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:
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia: lgbtiqhealth.org.au
Rainbow Health Australia: rainbowhealthaustralia.org.au
GPSA Inclusive Practice Guide: gpsa.org.au
Healthdirect LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support: healthdirect.gov.au
ThinkGP Training: thinkgp.com.au
MPHN LGBTQIA+ Health Needs Assessment: Insights into regional challenges and solutions
ACON Pride Inclusion Programs – prideinclusionprograms.com.au
Pride Training – pridetraining.org.au
LGBTQIA+ support and services in the Murrumbidgee
Mental health and wellbeing
QLife Australia – 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au
ACON Regional Outreach – acon.org.au
HERE Suicide Prevention Hub – here.org.au
Medicare Mental Health Centres – Wagga Wagga & Young
headspace – Wagga Wagga & Griffith | headspace.org.au
Wagga Women’s Health Centre – (02) 6921 3333
Twenty10 – twenty10.org.au
Sexual health services
Wagga Wagga Sexual Health – (02) 5943 2830
Griffith Sexual Health – (02) 6966 9900
Community and connection
Leeton Rainbow Pride Collective Inc. – leetonpride.org.au
Alphabet Soup Wagga Wagga – Social group for LGBTQIA+ youth
Minus18 – minus18.org.au
Upcoming events
Leeton Pride Festival – 13–15 June 2025 | leetonpride.org.au
Rainbow on the Plains (Hay) – 13–17 November 2025 | rainbowontheplains.com.au
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.