Grants open and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy marks anniversary as WA celebrates PrideFEST
The opening of round two of the 2026 – 2027 LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Grants Program was announced at the annual PrideFEST Fairday on Sunday 8 November.
Hosted by Pride WA, Fairday is the flagship community event that launches Western Australia’s PrideFEST month held annually in November. Fairday celebrates diversity, inclusion and community connection while showcasing the breadth and vibrancy of LGBTIQA+ people and communities in Western Australia.
This year’s PrideFEST also marks the first anniversary of the 10-year LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Strategy and five-year Action Plan.
Department of Communities (Communities) is the lead agency for implementation of the whole-of-government Strategy.
Key achievements in the 12 months since the launch of the Strategy have included:
- Progression of legislation to improve equity of LGBTIQA+ people and families (Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Act 2025)
- Modernisation of the Equal Opportunity Bill 2026 to provide better protections from discrimination, harassment, and vilification
- Commencement of development of a cross-government and LGBTIQA+ sector Strategy Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
- Strengthening of partnerships between government and the LGBTIQA+ sector, helping to increase understanding of the diverse and intersectional experiences of LGBTIQA+ communities and strengthen the sector’s capacity to contribute to better outcomes.
The Strategy has also supported significant investment in the sector, including $3.1 million over the next three years to provide continuity of services focussed on the diverse needs of LGBTIQA+ people and further strengthen sector capacity.
A key component of this investment was the establishment of the LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Grants program, delivered by Communities.
In the program’s inaugural funding round, more than $250,000 was awarded to 21 community and LGBTIQA+ sector organisations across WA to deliver initiatives that promote the inclusion and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people, families, and communities.
The second round will see more than $250,000 allocated to support initiatives that support the Strategy’s priorities, with a focus on investing in the regions, community organisation capability building and meeting the diverse needs of LGBTIQA+ people, families and communities.
You can find more information about LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Grants on the Department of Communities grants website .
