Author: clifford lewis

A Stigma-Informed Approach to Regional LGBTQ+ Inclusion

31st Aug 2026

Recently I was invited by ACON to speak at the NSW Regional Rainbow Forum about my research on LGBTQ+ inclusion in rural/regional Australia. LGBTQ+ people living in rural and regional Australia experience unique, and often significant, forms of prejudice compared to those in our capital cities. It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that they also report lower … More A Stigma-Informed Approach to Regional LGBTQ+ Inclusion

The meritocracy paradox

2nd Mar 2026

I was invited to take part in the University of Canterbury Business School’s Thought Leadership Series, joining a panel discussion on the paradox of meritocracy with Prof. Mikki Hebl and Associate Prof. Remi Trudel . I situated my argument on three points: Who determines what is merit? Sometimes it is argued that Australian First Nations … More The meritocracy paradox

Launching the Empowerment Scholarship

9th Sep 2025

I am excited to champion the launch of The Honourable Michael Kirby Empowerment Scholarship, an initiative designed to uplift and support LGBTQIA+ students  on their academic and personal journeys.  Research conducted in 2024 by myself and Professor Suzanne McLaren through the Australian Regional Rainbow Survey confirms that LGBTQIA+ people living in rural areas experience significantly … More Launching the Empowerment Scholarship