- Published:
- Tuesday 5 December 2023
The Allan Labor Government is supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) leaders to develop their skills and create positive impacts for their communities.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing today announced the opening of expressions of interest for the 2024 Victorian LGBTIQA+ Leadership Program, encouraging diverse rainbow sector leaders to put themselves forward.
As part of an eight-week course, up to 15 leaders from metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria will develop their skills and be supported to build a legacy of lasting leadership within their organisation, as well as learn how to create stronger connections across the LGBTIQA+ sector.
Part of the Labor Government’s landmark Pride in our Future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022-32, the program is open to LGBTIQA+ Victorians who hold a leadership position or an influential role within a Victorian LGBTIQA+ organisation or group.
Burnout in the LGBITQA+ sector is a key issue the program seeks to address, with course units designed to improve individual resilience, with others focussing on making sure leadership is impactful at an organisational level.
Since 2018, Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Leadership Program has supported 138 leaders from Victoria's LGBTIQA+ communities grow their skills and connections in a safe and supportive space.
LGBTIQA+ leaders from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially multicultural and multifaith communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people with disability.
Applications for the EOI round will close on Friday, 19 January – to apply visit vic.gov.au/victorian-lgbtiqa-leadership-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality Harriet Shing
“This is a great opportunity for the many diverse emerging leaders across Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ organisations looking to strengthen their abilities and importantly, use these skills to create positive impacts right across the community.”
“By developing their knowledge and connections, this program will lead to more queer leaders being set up to thrive, to reach their leadership potential and build strong and lasting leadership within their workplaces and beyond.”
“These inspiring leaders will help to guide us into a future where more Victorians can feel safe, enjoy equal rights and can live wholly and freely.”