Ruby Mountford

Ruby (they/thyem) is a disabled bisexual nerd and an award-winning activist and advocate, breaking down walls in queer and disability spaces.  

Living on Wurundjeri land in Melbourne, Australia, Ruby is an alumni of Leadership Victoria’s LGBTI Emerging Leaders and Autism Community Resource Centre’s Future Leaders programs. Their contribution to LGBTIQA+ Disability advocacy has been recognised at a national level as the recipient of Autism Spectrum Australia’s (ASPECT) 2020 Inspiration Award and the 2021 National Award for Disability Leadership in Inclusion.

Starting out as a current affairs reporter on LGBTIQ+ community radio, Ruby provided coverage on Australia’s Marriage Equality Campaign, and pioneered the stations first Bisexual+ program and podcast, Triple Bi-Pass. Ruby’s wealth of lived experience, vast knowledge base and grass-roots connections keeps them grounded in real world solutions, while they work with Australia’s peak LGBITQA+ and Disability organisations to make positive change.

Ruby is a passionate educator and facilitator, currently working for LGBTIQA+ and Disability inclusion in community healthcare services, as well as providing consultation on intersectional inclusion with various NGOs, committees, and government working groups.  

In their down time, Ruby enjoys fantasy, collecting thrifted clothes and shiny things, and forming connections with passionate people.