Author: Michael Kirby
Title: A Private Life
Yan and Katherine’s pick
Michael Kirby was a talented kid who grew up in Concord, then a working class suburb. He was educated in the Public school system, gaining entry into the OC class in Summer Hill Public school, then went on to the selective Fort Street High. His was very Sydneyand indeed, the book gives a very private life.
Kirby has been fighting for justice for many years both as a high court judge and as a retiree. He continues to advocate for human rights for those who suffer from injustice.
Michael Kirby recalls the concerns he had to face in his early career and how he was afraid for his grandfather who was a member of the Communist Party and how he had to hide his homosexuality from his peers and society in general.
He has served as a member on many national and international bodies, including the WHO’s Global Commission on AIDs, the International Commission of Jurists, the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee, and other organizations, Kirby has taken a life long journey from the innerSydneyto various places where he could advocate Human rights.
He has spoken at places like St Ignatius’CatholicCollegefor boys about homophobia in order to promote tolerance and understanding and , journeyed toZambia a country that has been devastated by the HIV pandemic. Where he has appealed for justice and legal assistance for those affected by HIV. Kirby truly believes in justice and love, as he says it is “Love for the vulnerable, the poor and those sick of body and heart’ that drives him from place to place.
The book is written beautifully and sometimes very humorous. In his private life and public life he expresses great passion and sympathy for people who are disadvantaged, and he has made a difference by coming out and declaring his ‘true’ sexuality and thus serving as a ‘role model’ especially for young gay people. In addition to this his decisions as a High court judge are highly respected.
I would suggest this book to everyone.