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Gayawur Rainbow
Gayawur Rainbow: Affirming Care for LGBTI Well Beings is an innovative program developed in a partnership between 2Spirits and QC. This initiative underscores our shared dedication to creating spaces where our LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy communities can belong and can be supported to live as health and well beings in Queensland. By combining expertise from 2Spirits' long-standing cultural leadership and QC's commitment to community-driven care, Gayawur Rainbow stands as a model for affirming, holistic, and culturally grounded support. Together, we aim to address the unique needs of these diverse communities, fostering strength, connection, and self-determination.
Gayawur Rainbow Model: Affirming Care for LGBTI Well-Beings
In delivering Gayawur Rainbow, we believe that everyone deserves a space where they are seen, heard, and valued. Our Gayawur Rainbow model of care is dedicated to fostering belonging, visibility, and connection, offering a range of services designed to support the well-being of our diverse LGBTIQA+SB community. You belong here.
If you are in immediate distress, please call Lifeline at 13 11 14. For emergency services, hang up and call 000. If this is not an emergency and you are in need of after-hours medical care, please contact 13 Health on 13 43 25 84 to speak to a Registered Nurse, or the National Home Doctor Service on 13 7425 if you need to see a doctor.
Alternatively, you can call QLife on 1800 184 527 or 13YARN on 13 92 76
Get in touch and request a call back via our online request form
Connect with Gayawur Rainbow
There are several ways you can connect with Gayawur Rainbow. Whether you prefer to reach out online, by phone, or in person, our team is here to support you.
Online
Reach out anytime through our online enquiry form. Our In-Workers respond to enquiries Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm, excluding public holidays.
Phone
Call our team on 1800 429 298. Our phone line is available Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm, excluding public holidays.
Drop-In
Visit one of our 5 locations across the region. Each site is open 4 days per week, 10am – 4pm, excluding public holidays
We invite you to join the Gayawur Rainbow community! There are many ways to get involved:
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Request a callback: Are you looking for someone to call you back from Gayawur Rainbow? Fill out your details below and someone from our team will be in touch with you.
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Volunteer: Help us create inclusive spaces and support our programs. To start signing up, please visit our page to express your interest at www.qc.org.au/become-a-volunteer
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Participate: Join our events, workshops, and community gatherings.
Stay connected with us online by joining through our webpage, more coming soon. Your voice matters, and together, we can build a service where belonging is at its heart.
Our Locations
Gimuy (Cairns)
Address: 290 Draper St, Parramatta Park QLD 4870
Drop-in hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
10am to 4pm
Gurambilbarra (Townsville)
Address: 1/70 Bowen Rd, Rosslea QLD 4812
Drop-in hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
10am to 4pm
Naamba (Sunshine Coast)
Address: 19 Image Flat Rd, Nambour QLD 4560
Drop-in hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
10am to 4pm
Meanjin (Brisbane)
Address: 15b/421 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Drop-in hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
10am to 4pm
Jagera, Giabal & Jarowair Land (Toowoomba)
Address: 376 Ruthven St, Toowoomba QLD 4350
Drop-in hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
10am to 4pm
You can access
Service Navigation
Support to connect with services that meet your needs.
Group Activities & Events
Peer-led programs that build connection and wellbeing.
Community Pantry
Free long-life pantry items for community members in need.
Rainbow Threads
Access donated clothing in a variety of sizes and styles.
Books & Resources
Free access to books and helpful information.
Peer Networks
Connect with trusted community members across rural, regional and urban areas.
Information
Learn about local services, activities and supports available at our venues and online
About Gayawur Rainbow
Gayawur Rainbow is more than just a service—it's a place of belonging. Developed by the Queensland Council for LGBTI Health (QC) in partnership with 2Spirits, Gayawur Rainbow is passionate about creating a welcoming space where everyone - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Sistergirl and Brotherboy (LGBTIQA+SB) individuals and allies alike – feels like they belong, no matter who you are.
Gayawur Rainbow offers a wide range of services designed to support the well-being of our LGBTIQA+SB communities, including:
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Affirming Care: A comprehensive approach to healthcare that respects and supports gender identity and sexual orientation.
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Mental Health Support: Peer-led groups, counselling, and resources to help individuals navigate mental health challenges.
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Safe Spaces: Dedicated areas for LGBTIQA+SB individuals to meet, share experiences, and build community.
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Peer Networks: Connecting people in rural and regional areas with trusted community connectors.
The Story Behind the Name: Gayawur Rainbow
The name Gayawur Rainbow carries deep significance, reflecting both cultural heritage and the vision of the program. "Gayawur" means "rainbow" in the Ugarapul language, honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their enduring connection to the lands now known as Queensland. The choice of this name not only recognises the vibrant diversity within LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy communities but also highlights the importance of grounding our work in respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and traditions.
Pronounced gay (like sky) - ya - ward (with a short 'r' sound)
The word evokes the imagery of a rainbow as a universal symbol of hope, diversity, and inclusion. Just as a rainbow brings together many colours to form something beautiful and unified, Gayawur Rainbow embodies the coming together of diverse experiences and identities to create an affirming, connected, and thriving community.
This name also reflects our commitment to cultural security, ensuring that all our practices, spaces, and services are inclusive, respectful, and safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By embedding cultural security into everything we do, we aim to uphold the dignity, identity, and rights of all individuals, creating an environment where LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy communities can feel valued, supported, and empowered.
On our website, the name serves as a beacon, guiding individuals to a space where they can find culturally respectful, inclusive, and empowering support. It reflects the heart of the initiative: creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all through holistic and affirming care. The story of Gayawur Rainbow is woven into every element of our program, from the services we offer to the connections we foster. It is more than just a name - it’s a call to unity, understanding, and celebration of diversity.
What We’ve Heard from the Community
Through our consultations, we’ve learned that the communities we serve are looking for:
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Visible, Accessible Services: Easy-to-find materials and resources that inform and support individuals in their communities.
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Celebrating Our Identities: Events and spaces where LGBTIQA+SB individuals can express and celebrate who they are.
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Welcoming Spaces Across Queensland: Locations where people can relax, connect, and feel safe.
Our Virtual Online Site
Gayawur Rainbow Online Launch
Amplifying Voices
Connect
We invite you to join the Gayawur Rainbow community! There are many ways to get involved:
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Request a callback: Are you looking for someone to call you back from Gayawur Rainbow? Fill out your details below and someone from our team will be in touch with you.
-
Volunteer: Help us create inclusive spaces and support our programs. To start signing up, please visit our page to express your interest at www.qc.org.au/become-a-volunteer
-
Participate: Join our events, workshops, and community gatherings.
Stay connected with us online by joining through our webpage, more coming soon. Your voice matters, and together, we can build a service where belonging is at its heart.
Events
Explore upcoming Gayawur Rainbow events happening across our five sites and online - celebrating community and connection.
Gayawur Rainbow Satisfaction Survey
We value your voice! Before you go, please take a moment to share your experience with the Gayawur Rainbow program. Your feedback is completely anonymous and directly helps us co-design stronger, more culturally secure, and inclusive support for our LGBTIQA+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy communities.
Find out more and take the survey here: www.qc.org.au/gayawur-survey
Thank you for helping us grow.💜