This June, all across the world, we celebrate Pride Month. From its beginnings as a protest for equal rights and the end to discrimination, to the celebration of LGBTQIA+ people and culture today, Pride Month is a time to reflect, rejoice and celebrate.

We asked our team at Bobby Goldsmith Foundation what Pride means to them, and how we embody our values of compassion, solidarity, empowerment and inclusivity.

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Motofumi Kotsuka, Director People and Culture

What does Pride Month mean to you?

For me, Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on my personal journey—why I chose to move to Australia a quarter of a century ago and how both society and my own life have evolved since then. It is a time to appreciate the progress that has been made, while also recognising the work that still lies ahead. As someone originally from Japan, I also think deeply about the community there. This year feels particularly significant, as many advocates see it as a pivotal moment for advancing legal rights and equality. I remain hopeful that meaningful progress will continue, creating a more inclusive future for the community in Japan and around the world.

What is something you want others to remember during Pride Month? 

I have never understood why many people spend so much time worrying about how others live their lives. We all have our own beliefs and opinions, but those should never stand in the way of another person’s right to be themselves.

The world would be a much better place if we spent less time judging and more time listening, learning, and focusing on becoming better versions of ourselves.

Nobody is asking for special treatment—just the same respect, dignity, and freedom to live authentically that we all want for ourselves. If someone has a problem with people simply being who they are, that’s not a problem for the community to solve. The issue lies with those who choose judgment over understanding and fear over acceptance.

To me, supporting the community is simple: everyone deserves the opportunity to love, live, and express who they are without fear of judgment. Life is too short to tell others how they should be. Let people be themselves, celebrate their individuality, and focus on bringing more kindness into the world.

How do you celebrate Pride?

For me, Pride isn’t limited to a month. It’s something I celebrate and live every day.

Ruan Uys, Programs Manager

What does Pride Month mean to you?

Pride Month is a celebration of community, connection, and belonging. It’s a time to come together, celebrate our diversity, and recognise the strength that comes from supporting one another. For me, Pride is about joy, visibility, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to be their authentic selves. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with people across our community and celebrate how far we’ve come together.

What is something you want others to remember during Pride Month? 

Pride is a celebration of the rights and freedoms that generations of LGBTIQ+ people fought hard to achieve. But it’s also a reminder that the fight for equality isn’t over. In 61 countries, LGBTIQ+ people still face discrimination, criminalisation, and threats to their rights. In other countries, some of us are losing some previously earned rights.

Pride encourages us to honour those who came before us, support those still fighting for equality, and remember that no one is truly free until EVERYONE is free.

How do you celebrate Pride?

I try to immerse myself in as many community and cultural events as possible. Pride Month is filled with incredible events that bring people together and foster a strong sense of belonging and connection. For many members of our community, who may feel isolated throughout the year, Pride provides an opportunity to connect with others, build relationships, and celebrate who they are in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Deb Jones, Community Support Worker

What does Pride Month mean to you?

Pride month for me is all about acceptance and being proud of who I am. Pride Month allows us to identify and feel proud of our friends and family.

What is something you want others to remember during Pride Month? 

I’d like people to have the freedom to feel they can rejoice and celebrate who they are. Be kind to one another.

How do you celebrate Pride?

I choose to celebrate by getting out and amongst it. Surrounded by my chosen family, encouraging and supporting the younger generation around me. 

Ashton Harrison, Case Worker

What does Pride Month mean to you?

Pride month to me means acknowledging how far we have come as a community, recognising the strength and persistence of the trail blazers before us and creating space and voice for the younger generation to continue advocacy.

What is something you want others to remember during Pride Month? 

One thing that I want people to remember during Pride Month is that not everyone has the same ability to celebrate openly, for many people safety, family, culture, location and disabilities can shape how individuals celebrate Pride, and those practices are just as valid.

How do you celebrate Pride?

To celebrate Pride I attend community events including markets and art shows. And of course Drag Bingo!

Frank Remmert, Community Support Worker

What does Pride Month mean to you?

I become a little nostalgic thinking about how we get here…Not all of our history is filled with glitter and mirror balls.
We have fought, danced and baked our way to build a cohesive community.

What is something you want others to remember during Pride Month? 

Inclusiveness shows in so many ways, in integrating and honouring our Sistergirls and Brotherboys, showing that gender diversity has been deeply respected as part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.

How do you celebrate Pride?

With my chosen family and friends.

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However you celebrate Pride Month, we hope you have felt seen, loved and proud to be authentically you.