Everyone has the right to feel safe, no matter their sexual or gender identity.
However, people in LGBTIQA+ communities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual) can face more gendered violence and discrimination. Many cases of family and gender-based violence go unreported because of discrimination, stigma and shame.
That’s why the Victoria Government is proud to announce $2.1 million towards the safety of LGBTIQA+ Victorians. The Victoria Government is partnering with Rainbow Health Australia (RHA), to run a three-year program to prevent family and gender-based violence in LGBTIQA+ communities.
RHA will work with organisations that specialise in supporting LGBTIQA+ communities, including:
- the Zoe Belle Gender Collective
- Thorne Harbour Health
- Switchboard Victoria, and
- Proud 2 Play.
These organisations will deliver projects across media, male-dominated workplaces, sport, community organisations and health services.
In addition, Safe and Equal will receive funding to support staff in LGBTIQA+ organisations to design and implement primary prevention initiatives and activities.
Each organisation will use its own expertise to challenge homophobia and transphobia and make spaces safer and more inclusive for LGBTIQA+ people.