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How to get unstuck
Words by Nandana, 16 NSW I’m stuck in the middle of year 10. I’ve just chosen the subjects that will supposedly decide the rest of my life, and now I’m regretting some of them. I am starting to wish I could go back in time more and more every day – before year 10, or…
Conversation Piece
Artwork and Words by Daina, 16 NSW “A conversation can change a life”. My art making practice is driven by what we can’t say in words. The tension often experienced by those awkward conversions which can have the most impact, is what is expressed in this work. Titled ‘Conversation Piece’, the use of colour and…
Don’t knock small talk
Words by Maeson (they/them), 21 WA If you’re really struggling with your mental health, I will always recommend seeking professional psychological care. But if you’ve reached a point where generally speaking, you’re doing ok, maybe just a little lonely or stressed or tired with the everydayness of life, then here’s a wild suggestion – don’t…
Equality is not Enough
Artwork and Words by Emily (they/them), 25 VIC This artwork is to raise awareness that “Equality is not Enough”. The piece depicts four possible outcomes: starting with Reality and moving through to Justice. REALITY In this world, we are not born into equal circumstances. Some people get more than they need, others get less….
Internalised Ableism
Words by Susie (she/her), 24 QLD In part 1, we explored ableism: what it is, how to recognise it and how you can be an ally. Internalised ableism is much more personal and in some ways even more heartbreaking, as constant reinforcement from our ableist culture begins to dictate our internal, personal lives. Ableism is…
Should Australia introduce compulsory national service for school-leavers?
Words by Dustin (he/him), 18 NSW Everyone knows that our schooling career is progressive. It’s planned out by the education system, almost as if your life has only one direction for the next 13 years: from kindergarten to year one, and eventually year 12. Essentially, young people – including me – feel as if they…
Ableism: What is it? Why do you need to know about it?
Words by Susie (she/her), 24 QLD What is Ableism? Ableism is heavily engrained in our society and impacts everyone’s daily life. Ableism is a huge, complex topic. It’s short dictionary definition is “discrimination in favour of able-bodied people.” But what does Ableism actually look like in everyday life? Ableism comes in many shapes and sizes….
I’m a queer girl. I also have a boyfriend.
Words by Steph (she/her), 21 TAS I’m a bisexual woman and I have a long-term male partner. Despite bisexuality being the most common sexuality in the LGBTQIA+/queer community (GLAAD), bisexual people (like me) are still questioned and misunderstood often. When I tell someone I’m queer, they ask if I have a girlfriend. When I tell…
Trees for our future
Words by Kirra, 21 VIC My most resonant childhood memories are times spent in nature. With my hands in the dirt, or up a tree looking out over the canopy, I have always felt drawn to trees – captivated by the knowledge that they existed long before I was born and will continue to thrive…
Let me buy into my community, don’t force me to
Words by Emma, 27 WA The concept of compulsory service is not new, with many countries such as South Korea and Norway requiring young people to serve their country. When the majority of the world is at peace, something like this seems harmless and encourages patriotism and connection with their peers. But given the ongoing…
