Alocal LGBTIQ+ support group is set to benefit from participating in a national day of donation on Thursday.
Limestone Coast Connect will be taking part in GiveOUT Day, inspired by the success of the US concept.
Motivated by the lack of funding support for LGBTIQ+ community groups across the country, GiveOUT Day Australia is a national day of giving to LGBTIQ+ communities.
Limestone Coast Connect chair Patrick Smith said everyone has the right to feel included, accepted, supported and safe.
“But in Australia one in two LGBTIQ+ people still keep their identity a secret due to fear of discrimination in the workplace, social settings or at home,” he said.
“At least one in 10 Australians identify as LGBTIQ+, yet only five cents in every 100 dollars of all philanthropic funding flows through to the LGBTIQ+ community.
“GiveOUT is hosting GiveOUT Day to address this lack of funding, and is calling upon community members and allies alike to join them in providing support for LGBTIQ+ community projects.”
Mr Smith said this year the group was raising funds to go toward community education in the Limestone Coast region.
“The funds will assist in the delivery of community sessions about LGBTIQA+ people, their needs and barriers to inclusion in regional and rural South East South Australia,” he said.
“Through our own research we are still seeing there is a general misunderstanding of basic LGBTIQA+ terms and concepts which then in turn leads to discrimination, harassment and bullying.
“While access to digital resources will go some way to improve the current situation, localised in-person face-to-face presentations and conversations will personalise the experience and show visibility to the community across all seven LGAs.
“At Limestone Coast Connect we aim to social connection, advocacy and community education and without any funding we are heavily reliant on volunteer time, resources and emotional labour.”
“A small contribution will go a long way with the Fay Fuller Foundation doubling SA-based donations,” he said.
Visit giveout.org.au/t/lcc22 to access Limestone Coast Connect’s GiveOUT Day fundraising page and to find out more information.
