LGBTIQA+ Community
We support diversity and inclusion across Mount Alexander Shire, and we're working towards equality for all LGBTIQA+ residents.
Our aim is to acknowledge inequalities and different life experiences, as well as break down barriers. We're also working towards strengthening participation in shire life, regardless of sexuality, sex or gender identity.
We’re doing this through events, resources, support services and by raising awareness, all with the support of our LGBTIQA+ Steering Group.
What does LGBTIQA+ mean?
LGBTIQA+ is the term we use in Australia when referring to rainbow communities as a whole.
Technically, this is an acronym that evolved over time to stand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning and asexual. The plus sign is used to acknowledge and include diverse terms (e.g. non-binary, pansexual) and ways of being (e.g. sistergirl, brotherboy) that may not neatly align with these categories.
However, in Australia we mostly use 'LGBTIQA+' to refer to diverse sexual orientation (LGBQA+), diverse gender identity (T+), and intersex people (I).
You will see many variations on this acronym. Sometimes, this is due to cultural differences in how language evolved elsewhere. Older sources may use language that is no longer considered appropriate. You may also see 'LGBTIQA+' being broken up if an author is only referring to a certain sub-group - for example, using 'LGBQA+' in research or discussions about sexual orientation. Being specific is generally a good idea, when used appropriately.
What does Queer mean?
Queer 'Queer’ is an umbrella term that can mean very different things to different people. Many people use it to describe their sexual orientation or gender, whilst others use it as an easier-to-say synonym for ‘LGBTIQA+’. We acknowledge that many LGBTIQA+ people – like intersex people and older LGBT+ people - do not recognise the term ‘queer’ to describe them or their communities. At the same time, there is also a group of LGBTIQA+ people – such as younger people and those who are questioning – who find this term very helpful. The nuance around this term means it’s usage may be best left to LGBTIQA+ people to navigate. The term ‘rainbow communities’ may be a suitable and more inclusive alternative for allies to use.
Ref: Latrobe University
To show our support and to raise awareness, we proudly fly the Pride and Transgender flags at the Market Building on Mostyn Street, Castlemaine on the following days:
We work closely with our LGBTIQA+ youth so that they feel supported in our community.
There are four programs currently operating in the shire:
The Mount Alexander Shire LGBTIQA+ Steering Group is a collection of local LGBTIQA+ people.
Their aim is to support Council in its development and implementation of strategies, services, plans and policies to promote the benefits of diversity. It also aims to enhance Council’s understanding of barriers to equality that members of our LGBTIQA+ community face.
The group began in 2017 as a roundtable and was born from the Australian marriage equality debate. Through the roundtable Council resolved to acknowledge the pain caused to our community by the debate.
In 2020 the roundtable transformed into a steering group. In 2021 the group adopted a logo and terms of reference to reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to support our community.
The current steering group is made up of a Councillor, Council employees, community members, and representatives from Dhelkaya Health, Castlemaine Police and Castlemaine Community House. The steering group is also supported by Council’s Social Equity and Inclusion Officer.
The steering group meets every second month and its members have committed to a two-year term.
For more information, or to find out how to join the Steering Group, please contact Rosie on 03 5471 1700, or email lgbtiqa@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
Vision statement
"We envision Mount Alexander Shire to be inclusive, affirming, and open - a regional community that welcomes and embraces people of all gender identities and sexualities and ensures safety for individuals of all ages.
Our dream is to for the community to be educated and informed, respectful, and committed to innovation and creativity. We celebrate diversity and intersectionality, affirming every individual’s identity and experiences.
We want ours to be a community where everyone feels supported to be safe at home and in our public spaces, that are accessible and usable for all. Together, we will celebrate our successes as leaders within regional and rural communities, setting an example of resilience and pride for others to follow."
Castlemaine Pride is a week-long celebration in April/May every year of our local LGBTIQA+ community.
It acknowledges the courage and resilience of our residents. It’s also an opportunity for LGBTIQA+ Victorians, and the wider community, to come together and celebrate the remarkable journey of equality through art, music, singing, dancing and being together.
Keep your eye on our events page or Facebook for upcoming events.
We support our LGBTIQA+ residents in many ways, one of which is funding community projects. One of our community projects included the Pride Across the Ages podcast
The podcast shares generational stories of pride from LGBTIQA+ people who call Central Victoria their home.
It’s a collection of moving, funny and raw stories from our community.
Listen to Pride Across the Ages.
Family violence is when your partner, ex-partner, carer, family member, or someone you have a ‘family-like’ relationship with uses threatening, controlling or violent behaviour that makes you scared for your safety and wellbeing.
Family violence can include a range of abusive behaviours: verbal, emotional, psychological, financial, physical and sexual abuse, as well as intimidation and threats. It’s used to maintain power and control in relationships.
No matter what form it takes, family violence in never acceptable.
Family violence occurs in all communities
Everybody deserves to feel safe and respected at home, and in their relationships.
LGBTIQA+ people are not only more likely to experience family violence but are less likely to seek support due to a lack of appropriate crisis accommodation, few perpetrator referral options, distrust of police and other services, and legal and practical discrimination.
Learn more about family violence and how to stay safe at Safe+Equal.
LGBTIQA+ people have a right to safety from family violence.
If you’re experiencing family violence, you’re not alone.
See our Family and gender-based violence support page to access support services.