By Liv Hogarth
Working it out together the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTIQ+ people WORKING IT OUT (WIO), TASMANIA’S GENDER, SEXUALITY AND INTERSEX STATUS SUPPORT AND EDUCATION SERVICE, IS PROVIDING A SPECIAL TASMANIAN COVID-19 INITIATIVE: ‘WORKING IT OUT TOGETHER’ WHILE LGBTIQ+ PEOPLE MIGHT EXPERIENCE THE PANDEMIC MORE ACUTELY THAN OTHERS, WE ALSO HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF RESILIENCE AND HELPING EACH OTHER OUT WHICH CAN HELP MITIGATE THESE IMPACTS. ‘WORKING IT OUT TOGETHER’ HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AS A RESPONSE TO COVID-19 TO FACILITATE BOTH OF THESE CHARACTERISTICS. The main features are: • A special webpage with details, links, resources and online forms to register to give or receive a hand: www.workingitout.org.au • A process to allow LGBTIQ+ Tasmanians to put their hand up to get extra support during this crisis and/or to help out
• A one-stop place for LGBTIQ+ and Tasmanian-specific COVID-19 related resources which will be continually updated as new information comes in – the perfect place to find the latest information: • Stay connected - a range of online and offline activities and groups to keep people connected and active • Stay healthy - advice and links for how to stay healthy during this crisis LGBTIQ+ people sometimes have limited options for connecting with others and seeking support. These may shrink even further with current restrictions. Uncertainty about whether services and people are inclusive, understanding and respectful can also mean LGBTIQ+ people don’t seek help as often as they should, or don’t get the right kind of help when they do ask. This program provides connection, support and assistance that is accepting and inclusive. It is currently planned to operate until September 2020, subject to funding and organisational capacity. Enquiries to: Dr Lynn Jarvis, CEO Working It Out Lynn@workgingitout.org.au Mobile: 0408 265 045 Red thread Magazine - Winter 2020
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