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The worst country for pickpockets revealed

When it comes to travelling abroad, there are always different rules to abide by in order to have a stress-free holiday experience. Common sense is a huge key player in staying safe while travelling, with holiday goers often taking extra precautions to keep themselves and their belongings safe in foreign countries. However, there will always be sneaky people who prey on tourists, with these pickpockets having the power to turn a holiday potentially disastrous. While lots of savvy travellers will share their stories about a particular city and a close call they encountered on their journeys, a new survey has proven which European cities are the worst for pickpocketing. Travel insurance experts at <a href="https://www.quotezone.co.uk/presszone/european-pickpocketing-index-top-tourist-destinations-to-watch-out-for">Quotezone</a> have compiled a list of the top 10 cities tourists (as well as locals) are likely to be pickpocketed while travelling around Europe, based on customer feedback and complaints. Italy has come in at the top spot, with the major cities reporting the biggest number of theft complaints in comparison to any other European countries. Tourists named hotspots such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon in Rome, as well as the Duomo di Milano in Milan and the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence as places they were targeted by pickpockets. Coming in at second place was France, with major tourist hotspots in Paris all being named as places to be wary of pickpockets. Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said that unfortunately this new research shows that thousands of people have complained about pickpockets in Europe while experiencing the best that European holiday destinations have to offer. He said, “Theft can happen anywhere and tourist hotspots are convenient places for criminals to target holidaymakers’ wallets and purses whilst they are busy taking in the sites.” “It is essential always to remain vigilant, leave valuables, like expensive jewellery, in a safe in the hotel and always travel with a secure cross-body bag with zips to secure phones and wallets or even a money belt.” Check out the entire top ten list of destinations with the highest pickpocketing rates below. 10. Poland 9. Ireland 8. Turkey 7. Portugal 6. Spain 5. Greece 4. Germany 3. The Netherlands 2. France 1. Italy Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

The world's most promiscuous countries revealed

An analysis of the world's sexual habits has revealed the top 10 most promiscuous countries in the world and Turkey came in first. The average Turk has slept with more than 14 people according to the World Population Review, with Australia coming in a close second with the average Aussie having slept with more than 13 people, according to the New York Post. “The average number of sexual partners can vary significantly from country to country, as cultural norms can have a significant impact on the number of people someone has sex with,” the website declared. Their figures were based on a compilation of “datasets from multiple third party sources.” Turkey's top spot may be surprising to some, with most residents being muslim and the country is widely conceived to have traditional views when it comes sex and relationships. New Zealand came in at third, with a similar number to Australia, followed by Iceland and South Africa. Countries thought to have more liberal views on sex, such as Brazil and France, were lower down the list, with the average Brazilian sleeping with nine people putting them in 25th place, while France clocked in 29th position. The United States clocked in 13th place, with Americans sleeping with an average of 10.7 people. Here's the Top 10 most promiscuous countries: 1. Turkey (14.5 people) 2. Australia (13.3) 3. New Zealand (13.2) 4. Iceland (13.0) 5. South Africa (12.5) 6. Finland (12.4) 7. Norway (12.1) 8. Italy (11.8) 9. Sweden (11.8) 10. Switzerland (11.1) Image: Getty

International Travel

Most expensive countries to retire in revealed

Australia has become one of the most expensive countries in the world to spend your retirement, with experts sharing how much we need to retire comfortably. Australia is now regarded as the world's seventh most expensive place to retire, and is also a major target for scammers, given the country’s superannuation initiative. Swedish loan broking group Sambla calculated Australians need at least $640,911 to retire comfortably, with this hefty amount one of the biggest in the world. Australia's 4.1 per cent inflation rate is also higher than most of the rich world, which means a retiree would need $34,221 a year to survive, provided they aren't renting. Australia is also a target for scammers, having $3.6trillion in superannuation savings, or the fourth highest pool in the world. In comparison, Switzerland has been named the most expensive place in the world to retire, requiring $927,034 in retirement savings to grow old in the Alps, translating into annual costs of $46,632. Check out the entire top ten list of most expensive countries to retire below. 10. France. $583,950 in retirement savings required 9. Austria. $598,434 in retirement savings required 8. Iceland. $607,558 in retirement savings required 7. Australia. $640,911 in retirement savings required 6. Canada. $665,752 in retirement savings required 5. Liechtenstein. $772,984 in retirement savings required 4. Singapore. $773,456 in retirement savings required 3. Qatar. $791,029 in retirement savings required 2. Monaco. $795,431 in retirement savings required 1. Switzerland. $927,035 in retirement savings required Image credits: Getty Images

Retirement Life

Country music star dies at age 62

Country music singer Toby Keith has died at the age of 62 after an 18-month battle with stomach cancer. A statement was posted to the musician's website confirming his passing, saying, "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family." "He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time." Country music icon Dolly Parton led the tributes to the late star shortly after the news of his death broke. Taking to Instagram, she wrote, "It's always hard when we lose our brothers and sisters in country music." "Toby Keith was one of the greats in every way. He will be missed but his music and legacy will live on. Love Dolly." Musician Carrie Underwood also shared a post to her more than 13 million followers on Instagram, calling him a "a true blue cowboy". "Saddle up the horses, Jesus, 'cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!" she wrote. "We're gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend." Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

