LGBTIQA+

We support diversity and inclusion across Hepburn Shire. We do this through our LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee and through events, resources and support services for LGBTIQA+ communities and their allies.

We pride ourselves on being a Shire for all people.

About acronyms

When referring to non-heterosexual populations and trans and gender diverse people, our preferred acronym is LGBTIQA+. This acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and questioning, and asexual people. We know there are many separate communities within this population, and when referring to LGBTIQA+ communities as a whole, we use this respectful collective address.

Pride in our organisation

Trans Awareness Week - 13-19 November

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.

LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee

Council has appointed local people to the new LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee. We are particularly interested in hearing from women, young people, and people who are trans, non-binary, gender-diverse, intersex, queer or bisexual.
 
The objectives of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee are to:
  • Advocate on behalf of LGBTIQA+ people within the Hepburn Shire community and beyond
  • Provide feedback and advice to Council on its policies, plans and services that impact on the LGBTIQA+ community
  • Consider and provide advice on key government initiatives, programs and reviews that impact on LGBTIQA+ communities
  • Consider funding and other opportunities as they may arise
  • Assist Council to promote the benefits of diversity and enhance understanding about the barriers to equality facing LGBTIQA+ communities
  • Promote and assist Council to celebrate LGBTIQA+ days of significance and events.

The LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee is a reference group and not a decision-making body. Find out more about other Council committees.

Events

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.

Resources

Get acquainted with LGBTIQA+ history and culture, check out a range of training and professional development materials, and apply for funding support. 

LGBTIQA+ library resources

Our libraries have an extensive collection of LGBTIQA+ resources, including fiction and non-fiction, graphic novels and children’s titles, and DVDs. The collection is inclusive and is not labelled. Use search terms to find items in the library catalogue.

Community grants

If you represent a community organisation that provides a great service for LGBTIQA+ communities, you may be eligible for a Council community grant. Find out more.

queerspace

As well as offering a range of health and wellbeing services, queerspace offers professional development for organisations who work with LGBTIQA+ people and their families.

Victorian Pride Centre

Celebrate and protect equality through the Victorian Pride Centre, which brings the Victorian LGBTIQA+ communities together in a single space. 

Inclusive language guide

The Inclusive language guide is a handy reference that provides advice on the appropriate language to use when working with LGBTIQA+ communities. Developed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet for the Victorian public sector.

Support services

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. 

Marriage equality

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.

 

 

 

Back to top