Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+)

Sexual orientation and gender identity is not a choice. LGBTIQ+ individuals often face unique health disparities and even discrimination. Although the acronym LGBTIQ+ is used as an umbrella term, and the health needs of this community are often grouped together, each of these letters represent a distinct population, each with its own health and wellbeing concerns.

Promoting the social inclusion, health, and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people will help Queensland become a fairer and healthier society, with safe communities in which all people can feel cared for. Support for family members is also important to encourage healthy relationships.

Beyond Blue provides information about the factors that can affect LGBTIQ+ people.

Inclusive service delivery for LGBTIQ+ clients

LGBTIQ+ clients may experience barriers when accessing services due to a range of factors including:

• service providers assuming clients are heterosexual
• community Service workers having limited knowledge of LGBTIQ+ issues
• fear of confidentiality breaches
• expectations or past experiences of discrimination and negative attitudes from service providers
• level of self-acceptance and comfort with issues of sexuality or gender identity
• social isolation experienced as a result of sexuality or gender identity
• the levels of homophobia and transphobia in the general community.

The Queensland AIDS Council provides training and consultancy services to assist workers and organisations in delivering appropriate services to LGBTIQ+ clients.

The Queensland AIDS Council website also hosts a wealth of information and resources concerning LGBTIQ+ health, wellbeing and other issues.

Download the Queensland Council for LGBTI health factsheet – Service Provision to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community.

For more information, please contact the Queensland AIDS Council on 07 3017 1777.

The Queensland Government’s public sector LGBTIQ+ inclusion and diversity strategy provides a framework for strengthening LGBTIQ+ inclusion across the public sector. Find out more on its LGBTIQ+ page.