We are proud to be part of a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in the Canberra region. Here are just some of the other organisations doing valuable work in this space.
Disclaimer: Please note that these links are provided as a guide only. Diversity ACT is not affiliated (unless declared) with many of these organisations and thereby is not responsible for their content. By clicking on a link featured here, you agree and acknowledge these conditions.
A Gender Agenda
A Gender Agenda aims to support the goals and needs of the intersex, transgender and gender diverse communities of Canberra and the surrounding region. Through education, advocacy, peer support and professional networks we connect people to each other and build off the wisdom of collective experiences. For over fifteen years, AGA has represented a gold standard of TGD+I support that is unique in Australia.
- Email: support@genderrights.org.au
- Website: http://www.genderrights.org.au/
Canberra Qwire
The Canberra Qwire consists of approximately 120 members from all walks of life, ranging from late teens right through to the wiser generations; all drawn together by their common love of music and singing.
They are a non-auditioned choir, meaning that people of varying skill levels and experience can come and develop their passion for singing and even learn a few new tips and tricks every week in rehearsal, including not only vocal abilities and strength but stagecraft and even some choreography, which they call Choralography.
- Email: enquiries@CanberraQwire.org.au
- Website: http://www.canberraqwire.org.au/
Meridian (formerly the AIDS Action Council)
We are a community-controlled, peer-led organisation that provides health and social support services to our community. We celebrate diversity, strengthen community and empower individuals to live their best lives. Community, health and action are the core of Meridian and how we work.
Meridian has been advocating for, and supporting, our community for over 30 years. Today we offer a range of services and programs across Canberra.
- Email: contact@meridianact.org.au
- Website: https://www.meridianact.org.au
- Address: Havelock House, 85 Northbourne Ave, Turner ACT 2612
Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW
Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW works with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, questioning, queer, asexual and more, LGBTIQA+ people and others of diverse genders and sexualities, their families and communities.
Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW provides a broad range of specialised services for young people aged 12 to 25 including housing, mental health, counselling and social support. For adults, they provide social support and for people of all ages they offer telephone support and webchat as the NSW provider for the national QLife project.
QLife
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
- Hours: 3pm to midnight every day
- Phone: 1800 184 527
- Webchat available on the QLife website
National LGBTI Health Alliance, Australia
Diversity ACT is a proud member of the National LGBTI Health Alliance, Australia, which supports healthy lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender, intersex, queer and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities throughout Australia and the world, free from stigma and discrimination.
Rainbow Christian Alliance (RCA)
RCA is a gathering of people looking for an opportunity to share in a friendly, informal way about sexuality and faith. The group meets on the second Sunday of the month from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Tuggeranong Uniting Church (TUC).
TUC is an accepting and affirming space for LGBTIQ+ Christians to fully participate in all aspects of church life including leadership and all forms of ministry. Although many LGBTIQ+ people have had uncomfortable, and sometimes even hostile, experiences with Christian churches in the past, many people of the LGBTIQ+ community in Australia identify as Christian. RCA aims to be a loving and welcoming place in Canberra where all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer or questioning people can meet, worship and enjoy fellowship together.
Website: https://tuc.org.au/worship/rainbow-christian-alliance/
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- ACTQueer (Facebook): a confidential message & email group
- Australian National University Queer Department on Facebook or website
- Bears Canberra (Facebook): a community, non-profit, social club for hairy gay men and their admirers
- Canberra Frontrunners: a weekly running & walking group (Saturdays)
- Cbr Gay Mens Reading Group (Facebook): meets every 6 to 8 weeks at Meridian
- Dyke Coffee, Movie and Dinner Group: meets each Tuesday at various cinemas
- Long Yang Club Canberra (Facebook): aims to foster friendship between Gay Multicultural men.
- Motafrenz: LGBTQIA+ car club
- Pink Tennis (Facebook): social tennis group that meets each Monday at Turner
- Rainbow Christian Alliance meets monthly, a joint project between Tuggeranong Uniting and Diversity ACT
- Rainbow Ranters: Toastmasters group
- Rainbow UC (Facebook)
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Rainbow Christian Alliance
Tuggeranong Uniting Church and the Grace Community in Goulburn, in collaboration with Diversity ACT (a secular organisation), developed the Rainbow Christian Alliance (RCA) to provide ecumenical LGBTIQ+ safe spaces.
Many LGBTIQ+ people have struggled with issues relating to their sexuality & faith or have been subjected to harmful judgment, therapies & behaviour by churches, pastors*, individuals or congregations. We hope that by supporting a program for LGBTIQ+ Christians we can help people to reconcile some of the pain and provide a place for connection. We are also supportive of other faiths and would be happy to support other faiths who would wish to run programs & Inter-Faith discussions in partnership with Diversity ACT.
Canberra: RCA Canberra @ Erindale Neighbourhood Centre, 6pm on the 2nd Sunday of every month
Goulburn: RCA, Dare Café Goulburn @ Wesley Tearooms, 6.30pm on the 3rd Friday every month
Email: rainbow@tuc.org.au.
* Pastor is being generically used for a person in the position of christian teaching or leadership including Minister, Clergy, Priest, Reverend, Father, Curate, Elder, Deacon, Brother, Sister, Mother, Bishop etc. or other terms that may be used
Canberra Aids Memorial
To commemorate the lives of everyone affected by HIV/AIDS, the Canberra community collected donations and has now installed, a permanent memorial at the National Arboretum to those whose lives have been lost or affected by HIV/AIDS.
This memorial, consisting of a perpetual garden, recognises and honours the lives of Canberrans whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS, and provide a place for friends and family to visit, reflect and reminisce on loved ones who have passed on as a result of the virus.