I work hard as a leader to practice inclusion. I try not leave things to chance. I have consciously chosen to use inclusive language and as a leader I have sought to create a physically, socially, and emotionally safe work place free from discrimination.

That said, it wasn’t until I worked in a national organisation from 2017 onwards that I started to identify ways I could do more, and better.

I had always been keen to speak up, and advocate for LGBTIQA+ staff members, but it was not until I encountered the term ‘ally’ that I worked out that the role I was trying to perform had a label.

Now I readily admit it is an ongoing learning curve to maintain currency of understanding of the development of labels, terminology, flags and symbols, however, beyond that it is a mindset and commitment to ‘walk your talk’, to be a decent human; a citizen that cares and is proactive to confront discrimination in all its forms.

Outward actions I take at work include displaying my pronouns in my email signature. In doing this I seek to normalise the process of pronouns being self identified rather than assumed. Its the small act of an ally.

My daughter drew a beautiful rainbow for me when she was 7, I framed it and have had it in my office ever since. I deliberately place it near the guest’s chair in my office. Its prominent and visible. Its my little nod to the Pride flag.

I consistently pursue inclusion training for myself and my team, and engage in team conversations regarding the use of respectful and inclusive language. When we organise professional development events we seek to explore the participation of speakers from gender diverse background.

I do this because I want to support change. vibrant nation is my platform to advocate too. The colours of the Pride Flag are represented in the logo for vibrant nation deliberately to communicate my support for the LGBTIQA+ communities.

“The best way to advance our shared goals is to embrace all members of our human family regardless of who they are or whom they love.”

Ban Ki-moon