Voice

UNDERSTAND THROUGH THEIR EYES

“Visibly include LGBTI people and speak positively within their faith and cultural communities.”

“Step back and provide the space for LGBTQ people of colour (also known as QTIPOC) to lead.”

“[The role that service providers and community leaders can play in supporting multicultural and multifaith LGBTIQ+ individuals is] huge. They can speak to communities. They can encourage people to go in the right direction.”

“[Healthcare providers and community leaders] need to listen – not respond with simplistic answers.”

“[Listen] and ask the specific needs of the individual rather than make cultural assumptions.”

“Don’t make assumptions about people’s sexuality or identity. I may present as a middle aged female who wears lipstick and skirts but I don’t have a husband and kids, nor do I have a heteronormative experience of the world.”

“When religious leaders, business leaders, sporting heroes media figures and celebrities talk about this it makes it easier and safer for everyone.”

“My GP accepts mine and my partner’s relationship, but I feel judgement in his office. He isn’t very open.”

“I felt very proud and happy when I noticed my GP had updated her files to reflect that I was a bisexual male. There is still limited understanding of how GP’s or psychs can better support people of my sexuality. I am very confident and intelligent, but have period of depressive mood and isolation.”

“[Recognise] the whole system influences our wellbeing. And some of us can be quite reserved in the beginning. Also note that it can be more difficult to open up with people of the same culture.”