Queer Town expands allyship with digital courses & allies

Queer Town is intensifying its focus on LGBTIQA+ allyship and inclusion amidst debates about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies worldwide, announcing new digital short courses and an expanded leadership team.

Queer Town, a Melbourne-based organisation led by queer community members, is marking significant achievements following its relaunch in 2024. The organisation provides education, consultation, and digital content on LGBTIQA+ inclusion, working with a range of clients, including the City of Melbourne, Cotton On Group, GMHBA, and the Australian Ballet. In the past year, it has conducted over 60 workshops, training more than 2,500 participants across 15 industries, and introduced its first Digital Short Course: LGBTIQA+ 101.

Despite the reduction of DEI efforts by some companies, Queer Town is witnessing a growing demand for its services. To accommodate this growth, the organisation has appointed Alex Delaney as Head of Partnerships and Operations and Law Donnelly as Head of Digital.

Founder & CEO Archie Beetle emphasized the urgency of creating inclusive environments. "40% of LGBTIQA+ people don't feel accepted at work, 50% don't feel safe at home, and 70% don't feel welcome in public spaces. And we know members of our community are 20 times more likely to take our own lives than the broader population, most often due to isolation and mistreatment. These aren't just statistics—they reflect real people, real harm, and an urgent need for change."

Beetle continued to elaborate on Queer Town's mission. "An inclusive environment can save lives, which is why at Queer Town, we understand we're not just providing professional development, we're guiding businesses to create environments where LGBTIQA+ people feel respected and can exist without fear. Our impact is growing, despite the political circus around us, but success is not guaranteed, we need businesses to step up. We don't need another corporate float at Mardi Gras, we need real commitment and action."

Reflecting on the organisation's growth, Beetle stated, "A year ago, I hit a wall. The demand for our work was growing rapidly, but being under-resourced meant I was running on empty, trying to do it all. It wasn't sustainable and eventually I burnt out. So I had to step back from the business, reassess, and rebuild. Now, a year later, we're a growing team of powerhouse queers, expanding our impact and making our expertise more accessible through digital learning and reaching thousands across Australia."

Queer Town's recent achievements include the release of a digital short course, the facilitation of over 60 workshops with more than 2,500 participants, and partnerships with over 40 clients. Their work led to a recognition with the LGBTIQA+ Award at the 2024 Melbourne Awards and has included collaboration with fintech firm Novatti, aiding in an employee transition that earned Novatti the Diversity in the Workplace Award.

Beetle added that despite facing challenges, Queer Town remains dedicated to combating LGBTIQA+ rights setbacks through education and substantial change. "Despite LGBTIQA+ rights facing increasing attacks, Queer Town remains committed to educating, empowering, and driving real, lasting change. LGBTIQA+ people are not a "diversity checkbox" to be ticked, we're a community calling out for safety and belonging. Businesses play a crucial role in shaping inclusive futures, and we're here to help them."

Abbey Gladysz, HR Leader from Novatti, commented on their collaboration with Queer Town. "Doing the right thing doesn't cost a cent - it's about showing up, listening, and taking action. We partnered with Queer Town to support our local and global teams through the transition of a team member, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and navigate difficult conversations in a safe space. No question was too big or too small. We made sure our entire organisation, including remote teams, had access to the same learning experience because inclusion isn't just for those in the room - it's for everyone. Mistakes will happen, but what truly matters is how we respond and grow from them. Supporting DE&I initiatives like this remains a key focus for us."