Listen. Read. Educate yourself. We’re so lucky that if we’re unsure of terminology or need more information, amazing resources like Minus18 exist. 

We spoke to acclaimed writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law about IDAHOBIT and the importance of LGBTQIA+ inclusion, plus what an effective ally looks like in our current climate.

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

There seems to be this attitude amongst cis-het people – and also a lot of queers – that now same sex marriage is legal, queer people don’t face discrimination. Yet queer Australians are still regularly bullied for being different, fired for their sexuality and demonised for their gender. There’s so much work to do, because there’s still so much hate out there. 

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

LGBTIQA+ inclusion looks like a country where trans and gender diverse people don’t face cruel and unnecessary barriers to be able to update their birth certificates. When anti-queer conversion practices are banned in all states and territories. When the census recognises our relationships. When there are no unnecessary medical procedures performed on intersex people without their consent. When all gender affirming health care is covered by workplaces and Medicare. When staff can’t be fired from religious hospitals and schools for who they are. Should I go on? 

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

The same-sex marriage debate wore me down emotionally way more than I anticipated. It was intense hearing so much hate about you, your community and your relationship for so long. Without even asking, my two younger sisters – both straight – did a letter drop campaign in their neighbourhood telling them why they were voting “yes”, and inviting people to have a chat with them if they were unsure. It made me feel so supported at a time so many of us felt exhausted. 

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?

This year, Australia will have a Referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. We’re different communities – obviously with a lot of overlap (shout out to First Nations queers!) – but I think queer people now have some idea of what it’s like to put your human rights to some kind of public poll. It’s dehumanising, but so important everyone lends their public support to a generous invitation, and simple request. We’re the only developed nation with a colonial history that doesn't recognise its first people in its constitution. It’s time. And I’ll be out there publicly. 

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

Listen. Read. Educate yourself. We’re so lucky that if we’re unsure of terminology or need more information, amazing resources like Minus18 exist. 

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?

Young queer people: you’re amazing not in spite of your differences, but because of them. You make the world more interesting simply by existing. And if you haven’t found them yet, I promise your community – and the best friends you’ll ever have – are waiting for you, right now. I couldn’t be more excited for you! 

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

Oh I’ll celebrate IDAHOBIT simply by being gay. You know, mores.

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Want to learn more about being an ally?

Check out this article for more information