LGBTIQA+
Individuals can identify with diverse genders, sexes, and bodies.
The evolving acronym LGBTIQA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexuality, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, and asexual/aromantic (ace and aro). The ‘+’ attempts to capture all other sexual orientations, gender identities and physiological sex characteristics that are not captured in these letters.
LGBTIQA+ people may experience discrimination, harassment and hostility in many aspects of their everyday life – in their places of work and education and when accessing health or other services. Issues impacting people who identify as LGBTIQA+ are complex and varying, unique to each individual, family and community. As such, the way each person responds, experiences and is impacted by these issues will differ from person to person.
We at Lifeline are here to listen and support you, without judgement.
While each person will respond to and cope with these types of experiences and issues in different ways, some signs to look out for that you, or someone you care about is struggling are:
- Feeling low in mood and/or sad
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Thoughts of suicide
- Feeling irritable
- Changes to appetite and sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Extreme worry
- Difficultly winding down or relaxing
- Feelings of tension, in the mind and in the body
- Feelings of nervousness
- Feeling uncertain or confused about identity and sense of self.
If you, or someone you care for is in need of support, please call Lifeline to speak to a trained Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days) or chat online (24 hours / 7 days). We are here to listen.
Support services and resources
QLife
QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. QLife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTIQA+ community members across the country. Services are for LGBTIQA+ individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals in Australia.
Visit: QLife
Call: 1800 184 527
Black Rainbow
Black Rainbow is a national advocacy platform and touchpoint for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ peoples.
Visit: Black Rainbow
Minus 18
Minus 18 is an advocacy platform which provides resources and guidance for Australia's LGBTIQ youth.
Visit: Minus 18 website
Holding on to Hope - Jaz's Story
As a young girl, Jaz loved playing soccer and riding her BMX bike. When she hit puberty, her love of life deserted her. She’d spend hours standing in front of the mirror, arms straight by her sides wishing she could always hide her curves. For the next 20 years she tried to destroy herself.
She wanted to transition but worried about acceptance. Today, Jaz is 37 and three years into his transition. All along, he has been supported and loved by mum Sheree who has even helped pay for surgery and observed: “Every parent has dreams for their children, but you have to realise your dreams aren’t their dreams. It’s their life and they have to do what makes them happy.”