For Chaplain Simon Edds, combining his experience in the film industry and his commitment to chaplaincy has brought LGBTQIA+ to the big screen across Navy in recognition of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). 

Chaplain Edds, the ADF’s first Buddhist Chaplain and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, turned down an offer to work on Mad Max: Furiosa to pursue his career in Navy.

Having worked as a body double and stand-in on movies such as Sanctum, The Great Gatsby, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Mad Max: Fury Road, he first brought his passion for film to Navy by coordinating a queer short film festival on board HMAS Sydney in 2025. 

“The short film festival was my idea to celebrate Sydney’s strong LGBT community, and mark IDAHOBIT in a naval environment where life is very busy,” Chaplain Edds said. 

“I thought it might be a bit of a hard sell, but I only received support and encouragement from command, the community and the allies that attended, and it just worked.

“Our people seemed to really appreciate something quite different happening, and those in the community were able to see the actors representing or even mirroring their own lives through the films.

“One movie was about the history of the karabiner and how it is an identifier in the lesbian community.

“Most of us wear a karabiner at sea, and the crew was talking about it and analysing each other’s karabiners for weeks afterwards, really thinking about how the movie related to them.” 

IDAHOBIT is observed annually on May 17 and is recognised as a Defence-enterprise day of significance, commemorating the removal of homosexuality from the World Health Organisation's list of mental illnesses in 1990. 

The day highlights the importance of eliminating discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and intersex status. It supports Defence's commitment to dignity, respect and equal participation in the workplace.

'In a climate where exclusionary voices and bias still exist, it is essential that we amplify authentic stories told by those with lived experience.'

Chaplain Edds has now grown the film festival to include screenings in Darwin, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, and in HMAS Perth, recognising IDAHOBIT 2026. 

Previously supported by the Defence LGBTQIA+ Information Service, this year, Navy Diversity and Inclusion approached Chaplain Edds and offered to develop the festival and fund multiple screenings. 

“I chose predominately comedies for the festival,” Chaplain Edds said.

“Our people work hard and I wanted something uplifting and fun that could get people laughing together and enjoying themselves.

“It was powerful receiving feedback from community members praising the curation of queer films that don’t end tragically, and to see so many people, including allies and non-LGBT personnel, voluntarily attend.”

The festival was presented in collaboration with Queer Screen Australia – the Sydney based organisation that runs the Mardis Gras film festival – and featured a selection of short films selected and vetted to support awareness, reflection and prompt informed discussion in a professional setting. 

CEO Queer Screen Benson Wu attended the launch screening during Navy’s Diversity Reference Group Summit at HMAS Penguin. 

He spoke about the importance of such screenings in creating a vital safe space where diverse communities can celebrate their identities and foster a sense of belonging and trust. 

“Seeing their stories reflected on screen allows colleagues and friends to build deeper connections and understanding,” Mr Wu said.

“In a climate where exclusionary voices and bias still exist, it is essential that we amplify authentic stories told by those with lived experience. 

“These screenings provide a platform for conversation that bridges gaps of misunderstanding and strengthens the overall workplace environment.” 

Mr Wu said he had never visited a base, let alone connected with Navy people on such a personal level.

“As a gay person from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, I wasn't sure what to expect. Feeling so genuinely accepted was a wonderful surprise,” he said.

“The conversations we had showed me that the Navy demonstrates its incredible leadership by creating positive, safe spaces for people.”

Chaplain Edds hopes to continue working with personnel to expand the initiative further, facilitating optional festivals for all HMA Ships and establishments across Australia. 

Find out more about IDAHOBIT and how to support at: Home | IDAHOBIT