I tweeted yesterday that I had voted “yes” for same sex marriage because who others love is none of my business.
I am sure of that but I made the mistake of thinking the same sex marriage survey was all about LGTBI people. A call from another Gippsland dairy farmer set me straight. It’s about us.
Like gay and lesbian couples, dairy farmers are a minority group. When $1 milk arrived in 2011, I started this blog, frustrated that few Australians seemed to understand why it mattered; why we deserved a fair go.
But there is a difference. The bullying, abuse and vicious attacks LGBTI people often endure is foreign to me. On the contrary, ordinary Australians with no connection to farming whatsoever put their hands in their pockets to buy branded milk during the dairy crisis. Because they understood that everyone deserves a fair go.
The impact of the dairy crisis lingers but, today on RUOK Day, yes, I am okay. And, for that, I owe something to the support of everyday Australians who showed they cared.
The SSM survey cannot test the validity of anyone’s love. It is a test for ordinary Australians like me who expect a fair go. Will we rise to the challenge and return same the respect and tolerance for others that we demand for ourselves?
The Milk Maid Marian 
Always here for you (& your family), Marian
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You are sweet, thank you, Jeanette, and the same goes for you, too.
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So very eloquent as always, Marian. We are not just farmers but members of a vast and varied community.
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I mean how long ago it started at that price.
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I always vote yes for Australian farmers with my shopping and buying. I always vote yes for Australian farmers by telling others about Australian produce and why we need to buy local (or other parts of Australia where we don’t grow the produce locally) I always vote yes for Australian farmers who farm sustainably, care for the environment and the biodiversity in their region. I always vote yes for Australian farmers who provide food for my table. I always vote yes for Australian farmers who grow grapes for my wine. I always vote yes for Australian farmers who know the value of a hug when it’s needed. I always vote yes for North Coast farmers by buying my property supplies and dairy produce from NORCO. I always vote yes for Australian farmers no matter their sexual preference. I always vote yes for Australian farmers!!!
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Another excellent and thoughtful comment Marian. However it is interesting to talk with people who have or plan to vote No. Some very thoughful people are included and they have good reasons. I will vote yes.
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Nice segway….
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