By Jonty Ralphsmith
The Casey Rainbow Community will benefit from $1965 of State Government funding to hold pride events and festivals and celebrate LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
Along with providing opportunities for LGBTIQ+ communities to connect with each other, activities will improve the visibility of these people in their communities and promote understanding of their experiences.
The support comes from the State Government’s pride events and festivals fund.
Casey’s money will be spent conducting a social series of five events over five months with an eye on increasing activities for the LGBTIQ+ community in outer south eastern Melbourne.
The Rainbow Community has run smaller-scale events such as barbecues in the past to increase its public profile and ensure members feel properly amalgamated in society.
It is however, confident, that the activities from the funding will allow for greater attendance and diversity of interest.
“We want to create things that the community wants to see and we want to have visibility,” said member Ray Adcock.
As well as social engagement, the group has conducted advocacy work and meetings, currently looking at strategies around nurturing trans and gender-diverse people’s pathway to become a doctor and installing gender-inclusive toilets in the area.
Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities Todd Fernando praised the importance of the overall funding.
“This funding recognises just how powerful celebratory events and activities for our communities can be, right across this state of Victoria,” Mr Fernando said.
“These events help remind our diverse rainbow communities they are supported, we belong, and helps us feel seen and represented.”
People can find out more about the Casey Rainbow Community by visiting the Facebook page or emailing caseyrainbowcommunity@gmail.com.
