Deaf Queer Rainbow Project

Expression Australia is continuing a project focusing on Deaf and hard of hearing LGBTQIA+. The project is funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency through their Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program.

This project has several aims including:

• To improve the emotional wellbeing of Deaf/HoH LGBTQIA+ individuals
• Boost individual sense of belonging by more social connections
• Build independency skills of Deaf/HoH LGBTQI+ individuals
• Create and advocate for equality for Deaf/HoH LGTBQIA+ individuals by making services accessible.

These aims will be achieved by:

• Creating new video content relevant to what the Deaf LGBTIQA+ community are interested in and need.
• Work with LGBTIQA+ organisations and services such as Queerspace to improve access and inclusion for the Deaf LGTBQIA+ community.
• Provide Deaf Awareness Training to LGBTIQA+ organisations.
• Organise events and opportunities for the Deaf LGBTIQA+ community to connect with each other and broader Queer community.

In 2020 we celebrated the annual Rainbow Reunion online and made it an event launch outlining this project and what is involved. Loz Sorono was a Guest Presenter. There was a social event that had a range of Deaf Queer performers and people involved! The online event announced an EOI for an Advisory Group.

To ensure the Rainbow project has the input and involvement in the community to lead the program, an Advisory Group was set up. The Advisory Group includes a select number of Deaf/HoH LGBTQIA+ community members. The group’s diversity is essential for providing a range of opinions, thoughts and feedback that reflect the wider community. The Advisory Group will be in place for one year.

The Rainbow Project Team encourage the community to get in contact with us either via our Advisory Group or directly via rainbow@expression.com.au

This project is funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency through their Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program.