Kylea shares her week

We celebrated a diverse and inclusive Australia this week with Mardi Gras and International Women’s Day. On Saturday, I had the privilege of marching alongside some of our LGBTQI+ community members on the Independents for Inclusion float. It was a celebration that brought together families, organisations and people from all walks of life: united and shining bright despite the challenges of the past 2 years.

When I look at the parade today, I am struck by how far we have come since I moved to Sydney in the early 90s to work with the South Eastern Area Health Service. Back then, the discussion was still very much focused on "them" as separate from "us" and fears about the emergence of HIV/AIDS had many people jumping at shadows. While I am proud of Australia's progress in the decades since, we do still have a long way to go.

It should go without saying that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. Still, we see Government efforts to push through complex legislation like the Religious Discrimination Bill at the last minute, without ensuring that vulnerable groups are protected. Similarly, women’s rights are human rights, but our women and girls continue to face stubborn and dangerous biases impacting their careers and their safety. Statistics show that 1 in 5 women in this country will be sexually assaulted or raped at some point in their lives. Only 10 of Australia’s top 200 companies have female CEOs, and over a third of women will have absolutely zero superannuation at retirement age.

We need to shift the status quo. And North Sydney, we can do this by changing the climate in Canberra. With the Federal Election now likely to be only two months away, #TeamTINK is going to be busier than ever. If you can volunteer or donate, we'd love your help. But most importantly, we need you to use your vote. Ask your friends and family to make sure they are enrolled with the Australian Electoral Commission, and to vote with their conscience. Let's be the change we want to see.