Brenna Harding

Board Director + President

28 | Queer-Bisexual | SHE/HER

When did you join Wear it Purple?

I became an official member of Wear it Purple in September 2011 and joined the board in January 2019.

Position with Wear it Purple?

President

Why did you join Wear it Purple?

I joined Wear it Purple when I was fourteen as an executive member before the YAC even existed! I loved how Katherine and Scott, the founders, created something so positive, with a focus on support and celebration; a small action, wearing purple, that makes such a big difference.

Bringing Wear it Purple Day to my high school over the following five years I was able to see how it contributed to a safer, more loving, and supportive environment for all students, especially those who identified as LGBTQIA+. By the time I graduated in 2014 we had established an annual mufti day, a Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and a gallery and safe space in the library.

I have now joined the WIP board in the hope of supporting more young people to do the same in their school and university environments. My hope is that students from all over Australia, including rural and isolated areas, can gain the resources, information, and guidance they need to help make their schools safe and supportive places for rainbow students.

Do you identify in the community or support as an ally?

I identify as Queer/Bisexual.

3 fun facts about you.

• I have two lesbian mothers; and they’re both powerhouses in the LGBTIQA+ community.

• Once for Valentine’s day me and my friends cut up little purple hearts for every girl in our school, and put them in the rolls for roll call.

• When I was little I went through a phase where I would cry if everyone leaving the preschool didn’t hug me goodbye.

Your hobbies/interests.

• I love attending poetry slams and sometimes performing at them.

• I’ve been running a monthly feminist discussion group called Moonlight Feminists since 2015.

• When I’m not onstage and scared of breaking limbs I play roller derby with the University of Sydney Roller Derby League.

What do you do for work?

I’m a screen and stage actor.

Izzy Calero-Rivarola

Board Associate

27 | Lesbian | She/Her

The Youth Action Council gained a huge personality when Izzy Calero came on board in 2018 and became a part of the executive YAC team in 2020.⁠

After attending her first Mardi Gras and learning about the story of the 78ers, Izzy reflected on how lucky she was to not have faced any adversity for being who she was and decided to use that power to benefit others who aren’t so lucky.⁠
⁠
Izzy’s passion for making everyone feel loved, comfortable, supported and cared for is what carries her through her advocacy journey.⁠
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“As a child who went to a performing arts high school, every day of the year was like Wear It Purple Day; and now that I am a part of this organisation, it’s still like that for me! I spent a long time taking my family and friends for granted, not realising how lucky and blessed I was to have such a supportive bunch of people around me. Wear It Purple has helped me understand my privilege and use it to change lives for those who still endure the struggle. Wear It Purple is home.”⁠

Glen Hare

Board Director + Treasurer

Before launching Fox & Hare, Glen Hare was at Macquarie Bank for just over 10 years. After various roles from institutional broking to wealth management, he left mid-2017 as one of the youngest directors in the company.

He and co-founder Jessica Brady launched Fox & Hare because they identified an opportunity to work with a much younger demographic to those that typically seek advice. Their clients achieve freedom, flexibility and have the choice to live the life they aspire to, by making smart financial decisions.

Since launching just three years ago, he has been nominated for CEO of the Year, Director of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Financial Adviser of the Year at the 2018 Young Leaders in Finance Awards, and Fox & Hare was a finalist at the 2018 Sydney City Regional Business Awards.

When not at their office in Darlinghurst, Glen is either at CrossFit, by the beach or travelling.

Juanita Blanch

Board Director + Secretary

45 | ALLY | she/her

About Juanita

Juanita is a passionate individual with a commitment to creating a world that celebrates diversity and supports rainbow youth. Her unique perspective as the proud daughter of a gay father has profoundly influenced her life journey. 

As a teen, Juanita experienced her father coming out, witnessing firsthand the impact it had on her family and the world's response. This early exposure to the importance of acceptance and understanding ignited a fire within her, motivating her to become a champion for equality. Today, as a mother, Juanita is driven by a strong desire to ensure a more inclusive and supportive society for her daughter and all young people.

