LGBTQI+ rights have made significant progress over the past few years in some parts of the world. In many places, LGBTI+ people still face widespread stigmatisation and persecution, and in several countries the penalty for same-sex relationships is prison or even death.

By law, LGBTQI+ people in Australia are afforded protection from discrimination and equally possess the same rights and responsibilities as others. However, bullying and discrimination against LGBTQI people is rife and causes staggeringly high rates of mental illness, self-harm and suicide, particularly for young people in our schools.

Oxfam UWA is holding an interactive seminar where a line-up of inspiring and talented speakers will discuss the ongoing struggles LGBTQI+ people face in Australia and abroad and their important commitments to improving attitudes to LBGTQI+ people and their rights.

Speaking at the event will be Bella Broadway, the Founder and managing Director of Connection And Wellbeing Australia, a social enterprise that strives to drive action in the areas of suicide prevention, diversity, inclusive practice, capacity building, resilience and mental health and wellbeing.

Misty Farquhar, PhD researcher at Curtin University who is active in community outreach, education, and advocacy efforts. Plus William Smith-Gander, a year twelve student at Scotch College who will speak about LGBTQI youth issues and the hardships teens face.

Professor Baden Offord, the internationally recognised specialist in human rights, sexuality, culture and education, he is part of a scholarly and activist community that works collectively to decolonize and destabilise the study of sexuality in Southeast Asia, and finally Mehdi Nawa, the immediate past president of OxfamUWA, human rights activist and UWA Juris Doctor student who will discuss attitudes to LGBTQI+ rights in Islamic countries.

The event is free, but you need to register to attend. 

OIP Staff