Queer Community Leader Faces Backlash for Joining Liberal Party

It is from ABC Geelong.

The topic is elections.

It was published on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 9:32 am.

Andy Pobjoy wants to change the Liberal Party from the inside.

In short, a queer leader is running for the Liberal Party.

Andy Pobjoy is a well-known queer figure in Geelong and has been chosen as a Liberal candidate.

Many people in the LGBTQIA+ community are upset about his decision.

What happens next is important.

Mr. Pobjoy is disappointed by the backlash and wants to make a difference.

A prominent LGBTQIA+ figure in Geelong is facing criticism for joining the Liberal Party.

Andy Pobjoy, a gay business owner, is running for the Liberal Party in the upcoming state election.

Mr. Pobjoy is a well-known figure in Geelong's queer community.

His business, the Piano Bar, is a popular spot for drag performances and sponsors a queer advocacy group.

However, many people are criticizing Mr. Pobjoy for joining the Liberal Party due to its record on LGBTQIA+ issues.

Andy Pobjoy is known as 'the Piano Man' and owns a popular business in Geelong.

Queer community figures are speaking out against Mr. Pobjoy's decision.

Geelong Rainbow, a queer advocacy group, is disappointed in Mr. Pobjoy's decision to join the Liberal Party.

The group feels that Mr. Pobjoy's actions are a betrayal, especially since he has profited from the queer community.

Andy Pobjoy has been involved with Geelong Rainbow in the past.

Bev McArthur, a Liberal Party member, has been criticized for her views on LGBTQIA+ issues.

Ms. McArthur has been involved in Mr. Pobjoy's campaign and has spoken out against drag storytime events.

She has also voted against banning gay conversion therapy.

Drag performer Goldie Cox feels betrayed by Mr. Pobjoy's decision to join the Liberal Party.

Goldie Cox has worked with Mr. Pobjoy in the past and feels that his actions are a slap in the face to the queer community.

Goldie Cox is a well-known drag performer in Geelong.

The backlash against Mr. Pobjoy has made it difficult for some people to feel safe in queer spaces.

The feeling of betrayal is not just about politics, but about feeling let down by someone who was supposed to be an ally.

The backlash against Mr. Pobjoy has been prominent on social media.

Mr. Pobjoy wants to make a difference in the Liberal Party.

He is disappointed by the backlash and feels that he is being judged unfairly.

Mr. Pobjoy believes that he can make a positive change in the Liberal Party.

The Piano Bar has hosted many drag events and has been a safe space for the queer community.

Mr. Pobjoy believes that his values align with those of the Liberal Party.

He thinks that the emphasis on individual freedoms is important for the queer community.

Mr. Pobjoy does not think that he is compromising his values by joining the Liberal Party.

He believes that he can add a unique perspective to the party and make a difference.

Mr. Pobjoy thinks that being part of the Liberal Party will give him a chance to make his voice heard.

He believes that diversity is important and that having different perspectives can lead to better decisions.

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