HOW FPRM wa GOT STARTED
Jak James founded the Non Profit Corporation FPRM WA in November 2018. The idea to establish FPRM WA originated under the community group First Nations Rainbow WA which was also founded by Jak. We later rebranded as First Peoples Rainbow Mob WA, and more recently to FPRM WA Pty Ltd.
Jak James, FPRM WA, and the dedicated team from Rainbow KINection are proud to have made history in Western Australia’s 2018 LGBTQIA+SB community. With the invaluable support of our Rainbow Mob community, one of our greatest milestones was entering the first ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+SB representation float in the 30-year history of Perth’s Pride Parade hosted by Pride WA.
Our mission is fueled by the vision to establish a safe haven and resource centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+SB Peoples. We aim to provide assistance and empower Our Mob to access the fulfilling lives they deserve.
Our vision that our Rainbow Mob deserves the love, support, and compassion of their own communities aligns with the lifelong dream of the late Noongar LGBTQIA+SB Elder, Aunty Vanessa Smith. As one of the first Aboriginal Transwomen in Western Australia, Aunty Vanessa was a trailblazer through challenging times.
Aunty Vanessa advocated against HIV stigma and championed LGBTQIA+SB rights for decades—not just in Western Australia, but across the entire country. Though Aunty Vanessa is no longer with us, her enduring legacy of grassroots advocacy continues to inspire our work.
Jak James passionately stated in an interview with Rainbow KINection 100.9fm Noongar Digital Radio, "We need to create a legacy for all those who've since passed and have battled for LGBTQIA+SB rights of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.
Join us in honoring Aunty Vanessa’s memory and towards striving for a brighter future for all members of our community. Together we can build a supportive environment that uplifts and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+SB Peoples.
Creating awareness and visibility for Our Mob
FPRM WA are acknowledged as the peak body for all things Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ by the LGBTQIA+ community of Western
Australia and nationally through First Nations organisations.
MEET JAKOB
Jak James is a proud Gundundgurra Koori man raised on Ngarigo Country.
He has dedicated his life to lifting up our First Nations peoples and is well known throughout both Aboriginal and LGBTQIA+ communities which he continues advocating
for on important issues to ensure true inclusion and equity at a grassroots
level.
Jak is a proud mentor with the Pinnacle Foundation, is in partnership with TelethonKids Walkern Katadjin 'Rainbow Knowledge' research project,
a member of WAACIFY, RFWA Community Leaders, Australian LGBTQI Health Alliance, as well as a consultant for Pride WA.
SERVICES WE OFFER
What's Next Project
Our What's Next Project offers crisis housing advocacy. We have a dedicated housing manager you can request a yarn with to start you on your next steps towards stability, resilience, and pride.
Raising Awareness
First Peoples Rainbow Mob WA is a not for profit corporation. We want to make ALL Our Mob feel safe, respected, and most of all know they are loved regardless of who they are or how they live their life.
Providing Support
We provide legal advocacy, referrals, and emergency support to Our Mob in times of crisis.
Need A Yarn?
If you are going through challenging times, reach out to us on our FRPM WA Facebook page to have a yarn.