Last week there were some positive steps forward for the LGBTIQ+ community.
Probably the biggest item people may be aware of was the Federal Government's Religious Discrimination Bill which would have caused concern for some members of our community. We also saw the release of the Victorian Government's LGBTIQ+ Strategy 2022-2032 that sets a vision and plan to drive inclusion and equality within all aspects of government work.
Last week, Melbourne held its annual Midsumma Festival, this is a valuable contributor to community development and is also a significant part of Melbourne's tourism strategy.
The growing number of events in the wider community that enable all minorities like the queer community to celebrate themselves, only help to grow and enrich our society. The groups and individuals that have driven these events should be congratulated for their tireless work. Recently I saw mixed comments given to the Bendigo Council about painting a rainbow flag on the ground in front of the town hall. The fact that this received some negative comments shows there is still a long way to go.
I would like to see the Central Goldfields Shire generate a community festival that brings support and awareness to our queer community.
There has been some great work done over the last 12 months in regard to our LGBTIQ+ community - monthly meetups at Mill House on the last Sunday of every month, MEC PRIDE being confirmed as a safe space for youth, and raising the first rainbow flag in our community and Self(ie) Pride which was a video animation production displayed in the Resource Centre atrium. Council has also been working with specialist agencies through its Manager Community Partnerships and Children and Young People First officers to ensure we are building a supportive and safe community for our residents.
I think we have a great opportunity to build on this work and produce something special for the whole of our community that increases our diversity and equity. Any event that connects our community is surely a good thing!
