Launceston City Council has voted unanimously to support the city’s first LGBTIQA+ Action Plan.
The vote at Tuesday’s council meeting was preceded by heartfelt addresses from young transgender woman Amilie Courtney, gay father Brad Cullen, Working It Out staff member Joe McLelland, public health academic Dr Tamara Reynish, and Equality Tasmania representative Rodney Croome.
Dr Reynish said the adoption of the plan was an important milestone.
“The acceptance of the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan by the City of Launceston is important because it recognises that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, included and valued in our city.
“The implementation of the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan will have a profound impact on the wellbeing of our community and demonstrates that diversity is a strength to be embraced.
“This Action Plan is of great benefit to Launceston because research shows that inclusive communities benefit from a wider range of perspectives, experiences and ideas. They are more innovative, compassionate and resilient. I’m excited to see what’s next for our city.”
The Action Plan includes commitments to staff training on LGBTIQA+ issues, support for Pride events, workshops for businesses and service clubs, a central information hub for LGBTIQA+-inclusive services, and support for LGBTIQA+ public art and historical interpretation.
It also calls for cooperation with state government agencies, including police and health services, a city-wide LGBTIQA+ anti-stigma campaign, and the development of a Pride hub.
The advisory group will continue to work with the council on implementing the Action Plan.
Launceston joins the Tasmanian municipalities of Kingborough, Glenorchy, Hobart and Burnie in developing and releasing LGBTIQA+ action plans.
The endorsement of the Action Plan follows the opening at Launceston’s Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery of the state’s largest-ever LGBTIQA+ history exhibition and a new LGBTIQA+ art exhibition.
The history exhibition includes Tasmania’s only showing of the international Loving exhibition, as well as an exploration of the LGBTIQA+ community in Launceston dating back to 1800.
The art exhibition, Rainbow Stable: Celebrating Identity, Activism and Community, showcases works exploring identity, diversity and belonging.
