About us

What is the Rainbow Families Council (RFC)?

Rainbow Families Council is a volunteer community organisation working for same-sex parented families in Victoria, Australia. We bring together LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex) parenting groups, families, children's and family organisations and other allies.


What are the aims of RFC?

We aim to share information and resources to support families, children and prospective parents; work for social and legal recognition for our children and families; speak out about the diverse realities of our lives; represent the best interests and rights of children living in rainbow families, parents and prospective parents to government and non-government bodies; and encourage families to be visible and proud (also see our Statement of Purpose below).


When and why was RFC established?

RFC was established in September 2006 to fulfil various needs of groups and individuals within lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI)-parented, or 'rainbow' families. It replaced the Fertility Access Rights Lobby, adding parenting and family issues to the previous focus on campaigning for social and legal recognition.


What is the RFC structure?

RFC is an incorporated Association in Victoria. It has a constitution, an annual general meeting, an elected committee and paid membership.


Who is involved in RFC?

RFC is facilitated by a committee of volunteers who bring a range of organisational, professional and community skills. They are supported by many other volunteers who are part of several active working groups. The committee is elected at our annual general meeting.

Committee:
Eilis
Skye
Rebecca
Ruth
Louise
Mandy
Ruby/Nellie
Flis
 

Working groups:

Read more about our Working Groups

 

What are the RFC activities and projects?


Website:

RFC established this website in May 2007 to provide resources, research and information to our communities, and as a tool for campaigning for equal rights for rainbow families.

e-group:

RFC coordinates an e-group, which members and non-members are free to join. This enables easy communication amongst rainbow families. See Rainbow Families e-group

Regular gatherings:

RFC has a strong presence at the annual Midsumma (Melbourne) and Chill Out (Daylesford) events including Pride March, Carnival, Rainbow Families picnic, and our regular kids event. For info on current events, see 'Events'

 

Campaigning for social and legal recognition:
The Love Makes a Family campaign 2005-2009 was a highly successful, long-running activity involving submissions, letter writing, community meetings, visits to MPs, and representation at consultations to contribute to the passage of the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008 (Vic). The campaign continues and current issues are:
- access to adoption
- formal federal recognition of same sex couples and families
- work with Centrelink to ensure smooth transition to the new system of recognition


Rainbow Families inclusive project 

RFC has received a grant from the City of Darebin to create a resource that will assist early childhood services to become inclusive of Rainbow Families. We have sought ideas, personal stories and experiences to assist us in developing this new resource.

Rainbow Families Conferences

Conferences are held every year or two to provide information and support. 
See 'Events' to find out when the next Rainbow Families Conference will be held.

Past conferences and Forums:

 How do I join RFC?

You can become a member of RFC by filling in this form . There is a very small fee - you can pay online via paypal, which helps contribute to our work. You can also join our e-group (via Yahoo) to join in on email discussions and updates on what's happening for rainbow families.

 

RFC Statement of Purpose

The purposes of the Rainbow Families Council are to:

 

  1. Provide connections between rainbow family communities
    Rainbow families constitute any lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer person or people who are parenting or plan to parent and extended family members. The Council is an umbrella group, enabling communication between various members and groups of rainbow families.  It achieves this by maintaining the Rainbow Families website; managing the Rainbow Families email group; organising conferences, workshops and other community projects and activities. It does not seek to replace or take over any existing group but rather link, support and collaborate with such groups.
  2. Initiate partnerships and networks
    The Council creates opportunities for partnerships and networks with groups including health services, schools, foster agencies, adoption groups, kids groups, and others to raise awareness and support for rainbow families.
  3. Provide a public face for rainbow families in Victoria
    Nominated leaders within the Council act as public spokespersons in roles such as dealing with the media, making submissions to government on issues relevant to our families, and responding to reports such as Victorian Law Reform Commission recommendations. The Rainbow Families Council website is maintained as an up-to-date resource of information for the general public containing research papers, submissions, personal stories and promoting relevant events.
  4. Facilitate resource development
    The Council facilitates the development of educational resources for and about rainbow     families with partner organisations.
  5. Facilitate fund raising
    The Council undertakes to raise money to support its work and the work of community groups.
  6. Provide representation
    Nominated members of the Council will seek membership of relevant government advisory     bodies, parenting groups and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer leadership groups.


    Excerpt from the Rainbow Families Council Statement of Purpose, under the Associations Incorporation Act (1981)

FIND OUT MORE

Social and support groups - for rainbow families and prospective families

Rainbow Families Council campaigns

Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby

 

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