COMMUNITY PROFILE - gar'ban'djee'lum

gar'ban'djee'lum is a support network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people living in Brisbane.  The group was established in 1997 as a means of providing a social avenue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GLBT people to meet in a supportive, culturally appropriate environment with other LGBT people and their families and friends. 

The support group was initiated through the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV/AIDS education project, auspiced through the then Queensland AIDS Council now Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC).  The primary purpose of the project was to work collaboratively with the community to provide sexual health promotion initiatives.

The name gar'ban'djee'lum was given to the group by elders from the Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi tribes and means 'Us Mob'. 

gar'ban'djee'lum hosts many events in the community including a series of fundraising activities, BBQ's, field trips and other special events.  One of these is the Brown Sugar dance party. This is a   night of entertainment, socialising, fun and laughter.  It is an opportunity to promote positive sexual health messages, inclusiveness and diversity. 

The Brown Sugar Dance Party will be held on 15 August 2009 at St Paul's Tavern in Spring Hill.  All members of the community are welcome to attend and support this event to further enhance cohesiveness within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and GLBT communities in Queensland.