Matt Warren

Matt Warren is an award-winning photographer and a facilitator of BitBent, a social support group for young same-sex attracted people in the ACT. Matt is a strong advocate for equal rights and is well known in Canberra for his determined and professional approach to supporting young same-sex attracted people. In 2009, Matt was awarded an ACT Pride Award for his achievements within the community, and in 2010 BitBent was nominated for the ACON Honour Awards in recognition of the organisation’s outstanding contribution to the GLBT community. Matt graduated from the Australian National University with a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2005, and currently works at the National Library of Australia.

Why have you chosen to represent this same-sex law reform campaign?

I feel lucky that I‘ve experienced relatively little same-sex discrimination in my life time, but I want to live in a society where experiencing discrimination is the exception, not the norm. I shouldn’t feel lucky – I should feel normal and I want every same-sex attracted person to feel normal too. That’s why I wear it with pride.

What sorts of same-sex discrimination have you as / anyone you know experienced?

I see young people who feel discriminated against quite often in my volunteering work. The most upsetting event to witness is when parents, whose love should be unconditional, fail to see past their child’s sexuality.

How do you think these reforms will make a difference to your life, or to the lives of those close to you?

I believe discrimination stems from a lack of education and understanding. Having these reforms come in and seeing them so vibrantly and loudly represented through the WIWP campaign is going to help educate a lot of people about what equality really means.

Why do you think people should wear these 85 law reforms with pride?

The hard work of everyone who has pushed for equality should be acknowledged. These shirts represent the progress we have made and are a great way to celebrate how far we’ve come, but they also serve to remind us how far we have to go.

Why do you think this is a huge step forward for Australia?

Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Any country as advanced as we are should be leading the way in human rights and equality. This is a huge step towards becoming the world-leaders in human rights that we ought to be.

What do you like about your T-Shirt design?

It’s bright, vibrant and a little bit cheeky. Two computers whose cords are touching at the office – it’s a bit like holding your boyfriends hand under the desk at school.

MATT WARREN