Feeling safe, respected and able to participate as your authentic self can make an incredibly meaningful difference to a young person’s health and wellbeing. When inclusive practice is embedded into everyday environments, young people are better able to connect with others, build confidence and enjoy the activities that matter to them.

That’s why we welcome the Australian Government’s announcement of more than $18.1 million to support the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ Australians. Announced by Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler, the funding includes a new national training and accreditation program for inclusive primary care, alongside 18 national and state-based initiatives designed to improve access to safe, respectful and affirming services.

Thriving in Motion is proud to be one of the organisations receiving support through this funding.

At Thriving in Motion, we believe movement should be a place where every young person feels they belong. Our Youth Moves program puts inclusive practice at the heart of everything we do, creating welcoming, affirming opportunities for LGBTIQA+ young people to participate in physical activity without fear of judgement or exclusion.

Being able to participate without fear of judgement allows young people to focus on enjoying the activity.

Inclusive practice extends beyond policies and procedures. It’s reflected in how programs are designed, how facilitators create safe environments, and how communities actively support young people to participate with confidence.

The Australian Government’s investment recognises the importance of community-led initiatives in improving health and wellbeing for LGBTIQA+ Australians. We’re excited to continue building on this work through Youth Moves and alongside organisations committed to embedding inclusive practice across Australia.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to move, connect and thrive in spaces where they feel respected, valued and supported.

Youth Moves grew out of a simple observation: LGBTIQA+ young people are too often excluded from mainstream sport and exercise. Government recognition like this funding helps us keep building programs where every young person, whatever their gender identity, can move, connect and thrive.

If you know a young person who might benefit from this kind of support, we’d love to hear from you.