In Partnership with SKITTLES®
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not that time – we’re talking about Mardi Gras. There’s so much to celebrate during this magical February each year. Self expression, colour, love and togetherness.
But perhaps, one the most special things to acknowledge is LGBTQIA+ allyship. Like the word suggests, an ally is someone who supports and advocates for the equal treatment of a community outside their own.
It’s the friends. The family. The community who show up loud and proud to support and encourage minority groups, and prove the future is bright for the next generation of queer youth.
For years, charity Minus18 have been LGBTQIA+ champions and built a strong support network of allies. They’ve tackled things like social isolation, hosted transformative educational workshops, programs and resources, and created local campaigns to help end LGBTQIA+ discrimination in Australia.
This year is no different. In fact, their impact is only getting bigger and better. For the third year in a row, the charity group is again partnering with SKITTLES® to educate and raise awareness of the importance of LGBTIAQ+ allyship.
One of the exciting things Minus18 is doing in 2024 is the Night At The Museum youth party held in Melbourne’s historic Immigration Museum.
“[At] the Night At The Museum event, around 400 to 500 young people are given the opportunity to make friends and have a safe space for that,” explains Bec Herft, Partnerships Team Lead at Minus18. “We’re really trying to educate more people out there – from corporates, to schools, to community organisations, to ensure we’re making more allies.”
To see inside the event, we sent comedic drag queen character Carla from Bankstown to chat with Minus18 alumni attendees about what allyship means to them.
Dressed to the nines in a fitting SKITTLES® rainbow dress, Carla took to the dance floor to give an intimate look at the inclusive party and uncover why events like this are so important to the queer community.
“It’s just so nice being in a group of incredible young people, people my age, people who are queer,” one attendee said. “[It’s] authenticity at its best and I just love being authentic to your true self,” another shared.
Ahead of 2024 Mardi Gras, the Melbourne event boasted positive vibes all ‘round, with drag queens, DJs and dancing. For SKITTLES® and Minus18, it’s all about cultivating a safe space and strong community – both IRL and online.
SKITTLES® has worked closely with the charity on developing an Active Ally Guide, available to anyone who wants to evolve their understanding of LGBTQIA+ topics, find ways to support the queer community and become a more active voice.
After all, being an ally goes beyond acceptance. It’s an active, ongoing process of supporting and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s about listening, learning, and leveraging your own privilege to stand up against discrimination.
Watch Carla from Bankstown get an inside look at Minus18’s Night At The Museum youth pride party and witness firsthand the power of community, the beauty of inclusivity, and the spirit of pride that Minus18 and SKITTLES® are all about.
Visit skittles.com.au to start your ally journey today.