Spread kindness! It's simple really. There are lots of small things that you can do as an ally that can have a great impact on others.

First up, why – in your opinion – are days against discrimination like IDAHOBIT still important?

Days against discrimination are so important because minority groups, such as the LGBTQIA+ community are still feeling unsafe and discriminated against everyday. Homophobia is still an ongoing problem (even though many people think its not) and days like IDAHOBIT are still crucial because the impact of discrimination and homophobic behaviour are often being dismissed, leaving queer people to feel alone and isolated.  

What does effective and impactful LGBTQIA+ inclusion look like to you?

To me, being inclusive looks like people being proactive to ensure everyone feels safe and knows they are loved and accepted no matter of their gender or sexual orientation. This is easily done by not using homophobic slurs in the language you use – and calling out this behaviour in other people.

Can you tell us about an instance when someone was an effective ally to you, and how it made you feel?

My grandfather has been an amazing ally. He was born in the 1950's but has done a lot to learn about all things LGBTQIA+. He also packs a whole lot of beads for the Rainbow Shoelace Project. To have him involved in helping to spread awareness and kindness, makes me feel like he is a great ally to me, and the wider community.

It’s important to be an ally, even when you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. In what ways are you an ally to other communities?

I try to be an ally to other communities by speaking out against discrimination towards minority groups, so they know they are never alone. It’s not up to minority groups to always be the ones to fight the battle against discrimination – it's up to allies to help carry this burden! I always try to speak out as an ally because so often I wish people would do this for me, and my community.

What is your top tip for someone just starting out in their LGBTQIA+ allyship or inclusion journey?

Spread kindness! It's simple really. There are lots of small things that you can do as an ally that can have a great impact on others. For example, you can wear a pride pin, lanyard and rainbow shoelace project beads and by calling out discrimination and bullying.

IDAHOBIT is championed by Minus18, Australia’s charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth. It’s a challenging time for many young people – do you have a message of support for the queer youth of Australia?

You are never alone. Things can be really hard and it can be almost impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel, trust me, I know how hard it is to believe people when they say this, but let's all support each other. You are loved and supported. There is always someone, somewhere to help you. Everything will be ok. Everyone keeps telling me things get better after High School. I hope so. But also – I can't wait for the day that we can also feel happy and welcomed at school.

Is there a particular way you’ll be celebrating IDAHOBIT this year?

I ask people every year to put the Pride/Pride Progress flag up. I’ll be asking my school to raise the flag. I think its really important to raise the Pride/Pride progress flag on days like IDAHOBIT because as a young queer person it makes me feel seen and included.

Do you have a vision for a truly LGBTQIA+ inclusive-Australia

I hope that one day, every single person, regardless of their sexual or gender diversity, can freely and safely be their true authentic self. A world where everyone is kind and no one feels alone and isolated because of who they are. A world where no one is afraid to be who they are. Where everyone is kind and considerate.

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