CASE STUDY: Bertie. A Week of Support and Connection which Honours a Life of Resilience.

As the founder of an organization dedicated to supporting marginalized communities, I’ve had the privilege of meeting individuals with extraordinary stories. Recently, I had the honor of supporting someone who had been a trailblazer in the Australian gender equality movement of the 1970s and 80s. This remarkable person, who had identified as a transvette in their past, arrived in our city from an island off Queensland, seeking to retrieve an artwork created by their recently deceased father.

Their journey was not an easy one. They had borrowed money to travel, only to find themselves stranded and reliant on someone who proved to be unreliable and manipulative. Despite their vulnerability, they possessed a strength and resilience that inspired me. I welcomed them into my home, StreetShelter, where they stayed for a week, receiving support and care from our community.

Through our organization, Food Not Bombs, we provided nourishing food, sourced from local bin diving deliveries. We also arranged a tour of art and historical sites, which they thoroughly enjoyed. But more importantly, we created a safe space for them to share their life story – a unique and vital chapter in Australian oral history.

Throughout their stay, they contributed to our community in meaningful ways, attending the soup kitchen and connecting with others. Their sobriety during this time was a testament to their determination and the supportive environment we provided.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, they were unable to retrieve their father’s artwork. To acknowledge their efforts and compensate for the disappointment, I offered financial support.

This experience reminded me of the power of human connection and the importance of honoring the stories of those who have paved the way for us. I feel grateful to have played a small part in their journey and hope that their story will inspire others to embrace their true selves and continue fighting for equality and justice.

---