Leaf Jeppesen is a young person who is passionate about who fighting for change to make spaces more inclusive for all young people.
When their school shut down the Pride Club, which they coordinate, Leaf persistently advocated for its restoration so that LGBTQIA+ students had a safe space to support each other. They were successful in their efforts and brought back a sense of belonging and hope to their peers. At the Pride Club, Leaf has organised and facilitated major events such as Wear It Purple and IDAHOBIT Day, raising awareness and over $1,000 for LGBTQIA+ charities in the past two years.
Beyond school, Leaf is an active member of YWCA Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ & Allies Prom Committee. Their creative ideas and dedication shaped the 2024 prom and are guiding preparations for the 2025 event. In recognition of their resilience and role-model qualities, they received the Empowerment Award at the 2024 prom and again has been nominated for an award this year. They are also active in YWCA Canberra’s weekly A-Z social group, where they warmly welcome new members, promoting inclusion and social support.
Leaf has transformed their personal challenges into a powerful force for change within their communities, displaying their resilience and unrelenting pursuit of justice. In this, Leaf has routinely shown a determination to protect the rights, safety, and wellbeing of their peers against institutional pressures.
