Developing Western Australia's LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy
The State Government announced the development of Western Australia’s first whole-of-government LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy (the Strategy) on 23 February 2024.
The Strategy’s development is being led by Hon Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Local Government; Youth; Minister Assisting the Minister for Training and Workforce Development, and the Department of Communities (Communities).
Equality and freedom from discrimination and violence are fundamental human rights for everyone, but LGBTIQA+ people face significantly higher levels of discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion, which can contribute to deteriorating health, social and economic outcomes.
The Strategy will drive inclusion for LGBTIQA+ Western Australians and identify priority areas and associated actions to drive long-term and systemic change.
It will promote the Western Australian LGBTIQA+ community’s well-being and full social and economic participation.
Funding is also being provided to three community organisations to support the development and implementation of the Strategy:
A Reference Group consisting of representatives from the Western Australian LGBTIQA+ communities has been established, and as the Strategy takes shape, members will guide consultation and engagement with the LGBTIQA+ community.
Communities will offer a variety of options for people to have input and participate in Strategy development, with consultation involving many organisations and individuals, including those on the Reference Group.
Consultation and community engagement is expected to commence in the second half of 2024, when everyone will be encouraged to share their experience and perspectives.
The Strategy will encompass all LGBTIQA+ Western Australians including seniors, youth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, our culturally and linguistically diverse community, and people with disability.
This page will be updated as engagement progresses.
Have your Say
Consultation with LGBTIQA+ people across Western Australia is now open until April 2025.
Your input is encouraged to help inform the development of the Strategy to ensure it reflects the lived experiences of people who are LGBTIQA+, and responds to their diverse needs and aspirations to create a more inclusive WA.
There will be many opportunities to provide input throughout the consultation period, in person and online. Submissions are also accepted in various methods including video, audio, and other creative or accessible outlets. These can be submitted directly to lgbtiqa@communities.wa.gov.au.
Engagement with LGBTIQA+ people and communities is continuous throughout the lifetime of the Strategy development, and repeated input is welcome.
We also welcome input from allies, who may be connected to LGBTIQA+ people and communities as a family member, friend, health professional or educator.
We are committed to engaging with purpose and working in partnership with key partners to undertake statewide, trauma-informed, culturally and psychologically safe engagement.
LGBTIQA+ Peak Body
Rainbow Futures WA is the Peak Body established to represent and advocate for Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual plus (LGBTIQA+) Inclusion Strategy people in Western Australia.
Rainbow Futures WA is a consortium of WA-based LGBTIQA+ community organisations.
The Peak Body will work in conjunction with the State Government and the LGBTIQA+ Community Reference Group to support the development and implementation of WA’s first LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Strategy.
The purpose of the Peak Body is to represent the interests of the LGBTIQA+ community in WA and build and maintain an effective and sustainable partnership with the State Government, community and sector organisations.
LGBTIQA+Reference Group
An LGBTIQA+ Reference Group was established to support engagement with the sector and people with lived experience. It is being co-chaired by Department of Communities and a nominated member of the group until the establishment of the LGBTIQA+ peak body, who will then undertake co-chair responsibility.
The LGBTIQA+ Reference Group supports Communities with engaging LGBTIQA+ individuals and communities during the development of the Strategy.
Membership includes individuals and representatives from:
- Albany Pride
- Dr Lukasz Krzyzowski
- Equal Voices WA
- GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc. (GRAI)
- Intersex Peer Support Australia
- Kimberley Blak Pride
- Living Proud
- Pride WA
- Professor Braden Hill
- Rainbow Futures
- Pride with Disability Network
- Queer, Transgender, and Intersex People of Colour Western Australia - QTIPoCWA
- TransFolk of WA
- Youth Pride Network
LGBTIQA+ Reference Group meeting communiques
- Meeting one Communique - 3 July 2024 (PDF, 86.4 KB)
- Meeting two Communique - 31 July 2024 (PDF, 111.9 KB)
- Meeting three Communique - 28 August 2024 (PDF, 123 KB)
- Meeting four Communique - 25 September 2024 (PDF, 126 KB)
- Meeting five Communique - 23 October 2024 (PDF, 106 KB)
Media Statements
- Rainbow Futures WA named new independent peak body for LGBTQIA plus Western Australians
- Expressions of interest sought for WA's new LGBTQIA peak body
- First reference group meeting held for LGBTQIA+ strategy
- New LGBTQIA+ inclusion strategy to promote equality
Contact
Stay up to date on the latest news and updates by subscribing to our mailing list or emailing us via lgbtiqa@communities.wa.gov.au.
