Check your own privileges and start by listening, remaining open minded and being respectful to different lived experiences as you learn about them. 

When you confront your own biases, it can be uncomfortable, but remember that ‘ally’ is an action – not a title.

Why is IDAHOBIT – a day against discrimination – so important in 2022?

IDAHOBIT is still incredibly important because, put simply, systemic discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community still exists.

Equality and freedom are fundamental human rights, and yet there are exemptions based on different belief systems that allow harassment, hostility, bullying, isolation, fear and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community to persist. 

We want a world where the community doesn’t have to worry about violence, conversion therapy, or discrimination when it comes to housing, employment, education, opportunities, access to healthcare, bathrooms or justice. These are fundamental rights that are unfortunately a privilege in today’s world. 

And so, IDAHOBIT is a beautiful way to celebrate and honour the humanity of, and champion the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

What are some ways that YOU are an ally to the greater LGBTQIA+ community, and other communities? 

Allyship is for everyone. It’s about standing up for, and standing alongside, the people around you. We all have different lived experiences so, to be an ally to those who have different lived experiences to me, I do many things within the different spaces I take up – from family to professional circles. 

Firstly, it’s important that I speak up when people make harmful comments toward the community. It’s important that I confront my own biases, use my social platforms to share my own lived experiences and champion queer culture, and to respectfully distance myself from people in my life who hold harmful attitudes toward the community.

It’s important to support LGBTQIA+ businesses, stay informed on relevant issues, support politicians and decision-makers who support the community, engage with LGBTQIA+ youth, partner with organisations like Minus18 to add my voice and platform to inclusive discourse and champion LGBTQIA+ initiatives in my work. 

We are all always learning so, most importantly, I try and ensure that I listen with an open mind.

It can be hard to know how to start being an effective ally if you’re just starting out. What’s your top tip for those who might want to start being an ally?

Check your own privileges and start by listening, remaining open minded and being respectful to different lived experiences as you learn about them. 

When you confront your own biases, it can be uncomfortable. But remember, ‘ally’ is an action – not a title. And everything you do can make a difference, from how you listen, your awareness of language, to the charities you choose to support. 

What will you be doing on IDAHOBIT?

On IDAHOBIT, I want to use my social platforms to honour and celebrate activists and businesses from the LGBTQIA+ community and spark inclusive, open and progressive discourse about the purpose of the day.

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