People who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning or Intersex (LGBTQI) have national Australian community services offering a wide range of programs that are available to support them. We have put together a list of these organisations to form our LGBTQI Services directory.
There is help available that includes scholarships for disadvantaged people, mental health services like over the web or phone counseling. Building of social networks for youth, adults and the elderly. LGBTQI inclusive religions, free informative resources. Promotion of LGBTQI employment or sporting environments and sexual health help.
LGBTQI promotes understanding within the community.
Continued support and access to these organisations will help build a stronger networks with in the LGBT community.
If you are having mental health issues it is recommended to seek professional help from your doctor or a general health practitioner who can recommend you to seek further support. They can also provide you with 10 to 12 free referrals to see a psychologist which can be renewed once a year.
Adult Lifestyle Centres is a sex positive environment.
That also provides a safe friendly zone for the LGBTQI community. Our sex toys and sexual health shops stock a large range of product’s from leading LGBTQI friendly brands. Our staff come from a varying range of sexuality’s and cultures who are happy to provide help that is not judgemental.
Consultants will help you find the product’s that are right for you. Which will help you break free from your restrictions in order to help you find your sexuality and enhance your sexual lifestyle.
LGBTQI Service Directory
National
- AFAO: The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisation for HIV and AIDS.
- afao.org.au
- Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives: Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives also known as ALGA records the history of the LGBTQI community.
- alga.org.au
- Beyond Blue helps peoples with mental health issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety and mental health disorders. Beyond Blue promote community awareness to help the reduction of stigma.
- beyondblue.org.au
- Black Rainbow is a service for Indigenous people with an LGBTQI sexuality.
- Genderqueer Australia: Supports people who are questioning their sexuality with the help of their family, friends and professionals.
- Metropolitan Community Church: Metropolitan Community Church supports people with an LGBTQI sexuality.
- mccbris.asn.au & mccsydney.org
- MindOUT!: Spports the LGBTQI with a high range of mental health issues which promotes health organisations to include the LGBTQI community.
- Minus18: A service that supports peer support, mental health and the organisation of events within the LGBTQI young people within Australia.
- minus18.org.au
- NAPWHA: Stands for The National Association of People with HIV Australia.
- napwha.org.au
- Organisation Intersex International Australia: Focuses on LGBTQI human rights, schooling information and support.
- oii.org.au
- Out for Australia: Out of Australia is a service that provides help for people who are wanting to work within the LGBTQI industry.
- outforaustralia.org
- PFLAG Australia: PFLAG Australia offers support groups for families of LGBTQI people.
- pflagaustralia.org.au
- Pinnacle Foundation: Has scholarships for LGBTQI young people who are in disadvantaged situations.
- thepinnaclefoundation.org
- Pride in Diversity: Only service available that supports employer LGBTQI workplace inclusive help.
- www.prideindiversity.com.au
- Pride in Sport: A program that manages inclusive environments for LGBTQI members, volunteers, employees and viewers.
- www.prideindiversity.com.au/prideinsport
Continued
- QLife Australia: QLife Australia is a free counseling program provided over the phone or on their website.
- qlife.org.au
- 1800 184 527
- Silver Rainbow: Supports the elderly LGBTI community with training programs for aged care employers, information and promotion.
- lgbtihealth.org.au/ageing
- Transcend: Provides services for trans* children.
- transcendsupport.com.au
- Wendybird is a place for the LGBTQI community to build their personal networks.
