TV personality, Maria Thattil, has today announced she is partnering with Olay and Minus18 to launch “Glow Up Your Own Way”, a national campaign dedicated to destigmatising LGBTQIA+ issues and supporting those dealing with low self-acceptance and confidence.
Thattil (featured image) – who represented Australia in the 2020 Miss Universe pageant – recently opened up about her sexual orientation for the first time on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! dedicating her time on the show to Australia’s largest LGBTQIA+ youth charity, Minus18
“I never expected to find a safe space on the show to share my truth. Championing Minus18 youth gave me the courage to share my own sexuality, and I love that coming out in a raw, unplanned way was impactful in its simplicity,” said Thattil.
Thatill joins Olay in its “Glow Up Your Own Way” campaign addressing research that found 9 in 10 Gen Z Australians who identify as LGBTQIA+, say they have struggled to feel comfortable in their own skin and express their true selves.
YouGov’s national study of 505 adults also found a staggering 98 per cent of Gen Z respondents have held back from attending events in fear of being judged. Half of these say this is a regular occurrence.
“Glow Up Your Own Way” campaign will see Thattil work with Minus18, Mardi Gras and Olay to host a virtual round-table event with leaders in the LGBTQIA+ space, discussing the findings and the actions that can be taken to enable change.
Thattil, Olay, Minus18 and Mardi Gras hope to raise awareness of this issue and inspire others in a similar position to be their authentic self, by sharing her own personal coming-out story for Mardi Gras 2022.
“I am so proud to partner with Olay, Minus18 and Mardi Gras because they are committed to progressing inclusivity by going where others may be afraid to,” said Thattil.
“In our video, Dom and I shared our experiences as queer children of Catholic migrants and had the opportunity to talk about how the intersection of religion and culture influences the experiences of not just queer folk but their families.
“It is a privilege to be able to share my lived experiences and help create spaces where others are safe to do the same.”
Adrian Murdoch, partnerships and campaign coordinator at Minus18, added, “Minus18 has worked with Olay for over a year now, across campaigns such as IDAHOBIT and Trans Awareness Week, as well as supporting events like Queer Formal Adelaide to be free for LGBTQIA+ young people.
“This next chapter of our partnership is an opportunity to create more awareness, champion inclusion and celebrate diversity, particularly as we work with the wonderful Maria Thattil, who so kindly has invited a whole generation of young people into their journey around their sexuality.”
