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Supporting LGBTQIA+ young people in your home

Being a young person is hard. Being a different young person is even harder.

Young people in care may already feel othered because their home life doesn't match their peers'. So it's no surprise they may be nervous to share other vulnerable parts of themselves for fear of judgement or rejection.

As carers and safe adults, it's our job to create spaces where young people can be unapologetically themselves. While it might feel intimidating or uncomfortable, its important we show with our words and actions that we and our homes are safe spaces for them to explore their identity. 

Creating a supportive environment means actively listening, being open-minded, educating yourself and showing unconditional acceptance.

How can I help?

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    A safe & supportive home base

    Provide a home environment where young people are accepted for and encouraged to be their authentic selves.

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    Positive LGBTQIA+ role models

    Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can help. Encourage joining local or online LGBTQIA+ groups.

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    Professional & informed support

    Sometimes it is easier to talk to someone impartial. Linking with a dedicated therapist or support group can help.

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    Be proactive & educate yourself

    Knowledge is power. Education can help us help the young people in our care, and means we understand them better.

More LGBTQIA+ resources
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The right to be me

Everyone has the right to love and be loved in a way that feels safe and comfortable for them. Similarly, everyone has the right to express and identify their gender in a way that feels safe and comfortable for them. This should be without fear of persecution or discrimination.
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Are you okay?

A study of various LGBTQIA+ data surveys, completed in 2023 by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, indicated that of the LGBTQIA+ people surveyed, 75% had experienced suicidal thoughts, and 30% had attempted suicide. 

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community have been considered a high risk group by The National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement in Australia since 2022.

If you or someone in your care needs support, you can access LGBTQIA+ suicide prevention resources on the QLife website.
LGBTQIA+ suicide prevention support

Common LGBTQIA+ terms and definitions

  1. 1 AFAB or AMAB
    Acronyms describing the gender you were assigned by doctors at birth. Stands for "assigned female at birth" or "assigned male at birth".
  2. 2 Asexual
    Also known as 'ace'. Someone who has little or no sexual attraction to other people. People who identify as asexual may or may not be romantically attracted to others.
  3. 3 Bisexual vs. pansexual

    Bisexuality, or being bi, describes being attracted to more than one gender. Pansexual means a person who is attracted to someone regardless of their sex or gender identity. 

  4. 4 Cisgender
    Someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned by doctors at birth. The prefix 'cis' comes from the Latin meaning 'on the same side as'.
  5. 5 Gay
    Describes a person who is attracted to people of the same identified gender.
  6. 6 Gender diverse
    Describes a person who doesn't identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. There are many ways to identify gender, and people may not be male or female.
  7. 7 Heteronormativity
    When assuming others are straight, or that you have to act a certain way because of your gender, is the default. When you haven't experienced much gender and sexuality diversity, it is an easy assumption to make. 
  8. 8 Intersex
    People who are born with natural variations to their hormones, chromosomes and sex organs that are different to what might be 'typically' male or female.
  9. 9 Lesbian
    A woman who is attracted to another woman. Lesbians can be cisgender or transgender.
  10. 10 LGBTQIA+
    An umbrella term that encompasses all sexually and gender diverse people and communities. This version of the acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual, with the '+' representing identities not included.
  11. 11 Queer

    Historically used as a slur, queer has been reclaimed as an encompassing term that refers to anyone who is attracted to the same gender or is gender diverse.

  12. 12 Transgender
    Someone whose gender identity doesn't match the sex they were assigned at birth. 'Trans' comes from the Latin meaning 'on the other side of'. Someone who is transgender may change their name, clothes or body to affirm their gender identity, but some may not. 

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