Creating inclusive healthcare this pride month and beyond

June is Pride Month – a time to celebrate the strength, diversity, and resilience of LGBTQIA+ people and communities across the Murrumbidgee region and beyond. But Pride is about more than rainbow flags and parades – it’s also a chance to reflect on how we can make healthcare safer, more respectful, and inclusive for everyone, all year round.

Despite growing awareness and progress, many LGBTQIA+ people still face significant barriers to care, including discrimination, concerns about confidentiality, and services that don’t always reflect their needs. At MPHN, we’re committed to fostering inclusive healthcare environments where every person feels welcome, heard, and supported.

How health professionals can support LGBTQIA+ inclusion

1. Understand unique needs

LGBTQIA+ individuals may face higher risks for mental health issues, chronic disease, and healthcare avoidance. Take time to understand the health disparities and lived experiences that shape their needs—and how these may differ from those of other patients.

2. Use inclusive language

Simple shifts in language, such as using a person’s affirmed name and pronouns, can make a world of difference. Forms and intake processes should reflect diverse identities and relationship types.

3. Train your team

Ensure your entire practice team is equipped to provide safe, respectful care through regular cultural competency training. This helps everyone—from reception staff to clinicians—create an affirming space.

4. Review your policies

Are your systems unintentionally creating barriers? Review practice policies with a diversity and inclusion lens, and remove gendered assumptions that may limit access to care.

5. Partner with LGBTQIA+ organisations

Build trust by actively connecting with community groups. This strengthens referral networks, improves cultural relevance, and demonstrates genuine commitment beyond Pride Month.

Resources for GPs and health services

Whether you’re looking to improve your own understanding or implement practice-wide change, these tools and organisations can help:

LGBTQIA+ support and services in the Murrumbidgee

Mental health and wellbeing

Sexual health services

  • Wagga Wagga Sexual Health – (02) 5943 2830

  • Griffith Sexual Health – (02) 6966 9900

Community and connection

Upcoming events

Helplines and crisis support

  • QLife: 1800 184 527 (3pm–12am)

  • Accessline: 1800 800 944 (24/7)

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14

  • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

  • NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511

  • 13YARN: 13 92 76 (First Nations support)

  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (family & sexual violence support)

By fostering inclusive practices and connecting with LGBTQIA+ communities, healthcare professionals can help ensure all people—no matter who they are or who they love—receive safe, respectful, and affirming care.

LGBTQIA+Cristy Houghton