Her journey led her to join Wear it Purple, where she has the unique opportunity to bring together her personal experiences and professional expertise to effect positive change. In 2022, she embarked on implementing Salesforce CRM, enhancing visibility of the Wear it Purple member base and introducing automation to support the volunteer-run organisation. In 2023 Juanita joined the Wear It Purple Board  to continue this work.

Corey Trembath

Board Director + Vice-President

36 | HE/HIM | TRANS MAN

About Corey

Corey is a proud Transgender Koori man from GunaiKurnai nation living on Ngunnawal and Ngambri land in Canberra.

Corey's advocacy journey began shortly after initiating his affirmation journey in 2017, experiencing the gaps in access to essential health care services, adequate policy and protections for Transgender and Gender non-conforming people and a significant lack of visibility and understanding in the general population. Most notably, just how difficult it would be for anyone under the age of 18 to access critical health care services without the presence of supportive parents or guardians.

In his day job, Corey is a Director at Deloitte leading the portfolio for Cloud Advisory in Government and the Public Sector, Corey is also a member of the Deloitte pride network "StandOUT" and involved in the Trans and Gender Diverse group in that network. Outside of work he is also a Director on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras board.

Hobbies/Interests

Camping, swimming, surfing, hiking, weight lifting, car restoration, TGD advocacy, Indigenous Advocacy, Animal Justice, cooking, queer events, music and travel.

3 Likes

• Pepsi Max

• My trusty Hilux

• Summer

3 Dislikes

• Conservative Politics

• Exclusionary policy

• Overcast rainy days

Sarah Trombetta

Board Director

SHE/HER

About Sarah

Sarah is an international business leader, intent on making a difference.

Now a proud parent of a rainbow youngster, Sarah has long been an ally.

As a seasoned CEO here and abroad, Sarah has been a champion for diversity and inclusion. She has harnessed leadership roles to drive corporate culture change at scale, from eradicating gender pay gaps, to increasing ethnic diversity and instating Reconciliation Action Plans.

In 20+ years as a global marketer and awarded creative agency leader, she has also been committed to moving culture forward, with brand campaigns that have ignited nationwide conversations and millions of social impressions on pressing social issues of the day, from body image, women’s equality and LGBTAQI+ rights.

Today, Sarah continues that passion, leading the Procter & Gamble business for WPP across Asia, Middle East & Africa and drawing on this experience to support Wear It Purple’s progress.

Katie Rose

Board Director

42 | SHE/THEY

About Katie

As a dedicated high school deputy principal, I am driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of education to foster a more just, equitable, and inclusive world. With a career deeply rooted in the advocacy and empowerment of queer young people, I strive to build their leadership capacities and ensure their voices are heard and valued within the educational landscape.

My commitment extends to enhancing representation across the curriculum, creating an environment where every student feels seen, respected, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Through my work, I aim to cultivate a culture that celebrates diversity and champions the rights of all individuals.

Hobbies/Interests

• Playing guitar and singing badly

• Running and weight training

• Traveling and road trips

3 Likes

• Cats

• Dogs

• Bed

3 Dislikes

• Waking up early

• Traffic

• Unknown Numbers

Alex Zachariah

Board Director

42 | HE/HIM

About Alex

Alex Zachariah is the Co-Chair of Proud at Woolworths Group and founding member and Chair of InterRetail. Alex has been part of Woolworths' LGBTQ+ Committee since 2017 supporting events, fundraising and networking.

Originally from the UK, Alex has lived in Australia since 2013. Alex identifies as a cis-gender gay man (he/him). In his day job, he works in eCommerce s as part of Woolworths digital business, WooliesX.

