This paper undertakes a systematic critical review through a ‘queer lens’ of the emergency management response and recovery plans in New South Wales, Australia, in order to determine how the needs of sexual and gender minorities (LGBTI people) are considered and met. It also documents the outsourcing by the NSW government of emergency response and recovery arrangements to third party, faith-based Christian institutions and explore how those institutions have been exempted from anti-discrimination protections under Commonwealth (Australian) and State (NSW) law. Findings show that due to such anti-discrimination exemptions, LGBTI people are not being treated equally and a ‘blindness to difference’ in relation to the needs of LGBTI individuals and families influence their vulnerabilities and resilience.