Magda comes out for marriageequality

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Matt Akersten

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Tue 14th Feb, 2012 in Local News

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Ending years of rumour and speculation, actress and comedian Magda Szubanski has exited the showbiz closet this Valentine’s Day morning to throw her support behind marriage equality.

The respected star of hit comedy series such as Fast Forward and Kath and Kim, and recently a face of Jenny Craig weight loss, has released this statement:

“I am 1000% in favour of gay marriage. We pay taxes, fight wars for this country, nurse you when you are sick, make you laugh, sing and dance for you, play netball for you, star in your movies, cook your meals, decorate your store windows and chances are gay people designed whatever it is you’re wearing,” she said.

“All Australians, including gay Australians, should have exactly the same rights including the right to love, marry and take care of our partners.

“The law as it stands means that you could be a serial killer and have killed all of your spouses and yet you would still be considered fit to marry. But if you are gay then you are not deemed to be worthy of these same rights.

“The law as it stands is unfair and it needs to be changed to reflect the wonderful, tolerant, live-and-let-live society Australians have created.”

Szubanski’s sexuality has been an open secret in acting circles for years, with media accepting that her personal life was off limits until she herself decided to come out publicly.

The 50-year-old Melbourne-based star was born in the northern England city of Liverpool, with her family moving to Australia when she was five.

Today she issued her coming out statement through the Australian Marriage Equality lobby group, joining several other Aussie film and music icons who have publicly supported marriage equality, including Gina Riley, Jane Turner, Hugh Jackman, Olivia Newton-John, Jimmy Barnes, Angry Anderson, Guy Pearce, David Stratton, Margaret Pomeranz, Stephan Elliot and Lizzie Gardiner.

There are currently two Bills before Parliament which seek to change the Marriage Act to include same sex couples – catch up with the latest here.

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Lazzarus

Lazzarus said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Magda is gorgeous.

feedlimmy

feedlimmy said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Good on you Magda! That's my gurl.

AlishaGirls4Girls

AlishaGirls4Girls said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Get back in there. You have been in a position of power and fame for all this time and have been a coward. Now when so many other brave people from the media spotlight have made it easier for you, and we are on the brink of equality, you come rolling out expecting some sort of pat on the back. Pfft

ensign-charlie

ensign-charlie said on the 14th Feb, 2012

And people like you are probably part of why she DIDN'T come out for so long.

Dsquare

Dsquare said on the 14th Feb, 2012

One of Magda's ex's?

Lazzarus

Lazzarus said on the 14th Feb, 2012

SuzieQ1980

SuzieQ1980 said on the 14th Feb, 2012

datkindagal

datkindagal said on the 14th Feb, 2012

lol I thought she was already out, any way cool you cant come out too many times right.

launerb

launerb said on the 14th Feb, 2012

like this is as huge surprise...

bobbyandmimmi said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Im seeing it on sunrise now!

Ditto

Ditto said on the 14th Feb, 2012

I said pet, I said love, I said this is AWESOME! x

Asherbella

Asherbella said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Magda is a high quality human being; an intelligent, witty woman whose insight is inspirational. I think she's wonderful and respect her greatly.

katie0912 said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Matt Akersten

Matt Akersten said on the 14th Feb, 2012

I have been emailed this clip a few times today...

From Fast Forward in 1995. Magda and the crew at the Gay Games:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPanQpJrsLA

Ditto

Ditto said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Ahhh yes, perfect!

Doolander

Doolander said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Pull your head in ya fool!
At a time like this, we need as many people as we can behind the cause. As mentioned above, It's ignorant people like you who are probably the reason people like Magda haven't come out as yet.

I see you've only got one post up so far.... Try and keep it that way :rolleyes:

MrAsh

MrAsh said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Magda is pathetic to begin with. Her popularity has been due to her constantly ridiculing her appearance, crassness and she always has clearly had low self esteem. I don't see her as a positive role model to anyone.

mark_

mark_ said on the 14th Feb, 2012

^ dear Ash, I'll ignore that remark and say that —even though lots of people think I'm a mysogynistic, humourless old cow— I reckon that Big Girls Blouse is still the best satire has Australia has produced. Better than Humphries!.

MrAsh

MrAsh said on the 14th Feb, 2012

You forgot to add transphobic, anti-Irish and anti-papist.

I see what you mean, yet it was'nt Magda's own show, there were other credible comedic talent performing with her.

