Marriage Equality Activists To Marry At The Theatre Where They First Met As Performing Arts Students

Antony McManus and Ron Van Houwelingen met 30 years ago in 1987 when they were both studying drama at what was then called 'Prahran College of TAFE'.

There was an immediate attraction but they were just friends until September when another friend invited them both over to her house to share a bottle of tequila. During that night someone suggested it would be a good idea to hitch-hike to Sydney the next day. Antony says 'It seemed perfectly sensible at the time, but when I awoke the next day I thought to myself, we can't possibly be doing this?'

But they did stick out their thumbs in Sydney Road, and before they knew it there were in Sydney. Something magical happened and within three days they declared their love for one another.

Both having strong personalities, their fellow students didn't think it would last beyond three weeks, as they both would have vocal differences of opinions in class, although they had great respect for each other.

Three years after being together, they both auditioned separately for a play about a gay couple. Despite not knowing they were actually a couple, the director cast them both as she obviously saw a chemistry that would work on stage.

On the occasion of their 6th anniversary in 1993 they had their first commitment ceremony in front of family and friends. The first of many ceremonies they would have at rallies, on TV and even on radio as they became more and more involved in the fight for marriage equality in Australia. Unfortunately, because it took so long for Australia to achieve equality, many of their family and friends are no longer living to witness their legal marriage.

As activists with EQUAL LOVE, they have been campaigning actively for many years and have spoken at rallies and on TV many times, each time hoping that it would happen soon.

'The worst thing about the fight for equality was that we had to go through it, the best thing was meeting some amazing people who will be life-long friends'. Many of these people, including many activists involved in the YES Campaign will be present.

Antony and Ron are finally getting married!

EVENT DETAILS:

Tuesday 09.01.18 at 2pm
David Williamson THEATRE
Melbourne Polytechnic
St. John's Lane
PRAHRAN, VIC.