Hobbies/Interests

• Spending time outdoors

• My friends & family

• Looking after my body & mind

3 Likes

• Diversity of thought

• Burgers, I can always eat a burger

• Instagram, I’m on it alot

3 Dislikes

• Big Egos

• Being Late

• People who don’t recycle

John Coulson-Silva

Board Director

43

About John

John is a dedicated advocate for empowering rainbow youth and communities to thrive. He is deeply passionate about education, social advocacy, and promoting positive wellbeing.

In addition to his role as Assistant Principal at a school in Melbourne, where he leads initiatives in education, wellbeing, inclusion, and student support, John is proud to contribute to Wear it Purple. He is enthusiastic about making a meaningful impact on the lives of rainbow young people and looks forward to bringing positive change through his involvement.

Hobbies/Interests

• Travel

• Running

• Coffee

3 Likes

• A good TV binge

• Small animals

• Surprises

3 Dislikes

• Reality TV

• Angry People

• Long lines

Mimi Hall

Board Director

27 | SHE/THEY

About Mimi

Mimi is a dedicated intersex, genderqueer, and lesbian advocate and activist currently living and working on Ngunnawal and Nambri Country.

She is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTIQASB+ people through her extensive involvement in advocacy, community building, mental health support, legislative reform, and media work.

Mimi currently works at A Gender Agenda as Intersex Project Coordinator, she has developed and facilitated training, increased intersex awareness through media, helped create policies to further protect the human rights of Trans, Gender Diverse and Intersex individuals, and support community through peer-led events. Notably, she contributed to the creation of legislation passed in June 2023 to protect intersex people from non-consensual medical interventions in the ACT.

She is also a Registered Nurse, and currently completing a thesis looking at intersex care within nursing and midwifery.

Hobbies/Interests

• Van trips & Hiking

• Tea & Ethical gossip

• Research & Queer History

3 Likes

• Chocolate

• Disco

• Charlie; my border collie

3 Dislikes

• Marginalisation

• Stigmatisation

• Beetroot

Jilly Field

Legal Board Associate

Day Job: PRINCIPAL at GILCHRIST CONNELL

About Jilly

Jilly is Principal at Gilchrist Connell focused on addressing access to justice issues through a practice based on ethics and fair thinking. Previously she was a Special Counsel at Ashurst. Jilly is focused on systemic reform and rights issues for communities facing disadvantage and marginalisation.

Jilly is on the Board of NSW Community Legal Centres, Women’s Legal Service NSW and Wear it Purple.

Tor Adams

Board Director + Executive Youth Action Council Lead

23 | Lesbian | she/her

About Tor

I am a queer post graduate Medical student who is passionate about making sure that LGBTQ+ youth have safe and supportive spaces within their schools and communities. I have a particular interest in LGBTQ+ health and health promotion in queer spaces.

My favourite part about being involved in Wear it Purple is being able to lead the awesome group of young people on the YAC and going out to speak at Schools and meet all the amazing LGBTQ+ young people and their teachers who are creating positive change.

Hobbies/Interests

A Capella/Choir

Volunteering

Crocheting

3 Likes

• Cats

• Crochet

• My degree

3 Dislikes

• Olives

• Black Olives

• Green Olives

Mia Carson

Youth Action Council - Secretary

24 | Non-binary | they/them

I am a 24 year old Irish trans non-binary person. I am studying a Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie Uni, majoring in Gender Studies whilst I work in HR Operations to support myself. I'm a bit of a homebody, I have a passion for cooking, I'm very much a cat person and I love filling my house with plants, bright art and knick knacks. As a trans non-binary person I really feel it is important to give back, and immerse myself in my community. especially providing support for trans youth in what is quite an uncertain time for the trans community as a whole.

Hobbies/Interests

• Cooking

• Skin Care

• Essay Writing

• Watching TV and Movies

3 Likes

• Enjoying being at home

• Spending time with people I love

• Showing love through food

3 Dislikes

• Loud and crowded places

• Mushrooms

• Soap operas

Brandon LA. Daley

Board Associate + Executive YAC Lead

20 | Queer | He/him

Giinagay, I’m Brandon.
I’m a young Iman-Gumbaynggirr Queer who is passionate about making a difference and helping the community.
I first came out on the 9/9/19 to my Best Friend by yelling “I DON’T KNOW WHAT I AM BUT IT’S NOT STRAIGHT!!”
Like most Queer youth, I always knew something was different actually that’s a lie I was completely oblivious till high school but looking back I was always different and I’m actually thankful that I was/am and I will continue to be.

