HELEN SABINE PASLEY

Here is the email read sunday evening, with great sadness,

Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2009
From: Trisha Priestly <foxxxyvixxxin@rocketmail.com>

Radek (Rudi) and Trish are very sad to announce the passing of our magnificent friend Helen Sabine Pasley. Helen passed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the 11/07/2009 at approximately 6:10pm, due to a dissection of the aorta. She will be sadly missed.

Funeral arrangements will be made this week.

If you would like to contact us, please see the details below:
Trish: 0400 164 915
Rudi: 0403 727 516
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009
From: helen <rama700@bigpond.net.au>
To: [Show Addresses - 45 recipients]
Subject: Fw: Funeral Notice

The arrangements have been made for the final farewell of Helen Pasley.

A mini service will be held this saturday at noon at the:
My Way Funerals
151 South Road
Ridleyton SA 5008

Followed by driving Ms Pasley to the beach for the scattering of her ashes. This will be at Grange Beach.

Then as requested by Ms Pasley, there will be a wake (PISS UP) at her house.

Please bring a plate (finger-food, etc.), BYO drinks, Helen's favourite drop will be provided for a toast.

Friends of Helen only please.

Many thanks,
Radek and Trish
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Whether in her personal life or as co-founder of lesbiantribune.com Helen was unquestionably an outstanding loving person with a zest for life. HP was strong and unwavering in her beliefs for equality in all its facets for all beings.

Hailing from Sydney, HP as she liked to be known settled in Adelaide over 20 years ago. HP lived through some of the worst discrimination this country Australia has seen. One of the original members of CAMP (Campaign Against Moral Persecution), and as a 78er she believed in Gay Liberation. Without Gay Liberation there would have been no Mardi Gras as we know it today ... Without Mardi Gras there would have been no equal rights legislation ... We still have a way to go.

Helen Sabine Pasley left us yesterday, Saturday 11 July at 6:10pm. HP will be sadly missed indefinitely.

Our prayers are with her, her extended family and dear friends.

Though our tears flow, let us come together and celebrate her life as she would wish us too.

As a true friend she was a gift to treasure, one that is unforgettable and in our thoughts now and forever, never far away.

Helen co-founded Lesbian Tribune. Without her lesbiantribune.com would have remained an idea, but she thought it was worth pursuing. HP was passionate about our rights to be equal under the law like any other person.

As a great friend she was the first lesbian i ever met, and the longest friend i've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

With that big belly laugh of hers which would enliven a room, let us all begin anew with the love she showered on us and celebrate her gracious, gently life, and enjoy the spirit she has left us to carry on.

No words can ever truly express the sadness when a loved one has physically left us. Love always remains when they have been a gift. HP was always present.

LT or lesbiantribune.com was co-founded in mid May 2004 by Helen Pasley (HP) & Linda Paterson - who have shared a friendship, since the late 1980's. We believed it would be a good idea to start a web based information site for lesbians & lesbians who are visiting South Australia ... here it is! We hope you enjoy your visits & garner invaluable information & inspiration from the LT web.
"... a special place for lesbians to comfortably go to - we would like contact & input - this site can become what you wish it to be." ... Helen (HP), May 2004


I'm usually not one to do an editorial, however a passing of a loved one can bring upon unrestrained thoughts ...

HP was passionate about our rights to be equal under the law like any other person. - we are still yet to achieve this and achieve this we hope to because history has shown liberty prevails against all odds. I believe total equal rights for all gendered people today is a birth right not to be discriminated against, yet still legislation in many jurisdictions is behind. We are yet to totally achieve it, yet i see it.

When marriage is a right for all adults (rather than a point for discrimination) we will surely have achieved freedom for all. And that's what it truly is, freedom for all. Until there is equality for all and that means full legal rights from birth to the grave, even the seemingly in discriminated against are not free. Likewise, just because we have the right to marriage, doesn't mean we will all want to marry, but we deserve the right to marriage like any other adult.

Imagine this, because this is the reality: because as adults we are not given equal rights to marriage and every other right heterosexuals have under the law, our brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, nieces, parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties, sons and daughters, and grandchildren, feel ostracised by society also, that their own flesh and blood is less than within law, and how do you think that makes them feel. Sad. It's about time governments legislate with the heart and make all adults equal under the law. There is nothing to fear. Whatever percent of the population, whether five or ten percent, all minorities need full rights and those full rights protected under the law equally. Just because a group is a minority shouldn't mean the majority should disregard them full equality.

