I am not, nor is anyone, the perfect traveller. I make cultural faux pas and never learn enough of the foreign language, but at least I don’t go out of my way to be an asshat in a beautiful place that has welcomed me.
For almost five minutes, although it felt like an eternity, we shook, clicked, wacked and did everything you can possibly do with a spoon without actually eating with it.
Chances are, you’ve inadvertently caused harm on a trip too. Maybe you’ve ridden an elephant trained to serve tourists, or bought sweat-shop trinkets made from sea shells plucked from the reef. But I don’t think you’re a bad person because of it.
Love is love is love is love is love is love. But whose hate are we now defeating with all this love? My fellow straight, white, cis people, I suggest that the hate originates with us, and now would be a really good time to honestly reflect on what our systemic prejudice has wrought.
Naomi Chainey
Professional feminist, disability activist, freelance writer
This week’s tragic events have been a sad reminder that homophobia and transphobia are still very real. And also a reminder that we need to keep LGBTI rights firmly on the agenda; both in our community and in our political debate.
Robert Simms
Greens sexuality spokesperson, Senator for South Australia
What other animal knows how to toilet in a discreet tray from eight weeks old? Not puppies. And certainly not human babies. Even as young kittens they do their thing prudently and are even so courteous as to cover it up afterward. Does your 18-month-old do that?
It's most likely our leaders are afraid of a mis-step, and that's certainly a risk. Social media accounts give election candidates unparalleled visibility. And that isn't always a good thing.
Alcohol doesn't equal rape. A short skirt doesn't equal rape. Nor does a party, an empty street or a consensual hook up. What equals rape is lack of consent.
Kathy Parker
Writer, blogger, author. Speaker of love, grace, truth and hope
I've been proposed to, friends around me have been proposed to, I've watched umpteenth proposals on television in romantic comedies and dramas, and never once have I thought to myself: "Gee... This is sexist."
Lisa Portolan
Author, blogger, green-juice sipper, yoga and meditation instructor
Be honest, were you shocked when you heard a gunman had entered somewhere and started shooting? I wasn’t. I’m ashamed it took the number 50 to stagger me.
Shock. Sadness. Grief for the families and victims. These are my first reactions to reports of yet another mass shooting in the US. My second reaction is to scan the reports for a particular sentence. And I always find it.
Viewed through the eyes of Australia’s poorest, most disadvantaged children and young people, the Government’s ‘jobs and growth’ mantra becomes more of a taunt than a promise of good things to come.
Deb Tsorbaris
CEO, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world and during my visit I saw and heard how this is having a devastating impact on children’s lives. Twenty four percent of children here have lost one or both parents to AIDS and many are themselves now living with HIV. Sebenele is one of these children.
It's high time we recognised that immigrating to a new country takes courage and resilience. Those who do it are typically far from what you'd call weak or vulnerable -- in contrast, they are most often very strong and deserving of admiration, not pity.
Angela Quero
Aged care and disability general manager at Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre
It's 2016, and we are on the brink of seeing the first ever female American President. I think it's really time to stop putting so much emphasis on what women wear -- or don't wear -- and #freethenipple.
Nama Winston
Recovering solicitor, who now just wants us all to be nicer to each other
The first rule of parenting multiple children is to never admit you have a favourite child. Well, I believe there is nothing wrong with having a favourite child and you should never be afraid to let your children know exactly who the favourite is.
Natalie McNamara
Writer who sifts through the BS on raising teenagers
Some people swoon over Ryan Gosling in 'The Notebook'. Others prefer Brad Pitt in 'Thelma and Louise'. A twist of Mick Jagger's hips drives some people wild. Others can't get enough of Ricky Martin's rumba. But all it takes to pique my interest is an intricate plot and clever turn of phrase.
Fleur Morrison
Reader, writer, blogger at www.readability.com.au
I had noticed over the past months that my daughters were both entering a new stage of their lives where they craved independence. The problem was, I was not ready to give it to them.