Premier

Grants To Support Culturally Diverse LGBTI Victorians

15 March 2016

The Andrews Labor Government is working to reduce the discrimination and everyday challenges that LGBTI people from culturally diverse backgrounds face in our community.

The Labor Government will work with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) communities and organisations to support them to be more inclusive of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The LGBTI Multicultural grants – the first of their kind – will be managed through the Community Harmony Grant and Capacity Building and Participation programs which open today.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott today joined Minister for Equality Martin Foley, Gender and Sexuality Commissioner Ro Allen and Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission Helen Kapalos to announce $500,000 over four years to support culturally diverse LGBTI Victorians.

LGBTI people experience higher levels of anxiety, depression and significantly higher rates of suicide compared to non-LGBTI people. Mr Scott emphasised that marginalisation and discrimination is the predominant cause, rather than gender and sexual diversity.

The grants will help unite and educate our community to allow all Victorians, of all backgrounds, to achieve their full potential.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott

“We will not tolerate any form of discrimination. We know LGBTI people, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, are more likely to be discriminated against and we are working to reverse this.”

“The grants will provide LGBTI communities and organisations with the extra support they need to ensure Victorians live free from discrimination, no matter their background.”

“Strong communities value and celebrate a range of differences – this is what makes Victoria such a welcoming and diverse place to live.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality Martin Foley

“The Andrews Labor Government supports the right to equality, respect and fairness for LGBTI Victorians and is working to remove all forms of discrimination.”

“We need to ensure that all Victorians have access to safe and inclusive education, employment opportunities and the health and support services they need.”

Quotes attributable to Gender and Sexuality Commissioner Ro Allen

“Today’s another step towards achieving a level playing field for all Victorians and I’m confident this extra funding and support will help to eradicate the marginalisation and discrimination of LGBTI people.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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