This year has been quite the journey for local not-for-profit Queer Family, beginning with the Great Covid Outbreak of ’22.
Queer Family responded with Queers on Wheels and delivered hundreds of free meals, fresh juice, meds, and support to isolated folks.
Then came the floods, which destroyed the Queer Family Clubhouse in Mullum, as well as the homes and workplaces of many key volunteers. Despite losing their HQ and equipment, Queer Family responded by expanding their individual support and therapeutic programs and increasing their community events.
Managing director Aiden Gentle says it’s important for folks to come together and connect in hard times so they can heal. ‘Even though we were flooded ourselves, we kept going. We’ve done about 25 events this year alone, on top of the other therapeutic and practical support we provide.’
This Mental Health Month, Queer Family are taking it to a whole new level and offering a huge program of free events over the next few weeks.
‘We believe access to connection and community is very important, especially for minorities who are already marginalised, so we look for ways to offer free or subsidised events,’ says Gentle. ‘We don’t have any core funding though. We are fuelled by love, community spirit, donations, and grants. It’s also GiveOut Day, so we are fundraising for flood recovery this year.’
GiveOut Day is a national fundraiser run every October for LGBTQIA+ organisations and projects. Did you know that despite LGBTQIA+ people representing 11 per cent of the population, and scoring poorly in health stats, they only receive 5¢ in every $100 worth of funding?
You can help Queer Family continue to bring our community free healing and connection at www.giveout.org.au/t/queerfamilyinc.
To connect, volunteer, or receive support, email [email protected] or follow them on Facebook.
To find events go to www.eventbrite.com.au/o/queer-family-29468238765.
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