PROFESSIONALLY FABULOUS CEREMONIES
LGBTQIA+ RESOURCES
At Married By A Teddy, we believe in love without limits. As a proudly inclusive celebrant service, we are committed to creating safe, welcoming, and joyful spaces for LGBTQIA+ couples and individuals to celebrate their love and identity. Whether you’re planning a same-sex wedding, gender affirmation ceremony, or name-change celebration, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
To help you on your journey, we’ve gathered some of the best resources, guides, and local Melbourne contacts to make your celebration as meaningful and stress-free as possible.
LGBTQIA+ WEDDING PLANNING GUIDES AND INSPIRATION
Planning a wedding can be exciting and overwhelming, especially if looking for inclusive vendors and venues. Here are some helpful guides and websites to get you started:
WEDSHED
An Australian guide offering LGBTQIA+ wedding planning tips, inclusive venues, and advice on how to navigate the legal side of getting married in Australia.
DANCE WITH HER
A wedding directory and magazine celebrating LGBTQIA+ couples. Find inspiration, real wedding stories, and connections to inclusive wedding vendors.
EQUALLY WED
A comprehensive online guide to LGBTQIA+ weddings with tips, inspiration, and resources to help you plan a wedding that reflects your love and identity.
LGBTQIA+ SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY GROUPS
Building a supportive community is an essential part of your journey. Local and national organisations that offer support and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community include:
SWITCHBOARD VICTORIA
A peer-driven support service offering free phone and web counselling for LGBTQIA+ people, including support for mental health, gender identity, and relationships.
RAINBOW FAMILIES VICTORIA
Rainbow Families Victoria supports LGBTQIA+ families in Victoria with resources, events, and community support.
MINUS18
Australia’s leading youth organisation for LGBTQIA+ people, offering resources, social events, and educational support for young LGBTQIA+ individuals.
PRIDE IN DIVERSITY
Australia’s national not-for-profit employer support program for LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion, offering resources and training for creating safe and inclusive workplaces.
QLIFE
QLife offers anonymous, free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referrals across Australia, with phone and web chat support for mental health, identity, and relationships.
TWENTY10
Based in New South Wales, Twenty10 provides support services for LGBTQIA+ youth, including housing, mental health support, and social connection programs.
THORNE HARBOUR HEALTH
Thorne Harbour Health, formerly the Victorian AIDS Council, offers health services, advocacy, and support for LGBTQIA+ communities, focusing on HIV prevention, sexual health, and well-being.
TRANSGENDER VICTORIA (TGV)
Advocating for transgender rights, TGV provides support, resources, and events for the transgender community in Victoria.
LGBTQIA+ LEGAL SUPPORT AND MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Understanding the legalities of marriage in Australia as an LGBTQIA+ couple is essential. Here are some resources to help you navigate the legal side:
EQUALITY
AUSTRALIA
A national organisation that advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights, providing legal resources, updates on legislation, and guidance on discrimination, marriage equality, and other LGBTQIA+ issues.
AUSTRALIAN HUMAN
RIGHTS COMMISSION
A national body that protects human rights, including LGBTQIA+ rights, and handles complaints related to discrimination, harassment, and other human rights issues.
QUEENSLAND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Provides support for issues related to discrimination based on sexuality, gender identity, and intersex status in Queensland, and offers legal advice and complaint resolution.
AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Stay informed about your rights and the latest updates on marriage equality in Australia.
LAW INSTITUTE
OF VICTORIA
Provides a directory of LGBTQIA+ friendly lawyers and resources in Victoria, offering assistance with legal issues such as marriage, discrimination, and family law.
BIRTHS, DEATHS AND
MARRIAGES VIC
For all the paperwork related to legal name changes and gender affirmation in Victoria.
LEGAL AID | NSW
LGBTQIA+ RIGHTS
Offers legal advice and resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals in New South Wales, covering discrimination, family law, and legal gender recognition.
LEGAL AID | VIC
LGBTQIA+ RIGHTS
For legal advice and support regarding LGBTQIA+ rights in Victoria, including marriage rights, discrimination, and name changes.
LGBTQIA+ MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SERVICES
Maintaining mental and emotional well-being is crucial during life milestones and transitions. Here are some supportive mental health resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals:
RAINBOW DOOR
A free, specialist helpline providing support to LGBTQIA+ people in Victoria for mental health, family issues, relationships, and suicide prevention.
HEADSPACE
Supports young LGBTQIA+ people with mental health, physical health, and employment services across Australia.
BEYOND BLUE
Provides mental health support with resources and information specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals, including tips and coping strategies.
BLACKDOG INSTITUTE
Provides resources, research, and support programs tailored for mental health in diverse communities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals.
TRANSCEND AUSTRALIA
A support network for transgender youth and their families, offering mental health resources, peer support, and guidance on navigating life as a transgender individual.
OPEN DOORS YOUTH SERVICE
Based in Queensland, Open Doors provides mental health support, counselling, and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth aged 12-24.
MIND EQUALITY CENTRE
Provides LGBTQIA+ inclusive mental health services, including counselling and psychological support for individuals and couples.
REACHOUT
An online mental health service for young Australians, including LGBTQIA+ youth, offering forums, resources, and self-help tools for managing mental health challenges.