Edith Cowan University (ECU) has announced the official launch their innovative new research program, the Rainbow Migrants Living Lab.
This groundbreaking new initiative aims to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ migrants in Australia through research, professional development and community engagement.
Also known at the RaMiLab, the research will focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ migrants, using the findings to advocate for meaningful change, inform policy and translate findings into actionable strategies to improve inclusion and wellbeing.
The RaMiLab team have laid out key research projects to support their mission, including the Rainbow Migrants Observatory longitudinal study; The Empowerment Hub, engaging LGBTIQA+ migrants in leadership roles and community initiatives led by the Co-Design Leadership Group and; Pottery Decorating & Planing Migrants’ Stories / Social Greenhouse, a creative engagement and storytelling project.
Other initiatives in the holistic strategy include co-creating rainbow inclusive policy in residential aged care, working with GRAI’s Intergenerational Pride Housing Pilot Project to evaluate innovating housing solutions, and peer-led service navigation for LGBTQIA+ refugees and people seeking asylum incorporating professional development and case management support.
The RaMiLab will hold its inaugural event, the second edition of Karaoke with an Accent, as part of this year’s PrideFEST celebrations.
ECU Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow, Dr Lucasz Krzyzowski, says the night will bring the community together in celebration, while amplifying RaMiLab’s mission to cultivate social inclusion through cultural activities.
“It is a fantastic way to start PrideFEST, celebrating the diversity and resilience of the LGBTIQA+ migrant community,” Dr Krzyzowski said.
“We look forward to making Rainbow Migrants’ Karaoke with an Accent a signature event each year.”
“By partnering with over 40 organisations, including aged care providers and advocacy groups, we are aiming to ensure that our research directly informs community services,” Dr Krzyzowski said.
Dr Krzyzowski said the lab would also provide opportunities for students to connect their academic learning with social challenges to better prepare them for the workforce.
“Students will be able to gain hands-on experience through co-design workshops, hackathons, and research projects that align with industry needs,” Dr Krzyzowski said.
Dr Krzyzowski and ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Equity, and Indigenous) Professor Braden Hill are part of the WA State Government Reference Group for WA’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy.
RaMiLab will form a complimentary research unit alongside Social Ageing and Futures Lab (SAGE) and TRACS Migration Research Network under the broader research program in Migration, Diversity and Care within ECU’s School of Arts and Humanities.
RaMiLab builds upon groundwork laid by a pilot program developed in partnership with Umbrella Multicultural Community Care, funded by the WA Office of Multicultural Interests.
Karaoke with an Accent will be held at Connections Nightclub on Saturday, 1 November.
Declaration: OUTinPerth co-editor Graeme Watson is an employee of Edith Cowan University.
