JOHN TERRY MOORE
John Terry Moore is an eighth generation Australian, born, raised and educated in Tasmania, the little island state off the southern coast of the Australian mainland. As a teenager, and in common with many same sex attracted kids, he struggled, not so much with his sexuality, but with poor self image brought on by public opinion.
Notwithstanding, he was a champion single sculler in the 1960’s and was ranked number two in Australia for several years.
He transferred to Melbourne, Victoria in the late 1960’s and entered the corporate world, working in sales and marketing in the auto industry.
In the 1980’s he left Melbourne and went farming near Geelong, Victoria’s largest regional city, commuting daily to General Motors at Port Melbourne, an hour away.
In 1995, he was appointed a civil celebrant; writing, producing and presenting hundreds of weddings, namings and funeral ceremonies, honing the creative skills he had developed throughout his business career.
Semi-retired and in his late 60’s he now lives in Geelong with his partner, Russell, and their two dogs, Licky and Toby.
Over the years, he has become an increasingly strident and persistent voice with politicians, community groups and the general public, encouraging, supporting and driving the push for gay marriage and equal rights for same sex parents and their children.
Driven by his experiences as a funeral celebrant, he understands full well the ultimate penalty young people pay when they feel marginalised by homophobic attitudes and actions in the community.
That gay kids should never feel again that they aren’t as good as straight kids.
That the linkage between youth suicide and gay marriage is clear; ---- only when everyone is treated exactly the same under law will society begin to heal itself.
“Rhythm”, his first complete work has been written sourcing material from his life experiences in sport, farming, the automotive industry and through his role as a civil celebrant. It has been followed by a handbook for celebrants and grieving families entitled “Happy Funerals”. Another novel is in the system based on the love story of two high profile Australian footballers.