It is so important to be an ally and uplift other intersections of the queer community different to your own. While I have my own separate experience being a blackfulla in the community, I am still able-bodied and cis, which are privileged intersections compared to my trans siblings and disabled queer siblings.

Meissa Mason (she/her) is an LGBTQIA+ Wiradjuri, Gomeroi, Awabakal, young person – and we spoke to her about the importance of intersectionality and listening in one's allyship, and her message to queer young people in today's climate.

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

Days like IDAHOBIT are still important because we are still fighting for our rights and against discrimination in todays day and age. Homophobia is rampant at the moment, both online and offline in real life. Queer people are being assaulted in the streets, trans people are having their rights taken away, drag queens are being vilified and associated with predators.

We still have days like IDAHOBIT fighting against discrimination because we are still fighting against discrimination! 

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

Being intersectional! It is so important to make sure that both queer people and queer allies are listening to and amplifying everyone in the community – especially some of the most vulnerable members, such as queer people of colour, disabled queer people and trans queer people. 

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

My family have been amazing allies to me. My dad recently stood up for me and my right to exist as a queer person free of homophobia, my mum was so excited for me all Mardi Gras season, my Aunty and Uncle came to watch me in the parade, and my little sissies and cousins always hype me up to be proud and take up space.

It feels incredible to be supported by my family. I didn’t come out until I had graduated high school, moved out of the house and was already an adult, so to be welcomed and loved now that I am out is very healing. 

It's important to be an ally, even when you're a member of the LGBTQIA+ communitv. in what wavs are vou an allv to other communities?

It is so important to be an ally and uplift other intersections of the queer community different to your own. I talk to my queer friends and read works from queer people who have different experiences to my own.

While I have my own separate experience being a blackfulla in the community, I am still able-bodied and cis, which are privileged intersections compared to my trans siblings and disabled queer siblings.

I try to use my platform to amplify and share the voices of those who experience things I never have or will. And I try to stand up and show up where I can for the community. 

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

My top tip would be to listen to community! Talk to your queer friends, read queer media, books or articles, follow queer people online, and listen and learn with an open mind. 

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 vouth of Australia?

It really is a challenging time for queer people at the moment. We are fighting for rights that others have always had, and for rights we already had that have been stripped away recently.

To queer youth: please stay safe. Look after your mental and physical health, please reach out to someone if you need support and help. And most of all, go be happy, be queer, be yourself!

We deserve to not only exist in peace but to celebrate ourselves and our community as well. 

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

If I’m completely honest, I’ll probably be celebrating this year by being my happy, queer self. With everything happening recently and over the past few years it has been incredibly overwhelming and I cherish every moment I get to relax and just feel at peace. 

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