Nous Proud, the employee network for LGBTIQ+ Nousers, has marked its first anniversary with a remote gathering to celebrate the achievements of the past year, hear from speakers on the front line of the campaign for equality and look at challenges ahead. 

As it marks its first anniversary, Nous Proud can look back on nine projects with public bodies and not-for-profit organisations that sought to improve the lives of LGBTIQ+ Australians.  

The work includes an evaluation of specialist advisory services for LGBTIQ+ people who come into a court due to family violence, a review of the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey for the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the development of a growth options paper for a not-for-profit organisation supporting queer youth. 

Tim Orton, the Founder and Managing Director of Nous, said Nous Proud was now a network of 50 Nousers and growing.  

“Our most recent network members, some of our new grads, were aware of Nous Proud prior to joining,” Tim told the 14 May celebration.

“They have had a great experience through the recruitment process, where Nousers were able to talk very clearly about what Nous Proud is, and what it means, and how it makes everyone at Nous feel welcome and comfortable. I think that’s fabulous and I’m delighted by the strength and joy we’re able to celebrate today.” 

The event also celebrated International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May. Tony Fiddes, a Nous Principal and member of Nous Proud, said that this year’s theme for IDAHOBIT, “Breaking the Silence”, was apt. 

“We’ve come a long way but there’s still more work to be done,” Tony said. “At Nous, we are working with partners in government, private and not-for-profits sectors to ensure that policies, programs and services are inclusive and build and maintain a culture of acceptance.” 

Also speaking at the event were Anna Brown, the CEO of Equality Australia, who spoke about the issues on the group’s agenda, including combating religious discrimination, mental health among transgendered people, laws regarding birth certificates, and capturing relevant data in the Census. The meeting also heard from Maddison Harrington and Ezra Dickson about their lived experiences, including those of being transgender. 

Nous Proud was established in May 2019 with four main purposes: 

1. Provide direct support for LGBTIQ+ Nousers 
2. Promote LGBTIQ+ inclusive behaviours at Nous 
3. Create more inclusive societies through our bold and engaging work 
4. Support Nous externally as an LGBTIQ+ inclusive employer of choice 

Nous has previously been recognised as an employer of choice, being named one of Australia’s top five workplaces in a recent Best Places to Work Study. 

Published 19 May 2020.