LGBTQIA+ young people

Overview

Yarra Ranges Council is committed to creating an inclusive community for all.

We stand for respect and acceptance of all LGBTQIA+ members of our community.

We see you. We hear you. We value you. You matter.

What is Yarra Ranges Council doing in this space?

Diversity and Inclusion

Council’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee (D&I) has been working to create a culturally safe workplace that is diverse and inclusive. The D&I Committee’s works to ensure that our workforce is representative of our customers and communities.

Q-East

Council is a member of the Q-East Alliance. The Q-East Alliance has committed to improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ young people in the eastern region. Q-East is made up of community workers representing 7 Council Areas across the eastern region of Melbourne. these include: Boorondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash and Yarra Ranges.

Pride Cup

Pride Cup began with a Club in Yarra Glen wanting to support its players and has since become a fixture in the Yarra Ranges Community. Council continues to support the Pride Cup. Pride Cup has expanded into several sporting codes since hitting the national stage. Find out more on the Pride Cup website.

International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT)

Each year, Council supports IDAHOBT Day which is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. IDAHOBIT Day celebrates May 17, 1990 when homosexuality was removed from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. The day celebrates LGBTQIA+ people globally, raising awareness and combating discrimination. Find out more on the IDAHOBIT website.

Wear It Purple Day

Council Participates in Wear it Purple Day in August each year. We foster a safe, empowering and inclusive environment for rainbow young people. Find out more on the WEAR IT PURPLE website.

Queer Conversations

We know that representation matters. Council is proud to have a diverse workforce dedicated to helping all young people feel safe, welcome, and proud to be who they are. Our youth-led program, Defrosted Events (FReeZA) filmed the Queer Conversations Series in 2021. Queer young people interviewed LGBTQIA+ Council staff, asking questions about life, careers, coming out, and other experiences as a queer person. View episodes of our Queer Conversation Series.

Queer Conversations Series

Representation is key to finding a sense of belonging in our communities. In a council as large as the Yarra Ranges, it is especially important to connect young LGBTQIA+ people to visible, local role models. The Yarra Ranges Youth Team are advocates for all young people to feel safe, welcome, and proud to be who they are.

Our youth-led program, Defrosted Events (FReeZA) filmed the Queer Conversations Series in 2021. Queer/Rainbow young people interviewed LGBTQIA+ Council staff asking questions about life, careers, coming out, and other experiences as an LGBTQIA+ person.

Whilst some of these staff have since moved on to new roles or new areas, their experiences show that LGBTQIA+ people have a historical and continuing impact in the Yarra Ranges community. Watch the episodes of our Queer Conversations Series to learn more.

Episode 1: Teddy and Gareth

Episode 2: Edward and Jessie

Episode 3: Kelsey and Kellie

Episode 4: Natalia and Hannah

Resources

Resources for Young People

Title	Description	Website and phone
Minus18	Minus 18 are champions for LGBTQIA+ youth. They have online resources, fun events, suggestions, supports and much more	Minus 18 website
The Rainbow Network	The Rainbow Network is a directory of LGBTQIA+ groups and services all over Victoria	Rainbow Network Website
The Pride Centre	The Pride Centre has Information on social connections, health and wellbeing, education and professional services.	The Pride Centre website
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – Gender Service	A service to improve the physical and mental health outcomes of children and adolescents who are trans or gender diverse	RCH website 9345 5890
Drummond Street Services: Queerspace QHealth	queerspace is an LGBTQIA+ health and wellbeing support service established in 2009 by LGBTQIA+ communities for LGBTQIA+ communities. queerspace has a focus on relationships, families, parenting and young people and offers co-located services across the north-west metropolitan region of Victoria.	Queerspace website 03 9663 6733

Health services

Title	Description	Website and phone
DocList	Doctors and mental health professionals recommended by lesbian and bisexual women in Australia	DocList website
QSpace at Headspace	If you identify as, are questioning or are interested in learning about trans and gender diversity and/or sexuality join the community to discuss all things LGBTQIA+	QSpace at Headspace web page
Monash Health Gender Clinic	The Gender Clinic is a state-wide service that provides individualised, consumer centred care for the trans, gender diverse and non-binary people, their families and partners. Their aim is to improve the health outcomes and wellbeing of all consumers. They accept all referrals for individuals who are aged 17 and above and reside in the state of Victoria.	Monash Health Gender Clinic website 03 9594 6666
Family Planning Victoria	Reproductive and sexual health clinical services	Family Planning Victoria website 9257 0100 or free call 1800 013 952
QLife	QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.	QLife website 1800 184 527

Information and other resources

Title	Description	Website and phone
ConnectUs	Connecting people aged 10-25 to services in the Yarra Ranges, Knox, and Maroondah. Find information on health and wellbeing support, community groups and agencies, recreation options, education, programs, and much more.	Connect Us website
Switchboard	Community based organisation providing peer based, volunteer run support service for LGBTQIA+ people, their friends, families and allies	Switchboard website 1800 184 527
The Victorian Pride Centre	The Victorian Pride Centre will be home to a range of LGBTQIA+ focused organisations, along with businesses who support the LGBTQIA+ community.	Victorian Pride Centre website
Transgender Victoria	Works with and for the trans and gender diverse (TGD) community and allies to create positive change	Transgender Victoria website 9020 4642
National LGBTI Health Alliance	National peak health organisation for organisations and individuals that provide health related programs, services and research focused on LGBTQIA+	National LGBTI Health Alliance website
Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC)	A peak body for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer individuals and community groups of multicultural and multifaith backgrounds	AGMC website

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