Inter~Section Page 2

INTER

SECTION

PO Box 1675
Preston South Vic 3072
Australia
e-mail: josken_at_josken_net
phone +61-3-9471-4878

PART 2

Indexed by the FreeFind Search Engine

Inter~Section Information and Details

More than tolerance

Community services do not serve everyone well. Service providers need to make changes to provide relevant and appropriate services for everyone in their community.

We have ample evidence that a number of groups miss out on access to services.
For example:
Indigenous people and communities

people with disabilities - physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual

people from non English speaking backgrounds, migrants and refugees

isolated, rural and remote communities.
Now a landmark project shows that people from sexual minorities do not, and cannot, use mainstream community services either. Lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people (the sexual minorities) miss out too.
The Tolerance Report (Bird and Coco 1996) documents the results of a needs analysis: literature search, survey and interviews in the Sutherland Shire (southern Sydney). Carried out over 1995 and 1996, it reveals widespread ignorance and disinterest. The research uncovered direct and indirect discrimination against sexual minorities.

On social planning

The research shows:
local government does not include sexual minorities in needs analysis

very few Councils include sexual minorities in Social Plans

few planning processes include sexual minorities as a special population group

On service provision

The research shows:
narrow interpretations of family and relationships exclude people from sexual minorities from access to services

current information and counselling services are often unsatisfactory for people from sexual minorities

myths predominate; indirect discrimination against people from sexual minorities is common and usually not even noticed

direct discrimination in accommodation and employment are real risks when people from sexual minorities are public about their sexuality

the isolation of people from sexual minorities is generally unnoticed and unserviced

On using community services

The research shows:
people from sexual minorities commonly experience discrimination and disregard in the provision of community services

people from sexual minority groups are unwilling to use mainstream community services because they fear discrimination and/or exposure

mainstream community service providers must take the initiative to show they provide a safe environment before people from sexual minorities will trust and use their services

community services generally do not advocate against the discrimination, harassment, abuse and violence experienced by people from sexual minorities

ignorance and lack of awareness are the major barriers to better services

On strategies to include sexual minorities

The research shows:

service providers do not promote their services to people from sexual minorities

service providers do not outreach to people from sexual minorities

community service providers do not ensure non-discrimination for people from sexual minorities in their employment policies and practices

training, education or discussion about the needs of people from sexual minorities is extremely rare

community service providers have done little to ensure that employees from sexual minorities can safely be open about their sexuality at work

few community organisations have documented policies and practices that promote fair treatment for sexual minorities

To change all this

Community service providers can:

develop a safe and welcoming environment for people from sexual minorities using posters, public statements, visible policy statements etc

seek out people from sexual minorities to keep up to date with their needs

review intake procedures, assessment practices, services, programs and courses, promotional material, eligibility guidelines etc to make sure they are non discriminatory and inclusive

include sexual minority organisations in interagencies and networks

make sure all services are non-judgmental and do not operate to cure people from sexual minorities

promote community services to sexual minority organisations and groups

include sexual minority organisations and services in referral information, newsletters and other information provided to service users and other services

educate volunteers, paid workers and committee members about the needs of people from sexual minorities

support, defend and advocate for people from sexual minorities who speak publicly and advocate for the needs of their community

advocate with and assist local sexual minority organisations and groups eg. meeting space, photocopier, computer, information and advice

include sexual minority groups in the catchment for services which reduce violence, assist relationships and empower individuals to be more in control of their own lives

Sexual minority organisations can:

inform mainstream community service providers about their services and contacts

refer people to mainstream community services and follow up to ensure they receive the service they need

provide written information, videos, and posters about the needs of people from sexual minorities

provide speakers and trainers on the needs of people from sexual minorities for community service providers

participate in local interagencies and community services networks

participate in local planning and needs analysis studies

invite mainstream community service providers to participate in activities, events and campaigns affecting people from sexual minorities

Government agencies can:

allocate funds to services for sexual minorities as well as other priority population groups

give priority to groups covered by anti-discrimination laws in service delivery and funding

make sure funded organisations conform to legal requirement for anti-discrimination and affirmative action to assist disadvantaged groups

encourage funded organisation to develop inclusive policies and practices

provide resources for pilot and developmental programs which improve the quality and accessibility of mainstream community services

invite sexual minority organisations and groups to participate in planning and consultation processes

implement community education campaigns to tackle violence and homophobia

appoint identified officers to improve government services to people from sexual minorities eg. Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers

inform community service providers about initiatives to improve services for people from sexual minorities.

Inter~Section

Inter~Section has formed to take the Tolerance Report work further. It includes representatives from government agencies, mainstream community service providers and sexual minority groups.

Inter~Section has identified several priorities for our work:

encouraging local government Councils to include sexual minorities in Social Plans

encouraging the inclusion of sexual minorities under the Area Assistance Scheme, (a funding program provided through the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning)

encouraging peak bodies to assist and resource community service providers to develop inclusive strategies for people from sexual minorities

ensuring the Department of Community Services fulfils its commitment to include sexual minorities in its access and equity target groups for direct and funded services.

To join Inter~Section or get copies of the Tolerance Report, contact :

Christine Bird at
Crossroads Community Care
(02 9525 3790)

or

Roy Bishop at

(02 9318 0438)