IDAHOBIT: What it takes to be an LGBTQIA+ ally

At MHV we know people’s identities and life experiences — including their sexual orientation and gender identity — can impact their mental health and wellbeing.

Our website states we "advocate for a safe and inclusive society for all people and uphold these values in all we do". That's a nice statement, but what does it mean in practice?

Today is IDAHOBIT — the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination. The IDAHOBIT Australian website profiles a number of IDAHOBIT Champions, who reflect on what it means to be an ally to LGBTQIA+ people.

"An ally is someone who steps up and shows up," says writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law. "As a cisgender gay dude, I recognise that not all people in the LGBTIQA+ spectrum face the same set of issues or experience the same level of prejudice."

"A true ally is always learning,' says Tanya Deans, President of Hanes Australasia. "As a leader, there is no shame in seeking to understand or admitting you don’t know it all."

IDAHOBIT is just one day of the year, but it serves as a reminder that being a good ally is a year-round effort. In the words of queer artist Frances Cannon: "Be a 24/7, 365 days-a-year supporter of queer communities, not just when there are cute parades and parties."

That's a standard we aim to live up to every day. It's why we work closely with LGBTIQA+ organisations and apply an LGBTIQA+ lens to everything we do — from the way we treat our staff to the policies we advocate for to government.

Visit the IDAHOBIT website to find out more about what you can do to stand against LGBTQIA+ discrimination.