Who we are
ABOUT DIVERSE VOICES
We are a proud Queer not-for-profit organisation with a focus on the wellbeing of LGBTIQASB+ communities across Queensland. We have been established for 40 years, beginning as an underground phone service in 1974 when being gay was still illegal. For the last 10 years, we have been the Queensland partner for Qlife, a national phone/webchat peer support service available across Australia. We also specialise in suicide prevention training, offering Asist and Safe Talk. We are expanding services again to contribute to the development of DFV Queer supports in order to better meet the needs of Queensland LGBTQ+ communities.
Diverse Voices began in 1984 as the Homosexual Community Welfare Service (HCWS) providing telephone counselling and information. Peer telephone counselling services has always remained the core focus of our activities.
We became the the Gay and Lesbian Welfare Association or GLWA in the early 90’s, and have recently re-established ourselves as a more inclusive Diverse Voices.
To learn more about our history, visit our History page.
Our Mission
Our Values
We celebrate diversity and foster an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
Empowerment
We strive to empower individuals by providing compassionate support, resources, and tools that enable them to lead authentic and fulfilling lives.
Respect
We honor the lived experiences and identities of all individuals, ensuring a non-judgmental, safe space for everyone we serve and work alongside.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility in all our actions, ensuring trust and confidence in our services.
Advocacy
We champion the rights and well-being of LGBTIQA+ individuals, advocating for systemic change to create a more equitable and accepting society.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of community and work collaboratively with individuals, organizations, and allies to amplify our impact.
Trauma-Informed Care
We recognize the unique challenges and adversities faced by LGBTIQA+ individuals and approach our work with sensitivity, understanding, and care.
Excellence
We are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based support and continually improving our practices to best meet the needs of the community.
Hope and Resilience
We focus on fostering resilience and nurturing hope, helping individuals build strength to face challenges and embrace opportunities for growth.
Our Vision
We run training programs throughout the year for people wishing to become peer supporters. Contact us for more information on training dates or to learn about other volunteering opportunities.
Funding of Diverse Voices relies on government grants, individual donations, corporate sponsors, and our fundraising activities held throughout the year.