Steve Irwin’s daughter Bindi Irwin honoured as LGBT ally
19-year-old Bindi Irwin has been honoured as an LGBT ally.
Bindi Irwin vocally backed marriage equality during Australia’s public vote on the issue last year.
Irwin, the daughter of late zookeeper, conservationist and TV star Steve Irwin, was honoured this week with an Ally Award at an Australian LGBT awards ceremony.
She said: “I wanteto thank you from the bottom of my heart for this extraordinary honour. I feel so proud to be an an ally. Congratulations to the finalists.
“This has been a huge year for Australia, and I’m sending lots of love and cuddles your way.”
Her mother Terri Irwin and brother Robert Irwin praised her work.
Terri Irwin and Robert Irwin (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)
Terri Irwin said: “I’ve got to tell you, this is awesome!
“I have to tell you a funny story. In 1992, Steve and I started filming. We were in the outback, in the middle of Australia. We were hungry and looking for food, and we found a pub to order a counter meal. We sat down and I said, ‘I’d like to use the restroom’.
“The publican said, go down the hall, around the corner and outside, and the women’s room is right there. As I walked out there, I noticed the men’s room was right there. On the way back I asked, why is it that the women’s room is a hike with a map, but the men’s room is right there?
“She said, ‘honey, 15 years ago you couldn’t have eaten in the pub’. Somebody worked really hard to make sure that a woman could go into a pub and order a counter meal… and I’m really proud of Bindi for being a part of this [movement].”
Robert Irwin, 14, said: “We are so proud of Bindi. She is such an incredible person and inspires us every single day. This is such an honour for her.”
In an emotional Instagram post, Bindithanked one of her LGBT friends for inspiring her.
She wrote: “Thank you so much to the #LGBTIAWARDS18 for the honour of the Ally Award. I am tremendously grateful.
“We should all have the freedom to love. I am so proud of Australia for stepping up and choosing love.
“Also, shoutout to one of my best friends, @lukereavley. I’m so proud to stand up for what’s right with you. ❤️ “.
Tweeting her support for equal marriage last year, Irwin had written: “‘Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?’: Love is love. Yes, Australia.”
She added: “I’ll see you on the bright side of history, Australia. Remember to Vote YES for marriage equality. Every love is beautiful and equal.”
The young activist is following in her father’s footsteps as a conservationist at Australia Zoo, having grown up very much in the spotlight as her parents starred in reality show The Crocodile Hunter.
Her father Steve Irwin was tragically killed in 2006, after being struck in the chest by a stingray.
