ECU experts will work with the peak reference group to change.
ECU's Professor Braden Hill, Kay Lane and Dr Lukasz Krzyzowski will work with the reference group, co-chaired by LGBTIQA+ peak body Rainbow Futures WA and the Department of Communities, to identify priority areas and associated actions to drive long-term and systemic change.
Professor Hill, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous), brings his extensive knowledge and experience working with First Nations and LGBTIQA+ people in community, education and research, including as the lead researcher of Breaking the Silence and as a Research Team member of Walkern Katitjin.
"I am excited to be doing this important work to achieve greater protections and inclusion for LGBTIQA+ communities in Western Australia," Professor Hill said.
"LGBTIQA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including Sistergirls and Brotherboys, face the compounding impacts of racism and LGBTIQA+ discrimination, and this is something that is important to address in this strategy.
"By bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront, we can create more inclusive pathways and address the unique challenges our communities continue to face."
Kay Lane, Equity Projects Coordinator at ECU, has made significant strides in advancing disability inclusion at ECU, and beyond as a founding member and co-chair of the Pride with Disability Network and a lead organiser for Perth's first Disability Pride Festival in July 2024.
ECU's Equity Projects Coordinator Kay Lane with the Disability Pride flag.
"I am honoured to represent the Pride with Disability Network, WA's community-led peer support network for LGBTIQA+ people with disabilities," they said.
"LGBTIQA+ people with disability experience ableism and a lack of understanding of their identities, not only outside but also within LGBTIQA+ communities.
"The Inclusion Strategy must address and meet the needs of those with disability and diverse access needs, ensuring everyone is truly included, supported and celebrated."
Dr Lukasz Krzyzowski is a Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellow at ECU's Social Ageing (SAGE) Futures Lab and Director of the Rainbow Migrants Living Lab, which supports culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) LGBTIQA+ migrants.
"There is immense power in recognising and addressing the unique experiences of LGBTIQA+ migrant communities," Dr Krzyzowski explained.
"Through this reference group, we can continue bridging gaps in support and understanding and empowering migrants to feel truly included in Western Australian society."
Together, Professor Hill, Kay Lane and Dr Krzyzowski are set to make a profound impact on the Western Australian government's approach to inclusion, driving policy and practice that reflects the diversity of LGBTIQA+ communities across the state.
Their combined expertise and dedication will undoubtedly foster greater equity, inclusion and rights for LGBTIQA+ people in Western Australia.
For more information, please visit the WA Government webpage here.
