Battling Homophobia And Transphobia With Miley Cyrus & IDAHOT

Sunday May 17 marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. One of our contributors reflects on what this day means to them.

You did it! You finally figured out who you are. Everything will fall into place now… right?

The unfortunate truth is that figuring out your identity is only half the battle for LGBTQI individuals.

Ellen may be able to laugh her way through it, but for many it’s anything but a humorous moment. We hear people use the word ‘gay’ as a synonym for stupid; we saw the headline “Trans-Jenner”, mocking Bruce Jenner’s gender transition, and we’ve heard the stories from countries where being LBGTQI is a crime.

A NSW study found that more than 85 per cent of the LGBTQI community in NSW had experienced homophobic abuse, harassment or violence during their life.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) is a day for those who can’t stand by this dehumanising reality. It provides a platform for the LGBTQI community and allies to draw attention to the fact something has to change. It’s a day where people fight for equality and raise a voice for LGBTQI people who can’t speak for themselves.

Most recently, “Wrecking Ball” extraordinaire and singer Miley Cyrus has become an emerging voice for LBGTQI people with her new non-profit organisation, The Happy Hippy Foundation, which rallies young people to fight injustice facing homeless youth, LGBTQI youth and other vulnerable populations. In a world where 40 per cent of homeless youth identify as LGBT, and family rejection is the most common reason LGBTQI youth experience homelessness, Miley is using her own story of struggling to fit gender norms to change young people’s perspectives of gender and sexual fluidity.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Cyrus reveals that she was moved by the suicide of transgender teen Leelah Alcorn.

"It's something that everyone sees," she said. "It's like the birds chirping. We're consciously ignoring it at all times, but it's always happening right in front of us."

To raise awareness of The Happy Hippie Foundation, Miley has joined forces with music powerhouses like Joan Jett, Laura Jane Grace and Ariana Grande to produce the Backyard Sessions. Featuring songs such as “True Trans Soul Rebel” and “Different”, the musical collaboration project promotes the cause and provides uplifting messages for LGBTQI youth.

Whilst IDAHOT may be just a day, several Aussie organisations continue to carry the spirit of IDAHOT and push to end LGBTQI discrimination. Get in on the action by joining the Safe Schools Coalition, wearing it purple on Wear It Purple Day or getting involved with Minus18. If you can’t join any of these amazing organisations, head on over to the official IDAHOT website and prepare for next year.

So, here’s to the girl being forced to call herself “John”, to the boy who doesn’t want to go to school anymore because he’s sick of the taunting, to the teenagers whose parents don’t see them as normal and to my Uncles who are told their love isn’t real. I see you, you are valid, your dreams are our dreams, and millions stood by you on IDAHOT.

If you need someone to talk to, please contact the below organisations:

• beyondblue 1300 224 636
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

Cassie Ngurah is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about our contributors program.