Yael Perry Honoured For Work Supporting LGBTQIA+ Young People And Families

Associate Professor Yael Perry has been recognised for her work improving mental health support for LGBTQA+ young people and their families, receiving an award celebrating justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

The Head of Youth Mental Health at The Kids Research Institute Australia received the Extraordinary Contributions to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Award at the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions’ 14th Scientific Meeting in Newcastle.

Yael Perry recognised for work with LGBTQIA+ Young People And Families

Perry’s research focuses on communities that often experience higher rates of mental health difficulties, developing accessible and inclusive support informed by evidence.

“My team strives to use research as a tool to improve the lives of marginalised young people, many of whom struggle to find high-quality, person-centred support that meets their needs,” Perry said.

“Equity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.”

Among her contributions is leading the development of Transforming Families, an online resource helping parents and caregivers better understand and support trans and gender-diverse children.

According to The Kids Research Institute Australia, the website has attracted 71,000 active users across 125 countries and recorded about 141,000 views since launching.

Its international reach highlights the demand for information that helps families support young people as they navigate questions about gender and identity.

Perry’s work also extends to the professionals providing care. She has launched online training for medical and psychology trainees, helping build skills for inclusive, affirming care and addressing gaps in mental health service delivery.

At a national level, she contributed as an invited expert advisor to Australia’s LGBTIQA+ Health & Wellbeing 10-Year Action Plan, helping inform efforts to improve outcomes for communities across the country.

The Kids Research Institute Australia Executive Director, Professor Caroline Homer, said the recognition reflected Perry’s commitment to a more equitable future for young people and their families.

“Through her research, advocacy and leadership, Yael has helped ensure that communities which have historically faced barriers to support are not only heard but are actively involved in shaping the solutions designed to improve their wellbeing,” Homer said.

“Her work continues to influence research, policy and practice both in Australia and internationally, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.”

The three day meeting brought together researchers, experts and innovators working across digital health, behavioural science and technology.

For Perry and her team, the recognition places a spotlight on research that connects support for young people with the families, practitioners and services around them, with inclusion central to that work.