The NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby (GLRL) are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Senthorun Raj as the new Policy and Development Coordinator.  Senthorun replaces Ghassan Kassisieh who left the organisation earlier this year to continue with his career.

Senthorun has actively been involved in campaigning and researching on human rights, particularly in relation to GLBTQI issues. Senthorun has worked at Amnesty International Australia (AIA) as a refugee caseworker, activist and currently co-chairs AIA’s Diversity Steering Committee. He launched the 2009 Mardi Gras Festival Guide on behalf of Amnesty International, and participated in the This is Oz project as a White Ribbon Ambassador.

In addition to activism, Senthorun has published articles in the areas of same-sex marriage, refugees, homophobia and gay male domestic violence. Senthorun, upon his appointment to the GLRL, commented “I am thrilled to be joining such a wonderful organisation, and I hope to make a valuable contribution to the GLRL’s campaigns and advocacy for lesbian and gay rights.”

Benjamin Keats, Co-Convenor of the GLRL states, “as an organisation essentially run by volunteers, the Policy and Development Coordinator is the backbone of the GLRL. The role ensures we can develop and deliver our campaigns in a more efficient and effective manner.”

Senthorun is currently working on a number of GLRL’s campaigns, which include: NSW adoption equality and surrogacy reform, stronger federal anti-discrimination provisions, and the GLRL’s civil marriage campaign.  His work will also involve finalising the GLRL’s public education campaign in regards to the recent federal reforms, liaising with politicians and drafting policy proposals.

“This role is a significant investment for the GLRL and the LGBT community because it allows us to better fight for equality and social justice for the LGBT community. Without it, meeting our campaign commitments would be a greater challenge,” states Kellie McDonald Co-Convenor of the GLRL.

Given the significant financial investment the organisation has made, the GLRL is looking for greater sponsorship so that we can continue to employ a Policy and Development Coordinator well into the future. This will allow the GLRL to continue its high-level research, lobbying and advocacy work on behalf of the LGBT community. Should members of the community or organisations like to make a donation, please contact the GLRL by email on: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; by phone: 9571 5501, or by visiting our website: www.glrl.org.au.

For further comment, please contact Kellie McDonald on 0418 459 230 or Benjamin Keats on 0407 904 131.