Inclusive Rainbow Threads Program
Supporting LGBTIQA+ Breast/Chest Health
The Project
Healthcare should be accessible, inclusive, and supportive for everyone—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. That’s why BreastScreen ACT are proud to introduce the Inclusive Rainbow Threads Program, an initiative designed to enhance breast/chest health within the LGBTIQA+ communities in the ACT.
This project aims to encourage regular breast/chest screenings, while promoting inclusivity and support for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Through this initiative, members of LGBTIQA+ communities who attend their breast screening will receive a FREE rainbow scarf, designed by local artist Latoya Kennedy, as a symbol of community unity and inclusivity.
The scarf is more than just a beautiful accessory. It’s a gesture of care and solidarity, symbolising both the spectrum of experiences within LGBTIQA+ communities and the support we offer one another.
The Artist
Yuma (hello in Ngunnawal language),
My name is LaToya Kennedy of Kalari Art, and I’m a proud Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri woman - my grandmother is Ngunnawal from Yass, and my grandfather is Wiradjuri from Cowra, both small country towns Central West NSW. I was born in Cowra, grew up in Canberra and I now reside on beautiful Dharawal Country in Wollongong NSW; my connections extend across Wiradjuri, Ngunnawal and Dharawal Countries.
My art represents the strong, continuing connections and unique relationships that I have with my country, land and community, and the respect that I have for my culture and traditions. I get my inspiration from my surroundings, recreating elements of Country and telling stories through symbolic representation. I also draw inspirations from my ancestors who have walked this land before us, and who have managed and maintained this land for tens of thousands of years.
Djan yimaba yara (thank you and bye in Ngunnawal language).
Purchase your Scarf
Your purchase includes a scarf for yourself valued at $49, and the remaining $30 helps to pay it forward for an LGBTIQA+ person to receive when they attend a screening with BreastScreen ACT.
Feel Pride
By purchasing a scarf, you are directly supporting this initiative and helping to foster inclusivity and awareness for breast/chest health within LGBTIQA+ communities.
About Breastscreen ACT
BreastScreen ACT offers free screening mammograms with screening most effective for people aged 50 to 74. If you’re aged 40-49 or 75 and over, you should talk to your doctor to find out if breast screening is right for you.
If you would like to contact BreastScreen ACT about your scarf order, please call 13 20 50 between 8:30am and 5pm Monday to Friday or email breastscreen@act.gov.au.
The Canberra Hospital Foundation is a registered charity raising funds for specialised equipment and important research, refurbishments to help make away from bed spaces less clinical, provision of therapeutic programs, and comfort items for our patients and their loved ones.
Almost every person, at some point in their life, needs public healthcare. Donations made to Canberra Hospital Foundation support patients at any age, for any illness or treatment.
We connect our community’s generosity with our shared vision of creating exceptional health care together.
