Resources for LGBTQIA+ young people and those in their lives:
The Australasian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council is a peak body for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer individuals and community groups of multicultural and multifaith backgrounds. Their vision is to live in a world without prejudice and discrimination on the basis of sexuality, sex, gender, race, culture and religion in celebration of our diverse and unique identities. They advocate through research, education and community events.
Beyond Blue https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/ or https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
A not-for-profit organisation that works to increase awareness of anxiety and depression in Australia and to reduce the associated stigma. There is specifi c information and resources for LGBTQIA+ people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as phone and online support hotlines.
Black Rainbow www.blackrainbow.org.au
A national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTI suicide prevention advocacy platform and touchpoint. Black Rainbow supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTI people who are homeless, leaving domestic violence relationships or the justice system. They are a not-for-profit enterprise.
Gender Dysphoria Clinics – Google “Gender Dysphoria Clinic” and your state.
Services that help people experiencing gender dysphoria. These clinics can give mental health assessments relevant to gender dysphoria and help with referrals to other supports for gender affirmation.
Intersex Human Rights Australia www.ihra.org.au
Intersex Human Rights Australia is a national body by and for people born with variations of sex characteristics. They promote human rights and bodily autonomy, and provide information, education and an online peer support group.
It Gets Better www.itgetsbetter.org
This project’s mission is to communicate to LGBTQ+ youth around the world that “it gets better” and to inspire the changes needed to improve their lives. It uplifts, empowers and connects LGBTQ+ youth around the world.
Kids Helpline www.kidshelpline.com.au or 1800 55 1800
A free, anonymous and confidential phone and online counselling service for young Australian people aged between five and twenty-five. Kids Helpline is available to talk about big or small concerns.
Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14
A national charity providing 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services to people of all ages. An online chat and free directory of local health and community services are also available.
Minus18 www.minus18.org.au
Australia’s largest youth-led network for LGBTIQ youth. Minus18 provides peer support, online resources and networking opportunities such as workshops and events.
National LGBTI Health Alliance www.lgbtihealth.org.au
The national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that run health-related programs, services and research focused on LGBTI people.
Nonbinary Wiki www.nonbinary.wiki
An education and advocacy network that offers information for and about people who don’t fit the gender binary. This website includes an extensive database of definitions of LGBTQIA+ terminology.
Parents of Gender Diverse Children www.pgdc.org.au
Parents of Gender Diverse Children provides peer support to parents and those parenting trans and gender diverse children. They list resources that are both nationwide and state-specific.
QLife www.qlife.org.au or 1800 184 527
A free national and anonymous peer counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. QLife have phone and web-based services for all ages.
Reachout www.au.reachout.com
A free online mental health service for people under twenty-five run by an Australian non-profit. The website has information, fact sheets, tools, stories, videos and a forum.
Trans 101 www.trans101.org.au
Trans 101 is a starter pack designed to help support trans people around you. Offers a selection of videos and a booklet that provide a crash course in what it means to be trans and how to make the world a better, safer, happier place for trans and gender diverse people.
YGender www.ygender.org.au
A Melbourne-based peer-led support and advocacy organisation for trans and gender diverse young people. They provide an autonomous space to support each other and advocate for trans and gender diverse rights.
I was sent the following guide for LGBTQIA+ young people heading to college by a lovely supportive mother. Her daughter Ashley came up against a bit of queerphobia and so together they did some research and found this to be incredibly helpful. It’s American in focus, but presents a number of great things to think about as you transition from high school to tertiary studies.
Ultimate Guide to Resources for LGBTQ+ Students https://couponfollow.com/research/resources-guide-for-lgbtq-students