Mon Schafter
Mon Schafter (they/them) is a Walkley Award-winning journalist who leads the content for ABCQueer, the ABC's home of stories and advice for young LGBTQIA+ Australians. An experienced presenter and reporter, Mon has co-hosted the Mardi Gras parade on ABC TV and told countless stories for the 7.30 program and Hungry Beast. Mon also hosts the ABC podcast Innies + Outies, featuring uniquely Australian stories about coming out or staying in. Mon is a board director of Twenty10, a non-profit organisation that supports young LGBTQIA+ people in NSW, and in 2020 was named as one of Australia's Outstanding 50 LGBTQI+ Leaders in the 'Out50' report.
Latest by Mon Schafter
Dance roles not gender roles: How Dance Life star Archer is forging her own career path
One of the stars of Prime Video's docuseries Dance Life is non-binary dancer Archer, who is creating her own space in the gendered world of dance.
When Robyn saw the news camera flash, she knew this photo would come back to haunt her
What began one night in June, 1978, with a large crowd of partygoers ended in fear, arrests and brutal violence. This is an immersive 3D retelling of Australia's first Mardi Gras.
The 'revelation' that changed Hannah Gadsby's life
After decades of trying to "feel normal", comedian Hannah Gadsby is embracing her biology — and audiences love her for it.
Instagram pronoun option welcomed by trans and gender-diverse community
Non-binary comedian Chris Lani-McAllister is one of the many thousands of social media users to add gender pronouns to their Instagram profile.
'It's what's between our ears, not what's between our legs'
There might be a rainbow walkway on the foreshore but a stoush over access to a women's bath at Coogee Beach highlights the choppy waters transgender people can suddenly face in New South Wales.
'Sport is a fundamental right for all Australians': Transgender athletes welcome inclusion guidelines
Eight peak Australian sporting bodies have unveiled guidelines for the inclusion for transgender people in their sports.
'What cost?' Andrew Bogut questions NBA's backdown over support for Hong Kong protesters
Australian basketball superstar Andrew Bogut criticises the NBA's stance on China and the protests in Hong Kong, saying the US sporting organisation is putting profit before principle.
Campbell sisters believe Shayna Jack did not take banned substance on purpose
Australian swimmers Bronte and Cate Campbell have spoken out in support of fellow swimmer Shayna Jack, saying they believe she is not at fault for testing positive to a banned substance and that the treatment of her by the media has been "despicable".
Folau comments 'awful', says Australia's only openly gay male professional footballer
Andy Brennan, the first male professional Australian football player to come out while still playing, condemns Israel Folau's comments but vows not to let "negativity win".
A self-taught violinist's incredible journey from war-torn Syria to a Sydney orchestra
Aboud Kaplo has a unique relationship with his violin. After fleeing war-torn Syria with his family for a safer and more prosperous life in Australia, the 16-year-old has dreams of one day being a famous violinist.
Cronulla riot 'hero' Craig Campbell still paying the price 13 years on
Craig Campbell was hailed for saving two young men from an angry mob during the Cronulla riots — but it ended up costing him his career.
Meet the heart transplant pioneer helping close the Indigenous life-expectancy gap
Despite a high profile and international reputation, Professor Peter Macdonald is working quietly to improve the health of Australia's Indigenous population.
'Find your own way': Mardi Gras pioneer's advice for Sydney teen who's terrified of coming out
Hugh is 15 and afraid the people at his school will find out he is gay. Peter Murphy almost died 40 years ago when he was bashed at the first Sydney Mardi Gras. When the two meet, they discover they have a lot in common.
'I'll never do a job as hard as this again': How Ramsay St prepared Robbie for Hollywood
Margot Robbie spent three years on Australian soap Neighbours from the age of 17, but she believes it was the best training ground she could have for working in Hollywood.
Meet Alice in Wonderland, an Indigenous AFL-playing tomboy
Dubs Yunipingu is helping put a fresh spin on Lewis Caroll's classic tale. For the first time, the heroine is being played by a "proud Indigenous woman" — and that's just the first twist on the story.
'Couldn't pay $300 rent when my pension's $280': Growing number of elderly facing homelessness
After falling into debt 30 years ago, 81-year-old Lee Blake was forced to sell her home and has been living on and off the streets ever since.
How have smart phones changed our lives?
Ten years after the introduction of the first smart phone, Monique Schafter takes a look at how they have changed our lives.
Duration: 5 minutes 12 seconds
Insights into the life of modern Australian Muslims.
Ali's Wedding is a new Australian romantic comedy based on the real life experiences of an Iraqi-Australian co-writer and star, Osamah Sami. It's won numerous awards and is being praised for providing insights into the life of modern Australian Muslims.
Duration: 5 minutes 43 seconds
Gig Buddies helping adults with disabilities attend music events
Gig Buddies teams up adults who have learning disabilities with volunteers who have the same taste in music to go to gigs together.
Duration: 6 minutes 54 seconds
Paul Kelly on his career and new album
Musician Paul Kelly joins 7.30 to discuss his career, his new album and to sing some of his new songs.
Duration: 6 minutes 35 seconds
Designer duo turning fast fashion on its head
Designers Bex Frost and Christian Olea transform discarded tapestries and other recycled materials into stylish, tailored streetwear with attitude.
Djuki Mala bring new show to Sydney Opera House
Indigenous dance group Djuki Mala have become an international hit. Hailing from Elcho Island off Arnhem Land, the group is known for its unconventional mix of traditional dancing and modern hits.
Duration: 6 minutes 2 seconds
Hot Brown Honey lands political punch
Six talented female artists from a variety of cultural backgrounds are starring in a show that defies categorisation. Hot Brown Honey mixes dance, hip-hop, comedy, circus, striptease and song and aims to land a political punch.
Duration: 5 minutes 51 seconds
Meet Nobuyuki Tsujii, the blind concert pianist who learns by ear
Nobuyuki Tsujii has been blind since birth and learnt to play piano by teaching himself nursery rhymes as a child. He's now internationally renowned and has just played Chopin's 2nd piano concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Duration: 6 minutes 39 seconds
Loyle Carner's music influenced by struggles with ADHD and dyslexia
London rapper Loyle Carner is an anomaly in the world of hip hop. The topics of his music are less flashy than some of his contemporaries, and he's been heavily influenced by his own struggles with ADHD and dyslexia.
Duration: 5 minutes 59 seconds