Wednesday, 31 July 2024

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Housing, Minister for Water, Minister for Equality) (12:20): I rise today in my capacity as the Minister for Equality. In recent months LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly trans and gender-diverse people, have been subject to harmful discourse surrounding the validity of their identities, families, relationships and lives. Anti-LGBTIQA+ rhetoric, which is based in queerphobic and transphobic ideology rather than being informed by evidence, seeks to divide our communities rather than unite them. The evidence is really, really clear: the impacts of discrimination, stigma and violence are a public health issue. They contribute to poorer health, wellbeing and whole-of-life outcomes for LGBTIQA+ people.

Despite these challenges, I am so proud to have met with diverse rainbow communities achieving wonderful things across our regions this month. LINE Wangaratta and WayOut Wodonga are two services who support rainbow communities in north-east Victoria. They provide critical assistance and community and social connection across the region. I also met with a dedicated team at Drummond Street Services QHub in Geelong last week – they are a critical initiative led by this government – learning more about the vital support they provide for rainbow young people and their supporters across the greater Bellarine region, with outreach services right up to the Surf Coast.

The evidence is really, really clear: community, connection and pride are all essential in reducing social isolation, stigma and damage, as well as trauma, assisting people to thrive across all age groups, locations and backgrounds. I want to thank each and every person – practitioners, community members, allies and leaders – who continue to stand up and show up for LGBTIQA+ communities as we work to achieve true and enduring equality and progress anti-vilification measures to reduce harm and uphold safety and dignity. The equality portfolio recognises and reflects an all-of-government commitment to progress our 10-year strategy Pride in Our Future. I will not stop working to ensure that all Victorians, from the heart of Melbourne to the corners of our state, can live vibrant, authentic, safe and dignified lives as their full selves.