- wendybird.com.au
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
- A Gender Agenda
- Diversity ACT
- diversityact.org.au
NEW SOUTH WALES
- Acceptance Sydney
- gaycatholic.com.au
- ACON
- acon.org.au
- Ankali Project
- BLISS:
- womensandgirls.org.au
- Bobby Goldsmith Foundation
- bgf.org.au
- Cronulla Gay Group
- cronullagaygroup.com
- Dayenu
- dayenu.org.au
- The Gender Centre Inc
- gendercentre.org.au
- HIV/AIDS Legal Centre NSW
- halc.org.au
NSW Continued
- Inner City Legal Centre
- iclc.org.au
- MAG (Mature Age Gays) Sydney
- magsydney.org
- Parramatta Queer Forum
- Pink Mountains
- The Polly’s Club
- thepollysclub.com.au
- Positive Life NSW
- positivelife.org.au
- Queer Screen
- queerscreen.org.au/featured-projects
- Rainbow Recovery Club
- rainbowrecoveryclub.org.au
- Rainbow Visions
- rainbowvision.org.au
- Traxside Youth Centre
- wollondilly.nsw.gov.au
- Twenty10
- twenty10.org.au
QUEENSLAND
- GLBN
- glbn.org.au
- HIV Foundation Queensland
- hivfoundation.org.au
- Open Doors
- opendoors.net.au
- QuAC
- qahc.org.au
VICTORIA
- Anti Violence Project of Victoria Inc
- www.antiviolence.info
- FTM Shed
- GASP
- gaspgeelong.net.au
- GLHV
- glhv.org.au
- Living Positive Victoria
- livingpositivevictoria.org.au
- Transgender Victoria
- transgendervictoria.com
- VAC
- WayOut
- WorkingOUT
- Search for “WorkingOUT” at senswide.com.au
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- Freedom Centre
- freedom.org.au
- GLWA
- Living Proud
- livingproud.org.au
- True Colours
- WA AIDS Council
- waaids.com
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- Centa Care
- centacare.org.au
- Clinic 275
- sahealth.sa.gov.au
- MOSAIC Blood Borne Viruses Support Services
- www.rasa.org.au
- PEACE Multicultural Services
- www.rasa.org.au
- Sex Industry Network
- sin.org.au
- Shine SA
- shinesa.org.au
- South Australian Mobilisation + Empowerment for Sexual Health (SAMESH)
- samesh.org.au
- UNIDOS
- rasa.org.au
TASMANIA
- Rainbow Tasmania
- rainbowtas.org
- Working It Out
- workingitout.org.au
NORTHERN TERRITORY
- Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council:
LGBTQI+ Services Directories in Australia
In Australia, there is a vast range of services and organisations dedicated to supporting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual (LGBTIQA+) community. These services are often catalogued in LGBTQI+ services directories, which can be invaluable resources for individuals seeking support, education, advocacy, and community connection. This comprehensive guide will delve into the purpose of these directories, how to navigate them, and who can benefit from using them.
1. What Are LGBTQI+ Services Directories?
LGBTQI+ services directories are comprehensive listings of organizations, services, and programs specifically designed to support the LGBTQI+ community. These directories encompass a wide range of services, including counselling, legal advice, health services, advocacy groups, peer support networks, and educational resources. They are typically categorized by state or territory, and may also be organized by the type of service or the specific subgroups within the LGBTQI+ community that they serve.
2. Who Can Benefit from Using LGBTQI+ Services Directories?
LGBTQI+ services directories are intended for anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual, or any other non-binary or non-heteronormative identity. They can also be invaluable resources for friends, family, and allies of LGBTQI+ individuals who are seeking to better understand and support their loved ones. Additionally, professionals working in healthcare, education, social services, and other fields can utilize these directories to learn more about the resources available to their LGBTQI+ clients or students.
3. How to Use LGBTQI+ Services Directories?
Using an LGBTQI+ services directory typically involves browsing or searching the directory to locate services that meet your specific needs. You may search by location, type of service, or specific subgroup within the LGBTQI+ community. Once you find a service that seems suitable, you can usually click on its listing for more detailed information, including the service’s mission, the programs or resources it offers, and its contact details. If the service seems like a good fit for your needs, you can reach out directly to inquire further or to access the service.
4. Breakdown of Services in LGBTQI+ Directories
LGBTQI+ services directories typically include a variety of services, categorized in several ways. Here is a general breakdown of the types of services you might find in such a directory:
Counselling and Support Services:
These services provide emotional support and mental health resources for LGBTQI+ individuals. This can include individual counselling, group therapy, peer support networks, and crisis hotlines.
Health Services:
These services focus on the physical health needs of the LGBTQI+ community, including sexual health, preventative care, transgender health services, and more.
Legal Services:
These services offer legal advice and support on issues such as discrimination, family law, employment rights, and more.
Advocacy Groups:
These organizations work to promote the rights and wellbeing of the LGBTQI+ community, often through policy advocacy, public education, and community organizing.
