First reference group meeting held for LGBTQIA+ strategy

  • LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy Reference Group’s first meeting held today
  • Representatives include LGBTQIA+ community and Department of Communities
  • Group will guide consultation to develop WA’s first LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy

Western Australia’s first whole-of-government strategy to drive inclusiveness for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Plus (LGBTQIA+) people is a step closer, with the first meeting of the Strategy’s Reference Group held today.

The group includes: Albany Pride, Equal Voices, GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc (GRAI), Kimberley Blak Pride, Dr Lukasz Krzyzowski, Living Proud, Pride WA, Rainbow Futures WA, TransFolk of WA and Youth Pride Network.

The Reference Group and Department of Communities will ensure there are numerous opportunities for individuals and organisations to have input.

The Cook Government committed $900,000 over two years to support the Strategy’s development, which is led by the Minister for Youth and the Department of Communities.

The Strategy supports a strong, coordinated government approach through partnerships with the Departments of Communities, Education and Health as well as the Mental Health Commission.

It will promote wellbeing and LGBTQIA+ people’s full social and economic participation, through identifying priority areas and associated actions.

For more information, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/government-initiatives-and-projects/lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-intersex-and-asexual-plus-lgbtqia-inclusion-strategy

As stated by Youth Minister Hannah Beazley:

“Thank you to the LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy Reference Group for their time, expertise and commitment to drive change for the benefit of all LGBTQIA+ Western Australians.

“Equality and freedom from discrimination and violence are fundamental human rights, but LGBTQIA+ people face significantly higher levels of discrimination and social exclusion.

“The Cook Government is committed to creating equal opportunities for all Western Australians, and this Strategy will help support and strengthen our LGBTQIA+ community.

“This first Reference Group meeting puts us another step closer to achieving our goal – through wide consultation we can develop and implement this very important strategy.”

/Public Release. View in full here.