The best countries for food lovers to visit

When it comes to travelling, one of the best things about exploring a new place is sampling the local cuisine. From cafes adored by locals and the best of fine dining, to charming markets and unassuming but delicious street food, discovering a country’s culture through their food is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in all the world has to offer. According to TripAdvisor’s 2024 Traveller's Choice Awards, some cities are better than others for foodies, with their top ten list showcasing the best destinations for lovers of food. Coming in hot in the number one spot for foodies to visit is the city of Hanoi, situated in the north of Vietnam. With a plethora of street food, fresh markets, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, you won't be leaving hungry in this popular tourist destination. The national dish of Vietnam, a noodle soup called Pho, is a speciality for visitors to fall in love with, and compare between the hundreds of restaurants that offer the delicious meal. Other foods to try there include banh mi, rice pancakes, and Bun cha, or Vietnamese meatballs. Check out the entire top 10 list of foodie destinations below. 10. Phuket, Thailand 9. Lisbon, Portugal 8. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA 7. Barcelona, Spain 6. New Delhi, India 5. Florence, Italy 4. Cusco, Peru 3. Crete, Greece 2. Rome, Italy 1. Hanoi, Vietnam Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

Escape to the Country host dies aged 50

British TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has passed away aged 50 following a battle with terminal cancer. Irwin was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020, when the disease spread from his lungs to his brain. He was initially given just six months to live, but managed to defy the odds and made his illness public after two years of keeping it a secret. The TV presenter rose to fame in the UK for his roles on shows including A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country. A statement was shared to Instagram on Friday announcing his death, where he was described as "a truly remarkable soul." "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing," the statement began. "A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit." “At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss," the statement continued. “Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated. As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts.” “Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on. Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C22vrMPCwmB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C22vrMPCwmB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jonnie Irwin (@jonnieirwintv)</a> </div> </blockquote> Following his death, BBC have paid tribute to the fallen host and described him as an “extraordinary man and wonderful presenter”. “He brought such warmth and fun to Escape To The Country where he was a firm favourite with not just viewers, but the production team too," head of BBC daytime Rob Unsworth said. “More recently, he did some truly inspirational reports for Morning Live about his illness, tackling taboos around end-of-life care and wonderfully demonstrating the limitless positivity that he brought to everything he did.” Irwin’s longtime co-star Jasmine Harman, also shared a tribute on Instagram. “I have never admired you more than over the last few years as you’ve faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody mindedness,” she wrote. “The world is a little darker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you.” Irwin is survived by his wife Jessica and their three children, Rex, five and three-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac. Image: Instagram

Caring

The world’s least visited countries revealed

The world’s least visited countries have been revealed for those who like their holidays to be well and truly off the grid. These 10 countries should be on the travel bucket lists of those who prefer to be away from everyone and everything, and who revel in a crowd-free getaway. According to the <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/least-visited-countries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations World Tourism Organisation</a> 2023 report, these ten countries welcome very few tourists for a range of logistic reasons. Some of these remote countries are lying in hard-to-reach corners of the globe, while others are just “too small to host vast numbers of tourists”. However, they're all worth the effort for a traveller after a certain kind of holiday, as they offer golden beaches, crystal clear waters and blissful isolation. The country that came in at number one, as the least visited country in the world, was the country of Tuvalu, which welcomes just 3,700 annual visitors. Tuvalu is located 1,000km north of Fiji in the west-central Pacific Ocean, just below the equator. The three coral islands and six atolls that make up the country have a total land mass of around 10 square miles, making it the fourth-smallest country in the world. Sadly, the future of Tuvalu is uncertain, as the small country is expected to be a victim of climate change, with rising sea levels putting the country and its residents in danger. Tuvalu is also tricky to reach, with no direct international flights, and only three flights a week running to the island from Fiji. Here is the full top 10 list of the least visited countries in the world. 10. Guinea-Bissau. Annual visitors: 52,000 9. Comoros. Annual visitors: 45,000 8. São Tomé and Príncipe. Annual visitors: 34,900 7. Solomon Islands. Annual visitors: 29,000 6. Montserrat. Annual visitors: 19,300 5. Micronesia. Annual visitors: 18,000 4. Kiribati. Annual visitors: 12,000 3. Niue. Annual visitors: 10,200 2. Marshall Islands. Annual visitors: 6,100 1. Tuvalu. Annual visitors: 3,700 Image credits: Getty Images / Shutterstock

International Travel

"A mean country": Stan Grant shares his thoughts on the Voice referendum

Stan Grant has opened up about his thoughts on the Voice referendum campaigns, admitting it is becoming harder to defend Australia's "mean" reputation. The former ABC presenter appeared as a social guest on a special two-part episode of the podcast Blak Matters, with each part airing just before the Voice vote on October 14th. In the podcast, Grant spoke about his recent trip to Europe, working with the Constructive Institute in Denmark, and how difficult it has become to speak positively about living in Australia. “When you’re overseas, you’re almost an ambassador for your own country, you have to explain your country to other people,” Mr Grant said. “And it really saddened me that the word I kept coming back to was ‘mean,’ and I think we have become an increasingly mean country. I think there’s an absence of kindness in our country." “You hear it in things like ‘if you don’t know, vote no.’ That’s a mean thing to say.” Grant went on to criticise the "noise" surrounding the Voice, saying there has been very little constructive debate about the issue and too much fear mongering. “This is also the first referendum of the 24/7 news cycle and social media and that’s elevated and amplified the noise,” Mr Grant said. “For a lot of people, when you add uncomfortable questions of history and race, they’re barbecue stoppers." “If you want to stop the party, talk about racism, or talk about history. No one wants to go there." “And we have a referendum that lands right at that point of history and race and politics amplified by 24/7 news media, and a toxic social media weaponised by 24/7 news media coverage.” Image credits: Listnr

Travel Trouble

British expat cops backlash for calling Australia the "worst country in the world"

