https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5NU8t7CAxw
LGBTIQ+
Our region is home to many people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and/or queer (LGBTIQ+).
While the acronym LGBTIQ+ encompasses diverse communities and individuals, LGBTIQ+ people share generally poorer health and wellbeing outcomes than the heterosexual and cisgendered community.
This is largely because of the stigma and discrimination that LGBTIQ+ people can experience in their everyday lives, including from the health system.
LGBTIQ+ communities have specific health needs and some are at increased risk of certain conditions including:
- poor mental health including anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide
- alcohol and other drugs misuse or dependence
- some cancers
- some STIs, including HIV.
Our work
We engage in activities to increase the cultural responsiveness and inclusiveness of health services and health professionals working with LGBTIQ+ people, and to address inequalities in health systems and outcomes. These activities include:
- our 5-year LGBTIQ+ suicide prevention trial and its many ongoing partnerships
- world-leading training modules for primary care and mental health care providers working with trans, gender diverse and non-binary people
- alcohol and other drugs services for LGBTIQ+ people including new services commissioned in 2022
- mental health initiatives including our Speaking Up Speaks Volumes behaviour change campaign.
