Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Ministers statements: LGBTIQ+ equality

Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Housing, Minister for Water, Minister for Equality) (12:50): I rise today in my capacity as Minister for Equality. Today and every day the Allan government stands with LGBTIQA+ people in celebration, in respect, in recognition and with determination. I am so proud of our vibrant and diverse communities and the resilience shown in the face of adversity. We will always be stronger and prouder than any base level of hate that may emerge from people who have got nothing better to do. We will never stop working to ensure that every LGBTIQA+ Victorian feels visible, safe, proud and celebrated.

On the weekend it was a real joy to attend the Policing and the Rainbow Community event, with member for Wendouree Juliana Addison in the other place, to talk about how we can support LGBTIQA+ people and organisations to address the issues of safety, of threats to safety and of perceptions of vulnerability that are exponentially greater as a result of other matters occurring in the public discourse that expose a really nasty underbelly and a preparedness to really weaponise difference and to create a sense of often devastating injury and anxiety.

On that point, I am really pleased to be able to announce the opening of the $400,000 Pride Events and Festivals Fund for 2023–24. This involves grants of between $10,000 and $25,000, while grants of up to $10,000 are available for eligible small events and festivals. We want to make sure that across the state visibility is underpinned by this work, and I would encourage people to get involved and to put in applications in ways that help to support LGBTIQA+ people around the state.