“Despite increasing acceptance of difference over the last few decades, people who are same-sex attracted (gay, lesbian and bisexual), people who are transgender, and people who are intersex, still face stigma and discrimination resulting from ingrained cultural attitudes about sexuality, gender and sex diversity in Australia.” (Beyond Blue)
When providing mental health support for LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual and many other terms) people, like anyone, the most important thing is to see each individual as a person-first, with their own individual beliefs, culture and goals.
When supporting LGBTIQA+ people it is important to:
Avoid making assumptions about the gender or sexual preference of the people that you support.
- A person with lived experience of a mental health condition
Your support should include:
Workers should respect a LGBTIQA+ person’s privacy, but also be open to talking with LGBTIQA+ people about their identity and supporting the person to explore their identity if that is what they want.
Each LGBTIQA+ person will be different. It is important to avoid stereotyping. Listen, ask, clarify, and build trust by being respectful, reliable and honest.
LGBTIQ People Talk About Their Experiences Accessing Health CareIn this video LGBTIQ people talk about their experiences with stigma and discrimination when accessing health care.Type: Video | Closed captionsViewing time: 5:52 minutesProduced by: North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network
Mental health and being LGBTQ | Christine's Mental Health Story In this video, Christine tells her story: "If you’re gay and you’re suffering from a mental health issue… things seem to be a lot darker".Type: Video | Closed captionsReading/viewing time: 4:47Produced by: Mind, the mental health charity
A national framework for recovery-oriented mental health services: guide for practitioners and providers A link to the National Framework for Recovery-oriented Mental Health Services highlighting recovery-oriented mental health practice and service delivery for LGBTIQ+ people.Type: GuidelineProduced by: Australian Department of Health
Considerations when providing mental health first aid to an LGBTIQ+ personThis fact sheet provides mental health first aid, covering understanding LGBTIQ+ experiences, acceptable language and terminology.Type: Fact sheetLength: 6 pagesProduced by: Mental Health First Aid Australia
Here for healthThis site provides information about the range of services available to support LGBTI people, including around mental health.Type: Web pageReading time: 10 pagesProduced by: ACON