Canberra is Australia’s Capital of Equality
The Capital of Equality Strategy sets out how the ACT Government will continue to make Canberra the most LGBTIQ+ welcoming and inclusive city in Australia. This means ensuring Canberra is a place where LGBTIQ+ people, their families and communities are visible, valued and respected. Our whole community benefits when all Canberrans can contribute and participate to their full potential.
Over the next four years the strategy will guide the ACT Government’s focus on:
- Fostering understanding and awareness of LGBTIQ+ people and issues so that barriers to equality can be removed.
- Delivering more inclusive and accessible services.
- Continuing reforms to ensure equal rights are reflected in law, data and policies.
The first action plan under the Capital of Equality strategy explains the changes that the Government wants to make by the end of 2020 to improve the lives of LGBTIQ+ Canberrans.
The Capital of Equality Grants 2020 are now open! See below for the guidelines and how to apply.
Status: Open
Applications are now open for the 2020 Capital of Equality Grants, with $100,000 available for initiatives that support individuals and organisations with innovative approaches to inclusion and promote the visibility of LGBTIQ+ Canberrans'.
The Capital of Equality Grants provide funding for innovative projects which advance the priorities of the Capital of Equality Strategy.
In the 2020 round, we are seeking to support projects that benefit LGBTIQ+ Canberrans who are also Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, or who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as people of faith, people with lived experience/s of disability, and youth (aged under 25) and older adults (aged over 55).
To apply, please read the attached guidelines and complete the application form in the link below.
Capital of Equality Grants 2020 Guidelines 1.9 MB | Word 1.6 MB
Apply now on SmartyGrantsA list of organisations who have previously received grants through the Capital of Equality Grants program is available here.
Capital of Equality: An ACT Government strategy to deliver equitable outcomes for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex & Queer (LGBTIQ+) people
Capital of Equality First Action Plan 2019 & 2020.
The Canberra Inclusive Partnership is a new program providing targeted, peer-led services to support and strengthen LGBTIQ+ Canberrans.
Services include:
- 1000 hours of peer-led psychosocial support services to LGBTIQ+ people and their families; and
- 100 hours of training and tailored support to build the capacity of mainstream service providers to deliver inclusive and appropriate services to LGBTIQ+ people, their families, and communities.
This investment will help peer-led LGBTIQ+ agencies like the AIDS Action Council and A Gender Agenda meet evolving community needs over the coming years, tackle new and emerging issues and be more active and visible in the Canberra community.
About the Office for LGBTIQ+ Affairs
The Office for LGBTIQ+ Affairs coordinates and supports strategic government projects and policy to promote Canberra as the most LGBTIQ+ welcoming and inclusive city in Australia. It is located within the Policy and Cabinet Division of the Chief Minister Treasury and Economic Development Directorate.
The Office:
- coordinates a whole of government approach for promoting Canberra as the most LGBTIQ+ welcoming and inclusive city in the country
- engages relevant areas of government with subject matter expertise to implement legislative reform, promote inclusive events, and appropriately targeted services for LGBTIQ+ people
- supports and engages with the LGBTIQ+ Ministerial Advisory Council on matters where the government is seeking advice and guidance
- provides policy advice to the Chief Minister on LGBTIQ+ matters.
Please note: LGBTIQ+ is respectfully being used as an umbrella term to refer collectively to a wider range of people than just those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and/or queer. The use of the acronym is not intended to exclude people that may not be specifically represented by this term.
For further enquiries please contact the Office by email LGBTIQOffice@act.gov.au.