LGBTIQA+ Population Committee

The LGBTIQA+ Population Committee provides us with advice and information on access, equity, participation and human rights issues facing the LGBTIQA+ community.

Read the full committee terms of reference(PDF, 242KB).

About this community

In 2017, 6% of Victorian adults identified as LGBTIQA+. Poor data collection techniques and fear of discrimination lead to under representation in available data.

80% of LGBTIQA+ Victorians have witnessed or experienced homophobia on the sports field.

A greater percentage of LGBTIQA+ residents experience violence and discrimination as compared to our whole population.

24% of young LGBTIQA+ people in Victoria have experienced homelessness.

24% of LGBTIQA+ Victorian adults experience high or very high levels of psychological distress, compared with 14.5% of CIS-gender heterosexual adults.

This data has been sourced from Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Strategy 2022–32 , Your Health: Report of the Chief Health Officer, Victoria 2018  and Proud 2 Play: Advocating for LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Sports & Recreation across Australia.

Objectives

  • Provide feedback and advice on our policies, plans, services and projects that have an impact on LGBTIQA+ communities.
  • Provide advice on government initiatives, programs and reviews that have an impact on LGBTIQA+ communities.
  • Advocate for LGBTIQA+ communities.
  • Help us promote the benefits of diversity and enhance understanding about the barriers to equality facing LGBTIQA+ communities.
  • Provide advice in relation to our communication, engagement and consultation with LGBTIQA+ communities.
  • monitor the implementation of our Inclusive Banyule Plan 2022-2026 (Easy English version is available)

Membership

The committee consists of:

  • up to 15 community and/or organisational members
  • 1 councillor

Representation on the committee will reflect the:

  • diverse range of skills, interests and lived experience with a focus on balance and collective advocacy
  • community demographics
  • geographic diversity of Banyule.

Our staff are not considered members of the committee, but a specific officer is assigned to the committee to provide executive support and will be the key contact for all members.

Community and organisational members

Committee positions are voluntary and may be held for a 2-year term. Representation will be sought from a recruitment process specified in the terms of reference.

The committee will consist of:

  • up to 12 local residents from the LGBTIQA+ community (residents that identify as an ally will also be considered)
  • up to 3 representatives from community organisations, agencies and service providers that focus on local LGBTIQA+ communities.

Current community committee members will be involved in recruitment and selection of organisational appointments.

Actions

This committee provides guidance on how to make our community more inclusive. Each year the committee agrees on what actions should be taken. These are the actions achieved in 2023-2024.

  • Elevated visibility and awareness of LGBTIQA+ communities through events, activities and advocacy.
  • Researched key issues of family violence, gender equity and mental health and used this information to address barriers to inclusion in our services, programs and events.
  • Delivered a feasibility study to explore the establishment of a memorial acknowledging those who have been lost to AIDS and discrimination.
  • Convened bi-monthly committee meetings.
  • Reviewed the Inclusive Business Guides to support businesses to uplift LGBTIQA+ inclusive practice.
  • Worked with peak bodies and local sporting clubs to build LGBTIQA+ inclusive practice, with a focus on gender diverse access and participation.
  • Scoped the establishment of a dedicated and culturally safe LGBTIQA+ social meeting place in Banyule.
  • Supported the delivery of a Midsumma Festival.
  • Continued to advocate for accurate data collections processes to address local data gaps.
  • Piloted an LGBTIQA+ older adults social connection group.
  • Maintained Rainbow Tick Accreditation for our Older Adults support programs.

Contact

For more information, contact Sherryn Prinzi at Sherryn.Prinzi@banyule.vic.gov.au

Find out more about the committee’s work from past meetings.

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