Photos: Supplied.
FROM CARERS QUEENSLAND
In the 12 months since launching its dedicated email channel for LGBTQIA+ participants and carers, Carers Queensland has seen an increase in people from those communities being able to access NDIS, community supports and services.
The rainbow responders receive a variety of requests over the working week, with many enquiries about accessing the NDIS or finding community supports in their area. Each request is handled by a dedicated rainbow responder who provides information and linkages.
“We’re able to provide the rainbow responder service because Carers Queensland is a Rainbow Tick accredited organisation,” said Carers Queensland, Regional Manager Rebecca Binyon, who helped guide the rollout of the service.
“We have a culture of inclusion, of respecting people, of valuing diversity. Fourteen per cent of our workforce are LGBTQIA+ – that’s higher than the population base!”
Carers Queensland aims to remove the stigma of people not feeling accepted in society and encourage them to reach out to us in a culturally sensitive way.
“We link people to an LGBTQIA+ team member and if they’ve specified that they would like someone with a particular identity, we really do our best to make that connection. I can’t recall a time when we haven’t been able to do that,” Ms Binyon said.
“The rainbow responders have made significant differences for young people, young trans and nonbinary people in particular, to feel comfortable and to be able to not just gain access to the NDIS where appropriate but to also explore more broadly, supports and services in the community.
“And that’s what we want. We just want LGBTQIA+ people with disability to know it’s safe to get in contact and that we can help connect you to support.”
To connect with a rainbow responder, email [email protected] or visit https://carersqld.com.au/about-us/lgbtqia/.
You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or [email protected].
