I chose to use a colourful shirt for the zine as I
have been inspired by the Berena story line.
Although I am 10 years younger than Serena, I too
work in health care and have previously fallen in
love with a colleague. When I first heard about the
zine, Australia did not have marriage equality.
Since then the laws have changed and I am happy and
grateful. However, even in the hospital setting
where I work, my boss is still quite homophobic.
I am however grateful for the change in general
acceptance over the years in Tasmania.
Berena has given me a contact point around the
world. I was lucky enough to go on an Olivia cruise
last year and have never before felt as free to be
myself. Berena was a point of discussion and I was
able to start friendships based on this.
I have also expanded my contacts on Twitter by
utilising the Berena hashtag. It has opened an
otherwise blind world. I also feel that this
openness online and away from home has given me
strength and resolve to be myself and open at home,
and to be more active in supporting the LGBTQI
community.
Anon