Help bring our Tommy back home to Shepparton
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Help bring our brother Tom back home to Shepparton
Our brother Tom Argaet died in Sydney on 31 October 1993 following what in our opinion was a hate crime. Tom's death is mentioned in several articles and books about hate crimes and the 'gay panic defence' – we have listed some below: Tom was buried in Sydney, NSW and we would like to bring his body to Shepparton, Victoria where most of his siblings live, to be buried with his parents and his recently deceased sister at the Pine Lodge cemetery. Tom's surviving siblings live in Shepparton, Wollongong, NSW and on the Gold Coast, Qld. It is difficult for the family to visit his grave in Sydney, NSW. In Shepparton, Tom would be reunited with his family and we could visit regularly. Tom's surviving sisters have plots at Pine Grove as we hope to be buried together.
The defence of homosexual panic was commonly used in court cases at the time of Tom’s death. The outrage in the gay community at the use of this defence forced changes to the law, and we believe that Tom’s death played a part in that change.
Tom was the most gentle and caring man, and is still deeply loved and mourned by his family. It will cost tens of thousands of dollars to move and rebury Tom's body. Our family does not have that kind of money. That is why we are asking for your help. Any contribution can help to bring some justice for Tom and some comfort and closure to his family.
Liz Argaet (one of Tom's seven siblings).
Some of the articles and books that mention Tom’s death:
Organizer
Elizabeth Argaet
Organizer
Shepparton, VIC