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A LOCAL councillor could become Victoria's first mayor who says he is both male and female.
Hobsons Bay Deputy Mayor Tony Briffa, who has publicly spoken on TV about his genetic intersex condition, says on his website he is "not male or female, but both".
Cr Briffa's mayoral run hit a glitch yesterday when his website was accidentally updated, pre-empting his possible victory before the council votes tonight.
"I am the Mayor of the City of Hobsons Bay, having previously served two terms as the Deputy Mayor since being elected to the council in 2008," the website read.
"People I work with know I can lead and influence with honour and integrity and make tough decisions when necessary."
Cr Briffa turned to Twitter to defend the website, saying it was "a demo version of my new website ... if I'm elected".
He told the Herald Sun he did not know the updated "about me" section of his website would be online until after the election results were finalised.
"I am not pre-empting the decision of the council in relation to the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor. That is a decision for the councillors," he said.
"I am keen to take on the role, have announced my candidacy some time ago, and have spent my own personal funds to invest in a new website that will be launched following the election should I be successful."
Cr Briffa has appeared on 60 Minutes twice to talk about his experience being born with physical attributes of both sexes. He was raised as a girl and was not told the truth about his condition until years later.
Full story at: http://www.heraldsun.com.au
STORY UPDATE : Star Observer:
Victoria has its first intersex Mayor with Hobsons Bay City Councillor Tony Briffa winning the top job over night.
The independent councillor in the city’s west recently said he hopes a win would break down taboos associated with having an intersex condition.
Since being elected to Hobsons Bay Council, Briffa has been the driving force behind the municipality advancing on LGBTI issues.
The council has hosted events for Melbourne queer cultural festival Midsumma and developed an inter-council liaison group to look at LGBTI issues, including recommending local libraries stock queer literature.
At the launch of the Midsumma program last month, Briffa said if he was elected he would become the first mayor to march in the annual Pride March in mayoral robes. More at: http://www.starobserver.com.au
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