It's when one knows what it's like to be persecuted against year after year, that they are less likely to wish that persecution on anyone else. If only heterosexuals could put themselves in our shoes for a change. We aren't any different, we just have fewer rights. In our shoes they would hopefully realise, that this ongoing discrimination is wrong. i know it is. This isn't about religion - this is about love for one another. This isn't about who doesn't want change, it's about those that do, and do deserve such.

I like HP would want equality for not just us but our families. We as homosexuals are tired of seeing not only ourselves, but our family and friends also struggle with our lack of equality. Yes, it does affect them also. And i for one am tired, tired of it. I would love to feel my family's relief when their child, like all children are fully equal under the law. Bring it on. It's high time.

I shall sadly miss HP as a physical person, that laugh and hug, and the type of person she was, and that's was a person not to persecute another by one's own prejudices. She did not persecute, as she had no prejudices. I will sadly miss HP's true friendship and the love she shared.

Co-founder
Linda Paterson

Following are some emails received about Helen from some friends:
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009
From: Kathryn <kathy_y@iinet.net.au>
To: info@lesbiantribune.com
Subject: Re: TRIBUTE TO HELEN SABINE PASLEY

Hi Linda

I took that photo of Helen at the helm or the Windeward Bound. It had been a lovely day on the ship as we sailed up the Port River and back. I wanted to take a few photos of Captain Parry, and of Helen at the helm before leaving the ship moored at Port Adelaide. The sun was setting and at the helm Helen would be looking toward the setting sun ... I think the photo reflects Helen's spirit... I was happy that she really loved that photo, and feel it is fitting that it is used in remembrance of her.

The photo itself is a slightly cropped version of the original, to remove some buildings in the background... I feel it is a powerful image, reflective of Helen.

I will and do miss Helen. She was rich in spirit and heart, and from those places, she gave freely. We who have been fortunate to receive those gifts from Helen will carry them within us, and we in turn will be able to pass those gifts on to others.

Thank you Helen,

Kathryn
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009
From: "Ursh :: OnlineIQ" <ursh@onlineiq.biz>
To: linda@lindapaterson.com
Subject: So sorry to hear your news

Hi Linda,

So sorry to hear the news about Helen. She really was a pioneer and gave so much of herself to others.

I know she was also a very close friend of yours, so my thoughts go out to you. I know she would have treasured your friendship as the two of you worked hard together in creating a better space for those women who needed support and resources.

take care
Ursh xx
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009
From: Lynn <llyn52@gmail.com>
To: info@lesbiantribune.com
Subject: Re: TRIBUTE TO HELEN SABINE PASLEY

Hey Linda - it is terrible - I am flying down on Tues. Will you be attendingthe funeral on Sat? I have contacted Sydney Star Observer and they are doing an obituary for her .... I cant believe it ....

Lynn
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Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009
From: Liz James <liz@pinksofa.com>
To: LINDA PATERSON <info@lesbiantribune.com>
Subject: RE: TRIBUTE TO HELEN SABINE PASLEY

Hi Linda,

Sorry to hear the sad news regarding Helen's passing.

I know you were very close and I hope you are ok.

Thanks for passing this on.

Kind Regards,
Liz

GaggleHouse Pty Ltd

Liz James | CEO
P +618 8241 7100 | F =618 83400989 | E liz@gagglehouse.com
www.gagglehouse.com
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Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009
From: "crone.hill" <crone.hill@xtra.co.nz>
To: info@lesbiantribune.com
Subject: Re: TRIBUTE TO HELEN SABINE PASLEY

thanks for this!

HP has been my friend since 1961 an a lot of water under the bridge since then. we were friends in Melbourne and then she moved to Sydney but that was ok because I went to Canberra and stayed with her from time to time when I had work in Sydney. after she moved to Adelaide we saw each other rather less often but kept in touch. I was in Oz in May for my 70th but in Qld and do regret not having had the time or the money to include Adelaide in that trip. I promised to come "next time" and now there won't be a next time.

