gar’ban’djee’lum Network

gar’ban’djee’lum is a Brisbane-based, independent social and support network for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people with diverse genders, bodies, sexualities and relationships. This includes those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, Sistergirl and Brotherboy. The name gar’ban’djee’lum was given to the network by elders from the Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi people and means ‘Us Mob’. The group was established in 1997 to provide a social avenue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people to meet in a supportive, culturally appropriate environment with other GLBT people and their families and friends. Since its establishment, the group has evolved into a network that provides a safe space of belonging for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people with diverse genders, bodies, sexualities and relationships that is peer based and culturally supportive.

gar’ban’djee’lum members unite to:

• Support each other and build new friendships;

• Advocate for and support social issues relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diverse genders, bodies, sexualities and relationships;

• Promote healthy lifestyles;

• Advocate for policy and program inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diverse genders, bodies, sexualities and relationships;

• Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and people with diverse genders, bodies, sexualities and relationships;

• Host social events for members, their families, friends and supporters.