Get Involved with these activities!

You are invited to participate in a research project on 'The Effects of Self Disclosure of Sexual Orientation in the Australian Workplace' being conducted by Benjamin O’Reilly as part of his degree requirements as a Psychology Honours student at the University of New England. "The purpose of the study is to determine whether an explicit workplace policy addressing sexual diversity has any positive impacts in creating a tolerant and accepting work environment for sexually diverse employees. It is also the aim of the study to establish whether positive workplace environments enhance job satisfaction and physical and emotional well-being for sexually diverse employees.

If you decide you would like to participate in this study online, please log on to http://unebcss.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ai5Er4n47aAcXHu  The survey will take approximately 15 minutes and is completely anonymous; you will not be asked to provide your name or any identifying information about your workplace. Participation is open to people over 18 years of age, completely voluntary and if you wish to discontinue participation at any time, you are free to do so without a problem.  Completing the survey will be taken as consent to participate. 

We do not foresee any risks associated with completing the survey.  However, in the event that completing the survey reminds you of personal issues you would like to discuss you may wish to contact a local LGBTI organisation, such as the local Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service in your state or territory (see www.lgbthealth.org.au/members).

Any questions regarding the study may be addressed to Benjamin O’Reilly boreill4@une.edu.au or Dr Jennifer Loh on 02 6773 3027, mloh4@une.edu.au, the Principal researcher

This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of New England (Approval No: HE11/059, Valid to: 18/03/2012). Should you have any complaints concerning the manner in which this research is conducted, please contact the Research Ethics Officer Telephone:  02 6773 3449, Fax:  02 6773 3543 Email: Ethics@une.edu.au"

The Pinnacle Foundation has been established to provide scholarships and mentors to LGBTI youth who are marginalised or disadvantaged.
Scholarships are provided for LGBTI youth who desire to undertake full or part time education at a public or private secondary school or public institution of higher education in Australia.  "We want to ensure our scholarship recipients receive more than just financial support.  Mentors help our Scholars navigate the everyday challenges of study and by drawing on their greater knowledge and experience, and their genuine concern for young people." Nine young persons were awarded scholarships for 2011.
"Now that we receive scholarship applications from across Australia you can appreciate the challenge we have each year to match the scholars' gender identity, location, academic and ethic backgrounds with the right mentor.  We want to expand the range and number of mentors we have registered - successful gays and lesbians who have excelled in their professions and who come from all walks of life.
That's where you com in.  If you want to put back into our community a give the next generation all the help that we can muster, mentoring is a great way to help.  In particular retired people have a great opportunity to apply their life experiences."
The Pinnacle Foundation website has more information and a self assessment checklist for you to see if you are likely to fit the role of mentor.  If you pass the checklist threshold, download and complete the application and return it to the foundation.

Carried out by GLHV in partnership with the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University Private Lives 2 aims to be the largest and most comprehensive assessment of the health of Australian LGBT communities to date. It includes questions on physical and mental health and wellbeing, use of health services, alcohol and drug use, the impact of legislative reforms, including recognition of same sex relationships, LGBT people’s experiences of discrimination and their connections to family, friends and community. The survey gives emphasis to LGBT mental health and depression and includes questions looking at the impact of social connection, including the use of the Internet, on LGBT people’s wellbeing. You can complete the survey at www.privatelivessurvey.org.au
Please note: although the survey doesn't include a variable on intersex status, there is scope to include this under 'other' in the sex and gender question

The Productivity Commission's draft report "Caring for Older Australians" released 21 January 2011 acknowledges the discrimination experienced by many LGBTI people in aged care and calls for services to be flexible and appropriate. The Commission invites written feedback on the draft report, to be received by Monday 21 March 2011.  A number of public hearings will be held across the country in March and April. Contribute to the Alliance's feedback and/or participate directly in this consultation yourself Find out more

Several MPs are running surveys on the issue of marriage equality in their electorate. Australian Marriage Equality (AME) has made a list of them, which you can access here. If you live in one of the electorates on the list, please take a few moments to fill out your local survey. If your local MP has is not conducting a survey, you can contact them directly to make your views on marriage equality known. Find out more about major marriage equality activities and how you can get involved here.

The 2011 National Men's Health Gathering will be held from 19 to 22 September 2011 in Perth. The gathering includes the 6th National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Conference, the 5th National Men and Relationships Forum and the 9th National Men's Health Conference. The Alliance presented at the 2009 National Men's Health Gathering on issues relating to trans people and to gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men. We encourage you to submit proposals to present at the 2011 gathering and to consider attending Find out more

On the 17th of May every year people across the world work commemorate IDAHO - the International Day Against Homophobia - to raise awareness of the impact of homophobia and transphobia, and promote resilience and wellbeing by celebrating sexuality, sex and gender communities. Find out more!

Each year Alliance members are involved in a range of initiatives across the country that you can participate in or make use of, for example the This Is Oz photo project and a TV ad.