World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
Olly Arkins and James Declase reflect on a decades-long friendship
Olly Arkins and James Declase have been friends since year 5 at an all-boys Catholic school in inner Sydney.
Declase says they did not speak for a few months after he felt hurt when Arkins skipped his birthday sleepover, but her apology brought them closer.
In their early 20s, Arkins told him she was gay, and later came out as non-binary before identifying as a woman.
Declase says he supported each step and that their friendship grew stronger through those changes.
Arkins, 37, is the first trans woman appointed deputy lord mayor of the City of Sydney.
The role has helped her connect with a young trans girl who wanted to meet her, while Declase says she also faces intrusive comments about her appearance.
The friends say they remain close, even as Arkins's public role brings more demands on her time.
Olly Arkins and James Declase have maintained a close friendship since meeting at school in inner Sydney.
Arkins, 37, is the City of Sydney deputy lord mayor and the first trans woman appointed to the role.
Declase, 36, is an events manager.
Declase said their friendship grew stronger after Arkins apologised for missing his birthday sleepover in year 8.
He said they have supported each other through heartbreak and grief, and travelled the world together.
- Who
- Olly Arkins, City of Sydney deputy lord mayor, and her childhood friend James Declase, an events manager.
- What
- They reflect on a friendship that has lasted for decades.
- When
- They met in year 5; the article was published on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- They met at an all-boys Catholic school in inner Sydney.
- Why
- They trusted and supported each other, including as Arkins came out and explored her gender identity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Arkins and Declase met at an all-boys Catholic school in inner Sydney.
After Arkins declined Declase’s birthday sleepover invitation, they did not speak for a couple of months; she later apologised and their friendship grew stronger.
Arkins told Declase that she was gay.
Arkins came out as non-binary and asked Declase to call her Olly, saying she felt more comfortable being a woman.
- Olly Arkins
- 37; City of Sydney deputy lord mayor
- James Declase
- 36; events manager
- First meeting
- Year 5
- School
- All-boys Catholic school in inner Sydney
- Article publication
- October 22, 2026
What people are saying
We’ve travelled the world together; we’ve been through heartbreak together; we’ve grieved together.
I was thrilled for her.
I’m so protective.