Hobbies/Interests

• Creative Arts

• The Sims Franchise

• Queer Video Essays

3 Likes

• Iced Coffee

• Indie(ish) Music

• Physical (Poetry) Books

3 Dislikes

• The HEAT

• Hair in My Eyes

• Sleeping
  

Jollee Hacadurian-Sacco

Youth Action Council - Arts & Culture Lead

19 | QUEER | SHE/THEY/HE

I am an 19 year old Middle Eastern and Italian queer artist from the western suburbs of Sydney (Dharug land). I recently was a participant in “Stories From The Heart“ at ATYP, supported by Wear it Purple and Sydney World Pride which provided me a space to authentically share my stories and experiences. Through this, I was inspired to keep working with Wear it Purple to be a part of creating those spaces for young queer people like me. 

Sophie Hay

Youth Action Council Member

24 | LESBIAN | SHE/THEY

I am a 24 year old lesbian with a background in medical research and currently working as a university tutor and technical assistant. I am extremely passionate about LGBTQ+ inclusion and awareness, particularly in schools, healthcare and sports. As part of the YAC at WIP I hope to assist in advocating and providing safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.

Hobbies/Interests

• Water polo

• Binge-watching TV shows and movies

• Hanging out with awesome people

3 Likes

• “Slay”

• The Hunger Games

• Anatomy

3 Dislikes

• Vegemite

• Tea

• Big spoons

Solaris Shariati

Youth Action Council Member

21 | QUEER TRANS MAN | HE/HIM

Heyyy I'm Solaris, I'm an artist and I'm a half Kurdish and half Persian trans artist living on Gadigal land!

I joined Wear It Purple after being part of the Pilot year of the “Stories From The Heart“ Program!

I write, collage, design, plan, and categorise for fun🌞

Hobbies/Interests

• Photography

• Candle Making

• Art Making as a Whole

3 Likes

• Noodles

• Pinterest

• The Colour Violet

3 Dislikes

• White Supremacy

• Capitalism

• Bigotry

Claud Bailey

Arts, Culture & Community Project Manager

26 | NON-BINARY | THEY/THEM

Hello! My name is Claud, I'm a filmmaker and program producer for LGBTQIA+SB teens.

I produce two free programs, a monthly arts program called “misc” with the Sydney Opera House and an annual performance development program called “Stories From The Heart“ that fill my heart right up as I get to watch Queer teens build their own communities and artistry before my very eyes.

I work at Wear It Purple as the Project Officer where I get to witness and help young queer artists receive funding for their brilliant projects. I'm very lucky, I was previously the Arts and Culture Fellowship Recipient in 2023.

Hobbies/Interests

• Swimming Laps

• Chess

• Sunday Morning Markets

3 Likes

• Ocean

• Trans People

• Dancing

3 Dislikes

• Overhead Lights (yuck)

• Beetroot

• Billionaires

Lulkbudia Mclean Gerrard

Arts and Culture Fellowship Recipient 2024

27 | GENDER-FLUID QUEER | THEY/THEM

Garni Woora (What now?), I’m Lulkbudia (or Lulk) a proud Miriwoong Gadjerong person from Kununurra in the East Kimberley of WA. I grew up on Miriwoong Dawang (Country) and moved to Boorloo (Perth) 5 years ago to study. 2 years into my degree I realised Uni wasn’t for me and found my passion as an artist, youth worker, Community Organiser and DJ.