I will miss you in my life HP. you have been a good and honourable friend.
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Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009
From: "crone.hill" <crone.hill@xtra.co.nz>
Subject: Re: Funeral Notice

Would love to be there but getting from here to there rather impractical in the time-frame! so will be joining you all in spirit! Many of you I do not know but there are several names that are familiar. Please keep in touch - as I mourn the loss of a very long time friend.

marion norman paull
nelson NZ
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Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009
From: David <jobling@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Goodbye

Vale Helen, what a wonderful woman.

David
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Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009
From: Lynn <llyn52@gmail.com>
To: info@lesbiantribune.com
Subject: Fwd: Helen Pasley

Here is some info that I sent to the Star Observer

Greetings Ani,

I have just spoken with you but here is some more information - Helen's father was to be sent to Sandringham in the UK for military training but he ran away instead and ended up living in New Guinea. He married Helens mother who was one of the Heales associated with Healesville in Victoria and they had Helen (an only child).

Helen was born in Australia but spent her early years in New Guinea leaving when WW2 intruded. She was sent to stay with her Grandmother (the Countess) who taught French at SCEGGS Redlands, Helen was sent inland when the Japanese mini subs invaded the harbour and she stayed for several months at a farm returning to live with her Grandmother in Rose Bay. When she turned 15 her father sent for her to come and help them in NG in a trading station and she was met at the airport by him bearing a cigarette and a glass of champagne telling her she was an adult now.

Helen learnt to shoot a .22 and could "shoot the eye out of a boar" which they needed for food as supplies were scarce. She was infamous in NG on her motor bike but returned to Sydney in her early 20's. She stayed with grandmother and at one time dated David Lloyd Jones but was looking for ways to express her preference for women.

She said the first time she went to a gay hotel "they' were dressed either as men or women and one of the butch dykes told her she had to make up her mind so she became a butch dyke, but avoided the fights. Helen had a "posh" voice and she always sought to downplay her accent and speak "normally". Though she could use it when she wanted.

Once whilst dressed in black leathers and riding her bike on the back road around Centenial Park she was abused by a passing motorist as a bikie - she stopped beside him at the lights, removed her helmet and said "God Bless you, sir!" in her most posh accent. Later she said she meant "cur" not "sir".

Helen was loved by many people and indeed she loved many people.

Two significant relationships from her days in Sydney were with Chris Aubin and Lynn Thomas. Chris was with Helen in the pre-womens liberation and gay liberation days of the 60's. Lynn met Helen in the early 70's as she became more political, attending demonstrations and rallies in support of gay liberations and womens lib. Helen and Lynn lived together and worked as leathercraftswomen from 1975 until 1981 selling at craft markets, market stalls and craft exhibitions, she was reputed to be the second best leatherworker in Australia by the person reputed to be the best at that time. We travelled from Sydney to Daintree selling our work as we made it and teaching many small children how to make keyrings. My relationship with Helen ended in 1981 but our friendship stayed and we were in phone and email contact regularly with occasional visits after Helen moved to Adelaide in approx 1983.

Helen forged a whole new network of friends whilst in Adelaide amongst them a 17 year old boy named Radek (Rudi) who became a close friend and confidante. In later years she also developed a close friendship with Trish who regarded Helen as her best friendship despite their almost 50 year age difference - Helen was that type of person, she ignored social conventions and developed friendships as and when the opportunities arose.

I loved her deeply she was the first family that I had ever really known. Her death will leave a big hole in my life but she did not want people to mourn her but to celebrate her life. With that in mind her body is to be cremated, there will not be a funeral service as such as Helen was not religious but spiritual and she goes to the goddess. Helen's ashes will be spread at the beach in Adelaide on Sat morning - her friends are invited to attend and come for drinks afterwards to celebrate her life.

Helens family (the Pasleys) were famous sea-going aristocracy who funded Matthew Flinders on his journey around Australia - hence the ashes scattered at sea.

I have spoken with Robyn who says she will call you and I have left a message with Col also, regarding information about the early CAMP stuff.

Thanks - I am sorry I was not very erudite when we spoke - I am ok until I start talking about it and then I start crying again.

Regards
Lynn

Just in case anyone does contact you and wants to speak with me my mob is 0425 347 621 or my email addy llyn52@gmail.com

2009/7/13 Ani Lamont <ani.lamont@starobserver.com.au>

Hi Lynn,

I'm a journalist with the Sydney Star Observer.

