A case for First Nations LGBTIQA+SB Self-Determination (2022) Black Rainbow and KPMG
This report builds a case for self-determination of First Nations LGBTIQA+SB policy and services, amplifying the voices that will ignite change.
Together we have have developed three action areas based on what we heard from the people we spoke with and the broader body of evidence. These describe what government, the service sector, and community can do right now to make health policy, health services, and research and monitoring more responsive to the needs of the community.
First Nations Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Sistergirls and Brotherboys (LGBTIQA+SB) are the voices of the Black Rainbow. These voices and their stories are as unique, diverse and vibrant as the people and communities themselves.
Recognition of this uniqueness has lagged behind in Australia’s health system, policy, and funding which has traditionally managed Indigenous and LGBTIQA+SB affairs as two separate communities. This erasure and exclusion causes harm to First Nations LGBTIQA+SB people. Many are forced to delay or go without healthcare, because their needs are overlooked by mainstream, LGBTIQ+, and Aboriginal Community Controlled services. This is unacceptable in a fair and equitable society.
The ongoing and evolving partnership between Black Rainbow and KPMG was brought about through a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of First Nations LGBTIQA+SB people through systemic change leading to real, tangible outcomes.
Through our collaborative approach to this report and the work that has come before it, we have collectively learned from the community members who have shared their stories and perspectives with us. We recognise these people as change leaders, and their communities as having the power and commitment to enact the change which we hope to create through this report.
We have developed three action areas. These describe what government, the service sector, and community can do right now to make health policy, health services, and research and monitoring more responsive to the needs of the community.
What needs to happen next
Governance, service delivery, and research are the three areas with the greatest opportunity to drive change and impact the lives of First Nations
LGBTIQA+SB people and communities for the better. Starting from the short term, a commitment to action needs to be made into the medium-term (2-4 years) and long-term (5+ years).
At the heart of all actions is self-determination, which embeds community voices at every stage of the decision-making process from community boards, organisational and service leadership, to policy and funding. Continuing and building upon the strong tradition of community-led advocacy, research, and support systems is the key to ensuring services and communities are safer and affirming of LGBTIQA+SB people in all aspects of their identity.
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