VAC & Rainbow Families Council to Co-Host ChillOut 2015 Community Forum

The Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) is partnering with Rainbow Families Council for
the upcoming community forum We Are Family: Queer Families 2015 as part of the ChillOut Festival in
Daylesford on Saturday 7 March. The forum aims to discuss the triumphs and challenges faced by families
from gender, sex, and sexually diverse communities, with a particular focus on those living in regional and
rural Victoria.
“Over the past several months, these community forums have been a great opportunity for VAC to open
up the discussion about a range of issues affecting the communities we serve,” said VAC CEO Simon Ruth.
“ChillOut festival is the perfect opportunity to extend that format to those living in regional and rural
Victoria. We are particularly excited that Rainbow Families Council have come on board for this event.”
The forum will feature a mix of speakers with experiences ranging from adoption law reform to transgender
parenting to accessing support in regional areas. The event will even offer a platform to convey the
perspective of children who have been raised in rainbow families.
Rainbow Families Council Co-Convener Amelia Bassett will be one of the panellists for the event.
“LGBTI-parented families are everywhere. They are creating communities in rural and regional Victoria
in increasing numbers. ChillOut Festival is a unique opportunity to share stories and make connections
in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere,” she said. “Rainbow Families Council is proud to be part of a
conversation about current and new frontiers for rainbow families which draws on the diverse experiences
of parents, carers and children.”
We Are Family: Queer Families 2015 will be held at Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Camp Street,
Daylesford VIC from 2-3:30PM. For more information or to RSVP, go to: www.vac.org.au/WeAreFamily