I'd like to get in touch with you about writing up a story on Helen Pasley.

I've left a couple of messages on your phone, but thought there might be good chance of getting you here to.

If you could give me a call on 02 8263 0510 as soon as possible, that would be great.

Cheers

Ani

Ani Lamont Journalist SSO Media
Phone: 8263 0510 Mobile: 0415 602 081 Fax: +612 8569 1394
Address: Level 3, 21 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Email: ani.lamont@starobserver.com.au
Web: www.starobserver.com.au


Another ‘78er lost
Category: Community, News Author: Ani Lamont Posted: Tuesday, 14 July 2009

One of the original members of CAMP (Campaign Against Moral Persecution), Helen Pasley, has died aged 74 years.

Born in 1934, the cause of gay rights took on particular personal importance for Pasley after being dishonourably discharged from the army for concerns around her sexuality.

Throughout the ‘70s she became a regular presence at women’s liberation and gay and lesbian rights marches, including the original 1978 Oxford St riots which went on to spawn Mardi Gras.

Having grown up in New Guinea for most of her early life, Pasley was made of strong resolve and strong character. By age 20 she could ride a motorbike and shoot the eye out of a boar with a .22 calibre shotgun. It would have been a stark contrast to return to Sydney in the ‘50s to live with her aunt, a French teacher.

It was in Sydney where she first found the world of underground lesbian bars. Pasley told friends of how her first experience at a gay bar had been a confronting one. With everyone dressed in either male or female clothing, she was approached by a butch dyke and told to ‘pick a side’. And so she became a motorbike riding, leather wearing butch dyke who maintained the voice of an aristocrat when needed.

Paisley’s former partner and longtime friend Lynn Thompson recalled how Pasley was verbally abused by other motorists for being a bikie while out riding one day. She waited until the next set of lights to remove her helmet, turn to the other driver, and in her poshest of accents say, ‘God bless you sir’.

Leather became more than a passion for Pasley as she developed her skills as a leather craftswoman. Creating fine hand-made products, she was named the second finest leather worker in the country — an accolade bestowed upon her by the then premiere leather worker at the time.

She continued to create pieces and hone her skill right up until she was hospitalised this year.
Her ashes will be scattered this Saturday at a ceremony on a beach in Adelaide, to be followed by a wake.
info: For further details contact Lynn Thomas at lynn52@gmail.com.

http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2009/07/14/another-78er-lost/14438
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Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009
From: Scott McGuinness <scott.mcguinness@eevolution.com.au>
To: info@lesbiantribune.com
Subject: online at blaze

http://blaze.e-p.net.au/news/vale-helen-pasley-111134-11709-3033.html

cheers

Scott
Scott McGuinness
Editor Blaze
Evolution Publishing
T: (08) 8223 7255 | F: (08) 8223 7377
E: scott.mcguinness@eevolution.com.au
<mailto:scott.mcguinness@eevolution.com.au&gt;
W: www.eevolution.com.au <http://www.eevolution.com.au/>

Evolution Publishing Pty Ltd
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Head Office Level 3, 140 William Street, East Sydney, NSW 2010
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Helen Pasley 11.11.34 - 11.7.09
Written by Ron Hughes
Wednesday, 15 July 2009 12:16

Helen Sabine Pasley co-founder of lesbiantribune.com passed away in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Saturday July 11.

An original 78er Pasley was “strong and unwavering in her beliefs for equality in all its facets for all beings,” her friend and lesbiantribune.com co-founder Linda Paterson said in a statement.

Pasley and Paterson started up lesbiantribune.com in 2004 as an information site for lesbians living in or visiting South Australia.

HP, as she liked to be known, came originally from Sydney but settled in Adelaide over 20 years ago. Paterson said HP had lived through "some of the worst discrimination this country Australia has seen."

Paterson said Pasley's personal charisma, courage and spirit would continue to inspire those who knew her.

"With that big belly laugh of hers which would enliven a room, let us all begin anew with the love she showered on us and celebrate her gracious, gentle life, and enjoy the spirit she has left us to carry on," Paterson said.

