Victorian Gender and Sexuality Commissioner Ro Allen will lead the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Roadshow during its visit to Horsham on March 16.

Wimmera Pride Project is also working with the roadshow to help organise workshops for youth, community groups, businesses and councils.

Pride Project Roadshow co-facilitator Maddi Ostapiw said the Gender and Sexuality Commissioner wanted to ensure that rural and regional voices were heard. 

“They’ll be coming through Horsham to give some basic education and also to work out a game plan for the future: how to create inclusive practices and what we need in the region in terms of support,” she said.

“They’ll be a lot of different issues that we tackle, but we have spoken about how rural and regional people and the lack of public transport and how that impacts on the health and wellbeing of LGBTI people.”

“We can’t just jump on a train and get to Melbourne.”

Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said the Roadshow would confront the challenges that LGBTI youth have in getting support.

“The Roadshow will develop relationships, share information and identify opportunities for the Horsham community,” she said.

“I encourage allies and organisations to get involved.”

Wimmera Pride Project will present a Community Dinner and Show at Up Tempo Cafe to LGBTI Communities and allies.

Cabaret star Dolly Diamond will join the dinner for a night of fun and performances.

Wimmera Pride Project co-founder Loucas Vettos said the group would combine its knowledge with the visiting experts.

“It’s great that Maddi and I are both born and bred in Horsham and know what it’s like to come out in a rural area,” he said.

“To have some big names come along for the community dinner and people can ask what’s coming to the Wimmera and what we can provide to make the Wimmera a safer place.”

There will also be a Community Dinner in Stawell on March 15, co-facilitated by Grampians Community Health's Rainbow Committee.

For more information or to register for events visit engage.vic.gov.au/lgbti.