Life Without Barriers foster carers, staff and their families joined thousands celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community at the annual Midsumma Pride March.
Image: Life Without Barriers staff, foster carers and their family members holding up a Life Without Barriers 'Become a foster carer' banner at the Midsumma Pride March.
Life Without Barriers proudly takes part in the Midsumma Festival each year, and this year we joined thousands of people marching down St Kilda’s Fitzroy Street in the annual Midsumma Pride March on Sunday, 1 February.
Image: Staff, foster carers and their family members holding up a Life Without Barriers 'Become a foster carer' banner at the Midsumma Pride March.
Fitzroy Street was awash with colour as the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, families and friends came together to celebrate pride, visibility and connection. Among the sea of rainbow flags were Life Without Barriers foster carers, staff and their families, who were excited to walk together and be part of such an energetic event.
"Marching at Pride this year was a powerful celebration of love, diversity, and community," said Rebecca Granata, Carer Practice Manager, Victoria.
"It was a reminder of what we stand for at Life Without Barriers, a world where everyone is seen, celebrated, and safe to be who they are."
"Visibility matters, and when we show up with pride, we help create communities where belonging is not conditional but guaranteed."
Image: Life Without Barriers staff and carers walking in the Midsumma Pride March, holding banners and pride flags.
For Life Without Barriers, events like Midsumma reflect our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. We believe strong communities are built when people feel safe to be themselves and when different perspectives and lived experiences are valued. These connections help us build meaningful relationships with each other, and with the communities we support.
Midsumma is also an important opportunity to celebrate and connect with our growing community of LGBTQIA+ foster carers. It allows us to meet people, share conversations, and encourage others to consider foster care in a space that is welcoming and inclusive.
"Children thrive when they’re accepted for who they are, and in Victoria right now there are over 10,000 children and young people living in out-of-home care, many in need of safe, loving foster homes," said Rebecca.
"LGBTQIA+ foster carers can change a life."
Image: Two foster carers wearing pride flags over their shoulders whilst walking in the Midsumma Pride March.
Didn't make it to the day but wondering if you could be a carer?
Life Without Barriers welcomes foster carers from across the LGBTQIA+ community. We know families come in many forms, and what matters most is your capacity to provide care, stability and understanding to a child or young person.
Life Without Barriers welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex foster carers.
People of all genders and sexualities can be foster carers
No partner? No problem! Single people and people in a relationship can be foster carers.
It’s your ability to care for and nurture a child that matters. Not your sexuality or gender.
Can I foster if I'm gay? Yes, you can!
If you’d like to learn more about foster care at Life Without Barriers, you can join one of our upcoming online information sessions, where you’ll hear more about the process, ask questions, and explore whether fostering might be right for you.
