Our Work in GLBTIQ Community

Some of our work in GLBTIQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex & queer) communities:

{For All Of Us} ALSO Awards

The inaugural {For All Of Us} ALSO Awards for the GLBTIQ community were held at CQ Function Centre on the 24th November 2008. This was an all community event where community achievers were honored alongside sterling performers and outstanding campaigns.

The night was a celebration of the diversity of the GLBTIQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex & queer) community and the many achievements of those that are a part of it. Read more...

Human Rights Consultation

{also} in partnership with the VGLRL hosted a consultation forum on 27^th April 2009  to help inform a LGBTIQ perspective on the current National Human Rights Consultation process.

The forum provided an opportunity for community members to discuss their views on the need for changes to human rights protections. Key themes included the need for federal anti-discrimination laws and broader relationship recognition; quality access to services including housing, healthcare and education; and a broad range of issues related to privacy, families and children, and trans folk. Read the joint {also} and VGLRL joint submission to the consultation.

With Respect Awareness Project (WRAP)

A collaboration between {also}, TransGender Victoria, VGLRL, the Anti-Violence Project and Victoria Police and aims to: - reduce the incidence of homophobic harassment in Victoria by changing community attitudes & behaviours; - increasing the capacity of LGBTI people to respond to homophobic harassment and encourage incident reporting. Read more...

Take Care {out} There

An innovative community engagement program aimed at developing a LGBTI health promotion culture. Focused on sexual health for queer Victorians, it’s overarching aim is to enhance the environments in which our communities work rest and play, so that our community has the knowledge, ability and confidence to take care of themselves and those around them. Read more...

YAP (Youth Action Plan)

{also} has been engaged for the past 18 months or so in a process designed to strengthen and develop the organisation and determine and direct our future resources and activities - this work is reflected in the ALSO Strategic Directions 2007-2010 document and the particular activities this commits us to.

A key feature of this effort has been the reflection and examination of the particular role and needs of young people within our organisation and the community more broadly. This is based on the understanding that young people are a vital and important aspect of our community and one which must be both respected, nurtured and supported.

The fruit of this work is the inaugural {also} : Youth Action Plan 2008-2011. This document is the result of extensive discussion and review amongst a range of stake-holders - not least young people themselves and forms the basis of our thinking around future activity for our organisation relating to young people. Read more...

Living Longer Living Stronger

In 2009, in collaboration with the City of Yarra, the Council on the Ageing, and Bendigo Bank, {also} ran a program of strength training activities to assist GLBTIQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex & queer) folks 50 and over to enjoy a more independent and active lifestyle, both now and into the future. 

Youth Transitional Housing Service

{also}’s ALSORTS Youth House was initiated in 2005 to address the needs of homeless same sex attracted youth (SSAY), not always well addressed by the existing service system. Over the years, many young people have benefited greatly from the project. Additionally {also} has played in important role in advocating for improved recognition and responses to the other needs of same sex attracted youth.

The {also} Fabulous Op-Shop

The {also} Fabulous Op Shop at 328 Smith Street, Collingwood has been an overwhelming success. It functions as a grassroots community presence providing a human touch point for {also}, a benefit that far outweighs its financial achievements. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for both volunteers and the wider GLBTIQ community to support {also} by contributing their time or by donating items from last season’s wardrobe. Read more..

The {also} Directory

The {also} Directory has been a part of Melbourne for 21 years. It consists of a commercial section, which provides an opportunity for queer owned/friendly businesses to advertise, and the community section, which advertises GLBTIQ community groups at no cost. With 17,000 copies distributed across Victoria in 2010 and a revamped presence on the {also} website, the Directory has become the go to resource for all GLBTIQ businesses and groups in Victoria. Connect to the Directory here.