In November 2023, an event was organised by the Office of the Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, in partnership with Public Libraries Victoria and the State Library of Victoria.
Speakers including library representatives and trans and queer writers shared what libraries mean to them – in doing so, reclaiming libraries as safe spaces for everyone.
The event was attended by approximately 80 librarians from across Victoria – including from those areas hardest hit by cancelled events – and LGBTIQA+ stakeholders including rainbow families.
Other partner organisations in the event included Hares and Hyenas LGBTIQA+ Bookshop, Arts Centre Melbourne, Archer Magazine, Rainbow Families Victoria and the Rainbow Community Angels.
The event was recorded, and you can now listen in at the ABC’s Big Ideas website.
Ensuring LGBTIQA+ Victorians can live freely without fear of discrimination and vilification is central to the Victorian Government’s first LGBTIQA+ strategy, Pride in our future.