Prominent queer figure facing backlash for Geelong Liberal candidacy
One of Geelong's most prominent LGBTQIA+ figures is facing backlash from the queer community, after being announced as a Liberal candidate for the upcoming state election.
Prominent Geelong LGBTQIA+ figure Andy Pobjoy, a small business owner and openly-gay individual, has been preselected as a Liberal candidate for the upcoming state election. His selection has sparked controversy within the Geelong LGBTQIA+ community. Pobjoy, known for his Piano Bar business, which prides itself on being an inclusive space, stated he aims to effect change from within the Liberal Party, expressing disappointment in the backlash he has received.
One of the most recognisable faces in Geelong's queer community, Pobjoy's Piano Bar is a sanctuary for many LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those who feel unwelcome in other venues.
Local views of the Liberal Party's stance on LGBTQIA+ issues led to a wave of criticism for Pobjoy. Geelong Rainbow, a local advocacy group hosting the annual Rainbow Festival, expressed disappointment in his preselection, stating that his association with the Liberal Party feels like a betrayal to many LGBTQIA+ people in Geelong.
Bev McArthur, a Liberal Party member for Western Victoria Region and a vocal critic of the state government's Rainbow Toolkit, is seen as an arch-conservative and has actively opposed various LGBTQIA+ causes.
Drag performer Goldie Cox, who has worked with Pobjoy, noted that many in the local queer community felt betrayed by his decision to join the Liberal Party. She emphasized that finding safe LGBTQIA+ spaces, especially in regional towns, is challenging, and Pobjoy's alignment with the Liberal Party is a slap in the face. The backlash against Pobjoy has been significant, particularly on his social media platforms, where he expressed disappointment that the criticism centered around his political label rather than his actions in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pobjoy believes that his Liberal values align with those of the queer community, emphasizing the importance of individual freedoms and the importance of representation from diverse perspectives in political discussions.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
