AJ Clementine: IDAHOBIT Champion

May 03, 2020

“A good ally is someone who understands the power of listening, someone who provides love and support, and someone who simply treats people how they would like to be treated.”

IDAHOBIT’s looking a little different in 2020. Who could’ve imagined at the beginning of the year that hanging out with mates in person would be a distant memory, and PJs would become standard work attire?

This year, thanks to Covid-19, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia is less morning teas and school assemblies – and more virtual hangouts, social media conversations, and video content.

Model, content creator and LGBTQIA+ activist AJ Clementine is no stranger to living her life on social media, though. Definitely not, with 43K Youtube subscribers, over 54K Insta followers, and a cool 304.7K TikTok followers. AJ’s online world is all pastels, humour, fashion, all with a big dose of LGBTIQ+ advocacy and trans visibility.

AJ’s funny, authentic vlogs detailing her trans experience speaks to a passion for helping the next generation feel confident and supported in their journey.

And in a time when family violence and social disconnection is on the rise due to self-isolation and services shutting down, that LGBTIQ+ young people need a sense of community, and of support more than ever.

What makes a good LGBTQIA+ ally?

Simple question, but the answer can be a big one to unpack. In AJ’s words:

“For me, the top qualities in a good ally is someone who understands the power of listening, someone who provides love and support, and someone who simply treats people how they would like to be treated.

“At the end of the day, we’re all human beings.”

AJ’s Youtube feed is an emotional, funny, disarmingly honest look into her life and, specifically, her experience being trans – from answering audience questions, to offering beauty tips, to surgery vlogs. And while the majority of us may not count runway shows and Instagram Mardi Gras floats as regular occurrences in our lives, AJ’s content speaks to her dreams, emotions, ambition, pain, and joy – you know, those universally human feels.

“I focus on creating content that aims to shine a light on the topics that aren’t talked about enough, and that sometimes aren’t easy to talk about. I think that sort of content can open up the conversation for others.”

“I do this for the LGBTQIA+ (and Asian) community, through sharing my experiences which I believe create positive change and visibility.”

How do you go about starting to be an ally?

It’s all well and good saying you want to be a good ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. And, if you’re in the queer community, being an ally to the many intersectional identities found within our community. But it can be difficult to know where or how to start.

AJ’s advice? It’s okay if you walk before you’re able to run. “You don't need to be forward. but you can let a group or somebody know that you support them in little ways.”

You can even do it online in really simple ways, which is perfect while we’re all living the #stayhome life. “Follow them, engage with their content or simply give them a compliment. You always have the ability to lift someone up, so give it a go!”