Private lives and public knowledge

Private lives and public knowledge

The launch of the Private Lives 2 (PL2) report earlier this month really brought into the open the disparities between the health of LGBT Australians compared to all Australians — and clear disparities between groups within the LGBT community.

Generally, LGBT physical health was on par with the broader community. Once again, however, on many mental health issues, LGBT health was worse. Further, trans, bisexual and youth health were even worse again than LGBT health.

The implication here is the need for careful tailoring of policy responses. That higher numbers of people (25.2 percent) than ever before were identifying as other than gay/lesbian/straight or other than cisgender male/female (7.4 percent) highlight the demand for services that are truly inclusive.

I acknowledge those figures are for a survey within the LGBT community and not an “all-of-community” survey; they still clearly show a growing fluidity in sexuality, sex and gender.

From an age perspective, there is a challenge in that youth are struggling (and I acknowledge seniors issues as well). However, we need to affirm the reality that coming out is still tough for, say, 30-55-year-old trans and bi folk. The trans stats highlight once again the need for quick action in relation to permanent funding for the Zoe Belle Gender Centre. Reports in recent months from the UK and the USA highlight bi health issues and possible actions (and our own good doctor Ruth McNair is currently undertaking some research re bi women here in Australia).

Previous ARCSHS reports have also highlighted the links from discrimination to poorer health outcomes – and that’s definitely where the VGLRL et al come in. We’ll be using PL2 to push hard for strong laws in relation to protection from discrimination and queerphobic harassment.

Equally importantly, research like PL2 reiterates the need for the permanently funded community infrastructure which in part can educate and therefore reduce discrimination.

Check out the report at http://glhv.org.au/report/private-lives-2-report

Here’s to our health!

INFO: Sally Goldner is VGLRL treasurer, Bisexual Alliance Victoria treasurer and TransGender Victoria spokesperson.

You May Also Like

2 responses to “Private lives and public knowledge”

  1. Could it be that the broader gay and lesbian community are slow to warm towards bisexual, transgender and intersex people because they feel they challenge their exclusive minority status?