GLBTIQ

Since 2008, PILCH has been working on an equality project to address systemic discrimination and inequality in the community. The focus of that project has been primarily on discrimination against women, and discrimination on the grounds of homelessness, social status and irrelevant criminal record. In 2009, PILCH decided to expand the focus of its equality project to include discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status. This decision was based on a range of factors, including: an increase in requests for pro bono legal assistance related to discrimination on those grounds; knowledge of the legal landscape in Victoria; significant legislative reform at the federal and state levels; expertise and experience of particular staff; and increased discussion of sex, sexuality and gender identify in the community, driven by a range of external law reform projects.

PILCH has now completed a scoping report to determine the nature, scope, and extent (if any) of legal need in GLBTIQ communities in Victoria: Equal Access to the Justice System: Report on Legal Services and Information for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer Victorians.

This report explores whether or not GLBTIQ communities can access legal services and information in Victoria that are affordable, accessible, appropriate, and of good quality. The report was written in consultation with, and with the support of, GLBTIQ communities, and made with a view to addressing legal need in the community. The report recommends that work be undertaken by both legal services and GLBTIQ communities themselves to improve legal services available to GLBTIQ communities.

PILCH is committed to continuing its work on GLBTIQ issues and will continue working to implement the recommendations made in the report. 

For further information about PILCH’s work on non-discrimination and equality, contact: fiona.mcleay@pilch.org.au or verena.tan@pilch.org.au