An LGBTQIA+ inclusive organisation
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Maroondah City Council is committed to diversity, inclusion and showing support for the LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and other) community.
We understand that some community members who identify as LGBTIQA+ may experience discrimination and poor social and health outcomes and we are committed to working together to celebrate diversity and promoting social inclusion.
Statistics
Approximately 10% of Maroondah’s population (over 10,000 Maroondah residents) identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or asexual (LGBTQIA+).
Research shows that homophobic discrimination and heterosexism (i.e. the favouring of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships) has resulted in:
- Transgender people aged 18 and over being eleven times more likely to attempt suicide in their lifetime.
- Approximately 42% of homosexual/bisexual people aged 16 and over meeting the criteria for a mental disorder and having symptoms in the past 12 months.
- Lesbian, gay and bisexual people aged 16 and over being three and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety in their lifetime.
The above statistics have been sourced from Snapshot of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Statistics for LGBTI people February 2020 - National LGBTI Health Alliance.
Support for our LGBTQIA+ community
Council acknowledgement and support
Social support groups
Maroondah City Council host social support groups to support our LGBTIQA+ community:
- MY Pride is for young people aged 10 to 13 years. Maroondah Youth Services provide this program fortnightly as a safe space for young people who identify as LGBTIQA+ or who are exploring their identity.
- SAGE is for young people aged 14 to 18 years. Maroondah Youth Services provide this program fortnightly as a safe space for young people who identify as LGBTIQA+ or who are exploring their identity.
- Mature Rainbows is a LGBTI+ peer social support group aimed at Maroondah Residents (50 years+) who identify along with their Ally & Friends Community. The group provides a support network for LGBTI+ residents aged 50+ to connect in a safe and inclusive space, reduce social isolation and loneliness, build friendships, share stories/information and provide education where needed.
IDAHOBIT Day
Celebrated on 17 May each year, IDAHOBIT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia) celebrates LGBTIQA+ people around the world and acknowledges the work that still needs to be done to ensure true inclusion and acceptance within the community.
In May 2015, Council made a commitment to acknowledge the LGBTIAQ+ community by raising the rainbow flag for a week each year in recognition of IDAHOBIT Day.
Signing the No to Homophobia campaign
At a Council Meeting on Monday 16 February 2015, Council signed the No to Homophobia campaign, a State wide, online campaign that sends a message to all Australians that homophobic, transphobic and biphobic harassment is never acceptable.
By signing the campaign, Council as an organisation has taken the pledge to stand up against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
Local support services
Local services that support the health and wellbeing of Maroondah’s LGBTIQA+ community:
Additional services:
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1800RESPECT
Confidential information, counselling and support service.
Phone: 1800 737 732
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InterLink
InterLink brings people together to talk about living with innate variations in sex characteristics with the support of trained counsellors and intersex peer workers
Phone: 07 3017 1724
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Lifeline
National charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Phone: 13 11 14
- MindOut!
The first national project of its kind, is funded by the Commonwealth Government to work with LGBTI organisations and mainstream mental health organisations to improve mental health and suicide prevention outcomes for LGBTI people and populations.
- Minus18
Australia's largest support network for gay, bisexual, lesbian and trans teenagers from all over Australia
- National LGBTI Health Alliance
National peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people (LGBTI) and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities.
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Parents of Gender Diverse Children
Parents of Gender Diverse Children gives a voice to parents and those parenting transgender and gender diverse children.
Phone: 03 9663 6733
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qheadspace
If you identify as, are questioning or are interested in learning about trans and gender diversity and/or sexuality join the qheadspace community to discuss all things LGBTQIA+
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Queerspace
For community, by community. Counselling. Case management. Advocacy. Research. Training. Professional development. Consultancy.
Phone: 03 9663 6733
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QLife
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Phone: 1800 184 527
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Rainbow Door
A free, specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline. Experienced peers provide information, referral, and support to enable LGBTIQA+ people, their friends, and their families to navigate the system and access the supports they need within a safe environment.
Phone: 1800 729 367
Text: 0480 017 246
Email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au
- Rainbow Health Victoria
Supports LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing through research and knowledge translation, training, policy advice and service accreditation.
- Silver Rainbow LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care
National coordination and support activities promoting the wellbeing of LGBTI elders and the ongoing delivery of the LGBTI awareness training to the aged care sector.
- Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care
Val’s LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care works with aged care, health and human services providers and a range of community stakeholders to improve the health, wellbeing and visibility of older LGBTI people.
- Wingmen
Wingmen supports gay men to feel confident about helping each other in tough times and is committed to reducing the impacts of depression, anxiety and suicide in the LGBTI communities.
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With Respect
Provides resources, tips and advice for LGBTIQ+ people on having and maintaining healthy relationships. We also provide support for LGBTIQ+ people of all ages and their families experiencing difficulty in their relationships, including family violence.
Phone: 1800 542 847
Resources
- Equal Sports
A campaign by Maroondah Youth Services advocating for safe and inclusive sporting clubs.
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Intersex Human Rights Australia
A national charity by and for people with innate variations of sex characteristics that promotes health, human rights and bodily autonomy.
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Minus 18
Australia's charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ young people
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Rainbow Network
Empowering services to provide inclusive support for LBGTIQA+ Victorians
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Victorian Pride Centre
The Victorian Pride Centre is the first purpose-built centre for Australia's LGBTIQ+ communities. The Centre serves as a hub for LGBTIQ+ groups and organisations to share ideas and resources and to further their work in supporting equality, diversity and inclusion across the state.
- What are pronouns?
This 5 minute video explains what a pronoun is, how to respectfully ask someone’s pronoun and how to use them inclusively.
Upcoming events
Rainbow Walk (Ringwood)
06
Sep
2024
An event for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies to enjoy a casual stroll, engaging conversation, and a cup of tea. Connect, share stories, and relish each other's company while exploring different neighbourhoods.
REALM Library, 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood 3134
Tagged as: , Community, Health & Wellbeing, LGBTIQA+, Sport & recreation
Parenting Journeys
10
Sep
2024
Join this free information session for more information on caring for a young person who is gender questioning, trans, gender diverse or non-binary.
Tagged as: , Children & families, Council run event, Course or class, Education, Health & Wellbeing, LGBTIQA, Workshop, Youth events
Further information
For further information on Council's LGBTQIA+ initiatives phone 1300 88 22 33.