Tigger86

Tigger86 said on the 14th Feb, 2012

I've had a crush on Madga since i was 5 years old (that makes it a 20year crush), and now i understand why.
Rock on sweetie, you're inspirational. xoxo

Doolander

Doolander said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Ash, do you know her?
How do you know she's got low self-esteem? Your ignorance is interesting, I thought at least you would understand that some people in the spotlight mean to be portrayed in the way they are.
For all we know, she's very cleverly concocted this rouse that we all seem to buy into. But hey, it's made her a lot of money....

Mary Mary

Mary Mary said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Now we can stop pretending Ellen is funny. Nice one Magda =)

mark_

mark_ said on the 14th Feb, 2012

You're right, Jane Turner, Gina Riley and Margaret Downey are a BRILLIANT combination.

They do satire which reflects the reality of Australian people. They don't do stand-up comedy which relies on penis jokes and battle-of-the-sexes jokes. And they didn't do situation comedy which relies on vilifying others.

No, I am Irish-wary and papist-wary. Am I transphobic? You can tell me in a PM.

Matt Akersten

Matt Akersten said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Seems like she's doing The Project tonight - 6pm on Ten - she should say some cool stuff. http://theprojecttv.com.au/magda-szubanski-the-project.htm

MrAsh

MrAsh said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Ash, do you know her?
How do you know she's got low self-esteem? Your ignorance is interesting, I thought at least you would understand that some people in the spotlight mean to be portrayed in the way they are.
For all we know, she's very cleverly concocted this rouse that we all seem to buy into. But hey, it's made her a lot of money....

She's stated it herself. To be honest I've never liked her style or public persona and have always thought she was a bad role model for women.

Lazzarus

Lazzarus said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Can we at least wait until she's dead before we start trashing her?

flounder

flounder said on the 14th Feb, 2012

WTF A queer with low self esteem, that gotta be a fucking first, sheesh. :rolleyes:

Travis de Jonk

Travis de Jonk said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Love you Magda! Thank you for eventually speaking out.

Virgindirk

Virgindirk said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Your the brightspark that wrote the article "Picking on the pretty aint pretty".

But you seem more than happy to dig your claws into a succesfull showbiz personality who celebrates her own large bodyshape and sends it up instead of being ashamed of it.

Whichwitch said on the 14th Feb, 2012

You've been an inspiration for years Magda... way back to my teens! xx

datkindagal

datkindagal said on the 14th Feb, 2012

I listened to her on the project gay this gay that gay this

she spoke well and there were tears

Steve's a jerk as per usual.

bobbyandmimmi said on the 14th Feb, 2012

I listened to her on the project gay this gay that gay this

she spoke well and there were tears

Steve's a jerk as per usual.
I saw it too, I almost cried. and I agree steve was a jerk with his statement "If gays can Get married, then they will knock on churches demanding to get married, which will cause more problems" My answer to that statement is........... you don't have to get married in a church.
and I loved it when magda said "If there was a pill to make you not gay, I would not take it. Infact there should be a pill to take away pride and prejudice, problem solved"
I said Pet, I said love, I said Gay

Barrin

Barrin said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Religions already have exemptions from the Anti Discrimination Act. Steve Price made a fool of himself.

MrAsh

MrAsh said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Your the brightspark that wrote the article "Picking on the pretty aint pretty".

But you seem more than happy to dig your claws into a succesfull showbiz personality who celebrates her own large bodyshape and sends it up instead of being ashamed of it.

I'm not criticising her primarily due to her body shape, I'm talking about her whole persona. Also I would like to add she isn't that self accepting of herself, as we are led to believe, she is more self depricating than anything else and opens herself to be the brunt of jokes. This gives the OK to the public to do the same to larger people, which just reinforces the notion it's OK to have a joke at others expense due to body image and they won't get offended or hurt since Magda love's it! Which isn't the case at all.

mark_

mark_ said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Lionel Postlethwaites come out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8E_wyvejfI

TheOldie

TheOldie said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Get over yourself.

People come out when they want to whether they are 10 or 70. Its her call not yours.

bobbyandmimmi said on the 14th Feb, 2012

Get over yourself.

People come out when they want to whether they are 10 or 70. Its her call not yours.
yes, I saw the project, and she answered why she diddn't come out earlier, and she said "there is alot of pressure being gay and when to come out, and me back in those days I knew friends who were prosocuted because they were gay" and she was very teary in this. The advice she gave was "only come out, when you feel you are safe, and supported by you loved ones".

