RAINBOW Futures WA has been named as the new independent peak body to represent lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) people in Western Australia following a competitive tender process by the Department of Communities.

Rainbow Futures WA is a consortium of WA-based LGBTQIA+ community organisations.

The peak body will work with the state government and co-chair the LGBTQIA+ community reference group to support the development and implementation of WA’s first LGBTQIA+ inclusion strategy.

Earlier this year, the state government announced $900,000 to develop the strategy to support a whole-of-government approach to promote inclusion and reduce discrimination for LGBTQIA+ people by identifying priority areas and associated actions to drive long-term systemic change in WA.

The peak body will work across WA to represent the interests of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Department of Communities will offer a variety of options for people to participate in the development of the strategy.

Youth Minister Hannah Beazley said establishing WA’s first LGBTQIA+ peak body was an important step in the government’s commitment to inclusion and equality in WA.

“As the inaugural peak body, Rainbow Futures WA will play an important role in representing and advocating for the interests of LGBTQIA+ people across Western Australia,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to working with Rainbow Futures on the development of WA’s first LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy with the LGBTQIA+ Reference Group and the broader WA community.”