Jess Origliasso, one half of pop duo The Veronicas, has attended a rally in memory of Tyrone Unsworth — the Brisbane teen who ended his own life last week after being severely bullied for his sexuality.
The singer returned to her home town for the LGBTQIA+ ‘Safe Schools’ rally, and shared how the news of Tyrone’s death hit her “too close to home” — particularly in light of her own upbringing.
“I grew up in musical theatre from the age of five, where boys were encouraged to explore female characters, wearing makeup and dresses, and the girls encouraged to explore male roles, with facial hair and suits,” the 31-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“It was always a supportive creative environment and exploration, and a very ‘normal’ upbringing for me. I realised as I became older, how lucky I was to have that experience growing up.
“Kids, like Tyrone are bullied and and made to feel like outcasts for their sexual or gender diversity and interests… My heart breaks to know my best friends growing up were exactly like Tyrone, but that I couldn’t help him.”
The photo Jess shared on Instagram depicted her meeting with Tyrone’s grandmother, who told the star the 13-year-old had been a fan of her music.
“I, like many others, wish I could have known Tyrone, and done anything to make sure he was still here today,” Jess’ message continued.
She ended with a passionate plea to Australian schools to embrace the Safe Schools program and foster a nation where LGBTIQ teens feel comfortable in their diversity.
"The LGBTQIA+ community are still fighting for the education and safety of our community ... Please Australia, it's time to do more. Tyrone should still be here with us today," she wrote.
"If only we had schools and legal rights that show all LGBTIQA+ youths, and bullies that the LGBTQIA+ community, and their diversity is as normal as a diverse choice in music."