Good advice

TheOldie

TheOldie said on the 14th Feb, 2012

yes, I saw the project, and she answered why she diddn't come out earlier, and she said "there is alot of pressure being gay and when to come out, and me back in those days I knew friends who were prosocuted because they were gay" and she was very teary in this. The advice she gave was "only come out, when you feel you are safe, and supported by you loved ones".

Good advice

I have 2 friends ( brothers) and there father came out at age 65 ! have told this story before.

Some people think that at a certain point/age you out yourself. Its not that easy and people come out when they
are comfortable with it.

Dsquare

Dsquare said on the 14th Feb, 2012

But that's why a lot of overweight people use humour to cover up their insecurities. It's false bravado because they know if they don't get in first other people will, and probably be a lot more vicious about it.

It's better to have people laughing with you than at you.

mark_

mark_ said on the 14th Feb, 2012

I watched the interview plus the rival version. I think both used the words 'gay woman'; I don't remember either using using the word 'lesbian'. Perhaps I misheard.

Virgindirk

Virgindirk said on the 14th Feb, 2012

But that's why a lot of overweight people use humour to cover up their insecurities. It's false bravado because they know if they don't get in first other people will, and probably be a lot more vicious about it.

It's better to have people laughing with you than at you.

I quite agree

TheOldie

TheOldie said on the 14th Feb, 2012

My old boss called herself gay . She didnt like the word lesbian. Go figure.

dreadcircus

dreadcircus said on the 14th Feb, 2012

I'm glad she is comfortable enough to come out. As long as she is happy is all that's important. Hopefully the law changes sooner than later. I'm getting sick of hearing Clover Moore's empty wash, spin, repeat fair day speech each year to the point that this year was just mindless dribble. Almost as sickening as the drag queens asking half almost nude men and rodeo clowns in dresses if Mardi GRAS was relevant any more? Just pass the fucking law!!!

deki

deki said on the 14th Feb, 2012

No surprise there. Next. ;)

JustBecause

JustBecause said on the 14th Feb, 2012

But Ash, hasn't she been trying to turn her life around in recent times (Jenny, etc)?............ sound familiar???

That was in the past... people change. They evolve.

coast_boy_21 said on the 15th Feb, 2012

I agree, years ago Ellen was funny as a standup comedian. But now I find her tv show trash, with an audience that seems to laugh for no reason.

trina2004

trina2004 said on the 15th Feb, 2012

Mrash hates a successful female comedian who is comfortable enough in her own skin to make jokes about it?

What a surprise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RliRcBCtpeU

mark_

mark_ said on the 15th Feb, 2012

That trend is happening here too. The microphones in the audience are louder than on the stage.

MrAsh

MrAsh said on the 16th Feb, 2012

Mrash hates a successful female comedian who is comfortable enough in her own skin to make jokes about it?

What a surprise.

Trina I have never liked her work and I doubt she has ever been comfortable in her own skin, if she was she would never have resorted to being a Jenny Craig call girl.

Yet I must say her words about coming out after her trashy commerical T.V. appearance, have been wise.

A cheap shot playing the misogynist accusation card Trina! Couldn't be further from the truth!

trina2004

trina2004 said on the 16th Feb, 2012

Eh you don't have to like her work. I like it, but I can see why people wouldn't.

You can be comfortable with your appearance and still acknowledge that you are not healthy.

Irene

Irene said on the 16th Feb, 2012

I personally don't like the word either. I always do a double take when called one - "oh, yeah, I am a lesbian, I suppose" LOL I personally fail to identify with the word. Don't like the word.

enzyme said on the 16th Feb, 2012

No you're just a humourless tool.
Self deprecating humour is something that is uniquely Australian and frankly I really like it as do 99% of Australians. The fact that we can all have a good laugh at ourselves as Magda does is something to be proud of as it shows humility and also that we don't take ourselves too seriously.
Even if Magda does have "low self esteem", that is most definitely not a reason to judge her but perhaps a reason to show empathy as we all suffer from this at one stage or another in our lives. I don't know her personally so making such a statement would be overly presumptuous anyway. I actually find it odd that you state this in such as way as to imply that its a shameful thing. Are you perfect? I doubt it very much.
I think I speak for most people when I say that we love Magda, she is talented and funny and has brought so much joy and laughter to our lives over the years and now she is standing up and using her high profile for good by joining the battle against the discrimination that sadly still exists in this country and idiots like you want to condemn her!!
So Mr Ash get over yourself. Magda is hilarious and brave which is more than I can say about you.