British expat and former school teacher Sabrina "Bree" Collins, has faced backlash online after labelling Australia as the "worst country in the world". The former teacher, who is also a writer, went on an extensive rant on social media about her experience living in Queensland and why she hates it, and the video has since gone viral. "Australia has destroyed everything that I was before I came here and there's so much that's happened while I've here but it's not safe to go public with everything that's happened to me," she began her rant. Collins who moved to Australia from the UK, then shared her unsolicited advice for those hoping to migrate Down Under. "When you're a British woman on the other side of the world, you've really got to sit down and think was it worth it? "If you're a British person sat home in the UK and you're wondering about this fantastic life you could have in Australia, you need to know a few things first." She then went on to label Australia as "very sexist", "abusive", "isolated" and "behind". "The internet is like really behind, technology is behind. "When you are in Australia you feel really, really isolated. You feel like you're stuck in the 1980s, and if you're a woman it's even worse," she said. "And I know loads of people are going to contradict what I'm saying and say, 'I'm living a fantastic life in Australia, 'well look at me, look at my CV, look at all my accomplishments before I moved out to Australia, and look at the way I've been treated." The expat who has a masters degree in education, and more than five years experience as a teacher, has claimed that her career as a teacher was ruined due to the abuse she received. She claimed that as a result of the abuse, she now feels too frightened to set foot in a school in Australia. "And that's why I cannot see a purpose or reason to stay in Australia." She then went on to say that she hopes to move to a "more progressive country" like the US, and write a book about her experiences in Australia. Her video has not been well-received, with many telling her to leave clowning her for calling the US more progressive. "Please leave.. and don't trash my country. I've seen yours and you all come over for many reasons," one Aussie commented. "Don’t let the door hit you on your way out missy!! Bye Felicia," another wrote. "UK is far more worse than Australia mate. Have lived in both countries here is lot lot better," a third wrote. "Oh, boo hoo. Please move. As an American, it’s way more backwards than Australia," an American commented on her desire to move to the US. "You're going to exactly the right place for you. You’ll find the schools are really safe and the police...very safe country for women," another added sarcastically. Other's pointed out that she was living up to the British stereotype of a "whinging pom". Collins is not the only British expat to find issue with the way of life in Australia. A few months ago, another expat <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/please-don-t-be-mad-british-expat-s-bone-to-pick-with-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">went viral</a> for listing things she finds frustrating after living in Australia, although she pleaded for everyone's understanding.

Travel Trouble

Sam Newman backs down on controversial Grand Final plans

Sam Newman has remarkably backed down on his plans to boo during the Welcome to Country acknowledgement at the upcoming AFL grand final. The former AFL star <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/sam-newman-encourages-aussies-to-boo-during-welcome-to-country" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made waves</a> last week as he called for footy fans to boo and drown out the traditional welcome by First Nations Australians, with many quick to call his plans "racist" and "disrespectful". Newman even seemed to <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/sam-newman-grilled-point-blank-are-you-a-racist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">double down</a> on his claims that the Welcome to Country was somehow more divisive that uniting, as some outraged Aussies even called for him to be removed from thew AFL Hall of Fame. However, the 77-year-old has now quickly back-tracked his statements, saying he will not be booing during the Welcome to Country at the AFL grand final on Saturday. "I wouldn't boo at the grand final, but it was just a flippant throw away line, I disagree with the Welcome to Country at the grand final," he said on his podcast. "My point is that every single thing you go to now, you go into a library, you go into anywhere at all, the whole thing starts with it." "The whole thing makes you feel guilty for being here." "When is it ever enough that we say 'hang on a minute, this is enough, how much further do we want to keep going?'" Newman again went on to say that he believed the Welcome to Country ceremony does not "unite us". "I said last week that we should boo the Welcome to Country, it was an extravagant statement." "(The Welcome to Country has) gone overboard and the social elites are only trying to placate their own white prejudice by feeling virtuous that they keep going on and on with this." "This is why I criticised the AFL, it's just become a minefield of nonsense, they've got to pull it back." "(It's) not uniting us, that is my point. Standing on the MCG on grand final day and saying 'you're welcome to the country and we give you permission to play on the ground', that's not uniting us." "That's showing the world that we are a divided nation, that's my point." Since Sam Newman's original statement, senator <span style="caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Lidia Thorpe has blasted his comments, saying he is missing the point on what the Welcome to Country is about. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"Sam Newman, I'm not sure why he's even in the news. He's irrelevant to any debate of the time," she said on Today. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"It's about peace. The whole message behind it is respect." <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Image credits: Getty Images

News

Sam Newman encourages Aussies to boo during Welcome to Country

Sam Newman has caused a stir after he encouraged Aussies to boo during the Welcome to Country acknowledgement at the upcoming AFL Grand Final. The sporting legend, who staunchly opposes the Yes vote, told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-12538667/Sam-Newman-welcome-country-boo-AFL-grand-final.html?ito=social-facebook_Australia&fbclid=IwAR16kiBQgzp8PA53n2TtbysHYzk7AiC2jg_SLelrmeqsplqeUnvuELevJls" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> that the traditional ceremony was being used for political power, and everyday Aussies shouldn't be forced to listen to it at events. “If we are at all serious about the Welcome to Country and the nonsense that has suddenly taken over in the last 20 years from a completely harmless introduction by Ernie Dingo some years ago and people have latched onto it,” he told the publication. “What about this, next time you go to a public event like the Grand Final or a football game or any public event in an auditorium and they trot out the Welcome to Country, start booing … or slow hand clapping.” Newman, a white Australian, also mentioned that he believes many First Nations Australians share his views on the ceremony. “Of course it’s being rude, and so who is forcing this nonsense onto us?” he continued. “Who is telling us that we should be welcomed to (the) country that we live in, that we try and cohabitate, cohabit with all the people that have come here – particularly the Indigenous people." “There’s so many people who say it and I keep saying it’s just a push for reparations and financial power. It is, and I’m saying, the next time you go to a football game, a final, and they trot this nonsense out just start booing and that’ll stop (it)." Senator Lidia Thorpe was one of many people who lashed out at Newman's comments, as she spoke to Karl Stefanovic on Today to explain the purpose of the Welcome to Country. <div id="story-primary" data-area="story-primary"> “We all are on stolen land, there has never been a treaty, and a Welcome to Country is a way to bring people along on an understanding of the country that you are all living on,” the independent Senator said. “It’s about peace and the whole message behind a Welcome to Country is about respect and bringing people together. And I think Sam Newman is — you know, he is not a respectful man at the best of times so he needs to educate himself and not be so racist all the time.” Image credits: Getty Images </div>

