December 17, 2014 

Yesterday in Sydney a terrible thing happened.

A mad idiot with a complex acted out the frustrations of his own life by taking a gun into a city cafe and staging a siege, which saw 17 people held hostage.

Fifteen of the hostages were eventually able to escape but, after 16 hours, one man - Mr Tori Johnson, the manager of the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place where these terrible things happened - lost his life when he tried to take the weapon away from the gunman.

Sydney lost two fine people yesterday, as a local lawyer and mother of three was also killed.

What struck me today though is that in so many media reports, the fact that Tori Johnson was a hero is repeatedly mentioned - but minus one key fact.

What many media reports fail to mention is that Johnson leaves behind a partner he has shared his life with for years.

A man called Thomas Zinn with whom Johnson lived at their home in Sydney's Redfern.

Yesterday's events were beyond terrible - but mentioning the fact that Johnson leaves behind grieving parents yet not mentioning his life partner at all has been really bothering me as I read today through various news articles about what happened. Most managed to avoid mentioning he had a long term partner. They mention his parents. They interview friends. One even quoted a former boss.

USA Today mentions a personal friend of Johnson's, as well as a work colleague - but not Zinn.

Thanks to Tori Johnson's bravery, more people got out of that place alive yesterday.

Here is one article that does mention Thomas Zinn and reports their relationship to be a longstanding one - of 14 years duration. A very significant life relationship and one that warrants mentioning in acknowledging the whole of Johnson's life.

Surely he deserves nothing less.

For Thomas Zinn, and Johnson's parents - Ken and Rowena - and all those who loved Tori Johnson, their grief must be immense.

Good on you Tori Johnson.

Tori Johnson is not a hero because he is gay. 

He just is.








-- Ian Johnson, CEO, Out Now.

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