Pride Foundation Australia was very pleased to be involved at the Better Together conference in June in Geelong. We sponsored $15,000 for over 20 refugees to attend the conference, including their accommodation and transport from as far afield as Mackay in Queensland. We were pleased to meet several people at our stall throughout the conference, and thanks to board member Mollie Hewitt, volunteers Elodiea Wilson and Emily Canizalez for representing PFA. And finally, with Alex from Forcibly Displaced People Network, we presented a session on our involvement in the community refugee sponsorship initiative. Emily spoke from the heart about her experience of being sponsored and living in Australia for almost a year. She emphasised the importance of opening this avenue for people who are being oppressed due to their diverse sexuality, bodies or gender, and that this was a truly life-saving experience for her. Afterwards, a participant told Emily her speech was the most moving of the conference.
It was a large event with over 800 participants, and some excellent sessions on topics including the global backlash against LGBTIQA+ people, mental health, multi-cultural and multi-faith inclusion. A series of sessions occurred on removing conversion practices around Australia and the important work of a new group Survivors of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts (SOGICE). A personal highlight was Jac Tomlin’s 10 tips for rainbow activism, based on her years of experience. She reminded us that it is so important to create a personal connection and express empathy with people we want to influence, even if we disagree with them. And also to be sure to take breaks to find the energy and enable you to stay in the game. Overall, this was an excellent opportunity for LGBTIQA+ communities and allies to meet together, support each other and learn about the great work happening around the country.
We are looking forward to the next conference to be held in Adelaide from 31/10 to 1/11/2025.