News

Country music star's "racist" song divides audience

A popular country music star has been forced to defend his new song and accompanying music video, after many condemned the track for being racist. Jason Aldean's song, titled Try That in a Small Town, soared to number one on the country music charts in the US, before been pulled by Country Music Television after claims it promoted gun violence, vigilantism and lynching: a form of execution frequently committed against African-Americans. The singer, who is known for his conservative views, defended the song, saying it was about, “the feeling of community that I had growing up in where we took care of our neighbours, regardless of difference of background or beliefs”. He also slammed the furore against the song, saying saying the accusations against the track that it is “pro lynching” are “not only meritless but dangerous”. Singer Sheryl Crow called out Aldean posting on Twitter, “There’s nothing small town or American about promoting violence,” and called the song “lame” for its controversial themes. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> .<a href="https://twitter.com/Jason_Aldean?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jason_Aldean</a> I’m from a small town. Even people in small towns are sick of violence.There’s nothing small-town or American about promoting violence. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting. This is not American or small town-like. It’s just lame <a href="https://t.co/cuOtUO9xjr">https://t.co/cuOtUO9xjr</a> — Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/SherylCrow/status/1681485292425867264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2023</a></blockquote> The music video for the song prompted a new wave of backlash, as it was filmed outside the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, which is a site that African American man was lynched. A writer for entertainment industry magazine <a title="variety.com" href="https://variety.com/2023/music/opinion/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-worst-country-song-video-column-1235673177/">Variety</a> said it was “the most contemptible country song of the decade” which traded on the “implicit moral superiority of having a limited number of neighbours”. “For Aldean, it’s about how tiny burgs are under the imminent threat of attack from lawless urban marauders who will have to be kept at bay by any means necessary – meaning, pretty explicitly, vigilantism,” wrote its music critic Chris William. He went on to say the video was “dangerous” because it “conflates the act of protesting with violent crime”. In the wake of the criticism, Aldean hit back on his social media accounts, saying people had gone "too far" with their interpretation of the song. He wrote on Twitter, “There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it – and there isn’t a single clip that isn’t real news footage – and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music – this one goes too far.” “My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from. And I know that a lot of us in this country don’t agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy, where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night, but the desire for it to – that’s what the song is about.” Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Indigenous Voice to Parliament: How will it alter the country?

Australians will soon be heading to the polls to submit their vote for the Voice to Parliament. The laws that will allow the national poll to be conducted passed parliament, with the government’s Constitution Alteration Bill passing the senate with 52 votes to 19. The passage of the Bill through parliament led to a six-month period in which the referendum must be held. The Albanese government have already announced Aussies will be able to vote in the national poll between October and December. The government is yet to confirm an official date, but all referendums must be held on a Saturday, and that date raises the question: “A proposed law: to alter the constitution to recognise the first peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice, do you approve of this proposed alteration?” The proposed law that Australians will be asked to approve at the referendum would insert the following lines into the Constitution. To recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia: There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice; <ol> <li>The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;</li> <li>The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”</li> <li>The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.”</li> </ol> For the referendum to succeed, an overwhelming majority of voters in most states need to vote “Yes”. Speaking to news.com.au Yes 23 campaigner Dean Parkin and No campaign spokeswoman Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price both concluded the outcome would have a major impact both symbolically and on a practical level. Park said a successful Yes vote would send a powerful message of “what it means to be genuinely, uniquely Australian in the world is to be home to the oldest continuing culture on earth”. “That’s something a lot of people have pride in, and it’s the thing that makes us genuinely unique, and now every Australian gets to connect their own existing story and deeply held view of being Australian to 65,000 years of history,” he said. “That will strengthen and enrich all of our sense of what it means to be Australian. It’s not just about Indigenous people and doing something nice for 3 per cent of the population, it’s something that will benefit every Australian.” Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price weighed in on the No vote, arguing that “a vote against the voice in this referendum is a vote for a country united in the face of an effort to divide us along the lines of race”. It’s a vote for standing together, shoulder to shoulder as equals, to solve the tragic issue of Aboriginal disadvantage,” she said. “It’s a vote for fulfilling the promise of Australia’s constitution that we can all come from different backgrounds and cultures across the world and play a part in making our nation successful and prosperous. “We are a country that believes in a fair go. We are all equals, we all deserve to be treated the same way in our national rule book.” She noted that claims by pro-voice activists that a Yes vote would solve Indigenous disadvantage are “wrong and misleading”. “They talk a big game about ‘closing the gap’, but they don’t say how this will be done. In fact, there are no details at all,” she said. “But we already know what we need to do to help in my communities. “Kids going to school, adults working in real jobs, social stability in communities so people want to live, work and invest in them. The divisive voice won’t do this.” The Senator added that while there is “no doubt there would be widespread support within the Australian community” for Indigenous recognition in the constitution, by voting No, “Australians would be sending a strong signal to the government to embark on a unifying process that could be supported by all Australians”. Image credit: Getty

Legal

Readers respond: What was the first country you ever travelled to?

