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.

Council acknowledgement and support

LGBTI+ Peer Social Support Group (aged 50+)

The LGBTI+ Peer Social Support Group is 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.

Useful resources

  • 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.
  • Glossary of terms
    Glossary of common terms and inclusive language.
  • Equal Sports
    A campaign by Maroondah Youth Services advocating for safe and inclusive sporting clubs.

Support Services

  • Lifeline
  • Provides 24/7 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.
  • 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.
  • Qlife
    QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.  QLife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTI community members across the country for LGBTI individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals in Australia. Phone 1800 184 527 or webchat from 3pm to midnight every day.
  • 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.

Further information

For further information on Council's LGBTQIA+ initiatives phone 1300 88 22 33.