Putting an end to fear

A new queer resource aimed at raising awareness about domestic and family violence in the LGBT community in Queensland has been launched.

The Queer Without Fear booklet was released on May 28.

The project came about due to collaboration between the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) and the Brisbane Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (BDVAS), an activity of Micah Projects Inc.

A grant application was submitted to the Department of Communities that won $5000 to reproduce a resource from NSW-based LGBT organisation ACON and adjust it for a Queensland context.

The launch party, which attracted about 50 people, was held at Micah Projects Inc in Woolloongabba to coincide with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Feedback showed this resource was overdue and valued by the family and domestic violence services sector.

QAHC patron Carol Lloyd spoke to the audience about the need for the resource and the often hidden issue of family and domestic violence in the lives of LGBT people.

She also spoke about how many services weren’t equipped to deal with the issue, often seeing women as only the victims of domestic violence and how few domestic violence services there are for gay men to access.

Lloyd also revealed her personal experience of domestic violence in a previous relationship.

LGBTI Legal Service coordinator Julie Howes also spoke at the launch and revealed that around one third of the clients the services assists have experienced some form of family or domestic violence.

The booklet will be sent to services across the state in coming weeks.