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Valley of fortitude
Fortitude Valley, the hub of Brisbane, is slowly losing its character, charm and charisma.
From the 70s to the early 90s one could walk around the Valley and meet, see and talk to people with diverse outlooks on life. Flower-power people, Bohemians, artists, gays, lesbians, transgenders and drag queens would and could mix socially and exchange pleasantries without fear of retribution.
It was a safe haven for anyone whose way of life was independent of what was deemed appropriate.
But in the early nineties, the Brisbane City Council instigated its urban renewal program whereupon houses were knocked down and units were built as fast as last fortnight’s pay could disappear at the Terminus.
A different type of people moved into the Valley.
New nightclubs were opened and old pubs were refurbished to cater to a new class of clientele that was immigrating from the ’burbs to the now-trendy Valley.
The Valley of old, in which all cultures of life mixed, were now slowly being forced out by higher living costs and replaced by a generation of professionals whose aim in life was mixing with the latté set and discussing which club or bar is the ‘in’ place to be seen.
Though it may have been looking tired, the Valley of old had a certain persona about it whereby one could walk around regardless of sexuality, gender or ethnic origin and feel quite safe.
Anyone could enter a club or hotel and be received warmly.
The Valley of today has forced many members of the transgender community to either venture out only in numbers (which in itself has its drawbacks) or stay at home in relative safety.
Today, name calling, harassment, pushing, shoving and occasional beatings are par for the course for those wishing to enjoy an evening out in the Valley.
At what price? Progress? Will the Valley just become another inner city night spot like the City itself with less diversity of lifestyles and fewer ‘characters’.
Tolerance and acceptance were part and parcel of the old Valley but this has slowly been eroded with harassment and violence. This, I am afraid, will continue while we have people in power with apathetic attitudes.
Gina Mather is president of the Australian Transgender Support Association.
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