Carl Katter would have to be the most spoken about gay man in Australia at the moment. When your MP half-brother denies the existence of homosexuals, it’s bound to make headlines when you publically out yourself to thousands of people on national television. This week, Carl did exactly that.

Some claim it was an attempt to smear his brother’s reputation, but one just has to look at the Ten News interview with George Negus to understand he was speaking on a topic far beyond the homophobic views of his brother Bob Katter.

Same Same chatted to Carl today and his responses reveal a guy who, just like so many others, realised we can no longer stand by in the shadows as our Government fails to provide equality for all its people, no matter what gender, sexuality or race that they might be.

Hi Carl. Big week for you! So why did you choose to come out now?

Well I hadn’t really looked at it as ‘coming out’. I came out when I was 18 and made damn well sure I had got out of there [North Queensland] before I did so.

Why did I choose to speak up on this issue? Well honestly, I was simply disgusted and appalled at seeing what was going on at that rally, held in the Great Hall of our Parliament House! The hate that was being perpetuated there had floored me… I really haven’t seen anything like it before, the only comparison I could make would be with that of the Cronulla Riots.

I am very keen to find out how such a rally of blatant hate could be held in the Great Hall. I am pretty sure the groups I support would never be able to have such a rally in the great hall… and those groups would be promoting love over hate. Truly Bizarre!

Why do you think Bob has such strong views against the homosexual community?

I don’t know why he has strong views against the homosexual community. I try not to think of him too often!

So far, Bob Katter is refusing interviews, and is reported to have said that the two of you are in an “old family feud” with “no love lost.” What are you thoughts on this?

It’s easy for him to say it’s an old family feud, that it’s not about me doing the right thing. Simply put he is a supporter of hatred, bigotry and homophobia!

Yes he is right, definitely no love lost… just because he is a distant family member does not mean I am going to compromise my beliefs. Wanting to address this hatred is a no brainer for me… it’s all very liberating!

What does the marriage equality debate mean to you?

The marriage equality debate is more about homophobia for me. You know, I may never meet the love of my life and may never get married, but if I have to live in a country where we do not have full equality for all, I need to change that.

The mentors I have had in my life have all been gay people, and amazing people, people who contribute greatly to our communities… and that does not just mean gay communities, it means all communities. For our representatives to not change the marriage act is them pretty much saying ‘we think you are inferior, that you are not relevant in my electorate and I am giving permission to the ignorant haters to keep oppressing you’!

What has the response been like since you came out publicly on TV?

The response to my interview and online video has been amazing, and truly humbling. I now know how many amazing progressive caring people there are throughout Australia and the world! I have been inundated with support and never thought my simple action would get such a positive response.

I want to thank everyone wholeheartedly for their support. Every time I think of the support I have received I really do get a little emotional. Now all I want to see is marriage equality! And just reminders to all please call your federal representative and tell them “I and my friends and family want marriage equality now!”

Has there been any backlash?

There has been a small backlash and there will be more, but that doesn’t bother me at all. One thing you should know about gays and lesbians that have grown up in regional areas – they are bloody tough! I have seen it all before, well some of it. We are talking about very desperate people here who are holding onto the last bit of hate they can perpetuate. I mean let’s be honest here, how desperate they must be to get a CRAZY religious fundamentalist from the US who only made there case even more shameful!

As someone who has grown up in a rural area, is there anything you would like to say to young people struggling with their own sexuality?

To all you amazing, valued, smart gays and lesbians in rural areas, it truly does get better, and you are not the only gays in the village, there will always be more! But you may have to source the life you want, it may take a while for these regions to realise the immense value of you socially and economically. You don’t have to come out, especially if you feel unsafe. But please make sure you know you are amazing and there are many communities who want you and can see the amazing value you have!

Thank you for chatting to us, Carl!

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity!