Ro Allen

1. Introduction Particulate organic matter (POM) in aquatic ecosystems acts as ‘hotspots’ for bacteria [1–3] and fungi [4,5]. Microbial processing of POM has impacts on ecosystem functioning, including the biological carbon pump in the open ocean [6] and carbon transfer through freshwater food webs [7].

Ro Allen. Photo: Justin McManus – The Age Those of us living in rainbow communities know all too well how powerful language can be. Too many of us have experienced that uneasy feeling in our stomach when someone has used words to try and belittle us. Language can also leave people feeling excluded in subtle ways – for instance, when somebody makes an assumption about your sexuality or gender.

Happy International Women’s Day! David and Sue talk to Ro Allen, Victorian Gender and Sexuality Commissioner who talks about being the commissioner, International Women’s Day 2019 with a particular focus on trans women and employment opportunities, chillout festival and the religious exemptions changes. Ro also talks about the work being done on family violence issues within the LGBTI community.