(no subject)
so what i didn't notice when i was sent these nosy centrelink forms (which assume there is some chance that i might be sleeping with my male housemate and want to know if they can deduct anything from my payments) was the threat that they'd cancel my payments if i didn't return the forms two days ago. this isn't the usual couple of pages to check who i'm living with, this is an entire thick booklet which seeks to know all details of the relationship, from whether we have an ongoing sexual relationship to whether we have separate living areas or kitchens. i can't help but feel mildly insulted that, since there is a male living in the same house as me, there is a likelyhood that we are covered by the same private insurance, or that i'm being supported financially by him. this booklet doesn't even ask if there is anyone of the same sex living in the house. what is interesting is that, should the person of the opposite sex be married or living de facto with anyone else in the household, i can skip the whole booklet and sign on the last page. so not only does centrelink assume heterosexuality and ignore homosexuality, polyamorous relationships are entirely ruled out. i'm pissed off enough that i have to fill out the forms, but that my lifestyle choices are so narrowly assumed and are even considered relevant!
this would be a much more efficient form:
1. Are you a homosexual?
[ ] No > please answer questions 1-345 regarding the finer details of your personal life and likely relationship with anyone of the opposite sex staying regularly at your address.
[ ] Yes > we don't recognise any relationships you may have, even if your partner is financially supporting you and your children. go to question 346 and sign the statement.
if it was that simple, maybe i would have actually returned the form by now an wouldn't be worrying if i'll be able to afford food and bills for the next month from having my payments cancelled. and then i wouldn't be quite as distracted and would have already started the case note assignment that's due in on monday. i'd be a much more successful and focussed law student if i didn't have to eat or use any electricity. i wonder if i can get an extension on grounds of living in an inherently heterosexist society?