Geelong council has taken the first step toward creating its first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan.
The City of Greater Geelong began consultation this week on how to build a more inclusive Geelong for the region’s Rainbow Community.
Members of the public are able to provide feedback online, in writing or at a community workshop from now until September 16.
The data gathered will be collated, analysed and presented back to the community in November before the council begins to in earnest to develop a draft action plan.
Councillors and City officers will also consult with a number of stakeholders in the community, including the City’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee, Rainbow Youth Advisory Group and Gender and Sexuality Program (GASP) participants and QHub’s LGBTQIA+ Service Providers Network.
Mayor Trent Sullivan invited LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors as well as allies to the Rainbow Community to have their say.
“LGBTQIA+ residents make valuable contributions to our cultural and social fabric,” he said.
“We want to address the societal stigma, discrimination and other challenges that our Rainbow community experiences through the City’s first LGBTQIA+ Action Plan to ensure a more inclusive region.”
Cr Sarah Hathway, chair of both the Inclusion and Care portfolio and the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee, said the City wanted to understand the Rainbow Community’s priorities for change over the next four years..
“This engagement will identify community and stakeholder aspirations for LGBTQIA+ inclusion with respect to the core principles of understanding, inclusion, visibility and safety,” she said.
Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/rainbow-ready to find out how to get involved with the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan community consultation process.
