In a remarkable show of friendship a fundraising campaign has been set up for Tasmanian gay rights activist Rodney Croome.
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Jason Hoare and Michael Higgins met Mr Croome 30 years ago when he was fighting to decriminalise homosexuality in Tasmania.
They have set up a gofundme campaign to say thank you to their friend for working for equality for LGBTIQ Australians.
Mr Higgins said Mr Croome was a very humble man and it had taken some time to convince him to let them launch the campaign.
“It’s been a pretty intense 30 years for Rodney with little paid employment,” Mr Higgins said.
“He could have had a career in academia or journalism or anything he wanted but he hasn’t really had a job.”
Mr Hoare said because of his activism on behalf of the gay community, Mr Croome has had no superannuation, no sick leave and no long service leave.
“He has worked for all Australians to make the country better and fairer,” Mr Hoare said.
“Rodney has helped everyone living under the rainbow.
“It is heart-warming how generous people have been.”
Mr Hoare said Mr Croome had lobbied in the face of hate, ridicule and threats.
“He has achieved so much for Australia and Australians,” he said.
“Rodney had the ban on LGBTI service personnel in the Australian Defence Force removed and led the marriage equality campaign for many years including writing three books about it.
“He also worked hard so to ensure that Tasmania has the best anti-discrimination laws in Australia.”
Mr Higgins and Mr Hoare said Mr Croome took the decriminalisation of homsexuality to the United Nations and the High Court of Australia, setting new world standards on LGBTI equality.
“It is thanks to Rodney that we have made such important strides in education, health and the police force,” they said.
“His work and campaigning lead to the expungement of Tasmanian gay and trans criminal records, and an apology from the Premier, Will Hodgman.”
“We are proud of his achievements including receiving an Order of Australia and being named Tasmanian of the Year.”
Mr Croome said he was grateful to Jason and Michael for setting up this fundraising campaign, and to everyone who had donated.
“This campaign will help me continue my work in support of LGBTI equality, not just by providing an income but by reminding me that what I do is valued by a wide range of people,” he said.