Now I DJ with my sistagirl Sarah, hold events and DJ workshops for Mob and bring community together through CAMP. A passion project for Queer Mob by Queer Mob where we go out on Country and connect with culture and each other. After being a recipient of the Wear It Purple Future Fund last year, I am excited to invest more time and love into Queer Creative community this year through the Wear It Purple Fellowship. 

Hobbies/Interests

• Basket Weaving

• Gardening

• Yassifying my wardrobe with glitter and gems (DIY King)

3 Likes

• Crocs – I love both the shoes and animal! The Miriwoong word for Saltwater Crocodile is Joowinyin

• Cats – I have 2 fur babies

• Plants - I love growing fruit and vegetables.

3 Dislikes

• Reverse parallel parking (feels like it’s out to get me)

• Parking tickets and tolls (not on stolen land!?)

• Weather below 16 degrees (COLD)

Taryn du Plooy

Youth Action Council Member

25 | NON-BINARY LESBIAN | THEY/THEM

Hi, I'm Taryn! I am a 25 year old non-binary lesbian living on Darkinjung country.

After an introverted schooling experience hiding my Queer-ness, one consistent and validating high school experience was Wear It Purple Day.

The visibility of community and support was integral in building confidence in my sense of identity; enabling me to come out as a lesbian at 16. Post-COVID and a couple years locked inside with TikTok and a forced time learning more about myself I came out as non-binary.

Through volunteering with WIP, I hope to assist in advocating and providing safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth; supporting kids like me when I was in school.

Hobbies/Interests

• Financial Education

• Product Design

• Playing Soccer

3 Likes

• Travel

• Trying new foods

• Being in bed by 10pm

3 Dislikes

• Bad barista coffee

• Sand

• The Dentist

Vesper Lawrence

Youth Action Council Member

19 | QUEER TRANS-MASC | HE/THEY

Hey! My names Vesper I’m a 19 year old Queer Trans Masc, Disabled & Chronically ill person who grew up in Rural NSW - now living in the big City of Sydney!

I love art and hope to become a tattoo artist in the future. I’m very passionate about spreading awareness about mental health & chronic illness in young people especially LGBTQ+ individuals.

The world has come a long way in terms of awareness but still has so much to improve on!

Hobbies/Interests

• Makeup

• Sewing & Embroidery

• Art Making - Digital, Drawn & Painted Mediums

3 Likes

• Dogs

• Inclusivity

• Art

3 Dislikes

• Bigotry

• Ableism

• Spicy Foods

Atlas Domberelli

Youth Action Council Member

18 | QUEER | HE/THEY

Hey! My name is Atlas. I am 18 years old and identify as queer. I have been out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community for the past 6 or so years. I am currently finishing high school alongside work and volunteering.

I have a passion for advocacy specifically in queer spaces, and have worked with various organisations over the years, assisting where I can. I hope that I can help make some change during my time with the YAC, and allow more queer youth to feel seen.

Hobbies/Interests

• Volunteering

• Working on my car (an ‘89 Falcon)

• Music

3 Likes

• Midwest Emo Music

• Travelling

• A good cup of tea

Matt McGhee

Youth Action Council Member

19 | BISEXUAL | HE/HIM

A young creative Matthew McGhee is a training performer with experience on stage and behind the scenes. Consistently working on something new, Matthew strives to put his best foot forward in the creative world, not only as a performer but behind the scenes as well, working as a dance teacher at two different studios, one being The Coffs Coast best performance training facility, Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio.

At 16, Matt released his own magazine for his local community as a part of a one-year planned project. The magazine was called "Artist Magazine." He looks back proudly on his work to produce the magazine, from finding talent, sponsors, and readers to having it printed and released free to the community.

Hobbies/Interests

• Theatre

• Dancing

• Lyra

3 Likes

• Movies

• Art

• Billie Eilish

Isabelle

Youth Action Council Member

16 | BISEXUAL | SHE/THEY

Hi I'm Izzie! I'm a 16 year old high school student living in the north-west of Sydney.

