We need to talk diversity

When we talk about diversity and inclusion we pretty much mean everyone, everywhere of all abilities, skin colours, beliefs, languages, sexuality, age and gender. 

There is no doubt we live in a multicultural State.  Nearly 30% of our population was born overseas.  And for the most part we no longer blink an eye.  We have accepted and embraced multiculturalism in all areas of our community.

The most common countries of birth were England 5.9%, New Zealand 3.4%, South Africa 1.9%, Philippines 1.1% and India 0.7% and we have residents literally from all across the world throughout the Peel and South West.

Sadly, the same cannot be said for the LGBTQA+ members of our community.  We have been working with the team at the Telethon Kids Institute who have provided us with some resources to help support Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities during the federal election.  
 
The federal election has been called for May 21st and we have already seen an increase in anti-trans discussion among politicians, most recently in discussion around trans women in sport.  Imagine not being recognised for you who you identify as.
 
There has also been an increase in hurtful talk around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues such as debate over our Voice in parliament.
Walkern Katatdjin is a national research project that aims to understand and promote the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Asexual + young people, and to work with services to develop appropriate interventions.

There is very little locally-specific information and guidance available for services that work with young people on how best to support someone who is both Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Asexual (LGBTQA+). This means that young people (14-25 years) who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTQA+ may not receive the same level of social support and health care as other members of the community.  Walkern Katatdjin means rainbow knowledge and their website has a host of information, useful and supportive resources.  We will be sharing these in the coming weeks, but head over there as well to see all that is on offer.

Links for some support are:
https://blackrainbow.org.au/
https://qlife.org.au/
https://www.transhub.org.au/vitality
https://headspace.org.au/
https://www.transfolkofwa.org/