WAAC and ACON, on behalf of the National LGBT Health Alliance, have commenced work on a new education campaign to help people understand the Federal Government’s recent reforms affecting same-sex couples.

In July 2009, the Federal Government amended 85 pieces of legislation that discriminated against same-sex couples. However, research indicates many people from the lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community don’t know how the reforms will impact specifically on their relationships and families.

To help raise awareness, the campaign will feature a comprehensive website, national and community advertisements, the production of relevant educational resources and a series of information sessions delivered throughout Australia in partnership with local LGBT service providers.

Called 'Wear It with Pride', the new campaign will be based around a series of 85 tee-shirts inspired by various human stories behind the reforms. Each of the 85 tee-shirt designs will be used as part of a cross-media campaign to the help LGBT community members engage with the new laws so they get the most out of their new entitlements and responsibilities. The Commonwealth-funded campaign is being produced by leading LGBT health agency ACON on behalf of Australia’s National LGBT Health Alliance.

Alliance Executive Director Gabi Rosenstrich says while debate continues on issues such as equal marriage rights and changes to Centrelink payments, the significance of the reforms deserve to be celebrated. “These 85 reforms are monumental and a proud signpost on our road to equality,” Ms Rosenstrich says. “They result from years of tireless lobbying and protesting by members and supporters of LGBT community. And though our journey is not over yet, these reforms deserve to be celebrated by everyone – straight, lesbian, gay, bi and trans.”

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says organisers are now looking for people to take part in the campaign by sharing their stories or by designing or modelling the tee-shirts. “We’re currently signing up some of Australia’s biggest names in fashion and design as well as some of our brightest up-and-coming designers. Once completed, each tee-shirt will be assigned to an influential community member who will adopt that specific reform and take the message of it to the public via an advertising and publicity campaign to be launched in January 2010. These influencers will be a mix of prominent and grassroots LGBT community members as well as mainstream supporters.”

Global boutique ad agency M&C Saatchi is creating the campaign. Head of Creative Ben Welsh says the campaign provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for people to be directly involved in a historic promotion and celebration of human rights. "While Wear It With Pride will be a high-profile design project, it's also open to every corner of the community as a grassroots campaign. We're calling on passionate people who wish to take part to proudly stand up and be counted."

Designers already involved include Charlie Brown, Jayson Brunsden, Henry Roth, Alex Zabotto Bentley and Rachel Gilbert, Influencers who are on board include Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Ruby Rose, Richard Reid, Noel Tovey, Dr Kerryn Phelps, and Jess and Lisa Origliasso from the Veronicas.

Involvement with the campaign is entirely voluntary and pro-bono. Each participant, whether they’re a storyteller, designer or influencer, will play a vital role in promoting this human rights milestone for Australia. Interest can be registered on the campaign website: www.wearitwithpride.com.au