Here's How You Can Be A Better Ally To The LGBTQIA+ Community This Mardi Gras

The Hit Network is proud to be partnering with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras all year round this year, including the fabulous Mardi Gras Parade.

But a lot of people find themselves wondering how they can better help and stand by the LGBTQIA+ community and we have some helpful tips!

Another supporter of the community, Absolut Vodka partnered with Dr. Shirleene Robinson, a leading researcher, author and LGBTQIA+ advocate.

They conducted a study of 1000+ LGBTQIA+ Australians and 904 heterosexual allies, friends and supporters (allies & friends) of the community across Australia, to understand the importance of being a vocal supporter for the LGBTQIA+ community as part of their 'Make Love Louder' project.

When it comes to things you can do, they include:

1. Stand up against anti-LGBTQIA+ speech (84%) 

2. Use respectful language about the LGBTQIA+ community (81%) 

3. Be accepting and considering your own prejudices (78%) 

4. Help LGBTQIA+ people and perspectives to be seen and heard (74%) 

5. Listen to LGBTQIA+ people 

6. Express support for LGBTQIA+ people on social media (73%)

As part of The Hit Network and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras partnership, we also bring you The Ally Podcast hosted by Entertainment Reporter and Mr. Gay Pride 2019 finalist Justin Hill.

In this monthly podcast, Justin chats with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. In episode one he caught up with Gamilaraay Queer Artist Dennis Golding and 8-year-old star of the new film Palmer, Ryder Allen... have a listen below.

If you're up for a treat grab an ‘Absolut Banger’ cocktail (the specially created beverage for this year's Mardi Gras) at one of these Absolut X Merivale venues, because for every Absolut Banger ordered, Merivale will donate $2 to ACON and the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation!

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