The Rainbow Migrants Living Lab (RaMiLab) is grounded in a commitment to inclusive, community-led inquiry that responds to the lived experiences of multicultural, multilingual and multifaith LGBTIQA+ communities (collectively referred to as Rainbow Migrants or RMs), and contributes to broader understandings of LGBTIQA+ inclusion, policy, and well-being. By fostering genuine community engagement, RaMiLab ensures that people with lived experiences are actively involved in shaping the services, research, and policies that affect them.
RaMiLab supports the development of evidence-based, community-informed policies and service innovations across key areas including health, social support, housing, legal support, employment, peer networks, and education. This is achieved through mixed-methods and participatory research approaches, including co-research, co-design, and co-creation methodologies, long-term collaborations with community organisations, sector partners and government agencies.
In addition, RaMiLab plays a key role in sector capability-building, by delivering training, resources and evaluation support to services aiming to improve access and equity for LGBTIQA+ communities, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
RaMiLab is part of the Research Program in Migration, Diversity and Care within the School of Arts and Humanities at Edith Cowan University, and collaborates with aligned initiatives including:
- Social Ageing (SAGE) Futures Lab
- TRACS Diversity Research Network
Together, these programs reinforce ECU’s commitment to inclusive, interdisciplinary research grounded in social justice, care, and meaningful community collaboration.
Research areas
Our work is structured around four key focus areas:
Intersectional research, policy development and advocacy
RaMiLab employs a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods — including cross-sectional surveys, panel studies, participatory and active research, and social network analysis. Our Embedded Research approach — framed as “helping while researching, researching while helping” — ensures that research is practically applied and directly beneficial. Grounded in Participatory Action Research (PAR), this work drives reform in service design, legal frameworks, and community support structures.
Creative and culturally responsive research
RaMiLab integrates cultural celebration, storytelling, and creative expression into research and advocacy, recognising their role in fostering inclusion, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Creative methodologies amplify Rainbow Migrants’ voices while generating rich qualitative data that informs policy and service improvements. Initiatives such as "Pottery Decorating & Planting Migrants’ Stories" use art-based research to explore identity, belonging, and migration journeys, transforming personal narratives into policy-relevant insights.
Community capacity building and leadership
RaMiLab supports Rainbow Migrants as co-researchers, peer leaders, and changemakers. We offer training in research, advocacy, and leadership, and facilitate the Co-Design Leadership Group, a team of Rainbow Migrants guiding community-driven initiatives. Participants are recognised for their contributions and play an active role in shaping both the research agenda and service co-design.
Professional development and service innovation
RaMiLab works closely with community organisations, NGOs, and government partners to translate research into practical tools and training. This includes co-developing training programs that strengthen cultural safety, accessibility, and inclusive practice across diverse service settings. Our evidence-informed approach supports a wide range of professionals — including case workers, interpreters, legal advisers, and frontline staff — to more effectively meet the needs of multicultural LGBTIQA+ communities.
Projects
RaMiLab’s projects are designed to connect lived experience with system change — from local service improvements to policy reform. Each initiative reflects our commitment to intersectionality, community collaboration, and real-world impact.
1. LGBTIQA+ in WA: Community Pulse Survey
An ongoing community survey capturing the experiences, well-being, and service needs of LGBTIQA+ people in Western Australia. By monitoring trends in discrimination, social inclusion, and access, the survey provides timely insights that inform advocacy, policy, and service delivery.
2. Rainbow Migrants Observatory
A longitudinal qualitative panel study tracking the life experiences, social support networks, and well-being of Rainbow Migrants. RMO documents complex settlement journeys and generates evidence to support long-term service planning and targeted policy change.
3. Rainbow Inclusive Aged Care
Funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), this national project co-designs inclusive models of care for LGBTIQA+ older people, including migrants and culturally diverse migrants in residential aged care. The study uses surveys and fieldwork across WA and Queensland to identify barriers and opportunities for inclusive practice, with aged care workers and LGBTIQA+ older people as co-researchers.
To find out more, visit the Rainbow Inclusive Aged Care Project website.
4. Intergenerational Pride Housing Pilot
In partnership with GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc (GRAI), this project matches LGBTIQA+ students experiencing housing insecurity with older LGBTI+ homeowners. RaMiLab and the SAGE Lab are leading the evaluation, exploring the program’s social, cultural, and practical outcomes as a scalable model for inclusive housing.
To find out more, visit the Pride International Housing Pilot - GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc website.
6. Flagship programs and events
Our flagship initiatives foster community connection, cultural safety, and research engagement. These programs create spaces of conviviality and inclusion where Rainbow Migrants can build trust, access resources, and connect with RaMiLab’s broader research.
- Rainbow Migrants’ Karaoke with an Accent - A vibrant, cross-cultural celebration promoting social connection and awareness of RaMiLab’s work.
- Pottery Decorating & Planting Migrants’ Stories - A therapeutic storytelling activity blending art and reflection, exploring identity and migration.
- Eid al-Fitr Celebration - A safe, inclusive gathering honouring the experiences of LGBTIQA+ Muslims and affirming cultural and spiritual identity.
Researchers
- Dr Lukasz Krzyzowski – Director
- Marziya Mohammedali – Research Manager
- Dona Subasinghe - Research and Training Support
- Hassan – Research and Community Engagement
- Anna – Research Communication Support
- Maanvik – Research Communication Support
Disclaimer: To protect community co-researchers and staff, full names of RaMiLab members and the Co-Design Leadership Group may not be listed on this page.
Community Advisory Board
The Community Research Residency brings together leaders and advocates from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and LGBTIQA+ services to form RaMiLab’s Community Advisory Board. This group provides strategic advice, sector expertise, and co-design insights to inform research, policy, and service innovation.
PhD opportunities
RaMiLab welcomes expressions of interest from prospective PhD candidates interested in pursuing impact-driven research at the intersection of LGBTIQA+ lived experience, migration, and social innovation. Our research is deeply rooted in community engagement, intersectionality, and participatory approaches — ensuring that lived experience informs real and lasting change.
Our research is not just about studying communities—it is conducted within them. We experiment with creative and innovative methodologies while maintaining a strong ethical and methodological foundation.
If you are interested in applying, please contact rainbowmigrants@ecu.edu.au for details on PhD opportunities, funding, and supervision.
Media
Articles and features
Podcasts and radio interviews