Everyone remembers the butterflies and excitement of travelling to another country for the first time. For many, the first trip overseas is unforgettable, because you are exploring another part of the world that is different from home. We’ve asked our readers about the first country they ever travelled to and the responses are diverse. Here’s what they said. Anita Thornton - Nigeria, in 1956, I was seven. Dad worked there and we joined him. So many wonderful memories. MarilyneJames Kelly - Went to the U.S. to Disneyland when I was 16. Ruth Jean Jennings - New Zealand ......and keep going back despite having travelled to heaps of other places!!! Susan Moldrich - Sri Lanka. I loved it so much I've been back nearly every year. Audrey Jones - To New Zealand from England. Mum. Dad and us 6 kids came by boat on 9th July 1954. Travelled back and around the world many times. Hilary Mole - By car and ferry, France, Switzerland and Italy 1960. By plane, Holland in 1965. Frances Nelson - Portuguese Timor. We drove Sydney to Darwin where we caught a small TAA plane to Dili. The only other tourist we met was a chap from Mozambique. Wonderful experience. Mindy Brown - Okinawa via Japan. My husband was stationed there in late 1960's Diane WillmoreHunsbedt - England when I was 7 my mom was a war bride and went to see her family Jenny Champness - Uganda from Australia with my sisters and parents for my dads new job. Amanda Onder - Italy, first of three trips there as a child. Pamela Tow - Papua New Guinea, where I worked in Goroka for a year. Beryl Hamblin - France Image: Getty Images

International Travel

American influencer shocked to discover speed cameras are real

An American influencer currently living in Sydney has learned an expensive lesson in obeying the rules of the road, particularly while in full view of speed cameras. TikToker Sophia Kim was caught racing through Sydney’s Cross City Tunnel at 21 km/h over the speed limit - 101 km/h in an 80 km/h zone - and took to social media to share her surprise at receiving a ticket for her actions. In a video posted to her TikTok account, Sophia broke the news to her followers, running through what had transpired - her ‘reasons’ for speeding, and sharing images of her car between lanes in the tunnel, along with the caption “this is BS and I was only going 60 mph”. “I got a speeding fine because I was going 100km in the Cross City Tunnel when it was 80km,” she explained in the now-viral post, “and apparently there are cameras in the tunnel. “As an American, I got a licence here without taking any test, without learning about the Australian [driving] laws here, and I didn’t realise that you guys have cameras for speeding in the tunnels. “And apparently there are signs everywhere.” Sophia went on to describe how she’d been “so focussed on driving” and “stressed out” trying to navigate while “driving for the first time in a different country on the other side of the road”. According to the TikToker, at home in America there might be cameras involved when it came to running red lights, but that speeding offences fell to police officers and their scanners. At this stage, Sophia was talking over an image of her car with an 80 km/h sign clear on the ceiling of the tunnel. “The fine is $295,” she announced, before revealing that she’d been having a great day, on her way to Fashion Week events, and “was rushing to get there. “I thought I was saving money by driving and not Ubering but no, it’s actually more when you get a fine.” It turns out that Sophia had borrowed the car from a friend, who informed her that he couldn’t afford “to lose 3 points over this”, and had to transfer the fine into her name. And despite claiming that she would pay the fine and have the points deducted from her licence, she then asked her followers if she “should fight this”. <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7237487133483814187&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40sophiainsydney%2Fvideo%2F7237487133483814187&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2Ff969d5dac251496aa62d08dfdb8a417f_1685108800%3Fx-expires%3D1685433600%26x-signature%3D%252FwZf1iguRsEhBEcz37LOvMtuELI%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> Her post attracted more than 9,000 comments, and while some took Sophia’s side, most were of the opinion that fighting the fine would be a waste of time, and had many thoughts to share about the whole situation. “There’s no fighting this one,” one told her, “if there’s a speed sign that says 80 right in front of you they’re not gonna be forgivable”. “That's a fair bit over the limit. Maybe just don't speed hey!” one suggested. “If only there were large LED displays hung above the road every 1 km to tell you the maximum speed you can do,” another mused. And as a like-minded soul put it, “[it’s] almost like speed signs exist for a reason and not decoration”. “Because the signs with the speed limit and the fact they tell you every 100m there’s a speed camera don’t help,” someone else added. Meanwhile, one was of the opinion that it could have been worse, sharing that “in QLD that would be a $646 fine for 21km over the limit. NSW is cheap”. “Lesson learned I guess,” one more supposed, before noting that at least “now you know." Images: TikTok

Legal

"Crossed a line": Bell Shakespeare's blistering response to negative review

Australian theatre company, Bell Shakespeare, has publicly issued a blistering response to a theatre critic’s “cruel and unfair” review. The Age critic Cameron Woodhead gave the theatre company’s current production of Macbeth a two star rating - and he singled out the lead actor, Hazem Shammas’ performance of Macbeth. In his review, Woodhead claimed that Shammas “belongs in the Richard III ward of Monty Python’s Hospital for Over-Acting”. He said that the Logie-winning actor’s portrayal of Macbeth was “so cartoonish” and “unhinged” and that he was “stalked by the inappropriate silhouette of the clown”. The 500-word review mostly nitpicked at Shammas’ performance, commenting on how he should reign in his “vein-popping excess” and “trust in the words” of Shakespeare, as if he knew what Shakespeare would’ve wanted. The review was published online on April 27 and a week later Bell Shakespeare launched their blistering response on social media. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBellShakespeareCo%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0359Wr76jN92ZX4DCPbSRNjn3557HSHfGARRtr8nqhUCTQFH19yy65fS2hTjCoRADKl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="478" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The statement began with the theatre company explaining that they are open to criticism and understand that sometimes there will be “creative differences”. “The Age’s theatre critic, Cameron Woodhead, didn’t like our current production of Macbeth (May 1 edition). That’s his prerogative; many critics have provided favourable reviews of this production and Macbeth means many things to many people. One of the joys of seeing Shakespeare’s works is to debate them afterwards. “This time though, we must call out conduct which, in our view, was cruel and unfair,” they wrote in their statement posted on Facebook. “Cameron’s targeting of the lead actor Hazem Shammas was, in our view, belittling and contemptuous,” they added, citing Woodhead’s harsh comments. “Whilst Cameron may have issues with the production, we do not consider a response should ever be draped in language like this. In our view, no actor deserves to be dismissed so personally in a theatre review”. They added that Shammas’ personal life and Palestinian background allowed him to resonate with the fact that “Macbeth is driven by something that finally breaks him,” as that story was his “dad’s story in terms of coming to this land and then pursuing his dreams at all costs, in terms of the costs to himself and breaking the hearts of the ones he left behind.” “Actors don’t have a voice when critics write negative things about them. It has long been thus. However, the stage is their workplace. And they are entitled to a safe space at work just as much as anyone,” they wrote, defending Shammas. They ended the statement saying that Woodhead had “crossed a line”. Many fans have applauded the company for standing up for their star, while others justified Woodhead’s criticism. “Cameron Woodhead gave one of my novels a bruisingly rude review a few years ago. I think he enjoys unleashing the poison pen occasionally. I have finally managed to laugh about it, but it took me years,” commented one person. “What a great response and wonderful example of integrity from Bell Shakespeare!” commented another person “Good on you for calling this out. We can be critical without being cruel, and given the tough times we’re in, we can all employ a little more respect and kindness,” wrote a third. Image: Bell Shakespeare

