Registrations are still coming in for the Take Care OutBack There Rural Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Health and Wellbeing Forum to be held at the Pines Conference Centre in Beechworth from September 2-4.
“We are thrilled at the standard of presenters and the range of topics we have obtained for the Forum; there is most definitely something for everyone.” Adam Wright, EO of Country Awareness Network (CAN) and one of the organising partners said.
Topics include Accommodation and Housing Options for older gays, alternative reporting mechanisms for homophobic crime, sex and gender diversity, family diversity, strategies for accrediting GLBT sensitive service delivery and many more. Wright states that they are “All topics likely to have a particular impact on GLBTQ communities in rural areas.
On Friday there is a sexual health stream offering professional development for service providers. Adam commented that “A better understanding of issues unique to the rural gay and lesbian community by health and community service providers will result in better services and increased trust by the GLBTQ community. This is essential when it comes to sexual health testing and other sensitive health issues.”
Issues such as distance, lack of a GLBT community, fewer services and the possibility of being seen as ‘different’ can make living in the country an isolating experience for many GLBT people. Wright says “This forum is an opportunity to connect and to discuss strategies to maintain those connections.”
Just as exciting are the more social events connected to the forum where participants can relax and enjoy each others company. Thursday evening is dinner at the Nicholas Hotel which features comedy duo Kylie Brickhill and Kate Clarke. Saturday lunchtime brings the opportunity to find out just how sexually savvy you are, playing Rainbow Rodeo Sexy Trivia hosted by the ever glamorous Vanessa Wagner. Then of course, the Spring Migration Dance Party is on Saturday night.”
Registrations are still open to attend the forum and limited places are available free of charge through our sponsorship scheme. For more information go to www.takecare.org.au or phone the CAN Resource Centre on (03) 5443 8355