Murray PHN has released a new Population Health Series Report to strengthen understanding of the health, wellbeing and service experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning and other communities (LGBTQ+).

Developed in partnership with the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University and supported by Rainbow Health Australia and Thorne Harbour Country, the report responds to an identified evidence gap. It highlights opportunities to improve inclusive, safe and locally accessible care, and aims to help guide more responsive and evidence-informed primary healthcare planning.

The report has been informed by people with lived experience, advocates and service providers. Their voices have played an important role in ensuring the report reflects local priorities, and we thank them for their meaningful contributions.

Key findings show that LGBTQ+ people in regional and rural areas continue to experience significant barriers to health and wellbeing. This includes:

  • Mental health as a priority issue, with higher levels of psychological distress, loneliness, suicidality and impacts of discrimination reported
  • Safe access to services, being limited by local availability, difficulties in identifying those that are genuinely inclusive and a reliance on a small number of trusted practitioners
  • The importance of intersectionality and cultural safety, highlighting the need to better support people who may experience overlapping barriers related to sexuality, gender, culture and identity.

Recommendations call for stronger engagement with communities in planning and service design, improved collection of data and leadership backed by meaningful training, accountability and respectful practice.

People and organisations are encouraged to read, share and use the report to inform improvements and activities that support improved health and wellbeing outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities across the Murray PHN catchment.

Click here to read the report.

As an aside: The 2026 Census is approaching on Tuesday 11 August, and for the first time, LGBTIQA+ people will be properly counted. Equality Australia has developed a fact sheet for the LGBTIQA+ community, available here.
Wear it Purple Day is also next month on 28 August, which is an annual date dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ young people. Click here to get involved.