LGBTIQA+

We are proud of our Shire’s diversity. We are enriched when all people, regardless of cultural background, ability, gender, sexuality or identity, are embraced and supported to participate and contribute to the life of our community.

Council has developed plans that focus on key populations in our Shire, for example, the Reconciliation Action Plan, Positive Ageing Plan and Youth Development Plan. This Rainbow Action Plan demonstrates Council’s focus on inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people.

Council is committed to achieving equality for LGBTIQA+ people. We will work to end LGBTIQA+ discrimination, and affirm and defend the fundamental human rights of LGBTIQA+ people.

Rainbow Action Plan

Hepburn Shire Council will be acknowledged as a leader in LGBTIQA+ inclusion, because of the way we understand and address the needs of our LGBTIQA+ constituents and work with them to build a safe and welcoming culture of LGBTIQA+ inclusivity in the Shire.

For matters beyond Council’s direct control, we will demonstrate leadership through effective advocacy, thereby helping to achieve change.

This week raises awareness of trans, gender diverse and non-binary people, and the issues facing them. It is an opportunity to step up as allies to help improve lives and create a more fair and equal world for everyone.

Did you know?

Being trans, gender diverse and non-binary is not an illness, but the way our society often treats trans and gender diverse people leads to severe psychological distress and poor mental health.

Over 70% of trans and non-binary people have experiences of discrimination, marginalisation, bullying, abuse, and harassment. These experiences can lead to significant psychological distress and suicide risk.¹

•  Almost 1 in 2 trans and non-binary young people have ever attempted suicide (48.1%). This is 20 times higher than adolescents (12-17 years) in the Australian general population¹

• 3 in 4 trans and non-binary young people have ever been diagnosed with depression (74.6%). This is 10 times higher than adolescents (12-17 years) in the Australian general population¹

• 72.2% of trans and non-binary young people have ever been diagnosed with anxiety. This is 10 times higher than adolescents (12-17 years) in the Australian general population¹

What can I do?

Embrace equality and work to end the discrimination. Choose a way that suits you. Inform yourself. Use respectful language. Challenge unfair statements. Lobby for change. 

1. Strauss, P., Cook, A., Winter, S., Watson, V., Wright Toussaint, D., Lin, A. (2017). Trans Pathways: the mental health experiences and care pathways of trans young people. Summary of results. Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia.

All events in Hepburn Shire are LGBTIQA+ inclusive.

In March of each year, our region hosts Australia's longest-running and biggest rural LGBTIQA+ pride festival, ChillOut. Our Council stands by its LGBTIQA+ community and is a proud supporter of the ChillOut festival.  Learn more about the ChillOut Festival.

Switchboard Victoria

Switchboard offers peer-driven support services for LGBTIQA+ people, their families and allies, and counselling through its partner QLife. For older LGBTI people, Switchboard’s Out & About program supports intergenerational connection by connecting people with a friendly visitor.

queerspace

queerspace is an LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing support service that offers counselling, peer support and professional development for organisations who work with LGBTIQA+ people and their families. 

Council was a vocal supporter of the marriage equality campaign. In 2012, Council passed a notice of motion advocating for a change to the Marriage Act to allow same-sex couples to marry. In August 2017, a motion was passed at a Council meeting calling for the rainbow flag to be raised in Vincent Street Daylesford in recognition of our support for equality.

All LGBTIQA+ people should feel supported, connected, visible and safe in our community. We will work with local LGBTIQA+ people and Police to understand concerns about community safety and to identify potential safety risks.

If you are in danger, or have been subjected to violence, contact Police immediately on 000.

If you experience discrimination or hate speech, report it on the Community Reporting Tool which will connect you to information and support from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

Read the statement(DOCX, 17KB).