Where does this pop up?
As part of its 2024 pilot,Rural PrideAustralia came to Launceston, on the lands of the kanamaluka, with a national mapping workshop held on Wednesday 26th June 2024 at Working It Out,Launceston. Originally, we had planned to only visit Devonport and Burnie, yet it was suggested that we upgrade an interview with Launceston’s Working It Out staff to this workshop. Our thanks to Joseph and Garry for their suggestion and support in making this happen at relatively short notice.
The workshop, delivered by Rural Pride Australia CEO, Daniel Witthaus, was attended by 10 locals from Launceston and surrounds, with other conversations and interviews taking place before and after. The workshop included LGBTIQA+ community members and their allies, staff from Working It Out and local health professionals.
Before arriving in Launceston, Rural PrideAustralia was fortunate to talk with Kentish Regional Clinic (thanks Sharon andJo), Working It Out (thanks to Garry, Andrew, Liv and Simone-lisa), EqualityTasmania (thanks to Rodney and Rowan), TasPride (thanks to Phoebe) and SocialSolutions (thanks to Nairn Walker).
When we asked why it important for them to attend, participant answers included:
· to find out more and how I can help more;
· to represent the voices that couldn’t be here today;
· to get ideas about how to do things better that we haven’t thought of;
· to be more informed;
· to hear ideas and views from the community, it’s important;
· to listen and learn, as in a new community support position; and,
· being long-term supporters of this work: “I’ll come anywhere you are Daniel”.
Using this pilot rating system, theoretically,Launceston would rate themselves a 25/100 at the time of the workshop. We want to check with key local stakeholdersif this reflects where they believe their community to be. In other Tasmanian communities so far, someleaders have said:
“Well yeah, that’s about right. That’s where we are and we have more to do.”
66% of participants felt better about living in regional, rural and remote as an LGBTIQA+ person or ally as a result of this national mapping workshop. One participant created their own additional rating of feeling proud as a result of this national mapping workshop. 33% of participants felt the same as before.
“There were some positive [LGBTIQA+] stories.”
“Education is key and I think we are on the right track.”
This national demonstration project is mapping three communities in every state and territory, road-testing five community factors identified by LGBTIQA+ people in regional, rural and remote areas: visibility, safety, inclusion, diversity & intersectionality, and community cohesion. We’re also trialling a five-level rating scale designed to be used by local LGBTIQA+ people (not outsiders), from No Evidence Yet through to Living the RRR LGBTIQA+ Dream. After small group discussions, the group agreed on a draft set of ratings.
Most participants thanked Rural Pride Australia for this work and for coming to Launceston. We thank everyone for taking a risk, turning up for their local LGBTIQA+community and investing their time on a demonstration project in its early stages.
“Thank you for doing this work Daniel, it is greatly appreciated
Rural Pride Australia shared a report back to community for feedback, and committed to publishing these pilot community results on our website.
We'll check in with the Huon Valley from periodically to see what is the same, what’s changed and what else can be added to what we’ve collected. We’ll also update locals on what we’ve found in other communities too!