Petria Leggo-Field, a mother of four and the new Queensland Coordinator for Rainbow Families has hit the ground running, driven by a passion to create safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQI+ families in the early years.
Recognising the early years are critical for both children and parents, Petria has prioritised establishing playgroups across South-East Queensland, as well as creating a variety of fun, family adventures for all ages. Playgroups offer more than just play; they can be lifelines for connection, support, and community.
“The queer adult community in Queensland is doing quite well, but for parents navigating major life milestones, there’s a real gap,” Petria said.
“People want to find their community and for their kids to find their community as well. When your kids are under five years old, you are literally surviving and so if you have an opportunity to be able to provide play experiences for your child, have conversations with adults and share and build actual friendships, there are benefits for the parents and the kids.”
Petria said providing a space that is based on shared and mutual experiences and understanding is important for Rainbow families.
“Providing a space for the LGBTQ+ community to come, where everyone who is in that space has possibly walked a very similar path to you, where all of our families have come about in different and varied ways and that space is shared and everyone knows that is really key,” she said.
Many playgroups rely on their volunteer facilitators, and Rainbow Families are seeking volunteers to collaborate and establish more Rainbow Families playgroups across the state.
“We just want people who can be dedicated to hold space for a playgroup and hold space for our beautiful LGBTQ+ families who come there. Just being able to give a small slice of your time and to create community where you live,” she said.
“I’m here and Play Matters are here to support you, so it’s not daunting or scary, it just takes one volunteer to create a whole community and that is so meaningful and important.”
'Rainbow Families’ is the leading voice for LGBTQ+ families in Australia, a charity committed to support, connect, celebrate, empower, and advocate for LGBTQ+ parents and their families at every stage of their lives. Rainbow Families serve as an important voice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, diverse, and queer (LGBTQ+) parents and their children.
Play Matters Australia is proud to be partnering with Rainbow Families in the establishment of a range of community playgroups and supported events.
If you are interested in helping to establish a Rainbow Families playgroup in your community, reach out to Petria Leggo-Field, Queensland Project Coordinator via petriaf@rainbowfamilies.com.au or reach out to Play Matters on 1800 00 PLAY.
Looking for a Rainbow Families playgroup near you? There are three located in Ipswich, Paddington and newly opened Nerang on the Gold Coast.
UPCOMING RAINBOW FAMILIES EVENT
Rainbow Families QLD is teaming up with Play Matters Australia and Brisbane City Councillor Trina Massey for a joyful, family-friendly morning celebrating Pride through play, creativity, and connection on Monday 15 September from 9:30am to 11:30am.
You can RSVP and find out more details here: Rainbow Families Pride Morning