LGBTQIA+
People’s genders, bodies, relationships and sexualities can affect their health and wellbeing in all parts of their lives – including their sexual and reproductive health.
LGBTQIA+ communities have historically been leaders in sexual health promotion and activism. However, due to social stigma, discrimination and lack of knowledge from health professionals, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities (LGBTQIA+) can be at risk of poorer sexual and reproductive health.
Using contraception if you are trans, non-binary or gender diverse
If you are trans, non-binary or gender diverse you will need contraception based on your physiology. Gender affirming hormones are not effective contraception. You can still have a pregnancy if you have a uterus, or get someone pregnant if you have a penis.
Studies have shown that contraceptives do not have a negative impact on gender affirming hormones. Trans, non-binary and gender diverse people with a uterus may find that hormonal contraception stops or limits their period. This can be helpful for people who suffer from gender dysphoria.
LGBTQIA+ health services
In Victoria, there are many health services that work to provide support to the LGBTQIA+ community.
If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or advocating on behalf of an LGBTQIA+ person, 1800 My Options can help you find appropriate sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Contact us on 1800 696 784 (Weekdays 9am – 5pm), or email [email protected]
More information:
- Thorne Harbour Health
Previously the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC), Thorne Harbour Health is a community health organisation responding to HIV and AIDS, as well as the health and wellbeing of sex, sexuality and gender diverse communities.
Peer Workshops by Thorne Harbour Health - Switchboard
Peer-driven support services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people, their families, allies and communities.
Call 1800 184 527 or webchat from 3:00pm to midnight seven days a week. - Rainbow Door
Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, BrotherBoys, SisterGirls) helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family. Available 10am – 6pm, 7 days a week.
Ph: 1800 729 367
SMS: 0480 017 246
Email: [email protected] - Queerspace
An LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing support service, with a focus on relationships, families, parenting and young people. queerspace services include counselling (including individual, relationship and family counselling), case management, advocacy and support services, peer support including groups and seminars, professional development, training, consulting and support for organisations who work with LGBTIQ+ people and their families. - Minus 18
Australian charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth through events, workshops and peer support. - Zoe Belle Gender Collective
Trans and gender diverse led advocacy organisation based in Victoria. Workshops, consultations and online resources for trans and gender diverse people, allies and health services. - Rainbow Network
Find a group or service for LGBTQIA+ young people, online resources and training for professionals. - Primed: A Sex Guide for Trans Men into Men
Based on an Ontario-wide assessment of the sexual health needs of gay, bi and queer trans men, Primed prioritizes our diverse bodies, desires, and sexualities. Topics covered in the guide include: disclosure, finding sex and cruising, safer sex and harm reduction, HIV and other STIs, and more! - ACON – ‘Own It’ Cervical Screening for all women and people with a cervix
Did you know that LGBTQ people are less likely to have cervical screening than the general population? ACON’s Cervical Screening campaign, Own It, provides information about choices you have when it comes to your Cervical Screening Test. - Word on the Sheets
Sexual health info by and for LGBTQ+ women and our partners.