Jordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

[by video link] I would like, at this moment, to contribute also to the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign that seeks to bring into this place youth voices that are so urgently needed. I read now a speech on behalf of Winter.

My name is Winter and I'm a 17 year old from Tangney, Western Australia. There are many aspects of the Australian experience that I wish to see evolve, but there is one area that I am particularly hopeful to see change in the next 20 years. I have spent my highschool years surrounded by some of the most wonderful people, many of whom happen to be queer, trans, non-binary, or otherwise gender diverse. And I have watched them, my friends struggle to be accepted and have their feelings and identities taken seriously. I am hoping that as a society we can normalise the non-conformity to gender norms, as well as increase the availability and normality of gender neutral bathrooms. Similarly, I hope to see increased funding for services that provide gender diverse youth with guidance and acceptance so that they may live a life that feels authentic and fulfilling to them. Through facilitating societal evolution in this way I hope to see that the youth 20 years from now will not have to struggle, as my friends have, to find acceptance and understanding from Australia.

Thank you, Winter. Thank you for your words and your courage in putting them forward to parliament today.