Drummond Street Services are thrilled to be supporting the creation of a new disabled people’s organisation (DPO) for LGBTIQ+ Victorians with disabilities.
The recent investment of a LGBTIQ+ development grant from the Victorian State Government will support the establishment of Inclusive Rainbow Voices (IRV), a democratic, member-driven, peer-led, representative voice for all LGBTIQ+ Victorians with a disability.
IRV’s fundamental aims is to meet the peer support and social needs of LGBTIQ+ Victorians with a disability, connect people through a positive peer support model, to foster self-advocacy skills, and build the capacity of individuals to speak up and for themselves. This will allow LGBTIQ+ people with a disability to live more independent, safer, happier lives and where they can participate and are included in LGBTIQ+ and mainstream communities.
The formation of a specialist NFP for and by LGBTIQ+ Victorians with a disability is a first for Victoria. Our vision is to become the ‘go-to’ organisation for policy guidance, training and research that centres LGBTIQ+ people with a disability. We are immensely excited to raise the voices and profile of LGBTIQ+ people with a disability.
Margherita Coppolino, disability advocate and Drummond Street Service board member said,
“This is an exciting time! Matthew Bowden will lead the establishment of this long-awaited project and LGBTIQ+ disability communities are lucky to have someone known and respected, with both lived experience and policy and peak body expertise on board! This opportunity creates hope for the future. There is a lot of work to be done and we are looking forward to connecting and nurturing emerging LGBTIQ+ leaders!”
Minister for Equality, Martin Foley quote
“It’s great to be supporting these LGBTIQ+ organisations and groups so they can support and strengthen Victoria’s diverse LGBTIQ+ communities.”
“Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ sector does incredible, life-saving work. By supporting diverse and intersectional groups such as these, we create a stronger LGBTIQ+ community sector.”
