Inclusion is more than a value, it is a doing word. A verb. A commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
One of the ways we’re living this commitment is through “Our Rainbow Connection,” a photo exhibition project led by our Local Area Coordination (LAC) Capacity Building Team. Our Rainbow Connection celebrates the LGBTIQSB+ community and their allies, fostering connection, visibility, and understanding.
Caitlin, Social Futures Western and Far West Community Development Coordinator, shared her insights into the project and its impact. Originally inspired by the Photovoice initiative, a photography project that amplifies the voices of people with disability, Our Rainbow Connection invites participants to share photos that reflect their connection to the LGBTIQSB+/Rainbow community. These images, paired with personal stories, create a powerful visual narrative of belonging, inclusion and allyship.
Our Rainbow Connection debuted at the Orange Rainbow Festival, a spectacular Orange City Council run festival including a Rainbow Walk, a Pride Party, Drag Bingo, and a Queer Screen film festival among other events.
Social Futures partnered with The Groundstone café who were hosting the Orange Rainbow Festival recovery breakfast with the Queens, where breakfast would be served with a side of sass and songs from the Haus of Drag Bingo Queens. The expansive glass walls and windows of the café became the perfect display space.
“We reached out to the other services and groups involved in the festival to submit photos, as well as friends, family and Social Futures staff to contribute to the series,” Caitlin explained. “The result was a beautiful collection of works that we’re excited to build on.”
Our Rainbow Connection is about creating safe spaces and fostering representation. Caitlin says visibility is especially important in regional and rural areas where such representation hasn’t always been accessible.
“There were people who contributed from the Rainbow Community, and those who have loved ones or friends who are part of the Rainbow Community. But there were others who didn’t have a direct connection as such, but who wanted to be part of this simply to show allyship,” Caitlin said. “That was really special; to show such prominent support at an event which was incredibly important to this community.”
Photo: Caitlin, Social Futures
Social Futures Local Area Coordination (LAC) program supports people with disability to access NDIS and disability support services. “In our work, we see how diverse disability communities are with people from all backgrounds and identities,” Caitlin shared. “That’s why it’s important we actively reach out to communities like the Rainbow community, recognising that some people experience multiple layers of identity. Creating safe spaces matters, for people accessing NDIS and also for the broader community.”
“We wanted it to be all-encompassing,” Caitlin said. “It’s about showing what those connections mean and how important they are. That’s true allyship, standing up and being visible.”
The team plans to expand the collection of photos and stories, with upcoming exhibitions at events such as Bathurst Pride and Stride and Coastal Twist on the Central Coast. Caitlin envisions the project growing into a portable exhibition that can travel to different communities across Social Futures footprint.
“I’d love to see this project continue to grow,” Caitlin said. “It’s about building relationships, giving people the confidence to take part in social opportunities, feel accepted, and know they’re not alone, there’s a whole community of people and supports around them.”
“This project ties us all closer together. It’s about connection, representation, and celebrating the diversity that makes our communities stronger.”
If you’d like to find out more or to receive an information pack please scan the QR code below or contact Social Futures on [email protected] or 1800 719 625
