Brett started publishing his own LGBT+ magazine in 2004. He is the Publisher & Editor of Q Magazine, born in Cairns, based in Melbourne, Australia. Brett has been an advocate for his community for over 40 years. He served 12 years on the Board of InterPride. He spent 4 years as the Region 20 Director, 4 years as Secretary, and 4 years as Co-President. During this time, he also served as Co-Chair of the Communications and the WorldPride Committees of InterPride.
After his constitutionally enforced retirement from InterPride, Brett spent almost three years as CEO and head editor with GayFriendly.com and Senior Advisor to Pride365. Like most good things, it came to an abrupt end. As a result, his finances are in tatters. The added stress caused by his ten-day stay at the Alfred Hospital’s ICU compounds the situation. He can only ‘make a buck’ from his home office. He does this by publishing and editing Q Magazine and designing websites. C’est la vie.
His community service has included leading many organisations in Victoria. Among the list are PLWHA (Victoria), now called Positive Living Victoria. It is an advocacy organisation for people living with HIV/AIDS. There is also GLOBE, the gay and lesbian organisation for business and enterprise; the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, which is now called Victorian Rainbow Lobby; the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee for LGBTI issues in Victoria; and the Monash City Advisory Board for the LGBTIQA+ communities.
“I believe that if you recognise as a member of a particular community, you should do whatever you can. You should work for and with that community,” Brett said. “Volunteering can be frustrating at times. Still, the rewards outweigh the angst. You live with the hope that your work will make a difference in some way, shape or form.”
Brett is now focused on the political landscape. He holds multiple positions in his local branch. He serves as the Chairman, President, and State Council representative. He also represents Oakleigh on the Southern Metropolitan Region Electorate Conference.
