The Andrews Labor Government is working to reduce the discrimination and everyday challenges that LGBTI people from culturally diverse backgrounds face in our community.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing confirmed that the Andrews Labor Government will work with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) communities and organisations to support them to better include people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The Andrews Labor Government has committed $500,000 over four years for the LGBTI Multicultural Grants – the first of their kind.

These Grants will be managed through the Community Harmony Grant and Capacity Building and Participation programs.

LGBTI people experience higher levels of anxiety, depression and significantly higher rates of suicide than the overall population, and in culturally diverse communities it can be particularly difficult.

Ms Shing emphasised that marginalisation and discrimination is the predominant cause of these higher rates, rather than gender and sexual diversity.

Ms Shing has confirmed that the grants will help to unite and educate Gippslanders and to encourage all Victorians, of all backgrounds, to achieve their full potential.

More information about the grant is available at; www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/grants

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region:

“The new grants from the Andrews Labor Government will provide LGBTI communities and organisations in Gippsland with the extra support they need, so that more people can live free from discrimination, no matter their background.”

“I really encourage community groups and organisations in Gippsland to apply for a grant under this new program.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott:

“We will not tolerate any form of discrimination. We know LGBTI people, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, are more likely to be discriminated against and we are working to reverse this.”