The Commitment Project: August 2011

This Project documents long term gay and lesbian committed relationships. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the median length of an Australian Marriage is 8.7 years so I have used this number as the minimum length of time to be part of this project.

I believe that Gay,Lesbian and Transgendered relationships deserve the same legal rights and public respect as heterosexual ones.

But this project is about more than just "gay marriage" I really hope that these simple images of loving couples will help reduce homophobia, will inspire young people to keep their romantic dreams and for parents to know that their gay, lesbian and transgendered children have just as much chance of having a long term and happy family life as anyone else.

The Commitment Project is aimed to show the wider community that gays and lesbians, for all our differences we still fundamentally want the same thing, to be allowed to love who we love.

If you are gay, lesbian, queer (or however you wish to identify yourself) in a relationship longer than 8.7 years (which is about 8 years and 10 months) and would like to be involved in this project please send me an email - evan.r.cooper@gmail.com and put "the commitment project" in the subject line.

Please do not use any of the images contained with this website for any purpose without the written permission of Evan Cooper AND the people within the photograph.

Everyone who views this blog is welcome to leave comments, in fact I encourage people to do so.

After speaking to the NSW based "The Gender Centre" to seek some clarification (but this doesn't make me an expert) I really encourage any transgendered people that are not able to marry due to their gender identity and their birthday certificate being different to be part of this project. They just need to be in a committed relationship for 8.8 years or longer.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Nikki and Mel with their daughter Emelia

© evan cooper
Date of Commitment - December 1997
"We believe we are soulmates and our daughter, Emelia, is the completion of our puzzle."

Friday, August 26, 2011

Jen and Jane

"Be silly

Be honest

Be kind."

Ronnie and Ainy

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

David and Michael

© keys
Date of Commitment - March 1999
"We met on 19th March 1999 and had our commitment ceremony on 5th February 2005.
We are strong together, great together and belong together."

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Commitment Project Slide Show #2

Thursday, August 4, 2011

A message of Support from Brent in reponse to Eric and Jason

`Good stuff mate.. While i`m straight, you guys are far from receiving the respect you deserve and treated by all as equals. Homophobia will only be shoved to the dark ages with education and public knowledge as you are doing. I own a printing company and three graphic designers and happy to sponsor by donating print/ artwork / fliers / cards / etc if would be used. Buzz me at Allbern if i can help!'

Brent

Monday, August 1, 2011

Eric and Jason

andrew edwards
Date of Commitment - May 1992
"Both of our birthdays and anniversary fall within 5 days. "

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