This meeting aims to form a Community of Practice group to meet on a bi-monthly basis. This group will continue working on the Rainbow Ready Roadmap and assist newcomers with their Rainbow Ready Roadmap journey.

The Rainbow Ready Roadmap resource builds on the rural and regional LGBTIQ+ Equality Roadshow and Regional Communities of LGBTIQ+ Practice that have been happening across Victoria since 2016.

The Roadmap consists of tools, including a checklist and assessment tool, so that people in their region, town, organisation or group can assess what needs to happen so they are even more welcoming and inclusive of LGBTIQ+ people.

There’s also guides for everyday settings and everything you’ll need to create a local LGBTIQ+ action plan.

For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/rainbow-ready-roadmap

The goals of the roadmap are as follows:

1. Visibility: LGBTIQ+ people and their culture are visible and celebrated. The visibility of LGBTIQ+ people and initiatives can indicate a shift towards LGBTIQ+ safety and equality. This is an important sign of hope for many LGBTIQ+ people.

2. Inclusion: LGBTIQ+ people are included in the journey. Participation of LGBTIQ+ people in activities is critical to achieving and maintaining LGBTIQ+ inclusion. It is also critical for empowering LGBTIQ+ people.

3. Understanding: LGBTIQ+ inclusion is underpinned by education and understanding. Education to provide all communities with knowledge of LGBTIQ+ experiences, histories and challenges is key to widespread inclusion and meaningful allyship.

4. Safety: LGBTIQ+ peoples’ safety is a priority. Strategies are in place to identify and reduce risks to the safety of LGBTIQ+ people. Responses to LGBTIQ+phobic incidents support LGBTIQ+ people and include actions to prevent reoccurrence.