Educational Resources:
These services provide information and resources to help LGBTQI+ individuals, their loved ones, and the broader community understand and support LGBTQI+ identities and issues.
Community Groups and Social Networks:
These groups provide opportunities for LGBTQI+ individuals to connect with each other, build community, and participate in social activities.
5. National LGBTQI+ Services
Several organizations and services operate on a national level, offering support and resources to the LGBTQI+ community across Australia. Some of these include:
- QLife: QLife provides anonymous, peer-based support and referral services for LGBTQI+ individuals across Australia. They offer a free and confidential helpline, as well as online chat services.
- LGBTIQA+ Health Australia: This is the national peak health organization for organizations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services, and research focused on the LGBTIQA+ community.
- Equality Australia: Equality Australia is a national organization dedicated to protecting the rights of LGBTIQA+ people.
- Intersex Human Rights Australia: This organization promotes the human rights, self-determination, and bodily autonomy of intersex people in Australia.
- Minus18: Minus18 aims to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTQI+ youth through events, digital resources, and education.
6. State-Specific LGBTQI+ Services
In addition to national services, each state and territory in Australia has its own range of LGBTQI+ services. These services understand the unique needs and challenges of their local LGBTQI+ community and can provide more localized support. Here are some examples:
- New South Wales: Twenty10, ACON, The Gender Centre
- Victoria: Switchboard, Thorne Harbour Health, Transgender Victoria
- Queensland: Diverse Voices, Queensland Council for LGBTI Health
- South Australia: Shine SA, Trans Health South Australia, South Australian Rainbow Advocacy Alliance
- Western Australia: Living Proud, WA AIDS Council
- Tasmania: Working it Out
- Northern Territory: Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council
- Australian Capital Territory: A Gender Agenda, Meridian
7. Services for Specific Subgroups within LGBTQI+ Community
LGBTQI+ services directories often feature services tailored to specific subgroups within the LGBTQI+ community. For example:
Trans, Gender Diverse and Non-Binary Services:
These services provide support specifically for transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary individuals. Examples include Trans Health Australia, Gender Wellbeing Service, and Transgender Victoria.
Intersex Services:
These services cater to individuals born with variations in sex characteristics. Intersex Human Rights Australia and Intersex Peer Support Australia are two such services.
Services for People of Colour:
These services provide support for LGBTQI+ individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Examples include Greek and Gay Support Network and Black Rainbow.
Services for Rainbow Families:
These services support LGBTQI+ parents and their children. Examples include Rainbow Families and Pink Parents.
8. Services for Families and Allies of LGBTQI+ Individuals
LGBTQI+ services directories also include resources for families and allies of LGBTQI+ individuals. These resources can help loved ones understand and support their LGBTQI+ family member or friend. Examples include PFLAG Australia and Transcend.
9. Legal Services for the LGBTQI+ Community
Legal services included in LGBTQI+ directories provide advice and support on legal issues affecting the LGBTQI+ community. This can include discrimination, family law issues, employment rights, and more. Examples include the Inner City Legal Centre and LGBTI Legal Service.
10. Health and Mental Health Services for the LGBTQI+ Community
Health and mental health services play a crucial role in supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of the LGBTQI+ community. These services can include sexual health clinics, mental health counselling, transgender health services, and more. Examples include Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, PRONTO!, and Northside Clinic.
11. LGBTQI+ Advocacy and Human Rights Organisations
LGBTQI+ advocacy and human rights organisations work to promote the rights and wellbeing of the LGBTQI+ community. They often engage in policy advocacy, public education, and community organising. Examples include Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council, Equality Australia, and South Australian Rainbow Advocacy Alliance.
LGBTQI+ services directories are a vital resource for the LGBTQI+ community, their loved ones, and professionals working with the community. By understanding what these directories are, who can use them, and how to navigate them, individuals can access a wealth of resources to support their journey. Whether you are looking for counselling services, legal advice, community groups, or educational resources, these directories can help you find the support you need.
Remember, you are not alone. There are countless services out there ready to support you. So don’t hesitate to reach out, and take the first step towards accessing the help and support you deserve.
Meet Stephen, a bold and opinionated cis-gendered gay advocate for gender equality and sexual education. Join him on the Adultsmart blog for fearless insights.
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