Bobbie Smith

Why I’m Sweating with Pride

I’m taking on Sweat with Pride this June to raise money for our rainbow communities! I’m committing to doing a minimum of 21 minutes of exercise every day in June to not only raise funds but also raise awareness.

Progress has absolutely been made over the years, but given the current political climate (both here and overseas) things are going backwards rapidly. Far too many schools, workplaces, and in many cases even doctors’ offices remain unsafe places for many rainbow folk, and it’s genuinely putting lives at risk.

Almost 3 million Australians identify as LGBTQIA+. Despite this fact, the treatment of our communities are far from equal. Rainbow communities have one of the highest rates of suicidality in Australia compared with other groups, and our risk of developing other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are also much higher due to unnecessary hate and discrimination within society. We are not the enemy, big names out there need to stop using us a scapegoats or dogwhistles. Stop spreading lies to incite hatred and distract people from REAL problems!

This June I’ve decided to fight discrimination with perspiration to help raise funds for some of our leading LGBTQIA+ organisations. As many of you know, this will be a challenge for me but if there’s so much as a slim chance to help my fellow rainbow community members then I’ll give it one hell of a shot!

If donating is possible for you, that would be phenomenal, but I also understand that not everyone is in a position to donate. Much love!