In a January 9 2018 ABC Radio Country interview, host Barry speaks with Joanne Armstrong, a marriage celebrant (and barmaid) based in Margaret River, Western Australia, about the immediate impact of Australia’s same‑sex marriage legislation passed on 7 December 2018. Joanne describes a surge of interest from same‑sex couples—both those who previously held commitment ceremonies and those planning their first legal wedding—who are eager to be treated like any other couple. She explains the practical changes to the Notice of Intended Marriage form, which now includes separate boxes for bride, groom or partner, but notes that the form still excludes transgender couples, leaving some people marginalised. Joanne stresses the need for careful, inclusive language during the ceremony (e.g., who walks down the aisle, how partners are addressed). She shares excitement about community initiatives, including a pop‑up same‑sex wedding festival and the inaugural “Margie Gras” Mardi Gras‑style event in Margaret River scheduled for 10 February, calling for vendors and participants. While celebrating the progress, she acknowledges ongoing negative reactions and the work still required to achieve full acceptance and respect for LGBTQ+ couples. The interview closes with Joanne expressing gratitude for the opportunity to support these couples.
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Now some called it a defining moment in Australia's social history. Others were simply glad the matter was settled for once and all, and some still remain against the idea. I'm talking about same-sex marriage. The legislation passed on December 7th, and just after midnight, the first ceremony was carried out. I wonder what the demand for same-sex marriage ceremonies has been like in WA. Let's go to Joanne Armstrong, who's a marriage celebrant in Margaret River. G'day, Joanne.
Hello again, Barry. How are you?
Good. What sort of interest have you experienced from same-sex couples that are wanting to get married?
It has been really exciting, I have to admit. Couples that had commitment ceremonies previously in the last 7 years that I've been a celebrant have come forward wanting to officiate it and, you know, just want to be treated as normal and get on with it. And then we've also got, you know, I've got a couple that are getting married on the 25th of January, sorry, and they are just looking forward to actually doing the real deal. So there's been so much excitement.
The particulars that need to be sorted out when we're looking at a ceremony involving a same-sex couple, what are some of them?
Firstly, the legislative changes have affected the forms that get filled out, so it's quite nice to have what's called the Notice of Intended Marriage showing different boxes that you can tick where you can show bride, groom, or partner, and you can be a little bit more specific on what people are actually after. Unfortunately, it does rule out transgender couples. Some people don't have a box to tick, unfortunately, so there are still people that are marginalised. But in the actual process of marrying them as well, during the ceremony when you're trying to craft it, you need to be really careful with the language that you use and asking things that are sensitive to those couples. For example, who's going to be walking down the aisle? Who wants to be addressed as bride or groom? When you declare them as husband or husband or wife or wife or partners for life, it's about getting that language correct and making sure that it really suits their needs.
And what about for you as a celebrant here, Joanne? What does it mean?
I have to say I'm just so excited that there's been this change and to see the community come together in the Southwest region, Barry, is I think what is the most fulfilling. Some amazing things happening. There's been local celebrants hosting a pop-up same-sex wedding festival that's going to happen on Valentine's, and we're going to have our very first Margie Gras, a Mardi Gras on Margaret River. So that's on the 10th of February. We don't have much time, so we're calling for vendors and we're calling for interested parties. There's even going to be a real wedding. And I think, you know, if someone is a naysayer or if they are homophobic, good luck to you. You're in the minority.
My guest is Joanne Armstrong, who's a marriage celebrant in Margaret River. Just looking at how things have changed since December 7th, and now marriage ceremonies can be carried out as of midnight or just after midnight last night. It's interesting, Joanne, that you work in another occupation as a barmaid.
I've got many, many different jobs.
Several different occupations. Okay. What do you hear in that context about this whole discussion?
From couples that I'm, you know, doing ceremonies for directly as well as the public, mixed, Barry. I think, you know, whilst it's a cause for celebration, the honest truth is that we've still got a long way to go for people to recognize that simply being kind and giving respect unto others and treating them equally, that's all that's really necessary. You know, I've been privy to hearing Some conversations that have been really, really brutal and awful, and then again, other people that are just so inspiring that I want to work with them. You know, so I think the reality is that there is more positive outcome than there is negative, and people will strive for the better good. And if you are negative or a naysayer with this, then unfortunately, you know, it's just sad because essentially you're closing doors to a great deal of happiness that can exist in this world.
Joanne, thank you for your time this afternoon.
It's an absolute pleasure. Thank you again, Barry.
Joanne Armstrong, who's a marriage celebrant in Margaret River.
