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 passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

Ange Postecoglou sat down with The Greek Herald to reflect on his philosophy and his cultural heritage. Read the interview here.

Heritage NSW inspects Paragon Café as emergency works get underway

The Paragon Café in Katoomba has taken its first meaningful steps toward preservation following a recent on-site inspection by Heritage NSW.

Māori-Greek artist’s tribute to ancestors lights up Manhattan billboard

Māori-Greek artist Jimmy James Kouratoras has made a striking return to New York, with his painting Hei Tiki – For the Love of Our Ancestors.

Extraordinary Australians wanted for nation’s highest award

Now is the time to give recognition by nominating who you think should be considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

You May Also Like

Thanasi Kokkinakis, Greek tennis stars continue to impress in Adelaide and Melbourne

It was another big day of tennis in Australia on Tuesday, with a number of Greek favourites playing matches in Adelaide and Melbourne.

Easey Street murder suspect Perry Kouroumblis awaits extradition to Australia

Perry Kouroumblis, the man arrested in Rome in connection with the infamous Easey Street murders, is reportedly “worried” but “very calm.”

Cold front ‘Medea’ approaches Athens, leaves Northern Greece snowy

Winter is almost over in Greece but cold front 'Medea' has been sweeping across the country bringing freezing temperatures.