Meet the Team

We are an LGBTIQA+ people of colour and of faith owned and operated, supported by our ally and accomplice

A smiling Budi with long dark hair, wearing red glasses, a white shirt, and a pink blazer, against a white background.

  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Monash University, Australia

    Master of Arts (Research), Monash University, Australia

    Graduate Certificate in Education, Monash University, Australia

    Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110), HBA Learning Centre, Australia

    Graduate Certificate in Applied Coaching, ACAP University College, Australia

Budi Sudarto (they/them)

Founder and Director

Budi is a recognised community advocate within the LGBTIQA+ communities, inspiring respect and admiration through their extensive experience as a group facilitator, trainer, researcher, educator, and engaging public speaker. They have collaborated with organisations across multiple sectors, leveraging their knowledge of intersectionality to foster understanding and change beyond surface-level diversity. Their lived experiences, academic insights, and passion continue to drive meaningful and sustainable organisational transformation.

Budi's reflective, analytical, and curious nature, combined with their passion and knowledge, encourages trust and confidence. Their ongoing commitment to reflection, learning, and collaboration demonstrates a dedication that reassures potential partners of their reliability and depth of expertise.

Budi’s work has been featured in ABC, SBS, and The Age, showcasing their credibility and influence. In 2022, they were named among LinkedIn's Top 20 LGBTIQA+ Voices in Australia, reinforcing their standing as a respected leader in the field.

Close-up of a smiling of Maria with dark hair and open eyes, wearing a purple outfit with green and yellow floral patterns, a colorful necklace, and a red string necklace. The background is black.

  • Bachelor of Arts, University of Adelaide, Australia

    Diploma of Education (English and Humanities), University of Adelaide, Australia

    Graduate Diploma of Arts (Gender Studies), University of South Australia, Australia

    Master of Arts (Gender Studies), University of Adelaide, Australia

    Doctor of Philosophy (Social Sciences), University of Technology Sydney, Australia

Dr Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli, AM (she/her)

Associate Researcher and Consultant

Dr Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli has gained national and international recognition as a writer, qualitative researcher, educator, trainer and seminar facilitator, consultant, community advocate, and ally in the issues of cultural diversity, gender diversity, sexual diversity, family diversity, HIV/AIDS, and social diversity. Maria is internationally renowned for successfully working with marginalised, vulnerable, sensitive and “hard-to-reach” communities, has conducted multiple qualitative research studies that implement decolonialising research practice, and is a longstanding ally to the LGBTIQ communities. 

Maria received the GLOBE Straight Ally of the Year Award in 2018 and was honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022, recognising her dedication to multicultural and multifaith LGBTIQA+ communities and strengthening her profile as an expert and ally. 

Website: 

http://mariapallottachiarolli.com.au/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariapallottachiarolli/

Researchgate:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Pallotta-Chiarolli