APS LGBTIQA+ community

In 2023, 8.7% of Australian Public Service employees identified as LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Questioning and/or Asexual). The proportion has more than doubled since data first became available through the annual APS Employee Census in 2017 (Figure 2.6).

Figure 2.6: Employees identifying as LGBTIQA+ (2017 to 2023)

Source: APS Employee Census

Celebrating days of significance to the LGBTIQA+ community, such as the International Day Against LGBTIQA+ Discrimination and Wear it Purple, is one important way agencies are building inclusive workplaces for LGBTIQA+ people. Simple steps like encouraging the use of preferred pronouns in email signature blocks serve to demonstrate that agencies and employees welcome people with diverse gender identities.

Employee networks across and within agencies are working hard to ensure APS workplaces provide environments in which everyone can perform at their best. During this year’s Pride month, the Pride Network at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts hosted a Pride Prom Happy Hour. This provided the LGBTIQA+ community with a safe space to be themselves and celebrate diversity. Services Australia’s Rainbow Roundtable meets regularly to better understand workplace culture and involve employees in the development of LGBTIQA+ initiatives.
 

Ms Hannah Venn-Brown, Co-chair of Services Australia’s Rainbow Roundtable, celebrating Mardi Gras

LGBTIQA+ allies take action to support and advocate for the equal treatment of a community other than their own, even when it is challenging to do so. When a person displays visible LGBTIQA+ symbols of inclusion, they are signalling that they are someone who understands and supports those who identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community.

See also

Appendix 2 – State of the service additional data, State of the Service Report 2022–23