Art

There’s a growing gap between countries advancing LGBTQ+ rights, and those going backwards

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined 50,000 people to march in support of queer rights across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for World Pride in early March. A week earlier, Albanese became the first sitting prime minister to march in Sydney’s Mardi Gras, something he’s done over several decades. And yet at the same time, in another part of the world, Uganda’s parliament passed <a href="https://theconversation.com/ugandas-new-anti-lgbtq-law-could-lead-to-death-penalty-for-same-sex-offences-202376">a string of draconian measures</a> against homosexuality, including possible death sentences for “aggravated homosexuality”. Any “promotion” of homosexuality is also outlawed. Seven years ago, I co-wrote a book with Jonathan Symons called Queer Wars. Back then, we suggested there was <a href="https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/publications/queer-wars-the-new-global-polarization-over-gay-rights">a growing gap </a>between countries in which sexual and gender diversity was becoming more acceptable, and those where repression was increasing. Sadly, that analysis seems even more relevant today. <h2>A growing gap</h2> Some countries have been unwinding criminal sanctions around homosexuality, which are often the legacy of colonialism. This includes, in recent years, former British colonies <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/08/22/singapore-decriminalize-gay-sex">Singapore</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/06/indian-supreme-court-decriminalises-homosexuality">India</a>. But others have been imposing new and more vicious penalties for any deviation from stereotypical assumptions of heterosexual masculine superiority (what Australian sociologist Raewyn Connell <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0891243205278639">terms</a> “hegemonic masculinity”). Anti-gay legislation is currently pending in Ghana, which led US Vice President Kamala Harris to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-43822234">express concerns</a> on a recent visit. These moves echo the deep homophobia of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has <a href="https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/putins-anti-gay-war-on-ukraine/">bizarrely linked</a> intervention in Ukraine to protecting traditional values against LGBTQ+ infiltration. Meanwhile, reports from Afghanistan suggest that anyone identified as “LGBT” is <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/01/26/afghanistan-taliban-target-lgbt-afghans">in danger of being killed</a>. Indonesia recently passed legislation <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/06/indonesia-passes-legislation-banning-sex-outside-marriage">penalising all sex outside marriage</a>. This follows <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13639811.2022.2038871">years of anti-queer rhetoric</a> from Indonesian leaders and crackdowns in regional areas. And while the Biden administration is supportive of queer rights globally, the extraordinary hysteria <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/07/cpac-anti-trans-rhetoric">around trans issues in the Republican Party</a> reminds us the West has no inherent claim to moral superiority. <h2>Where to next?</h2> Speaking at the World Pride Human Rights Conference, both Wong and Attorney General Mark Dreyfus made it clear Australia would press for recognition of sexuality and gender identity as deserving protection, as part of <a href="https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/speech/sydney-worldpride-human-rights-conference-opening-statement">our commitment to human rights</a>. Wong also announced a <a href="https://www.themandarin.com.au/213443-wong-announces-international-fund-for-lgbt-rights/">new Inclusion and Equality Fund</a> to support queer community organisations within our region. Australian governments have usually been wary of loud assertions of support for queer rights. This is partly due to a reasonable fear this merely reinforces the perception that such language reflects <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/african-studies-review/article/abs/locating-neocolonialism-tradition-and-human-rights-in-ugandas-gay-death-penalty/33A06F4F33CF586E20E208BE790E71E0">a sense of Western superiority</a>, unwilling to acknowledge other societies may have very different attitudes towards gender and sexuality. Australia is part of the Equal Rights Coalition, an intergovernmental body of 42 countries dedicated to the protection of the rights of LGBTQ+ people, and has supported sexual and gender rights in the <a href="https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/rights-and-freedoms/australias-second-universal-periodic-review-human-rights">country reviews</a> undertaken by the United Nations Human Rights Commission. Australia has a minimal presence in Uganda, and direct representations are unlikely to have much effect. Uganda is a member of the Commonwealth, as are Ghana, Kenya and Zambia, where official homophobia appears to be increasing. But there’s little evidence the Australian government sees this as a significant foreign policy forum, or is prepared to push for sexual rights through its institutions. As persecution on the basis of sexuality and gender identity increases, more people will seek to flee their countries. Queer refugees face double jeopardy: they’re not safe at home, but they’re often equally unsafe in their diasporic communities, which have inherited the <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/01/lgbt-refugees-untold-story/">deep prejudices of their homelands</a>. The UN’s refugee agency <a href="https://www.unhcr.org/lgbtiq-persons.html">reports</a> that most people seeking asylum because of their sexuality are unwilling to disclose this, because of discrimination within their own ethnic communities. This makes it impossible to have accurate numbers. But a clear signal from Australia would be a powerful statement of support – that it understands the situation and welcomes people who need flee because of their sexuality or gender expression. An official Canadian government document <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/canada-role/2slgbtqi-plus.html">states</a>: "Canada has a proud history of providing protection to and helping to resettle the world’s most vulnerable groups. That includes those in the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional sexually and gender diverse community." Theirs is a model worth following. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/theres-a-growing-gap-between-countries-advancing-lgbtq-rights-and-those-going-backwards-203329" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Caring

