Flourish - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 19
Who Makes Up the LGBTQIA+
Community?
According to the Australian Bureau of
Statistics (ABS, 2022), around 4.5% of
Australians aged 16 and over identify as
LGBTQIA+, which includes people who
identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or
other diverse sexual and gender identities.
This equates to more than 900,000
Australians, a figure that has grown
steadily as more individuals feel safe to
express their identities. The growth in
visibility underscores the importance of
fostering inclusive environments that
support mental health and wellbeing.
Yet visibility doesn’t always equate to
acceptance. While progress has been
made in areas such as marriage equality
and anti-discrimination legislation, many
LGBTQIA+ Australians continue to face
social stigma, discrimination, and systemic
barriers4factors that deeply affect mental
health.
Mental Health in the LGBTQIA+
Community
LGBTQIA+ individuals often encounter
unique stressors, including discrimination,
stigma, and social exclusion, contributing
to higher rates of mental health issues.
According to the Australian Bureau of
Statistics, LGBTQIA+ Australians are more
likely to experience mental health
conditions compared to the general
population.
43.2% of LGBTQIA+ adults are
diagnosed with a mental health
condition, compared with 21.5% of
heterosexual adults.
1 in 2 LGBTQIA+ Australians aged 163
24 report high or very high
psychological distress.
Trans and gender-diverse individuals
report particularly high rates of
anxiety and depression.
Most commonly, these disparities can be
attributed to ongoing experiences of
marginalisation, bullying, discrimination,
and family rejection. Common mental
health concerns within the LGBTQIA+
community can include:
Internalised Shame & Stigma: Where
external discrimination and prejudice
can be internalised by individuals.
Depression: Persistent feelings of
sadness and loss of interest.
Anxiety and Social Anxiety: Excessive
worry and fear in social situations.
Eating Disorders: Unhealthy
relationships with food and body
image.
Substance Use Disorders: Increased
risk of alcohol and drug misuse.
Suicidal Ideation: Higher prevalence of
thoughts about self-harm or suicide.
The Private Lives 3 Survey (2020),
conducted by La Trobe University with
over 6,000 LGBTQIA+ Australians, also
found high levels of suicidal ideation,
particularly among younger respondents,
trans and gender-diverse people, and
those living in rural or regional areas.
The Role of Community and Connection
Protective factors such as community
connectedness, positive social
relationships, and access to affirming
healthcare can significantly reduce the
risk of mental ill-health. Pride events and
LGBTQIA+ networks can provide not only
celebration but also visibility, validation,
and solidarity. Creating inclusive spaces4
at home, in schools, and in workplaces4
can go a long way toward supporting
wellbeing.
