Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning

Marrickville Council strongly supports diversity and the benefits it brings to the local community. Marrickville is made up of communities where there is a strong spirit of cooperation, trust and pride. Social justice and the need to address social inequalities are central to the make up of the these communities.

Members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning (GLBTIQ) communities say that in areas such as Newtown and Enmore they feel really comfortable being out. In these areas same-sex couples walking hand in hand down the street is more the 'norm' than an unusual occurrence.

Newtown is fast becoming the GLBTIQ capital of Sydney, and many gay and lesbian specific community based organisations have moved to the area to make their services more accessible to the GLBTIQ communities.

Marrickville Council GLBTIQ Forum 2013

Marrickville Council's 2013 GLBTIQ (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Intersex and Questioning) forum is on Wednesday 15 May 2013 from 5pm – 9pm at Alexander the Great Club, 160-64 Livingstone Road, Marrickville.

The forum will include representatives from a range of GLBTIQ and community groups including Positive Life NSW, Rainbow Babies Marrickville, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Business Association, and Head Space and will feed into Council's development of locally responsive events and services.

Running times

  • 5.00pm: Welcome and Housekeeping
  • 5.05 – 6.20pm: Brief talks from organisations regarding their services and activities
  • 6.20 – 6.30pm: Brent Thorpe: Comedian
  • 6.30 – 6.45pm: Break
  • 6.45 – 6.55pm: Mayor's Speech
  • 6.55 – 7.00pm: Council Update
  • 7.00 – 8.55pm: Community Consultation, facilitated by Dare Kavanagh
  • 9.00pm: Forum Closes

In the lead-up to the event local residents are invited to have their say on GLBTIQ life in Marrickville to help better plan responsive programs and services over the next 12 months. You can join the discussion at yoursaymarrickville.com.au/GLBTIQ-2013 or on Twitter using the hashtag #marrickvilleGLBTIQ. The feedback will form the agenda and discussion topics during the panel discussion and forum in May.

Mayor of Marrickville Councillor Victor Macri said this is an opportunity for the local GLBTIQ community to contribute their ideas and views into Council's decision making process.

"One of the greatest things about Marrickville is its diversity and we recognise the positive contribution of our local GLBTIQ community," said Clr Macri.

"We work hard to make sure everyone feels included and work with our community to plan appropriate programs and services to meet their diverse needs. I encourage residents to have their say on the issues affecting GLBTIQ residents and how they feel their life in Marrickville could be enriched," he said.

For more information contact Marrickville Council's GLBTIQ Project Coordinator Ettianne Anshin on sop1@marrickville.nsw.gov.au or phone 9335 2080.

Marrickville Council GLBTIQ Forum 2012

Marrickville Council hosted a GLBTIQ Open Forum on Saturday 17 March 2012 at Petersham Town Hall. Members of the local community were invited to help Council plan GLBTIQ activities for the next 12 months and to inform Council's policy-making. It featured panel discussions, targeted workshops and discussion groups.

Community members are invited to participate in the online discussion at our Your Say Marrickville website, which remains open.

A report, including GLBTIQ community feedback, will be presented to Council and will include specific actions Council will undertake as a result of feedback from the forum.

Clips from the Open Forum are available to view below.