I worked out that I was bisexual at a pretty young age - while I was still in primary school, in fact. I've always cared about supporting my fellow queer youth, and I would love that even more through my commitment to the YAC <3

Hobbies/Interests

• Formula 1

• Vinyls

• Re-watching my favourite TV shows

3 Likes

• Curating my Instagram

• Cherry red

• Music

3 Dislikes

• Bugs

• Sad TikTok edits

• Soup

Bianca Lubke

Youth Action Council Member

21 | LESBIAN | SHE/HER (ANY)

I am a 21 year old Lesbian, a current student of Cybersecurity and Film, and actively working in IT. I am a passionate advocate for regional and rural LGBTQIA+ youth, having grown up in regional NSW.

I aspire to use my voice and experience from running an LGBTQIA+ youth group to uplift and provide the same resources and opportunities readily available in metropolitan areas.

Hobbies/Interests

• Film Photography

• Beach visits

• Dancing with friends

3 Likes

• Comedy Media

• Cats

• Purple hair

3 Dislikes

• Peas

• Tall people at concerts

• Horror movies

Riley

Youth Action Council Member

17 | AROACE NON-BINARY | THEY/THEM

I am passionate about fighting for change for people in difficult situations.

I want to be able to raise awareness that your family does not define who you are and you can be who you want to be. I want to be able to make other young people feel less alone and be the person I wished I could have seen when I was struggling.

I love designing things and hope to eventually become an occupational therapist to continuously give back to the allied health profession who has helped me so much.

Hobbies/Interests

• CANVA Creating

• Giving back to community

• Using my voice to make change

3 Likes

• Wasting' time on CANVA

• Going to museums

• Eating (good) gluten free food

3 Dislikes

• The mental health system

• Most green vegetables

• Not feeling able to do enough

Alexandro Gould-Arocha

Youth Action Council Member

18 | QUEER | THEY/HE

I am a Queer theatre maker from Sydney passionate about social justice and the arts. I believe in arts as a driver of change and strive to support new works that challenge our society and empower communities.

I am involved with various community and professional theatre organisations where I am honing my craft and growing as an artist. I want to bring my experiences to the YAC to empower my community and drive change.

Hobbies/Interests

• Theatre

• Film

• Writing

3 Likes

• Swimming

• Alanis Morissette

• The Simpsons

Dislikes

• Olives

• Cold weather

• Sleep debt

Jorja Maree

Youth Action Council Member

16 | BISEXUAL | SHE/THEY

I am a 16 year old bisexual who loves aerial circus and helping others. I love teaching others and currently work as a circus instructor. I'm studying to become a student learning support officer or hearing support teacher and I'm currently learning Auslan.

Whenever my mind is set on something then nothing can stop me, I advocate for the rights of individuals who are a part of the rainbow community and those who have disabilities or mental illness.

I am extremely passionate about creating inclusive and safe spaces for everyone.

Hobbies/Interests

• Aerial Circus

• Photography

• Advocacy

3 Likes

• Taylor Swift

• Stars

• Flowers

3 Dislikes

• Carrots

• Traffic

• Ableism

Marc Field

Former Board Member

In 2021 we said goodbye to a wonderful man, incredible advocate for inclusion, wise soul & Wear It Purple Board Director.

Wear It Purple would not have been able to do so many powerful things for young rainbow people everywhere if not for the passion and dedication of Marc Field.

On behalf of the entire Youth Action Council, Executive team and Board, we would like to thank Marc for his years of creation, insight, love & endless dedication to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ young people. We only hope he will be proud of everything we do in the future from the strong foundation he has been an integral part of building.

Thank you for everything, but above all else, thank you for your friendship, Marc.

In loving memory of Marc Field 💜

Sean Henschke

FORMER Board Member - Executive YAC

‘98 | Agender | They/Them

About Sean

I am Agender and use They/Them pronouns. I am a South Australian-based Community Builder, Advocate, and Peer Worker passionate about the LGBTIQ+ community. With experience building Pride Networks, LGBTIQ Youth groups, LGBTIQ Community organizations, and Non for profits. I have a long history of working with Finder University and University Students with a passion for helping people overcome wealth inequality!

