Thomas, known online as AuslanHQ, is a Deaf content creator whose videos blend humour, relatability and advocacy to advocate for the Deaf community help hearing audiences understand Auslan and Deaf culture. We interviewed him to talk about his approach to content, what real inclusion looks like, and what genuine allyship means in practice.

Follow more of Thomas's work at AuslanHQ / @findoutwiththomas.

Question 1: Let’s start right at the beginning. Can you tell us a bit about your story?

I'm Thomas. I'm Deaf, and Auslan is my first language.

I've always been curious about how people think and navigate everyday life. That curiosity naturally led me to become an Auslan teacher and a qualified Deaf Interpreter.

More recently, I began creating online content, including funny videos and sharing moments from my everyday life, while also helping people learn about Auslan and Deaf culture.

Looking back, I realised everything I do has the same purpose. I enjoy bringing people together through communication, humour and learning. That's what motivates me every day.

Question 2: Your content blends relatability, humour and advocacy. How did you come to this approach with AuslanHQ?

We live in a world where everything moves so fast, and our attention spans are getting shorter because of social media and technology. That's why I create Auslan content that is relatable, engaging and easy to connect with. I believe educational content is most effective when it creates opportunities for people to interact, ask questions and share their thoughts.

Many of the myths about Deaf people have existed for a long time, such as the idea that someone has to "look Deaf." Rather than making people feel embarrassed for not knowing, I use humour to make these conversations more approachable. It encourages people to stop, think and ask questions they may have been too afraid to ask before.

My goal has always been to create a positive space where people can learn, laugh and have meaningful conversations about the Deaf community and Auslan. If someone finishes one of my videos smiling while also learning something new, then I know I've achieved what I set out to do.

Question 2: You have a series signing Pokémon names in Auslan. A lot of trends and pop culture moments are designed with sound and hearing audiences in mind. How do you translate that world into something that works for Deaf audiences?

Deaf people are just like everyone else. We enjoy movies, games, Pokémon, sport, social media and pop culture too. The biggest difference isn't disability, it's language. When content includes captions, Deaf people can enjoy it equally and be part of the same conversations as everyone else.

I also believe inclusion shouldn't stop at accessibility. Include Deaf people and people with disabilities in the creative process. We bring different perspectives, lived experiences and ideas that can make content even better. For example, with Pokémon, we can create Auslan signs for the characters, share insights into Deaf culture and help make the content meaningful for both Deaf and hearing audiences.

I'd also love to see more characters with disabilities who are simply part of the story. Their disability doesn't have to define who they are. When representation feels authentic and natural, it helps people see that we already belong in these spaces. The reality is, we already do. Authentic representation simply reflects that.

Question 3: In your videos you often talk about the differences between Deaf and hearing culture. Can you tell us about your experience navigating the world with Auslan as your first language?

Auslan has been my first language since birth, so it's how I naturally communicate and experience the world. Growing up, I learnt to navigate between Deaf and hearing cultures every day. Sometimes it's smooth, and other times there are barriers, often because people don't understand Deaf people or assume we all communicate in the same way.

Many of those barriers aren't caused by being Deaf. They're caused by communication and accessibility. Simple things like providing captions, using interpreters when needed, or taking the time to communicate in a way that works for everyone can make a huge difference.

Sharing these experiences through my content helps people understand that Deaf culture is different, not less.

Question 4: Do you have any final thoughts or advice you'd like to leave our community with?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. We don't expect you to know everything, but we do appreciate people who are willing to learn. The best ally isn't the person who gets everything right. It's the person who listens, includes us from the beginning, and helps create spaces where everyone belongs.

At the end of the day, Deaf people are already part of society. We just want equal access to enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else.

About Like Family

Like Family is an NDIS disability and aged care provider, connecting people who need social and personal care with quality support workers who truly make a difference. We match Members and support workers based on interests, personality and needs to create a lasting relationship that feels like family.

This conversation is part of an ongoing series spotlighting voices from the disability and mental health community, sharing the different ways people are finding their own ways to thrive, express themselves and show others what's possible.