The Andrews Labor Government today released Rainbow eQuality, a new online guide to support Victoria’s LGBTI community better access the services they need by helping health and community services to be more inclusive.
Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy and Minister for Equality, Martin Foley, today launched Rainbow eQuality: a guide to LGBTI inclusive practice for health and human services at Parliament House.
The guide features information about delivering inclusive services that are welcoming, safe and easy to access for the LGBTI community.
It outlines standards that should be met when caring for LGBTI clients, understanding LGBTI health issues and best-practice examples of inclusive service delivery in Victoria.
The guide is a practical, accessible and easily applicable resource for health and human service providers. It will also be an important basis for future program design and development for Government and stakeholders.
The Labor Government is supporting service providers across Victoria to better respond to the needs of LGBTI clients and their families.
Our Victorian Budget 2016/17 delivered $6.4 million for the expansion of gender dysphoria health services. This recognises the increased demand of gender dysphoria services to better meet the needs of our transgender and gender diverse population.
We will provide 1.15 million to the Healthy Equal Youth grants, so that we can provide positive mental health programs to young people in the LGBTI community.
Funding of up to $1.4 million will be provided to Alfred Health towards the cost of an expanded trial of PrEPX, a daily medication taken to prevent HIV infection.
We will also put $15 million towards Australia’s first Pride Centre to showcase LGBTI art and history, bring together advisory, health and support services and provide safe community spaces.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“No one should experience discrimination because of their sexuality or gender identity, especially when they are seeking care for their health and wellbeing needs.”
“Rainbow e.Quality is a practical resource to help health and community services to better understand, tailor care and meet the specific health needs of the LGBTI community.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality Martin Foley
“Equality must be at the centre of all services. I encourage all service providers to download the guide and use it as the first step in delivering care for the LGBTI community that is more inclusive.”
“Rainbow e.Quality is one of our many new initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTI individuals and their families.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020