FCAV represents a large number of LGBTIQ+ carer members and carers who are caring for LGBTIQ+ young people who experience increased vulnerability in relation to mental health, employment, education outcomes, homelessness and suicide. 66% of LGBTQI+ youth in Australia still experience bullying based on their identity. The FCAV passionately embraces our responsibility for safety, recognition, and inclusiveness for our LGBTIQ+ community.
FCAV makes the Embracing Equality Pledge | Foster Care Association of Victoria – We are allies of LGBTIQ+ communities and pledge to embrace equality and work to end the discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people in Victoria.
LGBTIQ+ refers to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer questioning or identifying people. The plus+ encompasses the range of gender and sexual identities of LGBTIQ+ people. We all have a sexual and gender identity that may be static or variable and range on this spectrum and it is important, as care givers, that we hear and respect the way each individual young person identifies. Support to young people with a care experience who identify as LGBTIQ+ is a growing and urgent focus. Research has shown that the greatest protective factors for LGBTIQ+ mental health and wellbeing stems from a safe and supportive environment at home and where caregivers provide advocacy to their young people in their schools and education settings.
The resources and services below are a great place to start to educate and inform ourselves and to provide support, visibility, inclusion and safety for our LGBTIQ+ young people in care.
The Victorian Government initiated ‘Pride in our future: Victoria’s first whole-of-government LGBTIQ+ strategy’ outlines the state’s plan to drive equality for LGBTIQ+ communities over the next 10 years. Read the Strategy here.
Minus 18 is a nationwide organisation – Champions for LGBTQIA+ Young people under 18.
QLife - QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Headspace – For young people looking for mental health and wellbeing support – also for parents, carers, professionals and educators.
Rainbow Network – Empowering organisations to provide inclusive services for young LGBTIQA+ Victorians.
Queerspace - A space for queer young people to meet, make friends, work on projects and have fun.
Drummond Steet – Drummond Street Services (DS) is a not-for-profit community service organisation that works from a human rights-based framework in the provision of support for individuals, families, and communities.
CREATE Foundation has been working for many years with LGBTQIA+ children and young people with a care experience. CREATE want to see a care system that is respectful of diversity, and actively inclusive of the LGBTIQ+ community.
The Rainbow Door - Rainbow Door is a free service for the LGBTIQA+ community, you do not need a referral to use this service.
Victorian Pride Centre - The Victorian Pride Centre is the first purpose-built centre for Australia's LGBTIQ+ communities. It is a place to pave new directions for LGBTIQ+ communities, while honouring and celebrating their brave – and at times difficult – past. It is home to practical and supportive services and will grow into a destination for visitors from across Australia, and beyond.
Free 2 Be Me Knox & Emerge; Same Sex Attracted & Gender Diverse (SSAGD) Knox
Rainbow Connections: Youth Group for LGBTQIA+ / Gender Diverse children Under 12 years of age - Mornington Peninsula
Rainbow Kids: Gender diverse children under 13 and their families in the Geelong area
Kaleidoscope: Banyule child and Family Support group for gender diverse and questioning children under 12 years and their families Kaleidoscopebanyule@gmail.com
Rainbow network: youth groups for LGBTIQ youth by region http://www.rainbownetwork.com.au/index.php/find-a-group
FCAV’s Supporting LGBTIQ+ Youth Webinar - https://www.carerkafe.org.au/online-learning/supporting-lgbtiq-youth
The lived experience and voice of LGBTIQ+ young people is outlined in this recent study - Writing Themselves In 4: Victoria Summary Report (latrobe.edu.au) – Victorian summary report into the HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF LGBTQA+ YOUNG PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA.
Being a good ally - Archer Magazine - How to be a good ally
Victoria Police and Ambulance: 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Beyondblue: 1300 224 636
Family violence and sexual assault 24 hour telephone line: 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
24/7 Family and Domestic Violence Support for Victorians Safe Steps: 1800 015188
Mensline: 1300 789 978
June – Pride Month - Every June, Pride Month celebrates the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. It’s a time to reflect on just how far civil rights have progressed in half a century and an opportunity to protest discrimination and violence. Australia is at the forefront of the push towards true equality and inclusion for LGBTI people, but there is more to do. FCAV celebrates #pridemonth throughout June.
May 17th - IDAHOBIT Day is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) celebrates LGBTQIA+ people globally, and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.
August 26th - Wear It Purple Day strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. Wear it Purple Day takes a stand against the alarming rate of discrimination LGBTQIA+ youth still face.
We’re grateful to share this guide to pronouns and gender from the Washington Post to assist us all be better allies and supporters of our LGBTIQ+ youth and community.
