Misty Farquhar: Prejudice persists in the West as we see a rise in anti-LGBTIQA rhetoric

Across Australia and the world, we are seeing a rise in anti-LGBTIQA rhetoric. Health care for young people is being targeted for political purposes, with a “pause” on gender affirming care announced in Queensland, quickly followed by a Federal review. In WA, the Liberal party promised a ban if they won the State election, despite a strong medical consensus on the life-saving nature of these treatments with strong support from the Australian Medical Association. In the lead up to the State election, party leadership looked on silently while an increasing number of MPs and candidates publicly made bigoted comments in attempts to score political points with the lives of LGBTIQA+ people. As these attacks continue, support services are at capacity managing the consequences of this harmful rhetoric. It’s been five years since Rainbow Futures WA was established as a united voice for the LGBTIQA+ community, growing from an urgency to come together to advance the rights and wellbeing of the LGBTIQA+ community. I recall the very first of many community gatherings of key WA groups and individuals in November 2019. There was frustration of under-resourced peer-led services struggling to sustain their essential work, balanced by the ferocity and determination of seasoned advocates volunteering their time and expertise to build collective impact. In November 2024, Rainbow Futures WA became the official State LGBTIQA+ peak body, emerging from these initial gatherings and building on subsequent successes to continue advocating for law reform on gender recognition, banning conversion practices, updating surrogacy laws, intersex rights, and reforming the outdated Equal Opportunity Act. Rainbow Futures WA recently launched its second LGBTIQA+ Community Priorities report, reflecting the views of almost 600 community members and allies. Participants overwhelmingly reiterated the importance of long overdue law reform. After years of promises, we are still waiting for policies, practices, and laws that cause undeniable harm to LGBTIQA+ people to be addressed. WA has some of the worst anti-vilification laws in the country. This is despite the Equal Opportunity Act undergoing an intensive and extensive review by the Law Reform Commission, which currently gathers dust in the cabinets of state government ministers. Conversion practices that seek to change an LGBTQA+ person’s sexuality or gender are still legal. Children with intersex variations are still subject to deferrable medical interventions to modify their bodies. It remains difficult for community members to access support to start a family, while clinical approval is still required for trans people to update their legal documents. Government services remain inconsistent in the provision of safe and adequate services for the LGBTIQA+ community. In particular, there is an urgent need for gender-affirming care that is more accessible, affordable, and timely, delivered by medical professionals with an understanding of these issues. Housing, employment, education, and other health services are still in need of improvement when it comes to recognising and accommodating the unique needs of LGBTIQA+ people. A community-controlled and peer-led approach needs to be prioritised in filling service gaps and supporting community members to navigate discriminatory systems. There was a strong focus in the survey results on ensuring the inclusion of LGBTIQA+ people of all backgrounds, including Indigenous people, people of colour, and people with disability. Policy changes and other initiatives must be viewed through an intersectional lens, with a commitment to building safe and supportive environments for everyone. This is not simply complaining or finding fault; Rainbow Futures WA, and our members, have solutions that are ready to be implemented. This new term of government presents an opportunity for us to come together to progress these important issues. The Premier’s pre-election promises to finally deliver on law reform, alongside investment in the LGBTIQA+ sector and inclusive services are crucial to address the gaps that have long been filled by volunteers in under-resourced organisations and community groups. Everybody should live life free of discrimination and political interference. A safer, more inclusive future is achievable; our elected representatives just need to make it happen. Dr Misty Farquhar OAM is the CEO of Rainbows Futures WA

Misty Farquhar: Prejudice persists in the West as we see a rise in anti-LGBTIQA rhetoric

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