Through our continued work in our key focus area of LGBTQIA+ Refugees and People Seeking Asylum in Australia, it has become evident that recurrent financial support is necessary to maintain the systems of support currently in place to provide sanctuary and solidarity to these communities.
We are pleased to have once again contributed financially towards the operations of three key organisations providing peer-led support services to queer refugees across Australia: Queer Refugee and Asylum Seeker Peers (VIC), Forcibly Displaced People Network (ACT and National), and Asylum Seekers Centre (NSW).
Queer Refugee and Asylum Seeker Peers
Queer Refugee and Asylum Seeker Peers (QRASP) is a growing community of LGBTQI+ refugees and people seeking asylum, a peer led social support group that meets regularly for activities, excursions, workshops and trainings, referrals, connections, networking, and emotional and practical support, and a “queer family” for both QRASP members and their friends and allies. QRASP is based in Melbourne and has members across Victoria.
Currently QRASP has more than 360 members and continues to grow rapidly. Based on current experience, they expect to provide material support to an additional 80–100 LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers over the next 12 months. A $20,000 grant will go towards meeting the immediate needs of LGBTQIA+ refugees or people seeking asylum who are involved with the group.
Forcibly Displaced People Network
Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) is the first registered LGBTIQA+ refugee-led organisation in Australia, advocating for LGBTIQA+ individuals who have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to persecution based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Funding of $35,000 from Pride Foundation Australia enables the employment of a peer and advocacy project coordinator for 10 months, whose work will include the assistance of peer-led support groups, policy writing, development of resources and educational materials and advising collective advocacy efforts on LGBTIQA+ settlement (including but not limited to organisational efforts and advisory groups or coalitions). We are also providing pro bono marketing support.
Asylum Seekers Centre
The Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) is a place of welcome and support, providing practical help for people seeking asylum in New South Wales and advocating for fair and humane policies for refugees and people seeking asylum.
With previous funding support, including grants from Pride Foundation Australia, the ASC employs a Coordinator to run fortnightly group activities to provide social opportunities for the 86 LGBTQIA+ currently involved. The group provides a safe space for self-expression and the sharing of experiences which facilitates social integration of members facing economic hardship, intra-community discrimination and cultural differences.
A renewed $20,000 in funding from Pride Foundation Australia will extend the current funding for the Coordinator and identify members willing to play a leadership role to develop a Rainbow Advisory Committee.
