The LGBTI Community In Australia

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In today’s society, there have been significant improvements to legislate equality and advances in the general acceptance of lesbian, gay, bi, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community. However, the LGBTI community in Australia remains a marginalised group (Australian Medical Association, 2002; Flood and Hamilton, 2008; Mayer et al., 2008). While substantial gains have been made to reduce discrimination, LGBTI individuals continue to face significant social exclusion and inequity with associated health disadvantages. Take for example, LGBTI Australians are not protected by anti-discrimination laws at a federal level- the process for transgender to have their gender recognized still remains difficult and same-sex couples are unable to be legally …show more content…
Research has shown that more than twice as many homosexual/bisexual Australians experience anxiety disorder as compared to heterosexuals (31% as compared to 9.2%). Another common risk factor would be self-harm and suicide. Research conducted shows that LGBTI people have the highest rates of suicidality of any population in Australia. Also, same-sex attracted individuals have up to fourteen times higher rates of suicide attempts as compared to heterosexual individuals. This elevated risk of ill mental health and suicidality among the LGBTI community is not due to their sexuality, sex or gender identity, but rather due to the discrimination and social exclusion they faced. This can also be referred to as minority stress. In addition to the discrimination they face on a day-to-day basis, LGBTI individuals also experience the burden of a minority status. In the process of growing up, they come to realise that they are part of a less valued group in the society. Thus, resulting in being very vulnerable to prejudice and discrimination. The negative experiences they had are internalised, leading to having future negative expectations from one’s own sexuality and …show more content…
It is evident through studies conducted and real life experiences from LGBTI individuals that the social exclusion and discrimination they have faced, led to adverse effects on their mental health. Furthermore, homophobia among healthcare professionals and discrimination faced when accessing healthcare services results in LGBTI individuals refraining from seeking medical help. Therefore, anti-LGBTI discrimination poses as a health issue for the LGBTI

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