Applications for the 2024 Victorian LGBTQIA+ Leadership Program, run by the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing have opened up again. And I just wanted to go through some of my experiences as a graduate of the program in 2023. It’s actually because of this program that gave me the courage to create Trans.au as we have it here today.
About the Program
The program runs from Friday March 15th 2024 until Thursday, the 6th of June 2024. Covering a collection of important topics like tackling burnout, forming networks with other incredible leaders, discussing our history as queer Victorians and more.
The program has several events, including some in-person and online, including a weekend intensive in Lancefield. This intensive is really worth the effort and is an incredible chance to meet other leaders in person from across the state.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this program you need to meet the following criteria:
- identify as LGBTIQA+
- be over the age of 18
- hold a formal or informal leadership role within an LGBTIQA+ organisation.
- have the endorsement of your organisation to participate in the program.
My Experiences
In 2023, I was encouraged to apply for this program as a regional Victorian and was honoured to be given the opportunity to participate in it, and it was through this incredible program that I was given the chance to meet so many other amazing LGBTQIA+ leaders from across regional Victoria.
Everyone there had something in mind that they wanted to achieve and for me, Trans.au was exactly that. I was able to build networks and get support with my leadership journey as we went through all kinds of aspects of leadership, from soft skills to discussing the Rainbow Ready roadmap.
It was so inspiring to be part of the program this year along with so many incredible leaders as well as we discussed all of our various ideas and plans for what we wanted to do but also how to best support each other as being an LGBTQIA+ community leader is something that a lot of us can struggle with.
