Creating safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTIQ+ healthcare

The Central and Eastern Sydney region has a vibrant and empowered lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) community who positively impact the people around them fostering inclusivity, being proud advocates and building supportive networks.

The health and wellbeing needs of the LGBTIQ+ community in Central and Eastern Sydney can be very different from non-LGBTIQ+ people, from issues with access and discrimination to things like gender affirming care and higher levels of mental distress.

Despite limited local-level data available regarding the community, research shows us that LGBTIQ+ people can:

• Experience higher levels of mental distress and poor mental health
• Higher rates of suicidality compared to heterosexual counterparts
• Drink more alcohol and use illegal drugs at higher rates than non-LGBTIQ+ people
• Often experience harassment and discrimination in their early lives.

More specifically, transgender and gender diverse people have significantly poorer mental health outcomes compared to both cis-gendered heterosexuals and LGB cohorts. Transgender and gender diverse people may also require access to gender affirming care. This can include any single or combination of social, psychological, behavioural or medical interventions designed to explore, support and affirm an individual’s gender identity.

The intersex community includes people who have anatomical, chromosomal and hormonal characteristics that differ from conventional understandings of male and female bodies. Though research is limited, a 2016 Australian study with 272 intersex participants found that most had undergone at least two medical interventions—often in childhood—without full information or consent, leading to lasting physical and psychological impacts.

What healthcare providers can do to support the LGBTIQ+ community:

• Create a safe space: Display visible signs of support (e.g., rainbow flags, inclusive posters).
• Use inclusive language: Ask about pronouns and chosen names.
• Stay informed: Engage with ongoing professional development on LGBTQI+ health.
• Refer appropriately: Connect patients with LGBTQI+-affirming services and peer support networks.

By fostering inclusive practices and addressing these key health issues, primary care providers can play a pivotal role in improving outcomes for LGBTQI+ communities.

A recent Sydney Health Weekly newsletter promoted the establishment of a list of GP practices in the CESPHN region providing LGBTIQ+ inclusive care. If you are interested but have not joined the register, please complete the short EOI so you can be included.