S1 E5 | What impacts Social Cohesion? with Ro Allen

'A cohesive society doesn't box people into one identity.'

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Office Commissioner, Ro Allen, joins hosts, Anthea Hancocks and Lydia Tesema on the podcast.
 
In this episode we discuss:

• How fear and ignorance prevent an inclusive society.
• How Ro's experiences in the church helped shape their commitment to social justice.
• The need to better appreciate intersectionality and the burden of continually asking communities to educate others about their culture.
• How to leverage your privilege without being patronising.

Want to contribute to the conversation? Send us your reflections and comments to: info@scanloninstitute.org.au

You can also Tweet us @Scanlon_Inst

 

Guest Biography: Ro Allen

Ro Allen is the Commissioner at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

A longstanding advocate for LGBTIQ Victorians and has held leadership positions in the community and government sectors. [Ro has been a member of three Victorian Government LGBTI ministerial advisory groups and chaired the ministerial advisory committee on LGBTI Health and Wellbeing between 2007 and 2009.

As founding CEO of UnitingCare Cutting Edge, Ro established Victoria’s first rural support group for young LGBTI people, giving Ro a deep understanding of the issues faced in rural and regional areas.

Ro has been recognised for extensive community service and is the recipient of a Centenary Medal in 2003 and in 2009 was inducted into the Victorian Government Honour Roll.