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"It's freedom." 

Ask Matthew Paul what Pride Month means to him, and the answer comes without hesitation. 

At 63, Matthew has witnessed enormous changes in attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people over his lifetime. 

"I grew up in a generation where you kept that part of yourself hidden for years," he said. "Pride Month to me is about allowing younger people to express themselves in a way we couldn't at their age." 

For many staff across Albury Wodonga Health, Matthew Paul is a familiar face behind the wheel of the Shuttle Service.  

Matthew was one of the very first volunteer drivers when the staff shuttle service launched just before COVID. Years later, he's still helping staff get where they need to go. Even after moving to Seymour three years ago, he continues to make the trip back to Albury-Wodonga every fortnight to volunteer. 

"I do it because Albury Wodonga Health has done a lot for me, and I wanted to give something back," he said. 

This Pride Month, Matthew is sharing another part of his story. 

The freedom he speaks about wasn't always available to people of his generation. 

That's why he believes Pride Month still matters. 

"Even though it's a new generation, there's still that phobia factor out there," he said. 

"There's still a lot of parents who aren't accepting. 

"Pride Month is important because it lets people know there are others they can talk to, groups they can join and places where they can feel safe." 

While Matthew came out to his grandparents at just 12 years old, much of his adult life was shaped by a very different social climate. 

A former police officer, he spent 28 years with his partner before he passed away. Yet it wasn't until 15 years into their relationship that he felt comfortable introducing him to his supervisor. 

"You just didn't talk about it back then," he said. 

Today, one of the things Matthew values most about volunteering at AWH is the sense of belonging he has found among AWH staff.  

"They do the little things to make me feel supported," he said. 

"My partner came over one weekend and the team went out of their way to make sure he felt welcome. They organised a dinner so he could get to know everyone and feel comfortable too. 

"We tease each other, we support each other. We're a family. It's because of staff members like them that I keep coming back." 

For Matthew, allyship doesn't need to be complicated. 

"Follow your heart. If you want to help somebody, support them," he said. 

"There are still people who are scared to come out. If you know someone who might be struggling, just stand there and let them know you're there for them if they need help." 

And if there's one message Matthew would like people to take away this Pride Month, it's a simple one. 

"We're no different to anyone else. Our love is just the same. We just love the person we're with. 

"All we really ask for is respect. Even if you don't agree with it, just respect our privacy and our joy." 

After a lifetime of seeing attitudes change, he remains hopeful that future generations will continue to find the acceptance that wasn't always available to people of his generation. 

His advice is simple: 

"Live, love and enjoy life."