First Nations elder removed from Obama event

A First Nations Elder bas been left “shocked and distressed” after being removed from performing the Welcome to Country ceremony at a Melbourne event hosted by former president Barack Obama. Obama touched down in Melbourne with former First Lady and wife Michelle ahead of the event at John Cain Arena on March 29. In what could have been a special ceremony for her, senior Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy has been left deeply saddened after she said she was told she was being “too difficult” for making two requests for the event. Aunty Joy asked if the event organisers Growth Faculty were able to provide appropriate accommodations for a support person to accompany her, and made a request to provide a gift to Obama, which is something she said is cultural practice. The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation said Aunty Joy was removed from the event following the requests. "I am 78 years of age. I have never been treated or spoken to in this way in the past," Aunty Joy said in a statement. "I do not want this to be a reflection on President Obama. I am a leader of the Wurundjeri Nation. I asked to be treated as an equal. "I have been shocked and distressed by the way I have been treated by event organisers. "They have always shown me respect and accepted my Welcome as a gift from our people.” Aunty Joy was also removed from performing traditional cultural protocols at a planned lunch with Obama the next day. "The Welcome to Country is a very important ceremony for our people. It is an honour to Welcome people like President Obama and I am upset that I am unable to do this today," she said. Growth Faculty have since issued an apology for the circumstances that led to the last-minute cancellation. In a statement, a spokesperson said changes to the ceremony due to “security requirements” meant a welcome to country was instead delivered by Wurundjeri-Willam woman Mandy Nicholson. “Growth Faculty had been working with Aunty Joy and the Wurundjeri community for many weeks ahead of last night’s event,” the statement read. “Due to security requirements, the organisation was unable to accommodate last minute changes to the agreed upon ceremony. “Growth Faculty has apologised to Aunty Joy that last night’s ceremony could not be changed.” The spokesperson also said that Aunty Joy had accepted an invitation to perform the welcome to country at a business lunch taking place in Melbourne on Thursday instead. Image credit: Getty

News

6 step guide to travelling in developing countries

Developing countries are endlessly fascinating and a travel experience not be missed, though you will need to be prepared. 1. Do your research In developing countries, it’s rare that you can just buy a plane ticket, arrive and wing it. You’ll need to research destinations, accommodation, transport options and safety in much more depth than you would for your typical holiday spot. This research should continue right up until you depart. The situations in these countries can change overnight, so you want to be up to date with any dangerous incidents or government warnings. 2. Learn the local customs A little consideration goes a long way. You don’t want to be the obnoxious tourist who is offending locals without even realising it. As part of your research, look into things like appropriate dress code, cultural conventions around touching or the correct type of language to use. You’ll also need to make some observations during your first few days in a country and ensure you’re behaving in an appropriate way. Remember that you are a guest in their community and should be respectful of their beliefs and customs. 3. Be prepared for limited facilities Be prepared for a different level of comfort than you would expect at home or in a first world country. You’ll mostly need to avoid drinking the tap water and the toilets may leave something to be desired. Toiletries can also be hard to come by, so come with your own supply of wet wipes, hand sanitisers or any personal items you need. 4. Choose wisely This applies to everything from your choice of hotel to buying a snack on the street. Even if you’ve booked a hotel online, make sure that you check the security features and quality of the room before you commit to spending the night. Do your own research or ask a travel agent about the safest transport options. Many developing countries don’t have the same standards for their airlines or trains as we do. And when you’re choosing a restaurant, find somewhere that looks clean, busy and is well patronised by locals (not just tourists) – they are the best judges of where to eat. 5. Beware of begging Poverty can be a big problem in many developing countries, so it’s common to see people begging on the street. It’s tempting to give people money, especially when it’s children. While it might seem that you are helping them, handouts from travellers can create an ongoing culture of begging. Instead, look for a local charitable organisation to donate to or approach a local school or church and see if there are any supplies you can purchase for them. 6. Understand bartering and bribery Bartering is a part of life in many developing countries and is expected everywhere from the local market to taxi drivers. Vendors often like to get tourists to play the game and will encourage you to bargain with them, even if you are happy to pay the original price. You don’t want to be ripped off but also remember that while saving a dollar or so means little to you, it can be a big difference to them. You also need to be aware that many of these countries operate on an unofficial system of bribery, so you might be expected to pay a small fee to make a transaction go smoothly. If the amount is small enough, just pay it and move on. 7. Register your travel New Zealand government organisation SafeTravel encourages all travellers to register with them, but this is most important if you’re visiting developing countries. In the event of a disaster, communication can become impossible so it is a good idea if the local embassy knows you are in the country. They may be able to provide assistance or just let your family back home know that you are safe. It’s free and only takes a couple of minutes. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Trans people aren’t new, and neither is their oppression: a history of gender crossing in 19th-century Australia

