CEO message
There is much to report across our much loved LGBTIQ+ community sector! This month, I’m sharing three key insights and what it means to you - as funders, LGBTIQ+ community sector leaders, and supporters.
More people than ever are identifying as LGBTQIA*, particularly young women
As an indicator of growing social acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people, a recent report by Gallup in the U.S. found that the rate of LGBTIQ+ identification has more than doubled since 2012, with nearly 30% of Gen Z women now identifying as LGBTIQ+. This reinforces the importance of LGBTIQ+ inclusion, particularly in gender equity and youth support.
What you can do:
- Funders: Consider how your focus areas (including youth and gender equity) impact LGBTIQ+ communities, and be explicit that you are interested in receiving funding applications from LGBTIQ+ organisations.
- LGBTIQ+ community sector: NSW, QLD and NT have open grants for not-for-profits supporting outcomes for women and we encourage LGBTIQ+ organisations to apply.
- Community: Learn more about the unique experiences of LGBTIQ+ women in the workplace and join Out for Australia’s free career mentoring program for young LGBTIQ+ people.
Urgent work is required to improve mental health outcomes for LGBTIO+ Australians
Recent ABS data reveals that three-in-four LGB+ Australians have experienced mental illness at some point in their lives, with non-binary Australians experiencing mental illness at more than double the rate of their cisgender counterparts. We must adequately resource and increase the capacity of the LGBTIQ+ organisations best placed to lead the change.
What you can do:
- Funders: Ensure your funding strategies around mental health have an LGBTIQ+ lens.
- LGBTIQ+ community sector: Grants with a mental health focus are currently open in South Western Sydney, South Australia (Fay Fuller Foundation), Regional Australia (Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal) and Western Australia, and we encourage you to apply.
- Trans experts: Submit a response by 12 April to the Australian Human Rights Commission investigation into threats to trans and gender diverse human rights.
Reforms to philanthropy must not reinforce existing inequalities
GiveOUT was invited to provide feedback at the Productivity Commission’s philanthropy inquiry public hearings. Despite the urgent need for LGBTIQ+-led solutions to the systemic challenges facing our communities, our sector receives only 5 cents to every $100 philanthropic dollars. We need to ensure the proposed reforms (such as the overhaul of the DGR system) enable more equitable access to, and distribution of, funding. See our full statement here.
What you can do:
- Funders and supporters: Join us in supporting 25 years of the iconic Aurora Ball (Saturday 22 June 2024) and help raise vital funds for LGBTIQ+ community groups. Buy Table tickets.
- LGBTIQ+ Community sector: Go to our website to explore grants and other funding opportunities currently open. Need help delivering your initiative? Get matched with an expert via Pride By Side.
- Community: Stay tuned for more information on GiveOUT Day 2024, to be held in October.
A final note - a huge congratulations to:
- Maree Sidney, current CEO of Australian Communities Foundation, for her appointment as incoming CEO of Philanthropy Australia. Maree has been an outstanding GiveOUT champion and LGBTQIA+ advocate for many years and we look forward to her leadership at the national peak body for philanthropy.
- Kuan Chia, GiveOUT Board Director, for his appointment to Board Director, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.
- David Sloan, GiveOUT Board Director, for his appointment to Head of Philanthropy, Wesley Research Institute.
Read on for more updates from the LGBTIQ+ community sector.
Much love,
Em Scott, CEO
COMMEMORATING | Upcoming Days of Significance
In celebration of upcoming days of significance, we are profiling two GiveOUT Day 2023 organisations.
Transgender Day of Visibility | Sunday 31 March 2024
Day of pride and celebration for trans and gender diverse people all around Australia.
Org spotlight: Trans Pride Australia
$1,120 raised on GiveOUT Day
“Trans Pride Australia stands as a focal point for community cohesion and support within the trans and gender diverse landscape of Australia. TPA is about creating and maintaining spaces that prioritise the voices, experiences, and needs of its 6,000+ members.”
Can you make a difference today?
- Donate directly to Trans Pride Australia
World Autism Awareness Day | Tuesday 2 April 2024
Day to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism.
Org spotlight: Drop in Care Space
$3,080 raised on GiveOUT Day
“We are a lived experience and volunteer led community drop in centre in Adelaide for adults who identify as LGBTQIA+, disabled or neurodivergent including Autistic, ADHD or mental health conditions.”
Can you make a difference today?
- Donate directly to Drop in Care Space
HIGHLIGHTING | Other upcoming events and opportunities
- LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, Health in Difference Conference (9–10 April in Canberra)
- Australian Progress, 2024 Spring Progress Fellowship for changemakers (Application due 14 April)
- Australian Institute of Company Directors, Not-for-profit scholarship (Application due 14 April)
- Equality Project, Better Together Conference (14–15 June in Melbourne) - GiveOUT is presenting!
- Impact Institute, Social Impact Summit (2–3 July in Sydney)
- Leadership Institute, LGBTIQ+ Leadership Summit (22–25 August in Sydney)
Thank you to our generous partners who support GiveOUT's work:
As always, if you have any questions, comments or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@giveout.org.au.
With love,
The GiveOUT team