Inspired by Greatness

Walking up the stairs to the Ballroom, I finally had an insight into how Cinderella must have felt; around me were the elite of the elite all gathered in their best suits and dresses. The excitement in the air was practically palpable! Unlike Cinderella’s Ball however, these people weren’t gathered to witness an example of stereotypical love but were here to witness Pride in Diversity’s annual AWEI awards and business luncheon, celebrating companies whose policies promoted equality and supported their LGBT employees.

As the luncheon started, it was clear that the various businesses gathered weren’t in attendance purely for the incredible food or the plentiful alcohol but because they truly believed in equality and in supporting their LGBT employees.  What was surprising about this wasn’t how devoted these businesses were, but the number of businesses devoted to equality. Filling the ballroom were some of the most influential and successful people of Australia, representing companies and organizations that were at the top of their respective fields.  

As the luncheon progressed and the awards were handed out, it was both humbling and inspiring to hear just how far these powerful companies had gone to ensure equitable treatment of all their employees. These practices alone would be enough to make anyone proud of Australian businesses, but it was the actions of one of our national banks that inspired me the most. Out of their thousands of employees, this bank chose to recognize the work and commitment of one of their lowest level employees and his passion from promoting equality both within and outside his work.  What was amazing about this young man wasn’t just his passion but how his employers both supported and encouraged his commitment for promoting equality in his workplace in community.

With only a semester to go until I graduate and start working for the Catholic Education system, I know my employers are unlikely to be as supportive and encouraging of my passion for equality and inclusiveness. However, just knowing that there are others out there devoted to a cause like my own, gives me enough hope that one day I too might help in creating an education system that values and supports the lives of not only its students but its employers as well.

- Matt 

Post-Equal Marriage

Equal marriage has become one of the most topical issues facing our country today – and rightly so. Very rarely does another topic touch the very constitutions of our society and its beliefs regarding equality, justice and dignity.

I would be one of the first to readily admit that I await my Mr Darcy to come along and sweep me off my feet right into the nearest chapel. But tight now, such a dream is not available to me. On the current state of the law, some people are denied the opportunity to celebrate their commitment publicly, not for want of love and affection, fidelity and devotion, but because some other people have said that they shall not. It is, in some bitter irony, truly a struggle between pride and prejudice.

The marriage equality movement is important for two reasons. Directly, it is a movement that aims to secure a civil right. Indirectly it engenders in our society a certain type of discourse where justice and equality take the spotlight.

Justice is an idea. An idea, like a seed, can grow into something big, something strong and powerful. As a seed grows into a tree it bears fruit for all enjoy. So too the labours of civil libertarians will benefit society as a whole. But the seed needs fertile soil, it must be watered and tended to. Same then for ideas - they are mute without their advocates. Our liberal democratic society is fertile soil for justice. If we persevere in our cause, justice will yield the fruit of equality.

This is the hope upon which I ride when I support equal marriage. But at the same time, I am conscious not to lose sight of the battles ahead. We should remember the energy that we gave for our cause, because that is the same energy that we should give to any other cause to advance the welfare of our fellow Australians. Remember especially the energy that our friends and our families gave to supporting our cause, because we should fight for their cause with the same dedication of theirs to ours.

We should keep in mind demographics like youth, Indigenous Australians, immigrants, the elderly, and all those who are on the margins of society. Why should they not enjoy the fruits of equality alongside us and all other Australians? Indeed there are not an insignificant number of us in the LGBT community who fall into one or more of those above demographics. If we stand for diversity, then we should embrace its every facet. Prejudice must necessarily be defeated before we can embrace pride in diversity.

To this end we should recognise that equal marriage is only one facet of discrimination in our society. There is an old adage that there is no rest for the wicked. We must be vigilant against mischief and social injustice. Until the last Australian can walk proudly with their head held high and free from prejudice, we too cannot rest.