Exposure is important. Youth growing up today will see changes that earlier generations of LGBTQ+ people would never have expected in their lifetimes, including same sex marriage, openly gay public figures, and positive portrayals of lesbian and gay characters in movies, television and literature.
I recall as a young person not having exposure to many of these things. I wasn’t able to use the internet to retrieve online information about LGBTQ+ issues, safe schools didn’t exist, and there wasn’t really anywhere or anyone to turn to when reaching an age where I started to question my sexual orientation and gender identity.
We know a lot has changed since then, but we still have a long way to go. Widespread discrimination continues to shape LGBTQ+ people’s lives.
It was only a few short years ago in 2017, that the right to marry in Australia was no longer determined by sex or gender. My right to marry my partner was up for debate, became a political issue, and then it became a test of public support through a plebiscite to allow Australians to decide whether same sex marriage should be permitted under the Commonwealth's Marriage Act. 61% of Australians voted yes in the national postal survey, but this was accompanied by continuous debate about the validity of people's relationships, which was traumatising for many.
"It’s up to everyone to make a difference"
I recall the moment all but three MPs voted to legalise same-sex marriage. The cheering in Parliament, the eruption of support of social media, the parties that followed to mark this moment, it gave me so much hope for the future of equality in Australia.
After postponing once (thanks CV-19), I got married this year in April and the moment was bitter-sweet. Not for the fact that I was marrying the person I love, but because I've always believed it would never become legal in my lifetime.
For me, one of the most important things of my day-to-day life is seeing a clear sign of support and belonging within my workplace. I feel extremely privileged to work for a company where your whole self is welcome.
This year the Wear it Purple theme is ‘Start the conversation, Keep it going!’
As a member of the Rainbow Lions Committee, I take part in important discussions, and along with the other committee members, contribute to change.
Outside of those meetings I lead regular conversations with my team, and create opportunities for questions to be asked. Together we’ve discussed the importance of inclusion and allyship, correct use of pronouns, and language to name a few.
I try to take responsibility to keep those around me up to date on LGBTQ+ knowledge, so that it hopefully encourages others to take the initiative to start their own conversations and keep them going. Because it’s up to everyone to make a difference.
I’ll always challenge crappy language, derogatory remarks, and I encourage people when they don’t understand something, to say, "Oh, I just don't get it, can you explain it to me?”
Wearing something purple, or posting a message of support may seem like small gestures, but they can make a huge difference to how LGBTQ+ people feel in our community.
It’s a way of saying, ‘you are safe here, and you belong here’.