By Raquel Mustillo
AN online group providing support and information for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and questioning community members will formally establish a committee to further drive advocacy and visibility of the Limestone Coast LGBTQIA+ community.
The community-led LGBTQIA+ Limestone Coast Connect is a point-of-contact for people who have any expression of diverse sexualities or genders and foster inclusion within the community.
Initially established as an online safe space, the proposed committee aims to become the peak LGBTQIA+ organisation in the region and advance equity for sexuality and gender diverse people.
LGBTQIA+ Limestone Coast Connect member Patrick Smith said the group was buoyed by the need to provide regionally-specific, tailored information to individuals.
“There are national organisations and groups across the state, but we want to have a presence in the region to provide help on the ground,” he said.
“Local knowledge is really important and it’s not always easy to access information about services unless you are in the region.
“Visibility is important for queer people who are moving to the region because it shows that they are going to be accepted and that it is okay to be you.”
Mr Smith said people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual or any other expression of diverse genders and/or sexualities were welcome to join the group.
He also encouraged allies – heterosexual and cisgender people who support the LGBTQIA+ community – to join the group.
“We see ourselves as a one-stop shop where people can access information about health, beauty, social interaction and general advocacy,” he said.
“At the moment we are having meet ups in Mount Gambier, but we would love to start having events and sub-groups in other areas like Naracoorte, Millicent, Penola and Kingston.
“Everyone of any sexuality is able to join, including allies, but the group is not designed for them as we are going to be catering to queer people.”
LGBTQIA+ individuals are encouraged to attend the group’s upcoming committee meeting on August 3.
Contact limestone.coast.lbtiq@gmail.com or visit the LGBTQIA+ Limestone Coast Connect Facebook group for more information.