Hobbies and Interests

• Eurovision

• Board Games

• Gardening

3 Likes

• Public Transport

• Ice Cream

• Travel

3 Dislikes

• Cheese

• Cold Weather

• People eating with their mouth open

Mason Ford

FORMER Youth Action Council Member

‘02 | QUEER | HE/THEY

I am a postgraduate Architecture student who is passionate about all things design. Currently, I am a Board Director and Chairperson for a South Australian based LGBTQIA+ non-for-profit known as The Queer Society, where I try to use my skills and privilege to provide support, initiatives, and events for LGBTQIA+ youth. As part of the YAC, I hope to use these same skills in creating plans and initiatives to help the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole.

Hobbies/Interests

• Music

• Graphic Design

• Propagating far too many plants at once

3 Likes

• Unnecessarily making things pretty

• Travelling

• All things design

3 Dislikes

• The Villa Savoye

• Coming up with first-person bios

• Initiating Phone Calls 

Riley Jarvis

FORMER Youth Action Council Member

‘03 | QUEER | He/they

About Riley

I am currently identify as Queer both in terms of gender and sexuality. As a member of the LGBTQAI+ community I believe that much progress has been made over the years to create a safe space for everyone to feel welcome however there is still much change to be done. I want everyone in the world to know that although we are all special and unique. Although we all have small challenges these shouldn't define us and we should through love and support learn to embrace who we are.

Hobbies/Interests

• Psychology facts

• Reading

• Animals

3 Likes

• Pasta

• Equality

• A good future

3 Dislikes

• Kale

• Global warming

• Inequality

River Rosé English

FORMER Youth Action Council Member

‘02 | QUEER NON-BINARY | THEY/THEM

Hello! My name is River. I am a non binary queer person. I grew up in rural Northern Territory and come from an Italian background.

I came out in 2014 and since then have been doing LGBT volunteer work across the community, I am passionate on giving all rainbow people a safe and inclusive space to be themselves and to explore themselves freely. I also have done volunteering with animal welfare and rural communities of the Northern Territory.

Hobbies/Interests

• Theatre

• Sewing

• Video Games

3 Likes

• My cat (Kitty Soft Paws)

• My car when it’s working

• Baking

3 Dislikes

• The heat

• Messing up my eyeliner

• My car when it isn’t working

Ruby Awayda

FORMER Board Member - Executive YAC

‘97 | SHE/HER

About Ruby

Growing up I lived in six countries across the Middle East and experienced first-hand how lack of LGBTQ+ representation and the provision of safe, open spaces can impact the young queer community. I converted these experiences into the desire to drive change, and grew passionate about advocating for the importance of uniting, supporting, and empowering rainbow youth and their allies in every corner of the world, starting here in Australia.

Hobbies/Interests

Film photography, pasta making, comedy

3 Likes

• RuPauls Drag Race

• Crocs and socks

• Arancini balls

3 dislikes

• Parking

• Cardio

• Being Late

Chelsea Hendra

FORMER Board Member - Executive YAC

‘00 | Bisexual | She/Her

We were lucky to have gained Chelsea as a Youth Action Council member in 2018 shortly after she celebrated her first Wear It Purple Day at her school in Year 12.

Chelsea began her advocacy work whilst she was in school and felt so passionately about creating safe spaces for rainbow young people that she joined the team!

Chelsea’s biggest strength is her commitment to staying authentic and telling her story at schools and other public speaking opportunities.

“Wear It Purple means support and acceptance. I remember my first Wear It Purple Day at school and feeling so happy seeing many of my peers, friends, and teachers wearing purple to show their support of the LGBTQI+ community. I'll never forget walking into school and seeing the pride flag being flown. As someone that didn't always have support at home, Wear It Purple Day truly meant a lot to me and inspired me to advocate for the community”.