Rainbow Ready Roadmap

THE state government is pushing for greater inclusion of LGTBIQ+ communities in regional and rural Victoria through the release of its Rainbow Ready Roadmap.

Containing resources for community groups, service providers, organisations, sporting clubs, health services, schools and businesses, the roadmap is designed to engender equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, and queer Victorians.

Equality Minister Martin Foley timed its release for last week’s International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex discrimination and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), while visiting the South Barwon Cricket Club that recently hosted the Geelong Cricket Pride Cup.

“The roadmap provides a set or practical and simple measures any member of the community can make to ensure LGBTIQ+ Victorians feel welcome,” Mr Foley said.

It’s part of a suite of measures being implemented by the Andrews government designed to reduce stigma and improve equality under its 10-year ‘Pride in our future’ strategy released in February this year.

Other steps include a recent budget allocation of $3.2 million over three years to trial a Safe Space hub in Geelong, Surf Coast and Ballarat.

A driving force behind the awareness campaign and push for more resources, Western Victorian MP Andy Meddick highlighted that LGBTQIA+ youth are five times more likely to attempt suicide between the ages of 16-27.

“Trans, non-binary and gay youth struggle in rural communities – this is my experience as both a parent and a politician,” he said.

“This work has been in response to a number of young people in the community tragically taking their own lives after not being able to access support in a way that was easy and accessible to them.”

A series of in-person workshops will be held across regional and rural Victoria to promote and educate all community members about using the roadmap.

For more info visit vic.gov.au/rainbow-ready-roadmap