News

Despite the many gains that have been made towards LGBTIQ+ equality, health care services are still not always safe spaces for people from LGBTIQ+ communities.

For many LGBTIQ people, engaging with health practitioners can mean being at the receiving end of assumptions, judgements, and discrimination.

While there are many health practitioners who are aware of how to be inclusive, inclusion is unfortunately not the default position. More understanding and education is required so that LGBTIQ+ people can feel confident that they will be able to feel safe to access health care services in the palliative care space. Volunteers should not be left out of this important conversation.

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia are currently engaged in a three-year National Palliative Care Project that will build the capacity of the palliative care sector to provide culturally appropriate services to LGBTIQ+ people. They have released a poster outlining 11 ways services can foster more inclusive spaces. It is available for download here.