Who Speaks for Me? Identity, Individuality and the Rainbow Alliance with Jack Ayoub

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Jack Ayoub — union organiser, former federal political candidate, opera singer, and unapologetic truth-teller. You may have seen Jack recently stirring up conversation with his bold piece in The Australian titled LGBTQIA+ Doesn’t Speak for Me: It’s Time to Dismantle the Rainbow Alliance.

But beyond the headlines, Jack's story is one of resilience, community, and asking the tough questions — from growing up in rural NSW and overcoming hardship, to navigating identity, belonging, and the risk of being reduced to a label.

In a world that loves neat categories, Jack's perspective challenges us to think more deeply about individuality, equality, and what genuine community really looks like.

In this episode:

• Who gets to speak for a community and why Jack believes no one can represent such diverse experiences

• The complexity of identity and why sexuality, gender or background shouldn't define the whole person

• Growing up in rural NSW, hardship, loss and how real community changed Jack's life

• The origins and evolution of the LGBTQIA+ movement — and whether it's time for honest reflection

• Why labels can feel both empowering and deeply limiting

• How we have open, respectful conversations even when the topic is controversial.

Links and Resources:

Read Jack's article: LGBTQIA+ Doesn’t Speak for Me: It’s Time to Dismantle the Rainbow Alliance — Read it here (subscriber-only)