The ACT Government has announced the launch of a new peer support initiative to improve the wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people with disability, backed by a $451,000 investment over three years.
Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services Suzanne Orr said the program is being delivered through a partnership between the Office for Disability and the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs and reflects the ACT Government's commitment to inclusion, equity and community-led solutions.
"We know that LGBTIQA+ people with disability often face intersecting forms of discrimination and exclusion," Minister Orr said. "This program is about supporting spaces where people can connect, organise, and lead change on their own terms."
The initiative will be delivered by a partnership between two Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) – Women with Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) and Inclusive Rainbow Voices. Inclusive Rainbow Voices is Australia's only LGBTIQA+ DPO.
The successful project, titled 'Our Voices, Our Spaces: Co-Creating Community with LGBTIQA+ People with Disabilities', will provide a safe and empowering environment for people to build community, advocate for their rights and determine their own priorities for connection and support.
"This initiative reflects the ACT Government's values of self-determination and co-design. That's why the program guidelines don't prescribe specific activities – instead, they empower participants to shape the scope of the program to best meet their own needs," Minister Orr said.
"This is a proud step forward in our work to ensure everyone in the ACT feels seen, supported and valued."
The project will also include the appointment of a part-time project coordinator to support participants and help strengthen long-term community capacity.
The ACT Government thanks WWDACT and Inclusive Rainbow Voices for their leadership and looks forward to seeing the positive impact of the project on the lives of LGBTIQA+ people with disability in the ACT.
Quotes attributable to Katherine Marshall (they/she), Chief Executive Officer at Inclusive Rainbow Voices:
"The IRV team is very excited to embark on this important project in partnership with WWDACT, working to create peer support and self advocacy opportunities for LGBTIQA+ people with disability living in ACT. As Australia's only LGBTIQA+ Disability advocacy organisation, this project will also play a significant role in representing the needs and priorities of our ACT communities in our broader advocacy and policy work."
Quotes attributable to Kat Reed (they/them), Chief Executive Officer at Women With Disabilities ACT:
"This is a massive win for our Canberran LGBTIQA+ people with disability – and during Disability Pride month no less! We thank the ACT Government for supporting such a vital intersection and for their commitment to genuine co-design for our community. The program will be open to all Canberrans and region who identify as LGBTIQA+ and as having a disability(ies). Women with Disabilities ACT looks forward to platforming local LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities over the next 3 years as part of the program."
