Culture and inclusion | LGBTQIA+

We all have different identities, sexualities, genders, bodies and life experiences. Unfortunately, even with Marriage Equality, the LGBTQIA+ community continue to be discriminated against with stigma still prevalent around the world.

LGBTIQA+ inclusion

LGBTIQA+ inclusion is not about trying to change individual beliefs. It is about workplace behaviour and how we interact with each other in a professional working relationship.

By supporting LGBTIQA+ workplace inclusion, we are not only saying this is a workplace where all employees can thrive, but also that harmful, discriminatory behaviour targeting those who do identify, will not be tolerated.

People’s personal views, values and beliefs are their own. It is the behaviours that inclusion initiatives target. It’s also against the law to discriminate against individuals because of their differences.

Discrimination

In Australia, there are many laws and regulatory standards that protect the human rights of LGBTIQA+ people when discrimination happens. These include the Human Rights Act, Equal Opportunity Act, Sex Discrimination Act, Disability Discrimination Act, NDIS practice standards and the UN Convention on the rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Our Code of Conduct (QD 5001) reinforces these laws and standards and guides positive, inclusive behaviours in the workplace.

Bullying and harassment

Everyone deserves equal and fair treatment and the freedom to be their authentic self without facing discrimination. This right remains unchanged regardless of gender, sexuality, sex characteristics, appearance or disability.

Experiences of bullying, harassment or discrimination based on LGBTIQA+ identities can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people, often leading to increased stress and anxiety that negatively affect mental health. The Discrimination, Workplace Bullying and Sexual Harassment Policy (QD 5257) sets the expectations for behaviours at our organisation.

NDIS participant rights

We are dedicated to ensuring that employees we support are included, empowered, and able to exercise choice and control over their lives. This commitment involves providing access to information and resources and creating opportunities for individuals to make informed decisions.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reinforces the rights for all people with disability to have respectful relationships, express gender identity, to be respected by support staff and organisations, inclusive health care and health information, and to be treated equally in all areas of life.

As a disability support organisation, it is our responsibility to uphold the rights of people with disability in all areas of their life. It is important that we avoid making assumptions about the needs, opinions, or identities of people with disability and instead approach everyone with respect and understanding.

Engage training module

While originally developed for support workers Working with LGBTIQA+ participants is a great course to learn about Gender, sex and sexuality as meaningful parts of identity that affect our relationships, wellbeing, and how we experience ourselves and the world.

You can’t tell if someone is LGBTIQA+ by looking at them. Anyone you work with may be LGBTIQA+, so learning about the LGBTIQA+ community and how to support people in this community is essential

How we can help

Converge Employees Assistance Program (EAP)

Converge International understands that people face many challenges in their lives and that sometimes, these require specialised support. Endeavour Foundation organisation offers specialist support through a range of specialist phone helplines available during business hours in addition to the existing Employee Assistance Program services.

LGBTQIA+ helpline

Speak with a specialist counsellor and access support across issues specific to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex people. The plus (+) refers to pansexual, asexual and other gender diverse identities. You can also discuss referral to specialised services and access to general information and resources: 1300 542 874

Pronouns

We are committed to supporting all gender-diverse colleagues, people we support and suppliers. The right pronouns to refer to a person is one of the easiest ways to show respect, build rapport and to help them affirm themselves. For many people in the gender-diverse community, this acknowledgement is very important.

Learn more about pronouns and How to add pronouns to your PeopleSoft and Microsoft 365 profile.