YOUTH LGBTIQ+ RESOURCE

A DIRECTORY OF YOUTH LGBTIQ+ FRIENDLY SERVICES IN MELBOURNE'S INNER METRO AND INNER EAST

A resource created by the Inner Eastern Local Learning & Employment Network

WHY?

Although most Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and (LGBTIQ+) Australians live healthy and happy lives, research has demonstrated that a disproportionate number experience poorer mental health outcomes and have higher risk of suicidal behaviours than their peers. These health outcomes are directly related to experiences of stigma, prejudice, discrimination and abuse on the basis of being LGBTIQ+.

The purpose of this resource is to provide information and increase awareness of the services, programs, and supports available to LGBTIQ+ young people (12-25) in Melbourne's inner Metro area, with a particular focus on the inner East (Port Philip, Stonnington, Boroondara).

It also includes ways for LGBTIQ+ young people to connect via support groups, days of celebration, and media.

The resource can be used by young people, their families, and carers, as well as the organisations and services that work to support LGBTIQ+ young people. Throughout the online version of this resource, there are clickable web links providing further information.

YOUTH LGBTIQ+ young LGBTIQ+ 6 in 10 experience people aged 16 verbal abuse, with STATS to 27 are five 2 in 10 times more likely experiencing to attempt physical abuse suicide

33% of LGBTIQ+ LGBTIQ+ young In 2018/19, 42% of young people aged people are twice as LGBTIQ+ young 16 to 27 reported likely to be people aged 18- having self-harming, diagnosed and 29 had not yet 41% had thoughts of treated for mental 'come out' harming themselves health disorders

DATA SOURCES www.lgbtihealth.org.au/statistics What's up in you world survey 2019 CATEGORIES

CLINICS & HEALTH CENTRES

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

SUPPORT GROUPS

ONLINE AND PHONE SUPPORT

STAY CONNECTED

LGBTIQ+ FRIENDLY CLINICS & HEALTH CENTRES

To combat the health risks that LGBTIQ+ young people may face, the following health centres and clinics offer a variety of services.

Although not all are youth specific, they all offer a range of services and therapies to young people, each with trained professionals employed. THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MELBOURNE GENDER SERVICE AGE

LOCATION Up to the age The Royal Children's Hospital (the RCH) Melbourne Gender Service of 17 aims to improve the physical and mental health outcomes of children and adolescents who are trans or gender diverse. 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville SERVICES Families who access The RCH Gender Service with their child or adolescent will be provided with a family centred approach to care. This will entail a multidisciplinary assessment of their child or adolescent regarding gender diversity or gender dysphoria. CONTACT As an outcome of the assessment, support and treatment pathways will be offered. COST (03) 9345 5034 The RCH Gender Service accept new referrals from across Free with a for any child or adolescent up to the age of 17 years referral Referral form with concerns regarding their gender identity. A referral from a General Practitioner (GP) to the Gender Service is required.

www.rch.org.au/adolescent-medicine/gender-service PRAHRAN MARKET LOCATION AGE

Pran Central Any age CLINIC Shopping Centre, Mezzanine Level 1 Prahran Market Clinic is a privately owned medical 325 Chapel Street Prahran General Practice, supported by Allied Health providers. Particular focus is placed on sexual health, and Gay, HOURS Lesbian and Gender Diverse health. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:45pm The Clinic is well regarded and respected for its Saturday - 9:00am involvement in HIV clinical research trials and for the CONTACT to 12:45pm teaching of medical students. (03) 9514 0888 SERVICES Gay & Lesbian health Health care plans @ hello@prahran Transgender health Health checks & risk marketclinic.com COST Sexual health & HIV evaluations HIV rapid tests Travel medicine - Prahran Market Women’s health and immunisations Clinic is a private contraception control billing clinic

www.prahranmarketclinic.com

LOCATION AGE THORNE HARBOUR

Level 5, 615 St Kilda Over 18. Clients aged 16- HEALTH Rd, (located in the 17 may be able to access Cancer Council services. Contact the Duty Worker (Monday- building) Friday 10am-4pm) for Previously the Victorian Aids Council, Thorne Harbour further information Health is a community-controlled organisation, working for sex, sexuality and gender diverse communities. As a central part of the Victorian community response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Thorne Harbour provides a range of HOURS services which include prevention education, treatment and care of PLHIV and counselling services. Monday – 9am-7pm COST Tuesday - 9am-9pm No cost for Alcohol and Wednesday – 9am-9pm Their evolution has come to include a broadening of Other Drugs (AOD) and Thursday - 9am-9pm Family Violence services. services for the health needs of the lesbian, gay, Friday - 9am-5pm bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) communities Cost for General Counselling services are to ensure all gender, sex, and sexually diverse individuals negotiated on a sliding are treated with dignity and can participate in society. scale

CONTACT SERVICES Individual counselling (03) 9865 6700 Relationship counselling www.thorneharbour.org Therapeutic groups @ counselling@ thorneharbour.org Peer education workshops LOCATION AGE THE CENTRE CLINIC

Rear of 77 Any age Fitzroy St, St The Centre Clinic is a safe, friendly LGBTI General Kilda Practice providing general health care for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and trans people, as well as specialist medical care for people living with HIV, and expert sexual health screening and treatment. It has an informal, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. COST HOURS The registered General Practitioners are able to provide Bulk Bill Medicare Card healthcare and specialist referrals for all health related Monday - 9:30am – 6:30pm Holders, Private Fees matters. Tuesday - 9:30am – 5:00pm payable on the day for Wednesday - 9:30am – 5:00pm non-Medicare Card Centre Clinic has strong links with a range of LGBTI Thursday - 9:30am – 5:00pm holders friendly allied health services throughout Victoria – this Friday - 9:30am – 5:00pm includes dentists, podiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, Saturday - 9:00am – 12:30pm dieticians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and others.

