Updates

Practice guide: Inclusive communication with LGBTIQ+ clients

People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer (LGBTIQ+) can face unique challenges and disparities in quality of care when accessing services.

Experiences of stigma or discrimination when accessing non-LGBTIQ+ specialist services can affect service engagement and potentially impact individuals’ health and wellbeing outcomes for segments of LGBTIQ+ communities. Evidence suggests that a lack of inclusive communication contributes to the anticipated and actual discrimination that can prevent LGBTIQ+ people from accessing the help they need.

Drawing on a rapid review of the evidence, this new guide from the Australian Institute of Family Studies outlines why inclusive communication matters and what works to ensure inclusive communication, and supports practitioners to use this evidence in their decision making when working.