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