Defence cadets share LGBTI support ideas

Australia’s deputy Defence Force chief sat down with ADFA cadets and defence LGBTI advocates last month to hear out new ways to support LGBTI cadets.

The Australian Defence Force Academy invited vice chief of Defence Forces, Air Marshal Mark Binskin AO and Air Force chief, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO to the Diversity Strengthens Breakfast with Defence LGBTI Information Service (DEFGLIS) members and Air Force Workplace Diversity on October 23.

It comes almost a year since DEFGLIS pushed for better anti-homophobia education after it was revealed 40 ADF members had joined a gay-hate Facebook page which outed some ADF members in 2010.

The event was a first for ADFA and follows an internal push for the institution to improve support for LGBTI officer cadets and midshipmen.

Cadet naval officers, Midshipmen Joe McCullagh and Matthew Nichols presented ideas to the senior defence leaders to improve support at the ADFA.

DEFGLIS chair, Squadron Leader Vince Chong praised both midshipmen.

“These type of events are important because they provide a space and opportunity to discuss issues and allow the workplace to gain a greater understanding of those who are different to themselves,” he said.

“Seeing the support of leadership and our straight allies at these networking events is critical for questioning people who are dealing with sexual orientation and gender discovery and are worried about negative reactions.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to talk in such a friendly and open event and show my support for members of the DEFGLIS community,” AFC Air Marshall Brown said.