Safer Support for LGBTIQA+
People with disability and those who identify as LGBTIQA+ can oftentimes face discrimination when trying to access support within the community so it stands to reason that those who identify as both can and do face discrimination on both fronts.
In this month's blog, we take a look at some resources that can help those who are a part of these communities to find safe support as well as advocacy organisations who are equipped to support individuals facing injustice or discrimination.
Finding and accessing supports and services that understand you and your needs can greatly reduce the stresses and challenges you face in your everyday life which in turn can improve your health and wellbeing.
LGBTIQA+ Health Australia talk about the topic at length within their NDIA Support Coordination submission;
“The lack of appropriate choice is compounded where NDIS participants have multiple intersections such as also being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, being an asylum seeker or refugee, or from regional or remote locations.
NDIS participants need to have access to supports that not only cater for and specialise in the disability or diagnosis they live with. They need services, including support coordination, that address the whole person and understand key aspects of their identity without needing to disclose their sexuality, gender identity, HIV and/or intersex status to each service provider, without it needing to be repeatedly explained, and without a service provider needing to be educated.”
Knowing what we know about LGBTIQA+ participants still facing stigma within the NDIS space today, we’d like to share a few tips to help you find the supports and services that can understand different aspects of you and your needs.
What to look for
When searching for the right fit in a provider, start by looking through information about the provider online and taking note of their mention of LGBTIQA+ and the context in which it is used.
While a provider may provide services for LGBTIQA+, ensure that the services offered are services that you need.
Reviews are an excellent peer resource. Accounts from others facing similar challenges can help you gain a clearer picture of what the provider's support may look like for you.
Reaching out directly via phone or email,and asking questions specific to your situation can also provide a clearer idea of what to expect from each provider.
Once you have narrowed down your list of providers in your area, you can begin to compare them to determine which one will benefit you most.
Advocacy
So when you face injustice and inequality as a person within these communities, who can you reach out to?
There are a number of advocacy organisations ready for your voice to be heard.
Below is a list of organisations you can go to for support;
For anonymous peer support you can call Qlife on 1800 184 527
Community health organisation ACON has the QueerAbility toolkit of specific resources to help with accessing the NDIS.
Queerspace is a community organisation supported by drummond street services that understands the importance of LGBTIQ+ voices and lived experience.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) has a tonne of recorded webinars on issues faced by gender and sexuality diverse people with disability.
Black Rainbow is a national volunteer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTIA+SB social enterprise in the pursuit of positive health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Sistergirl and Brotherboys (LGBQTIA+SB).
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is the award winning, national Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) and National Women’s Alliance (NWA) for women, girls, feminine identifying and non-binary people with disabilities in Australia.
