Ivan’s Pride RESIDENT PROFILE
Queer singer, drag performer and Housing Choices resident Ivan lives in an apartment within an LGBTQIA+ friendly community in Melbourne’s inner north.
For Ivan, Place and Belonging means a place where you can feel a deeper connection and a place to grow. “Although we live with very busy lives, it is important to have a grounding, a sense of identity and a place that feels comfortable. Because if you don't have that connection with people and you don't feel to be a part of something, you will feel isolated, and you can become quite depressed.” “As I just started with Housing Choices, I went to a Christmas function that they put on and I thought it was amazing that they provide services to a wide range of people including those with disabilities...This gave me a platform to connect with other people.” When Ivan talked about his experience living in the Housing Choices community, he summed it up with three words: joy, freedom, and love. “ I can embrace others with joy, express what I feel and feel love from people around me in this building. ”
Ivan spoke with Housing Choices about making the apartment feel his own.
“When I came to be in this apartment, I had furniture, but very minimal,” he said.
“I was gifted and collected bits and pieces along the way. I’ve made it my own in the sense from using materials such as tarp cloth and I’ve put my personality into it.” He said after years in private and una ordable housing, he was enjoying the benefits of living in a queer community with like-minded people. “You have lots of people from trans to gays to lesbians. So at least there’s a common thread where we can all meet up.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, living here just feels easy.
| 21 Annual Report 2023-24
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