All human dignity

My life and work are around a position that all humans, no matter their skin, gender, religion, ethnicity, ability – have intrinsic worth and value.

When we divide and discriminate against people by race, religion, gender and ability, we fracture all differences. To keep conquered, keep divided.

When we label one act of discrimination as unique and requiring its own response, we are simply amplifying discrimination. When we privilege one group of people as deserving of a greater response to discrimination, we are not healing anything. We are increasing the division.

To call out one form of racism while ignoring, discounting, or debasing another form of racism is to amplify all racism. 

I want all people to feel safe. To feel their right to worship and celebrate as they see fit. As long as it does no physical harm to another, or impairs the rights of others to do the same.

It is my right to criticise a state actor, including my own state. It is my right to be against a political ideology that sees other humans as animals. This doesn’t make me racist. Indeed, as a citizen who wants all humans to have the same sense of safety, it would be irresponsible of me not to speak out against political ideology that is hell bent on apartheid and genocide. 

We do not need an antisemitism envoy or an anti Muslim envoy. We need an anti-hate, all-inclusive consideration. How do we dignify all differences, including ones that might make us uncomfortable, like trans rights? 

Our world privileges the voices of some legitimate victims of hate while completely ignoring other victims of hate. This is racist. 

Last year, Australians were asked if they wanted an Indigenous Voice to be recognised and part of our constitution. The people, to my shame, said no. Reports from the Indigenous community requesting changes to support their increased well-being and safety are largely ignored. Yet another group receives the right to have their recommendations announced in a press briefing and have the government state that they will seriously consider the actions recommended. Right there, exceptionalism, racism. Division. 

All human dignity. All justice. No one is free until all are free. No one is safe until we are all safe.

Photo July 11th 2025, Article written July 11th 2025