Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) LGBTIQA+ Position Statement is committed to fostering inclusive, respectful, safe and equitable health care for all individuals, including people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or have innate variations of sex characteristics.
CESPHN recognizes that people who identify as LGBTIQA+ often experience poorer health outcomes due to discrimination, stigma, and barriers to accessing safe, non-discriminatory, and appropriate health care. As a Primary Health Network, CESPHN acknowledges its responsibility to address inequities and support the health and wellbeing of people from the diverse LGBTIQA+ communities living and working in the region.
Our Vision
A primary health care system where every person—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status—feels safe, respected, and supported in accessing services to achieve positive health outcomes. CESPHN proudly stands with LGBTIQA+ people and is committed to building a health system that is inclusive, affirming, and free from stigma and discrimination.
Our Commitment
- Equity in Access: Commitment to improving equitable access to safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive primary health care services for LGBTIQA+ people through advocacy and provider support
- Safe and Inclusive Practice: The promotion and delivery of training, education, and professional development will strengthen inclusive, affirming practice among general practitioners, allied health professionals, and commissioned services.
- Lived Experience and Engagement: The maintenance of respectful and ongoing engagement with LGBTIQA+ individuals, communities and organisations will occur, while ensuring all programs and services are co-designed (where possible), and have lived experience and community input in the development, implementation, and evaluation of projects.
- Health and Wellbeing: Acknowledge the higher rates of health challenges within the diverse LGBTIQA+ populations, and prioritise the commissioning of inclusive, person-centred health care services that respect identity and difference, are non-discriminatory and promote resilience.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Ensure support of initiatives that raise awareness of LGBTIQA+ health needs and advocate for system-wide change that upholds rights, reduces stigma and discrimination, and improves health outcomes.
- Inclusive Collaboration: CESPHN actively partners with LGBTIQA+ organisations, leaders, and allies to support innovation, co-design, and evidence-informed strategies that improve service delivery.
- Data collection: Ensure appropriate and respectful data collection and research by CESPHN and commissioned services that are inclusive of LGBTIQA+ lived experience.
Our Goal
CESPHN is committed to ensuring that inclusion of LGBTIQA+ individuals and communities is embedded across the health system—in policy, practice, and patient experience. CESPHN aims to reduce health disparities, improve service experience, and promote meaningful, sustained improvements in the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people across the region. By working in partnerships with communities, organisations, and health providers, CESPHN will ensure every person can access the healthcare they need with dignity, respect, and confidence.