Supporting the Mental Health of the LGBTQIA+SB Community

In Australia, people of diverse genders, sexualities, and bodies continue to show incredible strength and resilience. Yet, many in the LGBTQIA+SB* community face disproportionate challenges when it comes to mental health – including discrimination, isolation, and limited access to culturally safe care. 

In this post, we explore how to better support the mental wellbeing of LGBTQIA+SB people in Perth and across Australia, with practical tools and specific resources. 

*What each letter in the LGBTQIA+SB acronym represents: 

L: Lesbian: A woman or feminine-aligned person who is attracted to women or feminine-aligned people. 

G: Gay: A person who is primarily attracted to people of the same gender. It’s commonly used by men attracted to men but can apply to anyone with same-gender attraction. 

B: Bisexual: A person attracted to more than one gender. 

T: Transgender (trans): A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. 

Q: Queer: an umbrella term for people who do not conform to traditional roles around gender and sexuality. 

I: Intersex: A person born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female. 

A: Asexual: A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others. “A” also can refer to Aromantic: A person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others. 

+: Plus: Includes all other identities on the gender and sexuality spectrum, such as pansexual, genderqueer, agender, and more. 

SB: Sistergirl and Brotherboy: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sistergirls and Brotherboys communities refer to First Nations’ terms for trans and gender diverse people. 

Why Mental Wellbeing Support Matters 

Research shows that queer folks in Australia are more likely to experience prejudice, stigma, and discrimination, such as family rejection or social exclusion, bullying and violence, and barriers to accessing affirming healthcare. This can lead to increased mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and poorer self-esteem and self-worth, to name a few. 

These challenges are especially magnified for: 

• Trans and gender-diverse people 

• Young people 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

• People living in rural or regional WA 

It’s important to recognise that not all LGBTQIA+SB people have the same experience. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ community members – including Sistergirls and Brotherboys communities (First Nations’ terms for trans and gender diverse people) – face racism and queerphobia simultaneously. Supporting the mental health of First Nations’ people means respecting culture, listening deeply, and backing First Nations’-led organisations and programs. 

Supporting Queer Folks’ Mental Health 

A primary protective factor against poor mental health outcomes for queer folks is having positive relationships and connection with others. Fostering community and social connection is something we can all contribute to. Whether you are a part of the LGBTQIA+SB community or an ally, your support can make a meaningful difference to peoples’ wellbeing.  This might look like engaging with local queer organisations or venues (e.g., your local queer bar or bookstore) and attending or supporting local queer artists and performers (e.g., attending drag shows, open mic nights, or theatre performances, to name a few). Inviting friends and sharing these events online can be a great way to further strengthen connections. 

Alongside fostering a sense of community and connection, access to affirming healthcare services is another key protective factor against mental health difficulties for the LGBTQIA+SB community. Knowing what appropriate, safe supports are available in your region is crucial, and there are many resources available online that can assist you in finding these supports.   

Other everyday ways to support LGBTQIA+SB mental health: 

• Use inclusive language – Ask for and respect people’s names and pronouns. 

• Challenge discrimination – Whether in the workplace, schools, or homes. 

• Celebrate identity – Support LGBTQIA+ events like PrideFEST, Trans Day of Visibility, and International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). 

Helpful Support Services for Queer Folks Living in Australia: 

• QLife: Anonymous peer support and referrals for LGBTQIA+ people. https://qlife.org.au 

• LGBTIQ+ Health Australia: National peak body advocating for equitable healthcare and mental health access. https://lgbtiqhealth.org.au 

• Transcend Australia: A support and advocacy group for trans and gender-diverse children and families. https://transcend.org.au 

• 13YARN: A confidential crisis support helpline run by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. https://www.13yarn.org.au/ 

• Intersex Human Rights Australia: Support and education for people with intersex variations. https://ihra.org.au 

Resources Specific to Perth, WA: 

• Freedom Centre: WA’s longest-running LGBTQIA+SB support organisation. Offers peer support, education, community outreach, and referrals via QLife. https://www.freedom.org.au 

• Living Proud: A peer-led space for young LGBTQIA+SB people (under 26), offering drop-in sessions, mental health support, events, and access to the Isabelle Lake Memorial Fund for trans and gender-diverse people. https://www.livingproud.org.au 

• Transfolk WA: A peer-led support and advocacy organisation that provides resources, community, and mental health support for trans and gender-diverse people and their families across Western Australia. https://transfolkwa.org.au/ 

Supporting the mental wellbeing of LGBTQIA+SB people is not just the job of mental health professionals, it’s a community-wide responsibility. Whether you're a friend, teacher, employer, or service provider, you can help create safer, more affirming environments so that all queer folks can thrive. 

Sonya Curran 

Clinical Psychology Registrar