This article contains references to anti-trans, colonial and institutional violence, and includes information about an Aboriginal person who died in the early 20th century. Anti-transgender hatred is on the rise. Driven by pseudoscience and backed by <a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2023/03/10/anti-trans-disinformation-australia-transphobia/">well-funded far-right pressure groups</a>, part of the premise of the anti-trans “gender critical” movement is that trans people are new and unnatural. History shows us this is not the case. The “trans” prefix emerged in 1910 with Magnus Hirschfeld’s research on “<a href="https://www.transgendermap.com/politics/sexology/magnus-hirschfeld/">transvestism</a>” (initially a medical term). Hirschfeld was a gay German Jewish doctor whose research centre, the <a href="https://magnus-hirschfeld.de/ausstellungen/institute/">Institut für Sexualwissenschaft</a>, has been called the world’s first trans clinic. The institute was destroyed by Nazis in 1933. You might be familiar with this image of Nazi book-burning – the books in question were Hirschfeld’s research. In the 1800s, people who crossed gender categories were not understood to be “transvestites” or transgender, but were referred to as “masqueraders”, “impersonators”, “men-women” and “freaks”. As such, I consider my research to be a work of shared queer and trans history, but not necessarily a history of trans people. I am not interested in how people in the past might have identified today, but in how they lived and how their communities responded to them. <h2>Gender variance in First Nations communities</h2> Far from being new, gender variance on this continent predates Europeans’ arrival in Australia. Several Aboriginal nations have traditions of <a href="https://www.transhub.org.au/trans-mob">culturally specific gender categories</a>. In 2015 the organisation Sisters and Brothers NT noted the terms “Kwarte Kwarte” in Arrernte, “Kungka Kungka” in Pitjantjatjara and Luritja, “Yimpininni” in Tiwi, and “Karnta Pia” in Warlpiri, which can be interpreted as “like a girl”, while “Kungka Wati” in Pintipi and “Girriji Kati” in Waramungu literally mean “woman/man”. Sandy O’Sullivan, a Wiradjuri trans scholar and professor, notes that the imposition of European gender norms on First Nations peoples was part of a broader colonial project that sought to eliminate Indigenous cultures and kinship systems. <h2>Gender transgression in colonial Australia</h2> In colonial Australia, gender transgression was structurally managed via carceral systems such as lunatic asylums, police and prisons. Although there was no formal legislation against cross-dressing or gender-crossing, people were often charged with vagrancy, fraud, sodomy, impersonation or indecent behaviour. A lot of Australian legislation was inherited from or influenced by British legislation, including the 1533 Buggery Act and the 1885 Criminal Law Amendment Act, also known as “An Act to make further provision for the Protection of Women and Girls”, which strengthened existing legislation against homosexuality and sex work. In the 19th century there was no formal or medical process for gender transition. When people crossed gender categories, they did so socially, sometimes for their entire lifetimes. On a local level, gender crossers were frequently accepted in their communities if they met certain conditions. People were more likely to be accepted if they were white, transmasculine, and contributing to the productive workforce. People who were socially marginalised or lacking in support from family and friends were more likely to have hostile interactions with the law and with medicine. <h2>Madness, medicalisation, and criminalisation</h2> Gender transgression over years or decades was often interpreted as evidence of insanity. There were cases such as Tom Hurly, institutionalised in Parramatta Lunatic Asylum in 1861, and Edward de Lacy Evans, institutionalised in Bendigo Hospital and Kew Asylum in 1879. Edward Moate – referred to in the press as “another De Lacy Evans” – was institutionalised in Beechworth Asylum in 1884. The lunatic asylum was a structure that maintained and restored the colonial order. To be discharged and re-enter the community, patients had to demonstrate that their insanity had been “cured”, which for gender transgressors generally meant being forced to detransition. Edward de Lacy Evans was made to return to dressing as a woman and was discharged only a few months after his admission. Edward Moate, on the other hand, refused to provide a female name or reassume a female gender expression, and died in the asylum three years later, still under the name Edward Moate. Vagrancy charges were the most common way of criminalising gender crossing. This was frequently applied to people who lived as women, who were more likely to be seen as dangerously deviant than tolerably eccentric. In 1863, Ellen Maguire was charged with vagrancy in Melbourne for “personating a woman”. Officially, the vagrancy charge was one of “having no visible means of support”, despite most of the court trial focusing on her employment as a sex worker and her supposed deception of her male clients. She was eventually convicted of sodomy and died in prison after six years. Sometimes the twin modes of medicalisation and criminalisation were applied simultaneously. In 1896, the Warengesda Aborigines’ Mission reported an Aboriginal (probably Wiradjuri) youth named H Paroo for “masquerading in the garb of a man”. Paroo was ordered to leave the station, but refused to comply. The station wrote a letter to the Aborigines’ Protection Board asking if Paroo could be removed, either by being “given in charge as a vagrant” or “as not fit to be at large” (that is, as a “wandering lunatic”). <h2>Full and authentic lives</h2> Not everyone who was exposed in the press was vilified or incarcerated as a result. Some people lived full lives in their chosen gender categories, and were only outed after their deaths. In 1893, a farmer named Jack Jorgensen died in Elmore, near Bendigo, and was promptly exposed in the press as yet “another De Lacy Evans”. Jorgensen had suffered an injury at work but refused to go to Bendigo Hospital. He signed his will as Johann Martin Jorgensen, and died at home under the care of his housemates, who knew about his gender but kept the secret until after his death. These stories are important because they show that the criminalisation and pathologisation of gender transgression is not a new phenomenon. Medicine and the justice system have a long history of being weaponised against trans people and anyone trespassing from the gendered status quo. If we are to work towards trans liberation in the present, we must reckon with these histories and address their structural legacies. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/trans-people-arent-new-and-neither-is-their-oppression-a-history-of-gender-crossing-in-19th-century-australia-201663" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

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The worst country for pickpockets revealed

The world's most promiscuous countries revealed