MrAsh

MrAsh said on the 17th Feb, 2012

No you're just a humourless tool.
Self deprecating humour is something that is uniquely Australian and frankly I really like it as do 99% of Australians. The fact that we can all have a good laugh at ourselves as Magda does is something to be proud of as it shows humility and also that we don't take ourselves too seriously.
Even if Magda does have "low self esteem", that is most definitely not a reason to judge her but perhaps a reason to show empathy as we all suffer from this at one stage or another in our lives. I don't know her personally so making such a statement would be overly presumptuous anyway. I actually find it odd that you state this in such as way as to imply that its a shameful thing. Are you perfect? I doubt it very much.
I think I speak for most people when I say that we love Magda, she is talented and funny and has brought so much joy and laughter to our lives over the years and now she is standing up and using her high profile for good by joining the battle against the discrimination that sadly still exists in this country and idiots like you want to condemn her!!
So Mr Ash get over yourself. Magda is hilarious and brave which is more than I can say about you.

Enzyme you get over yourself. I've always thought Magda is pathetic and always will regardless of her sexuality or whatever way she folds the toilet paper.

Self depreciating humor is fine in your private life to a point and most Australians like it since bullying and cutting successful people down due to tall poppy syndrome is a national past time.

Yet self depricating humour in the public domain isn't acceptable, since it gives the wrong message to people. In Magda's case it was her physical attributes and obesity and I'd love to know how many people were told to suck it up becaue it's funny when they were ridiculed about their weight or appearance because Magda's OK with it.

Also I'm aware that Magda is everyone's golden girl and the 'it' thing at the moment and my honesty about how I feel about her isn't going to go down well with many, yet I'm not going to lie about liking a person or something when I don't, just to please a trend or the 'it' status quo of the moment.

Doolander

Doolander said on the 17th Feb, 2012

Ash, you are clearly only hating on Magda now because it sets you out from the crowd, which is something you love. I don't think you actually think she's pathetic, you're just sensationalising your own views to get a bite back from someone so you have something to argue about. It's tedious and it's boring.
You just like arguing for the sake of an argument. That is the lowest form of intelligence.

Enzyme - Just leave it. It's really not worth it.

MrAsh

MrAsh said on the 17th Feb, 2012

Ash, you are clearly only hating on Magda now because it sets you out from the crowd, which is something you love. I don't think you actually think she's pathetic, you're just sensationalising your own views to get a bite back from someone so you have something to argue about. It's tedious and it's boring.
You just like arguing for the sake of an argument. That is the lowest form of intelligence.

Enzyme - Just leave it. It's really not worth it.

No I actually don't like her and never have and I'm not doing it for attention, I'm just over having to like every damn person who comes out or you get referred to as having internalised homophobia or some other disparaging remark made against you.

That is why I'm standing my ground.

Doolander

Doolander said on the 17th Feb, 2012

No, you're standing your ground because of reasons I mentioned above. If you simply didn't like her, you would just shrug it off and leave it at that. But instead, you had to surround it with this massive controversy and keep fueling it.
There is a big difference between not liking her and calling her pathetic. That's where I can't understand your argument.
And standing your ground? On what basis? No-one said you HAD to like her, but I think a lot of people on here are questioning your reasoning for disliking her so immensely.
Also a big difference between disliking someone, and not liking them.

flounder

flounder said on the 17th Feb, 2012

No, you're standing your ground because of reasons I mentioned above. If you simply didn't like her, you would just shrug it off and leave it at that. But instead, you had to surround it with this massive controversy and keep fueling it.
There is a big difference between not liking her and calling her pathetic. That's where I can't understand your argument.
And standing your ground? On what basis? No-one said you HAD to like her, but I think a lot of people on here are questioning your reasoning for disliking her so immensely.
Also a big difference between disliking someone, and not liking them.

Enzyme - Just leave it. It's really not worth it. - Take your own advice Doolander mate

Doolander

Doolander said on the 17th Feb, 2012

mark_

mark_ said on the 17th Feb, 2012

Ash, Magda Szubanski is an actress who impersonates other people. She doesn't do stand-up comedy nor claim to be a role model or a saint.