Background gradient

Thoughts of suicide, however intense, can come from overwhelming feelings of isolation and hopelessness.  

When we feel supported, like we belong and are not a burden, our feelings of suicide can decrease.  

When reaching out for help, we need to find support that validates and affirms our identities and experiences. Without this, the service or interaction can do more harm than good.

What keeps us flourishing

Connections

Getting peer support for Sistergirls, Brotherboys and trans mob

Making connections to culture and Elders

Participating in cultural spaces, events and gatherings

Participating in faith or religious groups

Making connections and networks within our communities

Sharing time with a significant other person (a partner, lover, mentor, or best friend)

Sharing time with found/chosen family or relatives

Developing the feelings of connection to others

Finding and developing pride in your identity

Having a strong cultural identity and ethnic pride

Maintaining good physical health solo or in groups that exercise

Free, de-pathologising, affirming and non-mandated, community-led, strengths-based services

Education

LGBTQ+ health education programs for families, workplaces, medical and allied health providers

Education campaigns addressing cisgenderism and heteronormativity and promoting affirmative representation in news and media

Inclusion

Regional and remote culturally competent services for Sistergirls, Brotherboys and trans mob

Trans people are a distinct priority population across federal, state, and territory policy frameworks

Supportive environments for social affirmation

Use of inclusive language at work

Inclusive mainstream healthcare and other services, including trans- and nonbinary-informed intake forms

Trans-specific health services led by trans experience

Health promotion within community targeting cultural norms against violence

LGBTQ+ sensitive translation services

Economic security through welfare and inclusive workplaces

Targeted campaigns for community inclusion

Support services for accessing the NDIS for LGBTQ+ people living with a disability

Support for LGBTQ+ carers

Free, de-pathologising, affirming and non-mandated, community-led, strengths-based services

Information for service providers and clinicians

The following points are proven to benefit LGBTQ+ people’s health and wellbeing and are essential in the prevention of suicide for our community.

Access to gender affirming care at any age, but especially for young people

Access to support services, including, peer workers, community outreach, and LGBTQ+ specific health and clinical services

Access and support to education such as school, higher education, apprenticeships and/or retraining training

Access to NDIS or specific government services

Availability and opportunities for secure employment and diverse career options

Affordable and secure housing

Opportunities for socialising in safer spaces that are accessible for all bodies or participating in your local community or specific hobby/sports groups

Access to free de-pathologising, affirming and non-mandated, community-led, strengths-based services