbringing, marked by challenges faced in a Roman Catholic school, where their differences led to frequent punishment. They detail the stark contrast between the past when individuals in same-sex relationships were ostracized and sometimes had their children removed by authorities, to the present where more opportunities and acceptance have emerged, but where challenges persist.

Xiberras highlights their professional journey, starting as an Aboriginal archaeological site officer, a role fraught with discrimination and harassment due to their identity. Despite the hardships and overt discrimination even into the 2000s, Xiberras forged ahead, becoming the only person of their identity to work in Aboriginal cultural heritage and reburials in Victoria.

They also share a personal story of starting a family through IVF with their partner, Cathy Adams, despite the legal challenges at the time for LGBTQ+ individuals to have children. This section of the speech emphasizes the love and commitment in their family life, as well as the bureaucratic hurdles they continued to face, such as being unable to be recognized as 'mother' on official documents.

Their advocacy extends to their description of starting the first Aboriginal consultancy, where they again faced prejudice from both white and black segments within their work in Aboriginal Affairs. They detail a specific incident where they were targeted professionally, leading to significant stress and the eventual closure of a successful organization they were managing.

Towards the end of their presentation, Xiberras talks about the OutBlack organization, correcting an earlier misconception about its inclusivity and acknowledging progress in the community, but also discussing the lingering fears and trauma that older LGBTQ+ individuals carry from past persecutions.

Concluding on time, Xiberras reflections resonate with the diversity of experiences and the continuum of struggle and resilience within both the Aboriginal and LGBTQ+ communities. The presentation underscores the complexity of intersectional identities and the ongoing quest for recognition and equality.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Annette Xiberras David Huebner

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