Patricia Karvelas opens up about challenges she faces as a LGBTQIA+ journalist

·

Since she was a teenager, Patricia Karvelas told ABC News she has always been open about her sexuality.

“I have always been open with the people I trust, and that (trust) is the key word,” Karvelas explained about telling people she was gay.

When the Greek Australian began her career in the Canberra press gallery in 2003, she was careful about who she revealed her sexuality to because she thought a number of her colleagues were unsupportive and a number of politicians were unfriendly towards gay rights.

Karvelas worked in the press gallery for ten years, first for The Australian, then for Sky News and the ABC.

She told ABC News that eventually those closest to her in the press gallery knew she was queer, and she also became comfortable disclosing her sexual orientation to politicians she deemed to be “pretty pro-gay,” such as current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Patricia Karvelas. Photo: Scott Mcnaughton.
Patricia Karvelas. Photo: Scott Mcnaughton.

“I think back on those years with a great sense of sadness… as though I’ve missed my youth, and that I wasn’t able to be my full self at work,” Karvelas told ABC News.

The journalist was concerned she would be excluded from networks, left off invites or miss out on stories, if she told everyone she way gay.

In the end, Karvelas said things did get better during her time in the press gallery. She ended up feeling comfortable taking her partner – now wife – to parliamentary balls and introduced her to prime ministers.

Now hosting Q&A on ABC TV and RN Breakfast on Radio National, Karvelas says she’s “very out” and is at a point in her life where she’s happy for anyone to know.

Source: ABC News


Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Maria Sakkari trumps Stefanie Vögele to win first round of US Open

Maria Sakkari fought for more than 2 hours and emerged victorious after a difficult battle with Stefanie Vögele to qualify for the 2nd round of the US Open.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney members enjoy annual Melbourne Cup festivities

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney's annual Melbourne Cup luncheon was successfully held on Tuesday, November 7 at The Kyle Bay.

On This Day in 1453: The Fall of Constantinople

The 29th of May, 1453, marks the end to one of the longest-lasting Medieval powers and the beginning of centuries of Greek oppression.