By Frankie Gliddon

1. The first Sydney Mardi Gras was a riot

Tasmania was the last Australian state to decriminalise male homosexuality in 1997 – 22 years after South Australia led the charge. Back then if you were gay, you faced discrimination in all aspects of life – including losing your job. The first Mardi Gras was held on 24 June 1978 and it was similar to the 1969 Stonewall riots in America: a protest. The names of the 53 people arrested were published and they faced severe social and legal penalties.

The first Mardi Gras in Aotearoa – called Gay Day – took place in Auckland on 11 April 1972. Gay Day was broadcast on television, but participants had to deal with jeering onlookers and a generally hostile reception. One of the attendees on that day, Chris Carter, went on to be New Zealand’s first out member of Parliament in 1993. Despite Gay Day’s reception, Aotearoa has a rich history of queerness, seen in the Tūtānekai and Tiki, reflective of ancient love (including same sex couples). In New Zealand consensual sex between men was decriminalised with the Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986.

2. Violence should not be tolerated

Eighty per cent of homophobic comments and assaults happen in schools in Australia. In queer relationships, people experience the same or similar levels of domestic violence as in cis relationships. Organisations such as QLife provide anonymous peer support and referrals for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, bodies, gender, feelings or relationships. Bullying Free NZ found that same/both sex attracted young people in New Zealand are three times more likely to be hurt or bullied at school at least weekly. OutLine has a support line offering specialist counselling.

3. Shining a light is important

Days of visibility bring attention to contemporary issues faced by the queer community. Beyond Blue reports that prejudice includes being refused employment or promotion and more subtle discrimination that reinforces negative stereotypes. Queer people are at far higher risk of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and substance abuse than the broader community. The Trans Day of Visibility, held on 31 March, brings people together and promotes community. Other days of visibility include Lesbian Visibility Day (26 April) and Bi Visibility Day (23 September). There are other types of observations too, including awareness days. These are often used as memorial days or to bring awareness to issues those queer subgroups face.

4. Show them the money

Small businesses run by for the LGBTQIA+ community deserve our support and are the foundation of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace. An Aussie queer-friendly business is that of Frances Cannon, a Melbourne artist who runs their own business exploring topics such as body dysmorphia and dysphoria, self-image, and sexuality. You can find other queer-friendly businesses through resources such as the online directory Rainbow Flag in Australia and Gay Republic in New Zealand.

5. LGBTQIA+ youth need everyone's support

Many issues are still faced by LGBTQIA+ youth, such as a heightened rate of homelessness, domestic abuse and violence, and bullying from peers. The LGBTQIA+ youth will one day become the face of the fight and charities such as Minus18, and websites such as Beyond Blue and TransHub help make this possible.

Pictured: An estimated 50,000 people took part in Pride March over the Sydney Harbour Bridge on 5 March 2023, making a powerful international statement for global LGBTQIA+ equality

Frankie Gliddon is a trans visual artist studying at the National Art School in Sydney. Find their work on Instagram: @_frankheaven_

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