A lifelong human rights advocate and internationally renowned jurist, Justice Kirby has become the patron of the Argonauts, Australia's only queer rowing club.
In what was a highlight of the 2005 gay and lesbian calendar, High Court Justice Michael Kirby appeared as the guest of honour at a gala event for the Melbourne Argonauts in Albert Park in February 2005
The cocktail party and dance was attended by state and local dignitaries, including the Deputy Mayor of Melbourne Gary Singer and the Mayor of Port Phillip, Darren Ray, and a wide cross-section of Melbourne's gay and lesbian community. The unveiling of a boat named in honour of Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG also took place.
Justice Kirby delivered a humorous, moving and ultimately inspiring speech which traversed various themes from his use of a rowing machine in a gym accompanied by raucous rap music through to science’s conclusion that same sex attraction is genetic. He commented that “in the face of this scientific knowledge, hatred and unwarranted discrimination must ultimately give way. Telling people to forget it is just stupid, just as it would be to tell heterosexual people to forget their sexuality and sublimate it life-long. In the face of science, the notion that homosexuals, bisexuals and other sexual minorities are outside God's love, or nature's design, is simply untenable”
Justice Kirby concluded, “We are witnesses to a great social change. And sometimes, depending on the circumstances, we can contribute to change and, in every way we properly can, we and our families and friends can help it to happen.”
Justice Kirby, a member of Australia's highest court, is openly gay and a celebrated public speaker, notably delivering a powerful speech at the Gay Games in 2002. It was this speech that motivated Argonaut co-founder Sandy Mitchell to approach Justice Kirby to become our patron. Justice Kirby’s decision to become our patron is a mark of his support for the strong, community-based ethos of the club and its contribution to change.
Read The Speeches from The Gala Night Below
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