For over thirteen years, Rural Pride Australia has proudly collaborated with LGBTIQA+ individuals, mainstream organisations, and government bodies in regional, rural, and remote communities to foster safer, more supportive, and inclusive environments for all.
Founded to bridge the isolation faced by LGBTIQA+ people and their allies in non-metropolitan areas, we recognize that inclusion is often overlooked. We are dedicated to making it a central focus for rural communities, believing that prioritising inclusivity transforms these areas, offering hope and creating environments where LGBTIQA+ individuals can truly thrive, no matter where they live.
We empower LGBTIQA+ individuals to thrive across regional, rural, and remote Australian communities.Rural Pride Australia is committed to shifting the narrative from challenges to progress by enhancing visibility, safety, and access to essential services for LGBTIQA+ individuals in rural areas.
This transformation involves close collaboration with communities, empowering them to be active participants in creating change.We are thrilled to champion LGBTIQA+ individuals across non-metropolitan Australia, along with the organisations and communities that support them.
These communities have expressed that this change is "long overdue" and that it's "about bloody time" real investment is made in connection and education. We recognize the profound, life-changing impact that community recognition and engagement can bring through intentional outreach and collaboration.
Our Purpose extends beyond documenting instances of violence and discrimination; we aim to empower communities to create safe, inclusive spaces where people can connect, share, and celebrate.
We understand that fostering connection reduces isolation for minority community members, amplifies inclusive voices, and strengthens bonds within the wider community and among LGBTIQA+ individuals.We drive this change by highlighting local and regional milestones of LGBTIQA+ progress, sparking hope, and celebrating achievements that are often overlooked.
Our commitment to advocacy involves collaborating with LGBTIQA+ leaders, organisations, and allies. Together with government, philanthropic bodies, research institutions, and ethical corporations, we strive to enact impactful changes in policies, practices, and resources that elevate visibility, safety, and support for LGBTIQA+ people in rural areas.Rural Pride Australia believes that LGBTIQA+ individuals in regional, rural, and remote areas deserve more, and we are steadfast in championing their rights and voices.
In February 2010, Daniel Witthaus embarked on a 266-day journey to challenge homophobia across regional, rural, and remote Australia. Despite concerns for his safety, he found overwhelming support rather than hostility. Locals expressed sentiments like "It's about bloody time" and "Long overdue," highlighting a shared urgency to address LGBT issues.
Communities were grappling with high suicide rates among LGBT youth and the loss of loved ones seeking acceptance elsewhere. Daniel's "That's So Gay" Tour was met with warmth and open conversations from Mt Isa to Kalgoorlie and even remote Indigenous communities, revealing a readiness to embrace change. His journey underscored the strength and resilience of rural Australia united under inclusion and pride.
When the "That's So Gay" Tour concluded, Daniel's real work began. He revisited country communities, developed workshops for Australian Marriage Equality, and spent six months in Berlin writing his second book, Beyond Priscilla. Thousands of conversations with LGBTIQA+ individuals, allies, and the curious left him with a clear sense of purpose. Reflecting on their stories and the need for change, he laid the foundation for his next steps—outlined in his "Big Gay Agenda" (Appendix A).
On January 20, 2013, Daniel launched the National Institute for Challenging Homophobia Education (NICHE), a hub for ideas, resources, and activism beyond traditional LGBTI circles. NICHE blended a think tank, centre of excellence, and active organisation, focusing on understanding what worked—and what didn't—in challenging homophobia, particularly in regional, rural, and remote communities.
In its early years, NICHE partnered with communities in Mt Isa, Bunbury, northwest Tasmania, and southeast Queensland. Although TED rejected his proposal for an LGBTI-focused event, NICHE adapted by hosting "Finding My NICHE", a TED-esque event at the 2014 Midsumma Festival in Melbourne's western suburbs, providing a powerful platform for LGBTI voices.
