Rainbow Families
Rainbow Families Australia is proud to announce its move to become a national organisation, uniting state-based groups and strengthening its commitment to supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ families nationwide.
Rainbow Families is the leading voice for LGBTQ+ families in Australia. The charity celebrates and advocates for LGBTQ+ parents and their children at every stage of their lives.
State-based Rainbow Families organisations have been operating successfully for many years with the common goal of connecting and meeting the diverse needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse and queer (LGBTQ+) parented families.
Building on the great work to date, they are excited to join forces so Rainbow Families Australia can keep connecting, collaborating and amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ parents, prospective parents and their children across the country.
Rainbow Families Australia is a registered charity with DGR-1 status, previously incorporated only in New South Wales. The decision to transition to a national organisation has been informed by significant community consultation with overwhelming support.
Trevor Kanapi, Co-Chair Rainbow Families Queensland and Director Rainbow Families Australia, believes the time is right for the establishment of Rainbow Families Australia.
“Over many years, all our rainbow families’ organisations have worked tirelessly with thousands of families, developing resources, programs, and various community supports. Families from around Australia have benefited from the advocacy work and education programs provided by Rainbow Families, and this will increase through a national collaborative organisation.”
“It is time we come together as a national organisation to deliver even more for our amazing community,” he said.
Rainbow Families Australia has already started laying the groundwork for a national rollout of family programs and for seeding new supportive, family-focused groups. A key first step has been bringing together volunteers from organisations across the nation to identify opportunities to collaborate and amplify our collective efforts.
“We know how important the support of other organisations and individuals in our community will be to making this national organisation a success,” said Rainbow Families Australia Executive Officer Ashley Scott.
“We’re excited about the future, and we’re looking forward to collaborating further with organisations across Australia to create more opportunities for our community,” Ashley said.
As the Rainbow Families team embarks on this new chapter together, they remain dedicated to advocating and supporting LGBTQ+ parents and their families wherever they are in Australia.
