Support for LGBTQIA+ young people
Find information below about some organisations that provide support to LGBTQIA+ young people in Queensland.
The LGBTQIA+ acronym stands as a powerful symbol of diversity and includes the following:
- Lesbian
- Gay
- Bisexual
- Transgender
- Intersex
- Queer
- Asexual/Aromantic.
These are all terms that people may use to describe their experiences with gender, physiological sex characteristics, and sexuality. The plus—or '+' sign—serves as an open invitation, meant to encompass other diverse sexual and gender identities, including those which may not yet fit within established categories.
Discrimination against LGBTQIA+ communities
LGBTQIA+ people are often bullied or discriminated against, both online and in real life. This can include obvious behaviour like verbal or physical abuse. But it can also include subtle discrimination like refusing to use someone’s correct pronouns, or referring to their boyfriend or girlfriend of the same sex as their “friend”.
It’s important to be kind to everyone around you and call out other people’s discriminatory behaviour if you feel safe to do so.
Young LGBTQIA+ people with a history of verbal, sexual and/or physical victimisation and abuse have higher levels of social and mental health problems than heterosexual young people.
Some of these problems include sexual risk-taking, dangerous use of drugs and alcohol, dropping out of school, homelessness, self-harm and thoughts of suicide.
Where to get support
Some people may find the discovery of their sexuality or gender identity stressful and confronting. There are many people and services you can talk to if you’re having a hard time with your sexuality, gender identity, or the way your body is.
Please remember that calls from mobile phones may attract charges, even to 1800 numbers.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000).
Another Closet
Another Closet provides information and resources for people in LGBTIQ relationships who are, or may be, experiencing domestic and family violence.
Diverse Voices
Diverse Voices is a non-profit organisation with a focus on the wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ communities.
You can access their counselling service, QLife, which provides a place to talk about mental health, relationships, isolation, coming out, and a host of other concerns.
Contact QLife on phone 1800 184 527 (3pm to midnight, 7 days) or via online chat (3pm to midnight, 7 days).
DVConnect
DVConnect is a statewide telephone service offering free crisis counselling and support to people affected by domestic and family violence. You can contact them on the following numbers:
- DVConnect Womensline – phone 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days)
- DVConnect Mensline – phone 1800 600 636 (9am to midnight, 7 days)
- DVConnect Sexual Assault Helpline – 1800 010 120 (7.30am to 11.30pm, 7 days).
headspace
headspace is run by the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing mental health services for young people aged 12 to 25. Contact headspace on phone 1800 650 890, online chat or by email.
InterLink
InterLink provides confidential fee-free, short-term counselling to intersex Australians of any age, using therapeutic, trauma-informed, and solution-focused practices.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a free and confidential counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. You can talk to a counsellor on phone 1800 55 1800 (24 hours, 7 days), online chat or by email .
LGBTI Legal Service
The LGBTI Legal Service offers free and confidential legal advice to Queensland residents who identify as members of the diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex community. The solicitors have specific knowledge of LGBTIQ legal issues and understand the barriers experienced by these communities in accessing the legal system.
They may assist you with legal issues associated with:
- family law
- domestic violence
- surrogacy and parenting rights
- criminal law (including victim support)
- employment law
- gender identity
- civil law
- administrative law and government decisions
- discrimination and human rights issues.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia is the national peak health organisation in Australia that provides health-related programs, services and research focused on LGBTIQ communities.
Minus 18
Minus 18 offers peer support to LGBTQIA+ youth and their families, friends and communities through articles, interviews, and video content.
Open Doors Youth Service
Open Doors Youth Service provides support services to LGBTIQAP+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy young people aged 12 to 24 and their families who live in South East Queensland.
The support they provide includes:
- early intervention support for young people aged 12 to 18 at risk of homelessness or disengaging with community including housing support (Reconnect Program)
- PRIDE Art Therapy Program
- Alcohol and Other Drug Program
- National Suicide Prevention Trial
- social groups including:
- Haus of Pride (aged 12 to 24)
- Young and Proud (aged 18 to 24)
- Jellybeans (for Transgender and Gender Diverse young people aged 12 to 24)
- annual events including Pride and Queeriosity
- mediation and advocacy
- training and education
- workshops.
An initial intake appointment is required to access the service. Please phone Open Doors Youth Service on (07) 3257 7660 to book an appointment with one of their friendly youth workers.
Our Diverse City
Our Diverse City is a life skills program for young people aged 12 to 25 who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, pansexual or any other expression of diverse genders and/or sexualities.
Any young person considering the group should contact their nearest centre. South east Queensland centres in Meadowbrook, Ipswich, Nundah and Woolloongabba run the diverse city program each school term.
PFLAG (for parents)
Parent and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Brisbane (PFLAG) is a support group for parents of LGBTIQ people in Queensland. They also strive to support LGBTIQ people who are, or fear, they may be abandoned by their families. Contact PFLAG on phone 0400 767 832 or email.
Queensland Council for LGBTI Health
The Queensland Council for LGBTI Health (QC) ) is an independent, community-based health promotion charity which helps all LGBTI people to achieve the best possible health and wellbeing and participate fully in the life of communities, free from stigma and discrimination.
Queensland Police
The Queensland Police Service LGBTQIA+ Liaison Program provides a professional, non-discriminatory, accessible policing service to members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. If you wish to speak to an LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer, please advise the officer taking your complaint or contact PoliceLink on 131 444, who will identify a liaison officer in your area.
ReachOut
ReachOut is a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, and connect with people wo will provide judgement-free support.
ReachOut is 100% online, anonymous, and confidential, and encourages young people to connect on their terms for peer support.
Relationships Australia Queensland
Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ) provides services for LGBTI people.
The Rainbow Counselling Service is provided by counsellors with specialised skills, knowledge, and experience in the area of LGBTI service provision. A network of specially trained counsellors is available across many of their venues:
- Cairns (FRC)
- Far North Queensland (Cairns)
- Gladstone
- Logan
- Maroochydore
- Spring Hill.
RAQ also facilitates the Transcendence Social and Emotional Support Group – a support group for transgender, gender diverse, non-binary individuals, and individuals questioning their gender identity, aged 18+.
Transcendence groups are held in three RAQ venues:
- Spring Hill, Brisbane
- Robina, Gold Coast
- Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast.
Say It Out Loud
Say It Out Loud encourages people from LGBTIQ communities to start talking about their relationships, including what is wonderful and unique about them, how they can improve them, and what behaviours won’t be accepted by individuals and as a community.
Youth Beyond Blue
Youth Beyond Blue provides information and support to all young Australians who may be struggling with anxiety, depression or thoughts of self-harm. Contact Youth Beyond Blue on phone 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days) or online chat (24 hours, 7 days).