On top of that, he was grappling with his sexuality. As school captain, he felt the pressure of being a student representative while also struggling with his mental health in a small country town.

So when it came to the moment of returning to his high school almost 20 years later as an adult, he was stressed.

Dan Searle is helping raise awareness for those living with low vision and blindness while finding their sexuality. Credit: Supplied/Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

With his guide dog in tow, Searle was last year invited back to deliver a talk to students as part of wellness and mental health day.

“If that helps one student, then that makes me happy and proud.”

Why representation matters

That’s why representation is so important for him.

Younger Australians are much more likely than older Australians to identify as non-heterosexual. Source: SBS News

“Where do you find people that exist within that cross-section? If I can be that person to someone else or to the younger me, then that’s nice.”

“There’s so much pressure around using apps and meeting up with someone that you’ve just spoken to online, and that’s really challenging as a person that can’t see.”

First Mardi Gras parade

Intersex Australians seeking support can visit Intersex Peer Support Australia at isupport.org.au.