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’ was established in 2020 as a response to COVID-19 to help facilitate that community spirit of support. During the initial project, a need for ongoing peer support was discovered; not just due to the ongoing unknown of the pandemic, but the vast range of difficulties and isolation for LGBTIQ+ people across the state.

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+ Tasmanians to Stay Connected – a range of online and offline activities and groups to keep people connected and active. LGBTIQ+ people sometimes have more limited options for connecting with others and seeking support and we saw these shrink even further with restrictions last year. 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.

Garry has joined WIO with a wealth of management, service delivery and training experience, as well as a deep connection to community in the NW via his Queer Life Stories Project and the NW Pride group. Garry will take on two roles – that of LGBTIQ+ Community Worker and also the Working It Out Together peer support program project officer. Garry will be working Tuesday-Friday in both Burnie and Devonport and will also be doing monthly outreach to Smithton and Queenstown.