Tasmanian City Of Launceston To Implement First “LGBTIQA+ Action Plan”

Tasmania’s Launceston City Council has voted unanimously in support of the city’s first ever “LGBTIQA+ Action Plan”. 

The vote, which took place at a council meeting on Thursday 1 September, was preceded by heartfelt pleas from the community, including a young trans woman, Amilie Courtney; a gay dad, Brad Cullen; a Working It Out staff member, Joe McLelland; a public health academic, Dr Tamara Reynish; and an Equality Tasmania representative, Rodney Croome.

“The acceptance of the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan by the City of Launceston is important,” said Dr Reynish, “because it recognises that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, included and valued in our city.”

“The implementation of the LGBTIQA+ Action plan will have a profound impact on the wellbeing of our community and demonstrates that diversity is a strength to be embraced.”

Among Dr Reynish’s reasons for backing the plan included scientific findings that an inclusive community is a stronger community.

“This Action Plan is of great benefit to Launceston as the research shows us that inclusive communities benefit from a wider range of perspectives, experiences and ideas. They are more innovative, compassionate and resilient. I’m excited to see what’s next for our city.”

Launceston’s affirming vote marks the 5th Tasmanian municipality to enact such an action plan, joining the likes of Kingborough, Glenorchy, Hobart, and Burnie. 

What Does The LGBTIQA+ Action Plan Actually Do?

The Action Plan, to be implemented by the Council in consultation with an advisory group, has committed to: Council staff training in LGBTQ+ issues, support for pride events, workshops for businesses and service clubs, a central information point for LGBTQ-inclusive services in the city, support for LGBTQ+ public art and historical interpretation, cooperation with state government agencies including police and health, and the scoping and development of a pride hub.

The Action Plan will also undertake a city-wide LGBTQ+ anti-stigma campaign. It comes after several instances of homophobic graffiti were spotted in Tasmania’s Northern Midlands Council area, directly adjacent to Launceston, not to mention a recent government inquiry that found LGBTQ+ students are disproportionately the targets of bullying in Tasmanian schools.

Despite these areas of concern, the endorsement of the Action Plan follows a number of LGBTQ+ milestones for the community of Launceston, including the opening of the state’s largest ever LGBTQ+ history exhibition at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, which traces the roots of the city’s queer community all the way back to 1800.