LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, INTERSEX, QUEER + PEOPLE (LGBTIQ+)

 

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, INTERSEX, QUEER + PEOPLE

This community of people uses multiple acronyms which may include “Q” to represent Queer people, “A” for Asexual, and “P” for Pansexual e.g. LGBTIQ/LGBTQI/GLBTIQ/LGBTIQAP. Also used are DSG/GSD/SGD (Diversity in Sexuality and Gender). Diversity in sexuality and gender can affect development of social relationships in many ways. Risk factors may include:[1], [2], [3], [4]

  • a lack of opportunity for expression of sexual or gender identity
  • a lack of family support; not being valued by others
  • substance abuse (prescribed/illicit drugs); alcohol misuse
  • depression; anxiety; stress; dual diagnosis (e.g. a mental health issue + drug/alcohol misuse)
  • self-harming behavior; sexual risk-taking
  • a history of verbal, sexual and/or physical victimisation and abuse
  • disengagement from schooling
  • workplace discrimination and/or blocked career opportunities
  • living in a rural environment; social exclusion; homelessness; poverty
  • prejudice e.g. homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism
  • chronic health conditions; having a disability
  • struggles with spirituality and religion
  • problems with legal rights
  • marginalisation and being forced back into the closet (mainly older people)

 Useful contacts for LGBTI people

[1] Queensland Aids Council. (2017). Fact sheet 1: Mental health and well being in lesbian gay bisexual transgender (LGBT) communities. Retrieved from http://www.qahc.org.au/sites/default/files/Mental_Health_LGBT_factsheet-w_0.pdf  

[2] https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/lesbian-gay-bi-trans-and-intersex-lgbti-people/factors-affecting-lgbti-people

[3] McNair, R. et al (2003). Addressing health inequalities in Victorian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 11(1): 32-38.

[4] Rosenstreich, G. (2013). LGBTI People Mental Health and Suicide. (Rev. 2nd ed.) Sydney, Australia: National LGBTI Health Alliance.

 

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