The Unseen Heroes: Recognizing and Supporting Our LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Providers
and Compelled Family Carers

by Vince Rapisura

As a society, we’ve made significant strides in understanding and accepting the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Yet, there’s an untold story, that of the ‘Rainbow Providers’ and ‘Compelled Family Carers.’ These individuals, often our beloved family members, bear significant responsibilities within our households, frequently becoming ‘second parents’ to their nephews/nieces/siblings and significant pillars of support.

Today, we delve into their world to better appreciate their sacrifices and understand how we, as family, can help alleviate their challenges.

Understanding Their Roles

Rainbow Providers are LGBTQIA+ family members who contribute significantly to household income, often compromising their personal dreams and ambitions. Compelled Family Carers, on the other hand, are frequently called upon to provide substantial care and support for family members, such as elderly parents or younger members of the household.

Acknowledging Their Efforts and Sacrifices

The first step is to acknowledge their immense contribution. Often, the magnitude of their sacrifice goes unnoticed. Recognize the time, effort, and emotional energy they invest into nurturing and supporting the family. It’s important to appreciate that their role extends far beyond financial contributions. They are invaluable emotional anchors, second parents, providing love, care, and guidance.

Avoiding Caregiving Fatigue and Financial Stress

Having understood their roles, it’s crucial to implement strategies to prevent caregiving fatigue and financial stress.

• Open Communication: Encourage family discussions about roles and responsibilities. This conversation can help redistribute tasks and financial burdens, ensuring they don’t disproportionately fall on our Rainbow Providers and Compelled Family Carers. Make them have a choice and allow them to decide on their role in the family.
• Promote Self-Care: Remind them of the importance of self-care. Encourage breaks, time for hobbies, and relaxation. Also, offer emotional support and assure them that it’s okay to ask for help when needed.
• Shared Financial Planning: Involve them in family financial decisions. This inclusion ensures their needs are considered, and it encourages a collective responsibility for household finances.
• Support Their Dreams: Advocate for their personal growth and ambitions. If they express interest in further education or a career change, support them wholeheartedly. Their growth will not only contribute to their happiness but also to the financial strength of the family.
• Foster a Supportive Environment: A home filled with understanding, acceptance, and love can do wonders for their mental and emotional well-being. Show them that their sexual orientation doesn’t change their integral role in the family.

Our LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Providers and Compelled Family Carers are unsung heroes in our families. It’s high time we acknowledge their contributions and ensure they’re given the love, respect, and support they deserve. After all, family is not about who we are but about the love we share and the support we give to each other.