Overview
It would be easy to spend an opening paragraph setting out the LGBQTIA communities bewildering and troubling mental health statistics published by Government and NGO’s. Most of us know that, as a minority, the community continues to experience extraordinarily high rates of Depression, Anxiety, Social Isolation, Harassment, Exclusion and Suicide than the general population.
I propose to share some thoughts (based on personal observations as well as research based materials) instead on how things are today as well as ongoing challenges within the LGBQTIA community.
The Community Today
Many commentators suggest the Community is at its best point in its historical context. Visibility, acceptance and integration have improved. Australian society, whilst slow to reach marriage equality, has generally fallen in behind like-minded nations in providing the community with more recognition, greater tolerance, rights and access to clinical services. An increase in peer-led initiatives (for example with HIV related care) has greatly improved supportive and affirming care for many.
Resources have grown to support new segments of the community such as the Transsexual group which has emerged in recent years as a strong, separate voice expressing its desire to participate and be recognised. Fortunately Australia has risen to this challenge, but significant stigma and challenges remain to fully recognise and integrate this, and other smaller groups that have strived for recognition. Setbacks in the international landscape place our own at risk. Risks of contagion from the current sentiment in both the USA and UK are real. For many across the community it does feel a little like the analogy of “one step forward, three steps back”.
Recognition, acceptance, reduced stigma, better workplace relations and a broader range of services is good, but challenges still exist in ensuring that everyone across Australia receives the same or similar treatment. Unfortunately, this is the communities greatest challenge. The rural/ city divide remains the biggest challenge. Sydney and Melbourne remain safe havens and chosen environments for the community. For those that venture outside the cities, the real risk of stigma, ignorance and non-acceptance re-emerge.
Mental Health Considerations
A two-step equation due to the geographical challenges highlighted above continues to dominate. Many LGBQTIA people living in rural settings continue to feel isolated and unable to access clinical services as well as mental health supports. New Federal funding initiatives to improve access to clinical services for the community were announced in 2024 following research from Curtin University which illustrated significant barriers to LGBTQIA+ people using mainstream health services. These include a lack of knowledge and ignorance of the lived reality of LGBTQIA+ people, as well as stigma and discrimination.
What are the impacts? Withdrawal, social isolation, physical health impacts, depression and anxiety due to disconnection. Simply put, we need to do better in calling this out, supporting those that need it and embracing all minorities.
So what can you do? Here are some thoughts to share with parents, siblings and friends on how to help:
- If you think or feel it, it’s probably worth a chat. So many of us are in social settings when we sense someone is isolated or unhappy, yet we overlook it or fail to recognise it. Using supportive, empathetic language to engage and explore is all that is required. If you get a rebuttal, there could be any number of reasons for this . It simply goes to (and is the same as) the “RUOK” type mental health thinking we are all being encouraged to engage with.
- Create a safe listening space. Coming out is hard. Really hard. Those that succeed all tell the same story after they have completed it: that it was easiest in a non-judgemental, safe space. You actually don’t need to do much more than listen.
- Ask them how you can best support them. Most of the time, this will have already been considered, they probably won’t need recommendations or suggestions. What they will need is validation and support.
- Offer some suggestions if required. For example QLife is a free, anonymous peer support (phone and webchat) for LGBTQIA+ people across Australia. Headspace and Twenty10 provide services to the 12-25 year old segments with Headspace also offering localised support groups.
- Finally, consider the courage it has taken to either get to the point to come out, or engage with you in any way that shows real vulnerability.
Conclusion
LGBTQIA+ individuals in Australia face significantly elevated rates of mental health concerns—often double or more compared to the general population—alongside challenges like suicide, self-harm, and severe psychological distress. For many it is simply a question of survival. For those of us with a lived experience, we often look back and wish that what we went through would never happen to anyone EVER AGAIN.
With this in mind, I offer counselling services to the LGBTQIA+ community mindful of the challenges that lie ahead for those that have either recently come out, or are considering how to come out. I also see and support those that have a lived experience similar to my own that perhaps are reaching a turning point. They may be approaching 40 or 50 years of age and actively questioning previous choices and lifestyle. Many feel lost during this time. Many are lonely, some have just ended a long partnership or relationship and are wondering what lies ahead. Ageing has a particular impact on the community that requires empathetic, compassionate and trusting support.
You do not need to be alone. Let me help by having a chat first to see if I can help with whatever you may be confronting. You will be listened to, treated with kindness and compassion and will be heard. Whatever your location, I can offer support through online services, phone or in person.