Photo by Kathryn Michaelsen lesbiantribune.com
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Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009
From: dawn marshall <dawnteegs@hotmail.com>
To: info@lesbiantribune.com
Subject: My dear friend HP / Helen Pasley

Our dear HP -
I was privileged to know HP for the last 25 years.
We knew each others partners and pets.
She looked after my daughter Tegan, played computer games with her, and took her into town on the bus,
walked through the mall to see the brass pigs and have a hot chocolate.
HP was always there, to pop in on, or ring and have a chat.
I remember the day she asked me about joining the Adelaide Gay and Lesbian Qwire,
and I said yes they take anybody!
She asked what part she could sing, and when I told her she would be joining the boys,
well talk about the cat who got the cream!
Her dream came true - she was one of the boys!
She sang with us till last year, and still joined us for concerts and social gatherings.
I miss the old bugger terribly.
We had some great laughs, and I have some lovely memories of her, as I know everybody who knew her does.
RIP wherever you are - and I'm sure you are somewhere toasty warm!
All our love and hugs .... Dawn and Tegan xo

'Settle with the past - Engage with the present - Believe in the future.'

Dawn
0402 720 64
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Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009
From: jane <janemowbray@yahoo.com.au>

Hi Everyone,

I was very sad to hear of Helen's death and remember so many times spent with her and the fabulous stories she told. Maybe Sydney people would like to get together for a drink/dinner to reminisce. Lyn, Robyn, Col ... let me know if you'd like to get together.

I think I'll make a donation to the cat protection society in Helen's name.

Thanks to all Helen's SA friends who are arranging her send off.

Jane
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Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009
From: g g <gods_gnome@yahoo.com>
To: <info@lesbiantribune.com>
Subject: Re: TRIBUTE TO HP ON LT.

Dear Linda,

I met Helen back in 73 and we both served on the committee of CAMP NSW, and later became her book-keeper and filed her annual tax papers.

The phrase I believe most describes Helen is, "Come and tell Mother all about it." In all those years just how many people did she take under her wing, and help with their problems.

To me Helen will always be "Mother".

I miss her so much, but I know I will catch up again with her one day.

Rev Vera Bourne
..................................................

Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009
From: David & Chris <dbscpm@internode.on.net>
Subject: Re: Funeral Notice

A truly wonderful person whom I admired as one of those rare individuals totally comfortable about who they are and not needing to impress anybody, just see me for who I am and stick around if you want to come for the ride,

Christopher Meegan ... a choir companion and friend
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Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2009
From: Margie Fischer <margiefischer@ozemail.com.au>
Subject: Re: Helen Pasley

Dear Radek, Trish and the many friends of Helen Pasley ...

Yes, Helen was magnificent ... I knew Helen over the Feast years.

I remember her performing in Car Crash, sharing some of her stories in Feast¹s Extraordinary Lives project in 2006, her leatherwork, many great conversations with her.

Her life force was strong, she was funny, she was bold and wonderful.

I am sad she is no longer with us. I know that there is a recording of the Extraordinary Lives project and I will try to find where it is if no one has done so yet. Let me know.

Hope the wake was a good one celebrating the unique person that was Helen.

Lots of love to you,
Margie
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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009
From: dawn marshall <dawnteegs@hotmail.com>
Subject: HP's Memorial 18th July 2009

Thanks to everyone for helping

to send off HP as she wanted -
she will be very missed -

......Dawn & Tegan xo
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Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009
From: Harriet Veitch <hveitch@fairfaxmedia.com.au>
To: "info@lesbiantribune.com" <info@lesbiantribune.com>
Subject: Helen Sabine Pasley obituary

Dear Ms Paterson,

The News Desk here at the Sydney Morning Herald sent your email about Ms Pasley to us in the obituary department.

Reading through the tributes and stories about HP, we think her story would make an excellent obituary and so I am writing to see if you are the best person to ask about her background, family and life journey. Or, if you aren't, who you would recommend I could talk to.

Yours sincerely,

Harriet Veitch
SMH Obituaries
(02) 9282 2742
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Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2009
From: Harriet Veitch <hveitch@fairfaxmedia.com.au>
To: LINDA PATERSON <info@lesbiantribune.com>
Subject: RE: Helen Sabine Pasley obituary

Dear Linda,

Thank you for all this. I'll keep in touch. It will be no problem for you to include the obit (once it is done, of course!) on your website.

Harriet
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