Shifting the conversation: Help Jacob represent Australia’s LGBTIQ community in Malta
#Jacob identifies as gender- queer and has requested not to be referred to in gender-specific pronouns such as he/his/him.
Jacob’s language of hope, change and self-acceptance has replaced a former internal dialogue of self-doubt, resignation and, at times, despair.
These days Jacob hopes to shift the conversation on an international level and represent the Australian LGBTIQ community on a delegation to Malta, and they need your help to do it.
Jacob’s enthusiasm is contagious. Even over the phone I wanted to reach out and hug them. After getting off the phone, I felt like a blushing teen with a crush and considered very much calling Jacob up and inviting them to my next wine and appreciation night.
Jacob is just that sort of person, the person that makes you feel heard, welcomes you with warm and opens arms and that’s got your back.
Jacob is informed. A person with great emotional maturity, their optimism is a choice.
“I haven’t always been this way. There were periods where I was plagued by self-doubt,” Jacob says.
During their early 20s, Jacob lost a close friend to suicide.
“What really hit was the number of people at my friends funeral, it made me realise we are never alone.”
As Chief Operating Officer at It gets better Australia Jacob is a mover and a shaker, but still their achievements so far, have not gone to their head. When asked what the plans for the future are, they are a hell-of-a-lot more heart driven than ego.
“It’s not about being a champion or the leader, it more about building confidence within people and shifting the conversation.”
In all honesty, I want Jacob to run for Prime Minister.
But just shy of that, I suppose representing Australia at the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network 2015 in Malta, which Jacob has been selected for, is a good start.
“I really feel like I’ve found my calling,” Jacob said.