Gay rights advocate Shelley Argent OAM was awarded Queensland Senior Australian of the Year 2011 for her commitment to making Australia a place where gay people have the same rights and respect as others.
In 1998, Shelley’s son told her he was gay and, determined that he not be treated like a second class citizen by society, she has devoted herself to encouraging understanding and acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The 60 year old from The Gap in Brisbane started out donating her time as an education volunteer with the QLD AIDS Council before becoming involved in Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Shelley is now the President of PFLAG and the organisation’s spokesperson. She has also written a series of educational booklets for families of gay people.
Shelley will progress to the national finals where she is in the running for Australian Of They Year - which is announced Jan 26 (Australia Day) 2011.
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