CONTACT SERVICES LGBTI General Practice (03) 9525 5886 HIV testing and management @ STI testing and treatment www.thorneharbour.org/lgbti clinicreception@ PrEP/PEP thorneharbour.org -health/centre-clinic LOCATION LIFEWORKS AGE Various locations across Any age LifeWorks Relationship Counselling and Education Services is Inner Metro a not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote healthy, Melbourne respectful and fulfilling relationships within the Victorian community.

In partnership with Thorne Harbour Health and SEMPHN, Lifeworks offer free counselling to LGBTQ+ clients living in the southern suburbs of Melbourne. See website for details. COST HOURS Lifeworks welcome Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Gender Payment is based Diverse and Intersex (LGBTIQ+) people at their services, Monday - Thursday on a sliding scale pledging to provide inclusive and non-discriminatory 8.30am - 8.00pm dependent on services to LGBTIQ clients. Lifeworks also has Rainbow Tick Friday - income accreditation. 8.30 - 5.00pm

SERVICES CONTACT Individual counselling

Relationship counselling 1300 543 396 Accessible Psychological Interventions (API) Family therapy @ lifeworks@lifeworks. Relationship education programs com.au

www.lifeworks.com.au AGE HEADSPACE LOCATION 12 to 25

HAWTHORN Level 1, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn headspace is 's National Youth Mental Health Available to all organisation with intervention services and health young people aged 12- 25 COST promotion programs to 12-25 year old, inclusive of LGBTIQ young people. Services are all bulk billed with headspace Hawthorn is committed to embracing Medicare, no payment required diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. headspace welcomes all CONTACT people irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity. They are operated by Access Health and (03) 9006 6500 Community. @ enquiries@headspac SERVICES ehawthorn.org.au Counselling in a LGBTQIA+ safe space with youth- HOURS

friendly clinicians. Mon – Tues 9:30-6pm LGBTQIA+ friendly Doctor Weds - 9:30-8pm Various events and activities for the LGBTQIA+ Friday – 9-5pm community (see social media)

www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/hawthorn AGE LOCATION EQUINOX All ages 175 Rose Street HRT - 16 plus Fitzroy Equinox is a peer led Trans and Gender Diverse Open to all TGD people residing in (TGD) Health Service operated by Thorne Harbour VIC Health (THH). Equinox work in partnership with HOURS the THH Trans Advisory Group and patients to establish service needs and define priorities. General Practice: Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm Osteopathy - Friday By working in partnership with the TGD community, Counselling: Equinox aims to provide a safe environment for COST Thursday: 9am – 3.30pm gender diverse clients to obtain quality medical Bulk Bill Medicare Care care. They honour and support informed decisions holders for GP services. and will use preferred name and pronouns, whilst Counselling services charged on a sliding fee scale. treating clients with respect. Osteopath services are privately charged and SERVICES payable on the day of CONTACT service Services include General Practice healthcare, 03 9416 2889 sexual health, hormone initiation and management, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Osteopathy and @ equinoxadmin@ Counselling for Trans people. thorneharbour.org www.equinox.org.au

LOCATION AGE PRONTO

Sexually active 175 Rose Street MSM and TGD Fitzroy. Open to all people of any PRONTO is Melbourne's only free rapid HIV testing gay, MSM, Trans age service, for men who have sex with men. people Confidential, accurate, rapid HIV testing with results in 15 minutes.

PRONTO offers rapid HIV test for free. Pathology fees are payable to the pathology lab on the day for CONTACT non-Medicare card holders. PrEP consultations are bulk billed for Medicare card holders. Private HOURS (03) 9416 2889 fees are payable on the day for non-Medicare card Monday to Thursday: @ admin@pronto. holders. 4:00-8:00pm org.au

SERVICES Saturday: 10:30am- Peer Rapid HIV and STI testing for men having 2:30pm sex with men (MSM) and trans and gender diverse (TGD) people Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Clinics www.pronto.org.au LINDA MIDALIA LOCATION AGE

PSYCHOLOGY 29 Cliff Street Age 15 plus South Yarra Linda has been a psychologist in private practice and a member of the Australian Psychological Society for more Accessible to all than 20 years. CONTACT Her experience in the 1990’s setting up, training and debriefing care teams for people with AIDS for the (03) 9826 5452 Victorian AIDS Council and counselling at the Gay Men’s Health Centre led to establishing the Support Group for @ lindamidalia@ COST hotmail.com Women Partners of Gay and Bisexual men which functioned for more than a decade. She has a wealth of experience in Payment is required, working with Transgender clients and their families. however rebates can be accessed through Medicare or private Her practice in South Yarra has been distinguished by an funds if client has cover eclectic approach which allows tailored therapy to meet HOURS individual client needs and experience. Monday to Friday SERVICES 9:00am to 5:00pm

One on one counselling for LGBTQI youth and families Counselling for transitioning Transitioning in the Workplace Program for Employers www.lindamidaliapsychology.com.au THE MELBOURNE LOCATION AGE CLINIC 130 Church Street, Richmond Age 16 plus The Melbourne Clinic (TMC) is an inclusive service. In Accessible to all 2017 it was the first private mental health hospital to achieve Rainbow Tick Accreditation. TMC offers inpatient, day program and outpatient mental health care services inclusive of LGBTIQ clients.

Its focus is to provide patients with the support and CONTACT expertise from a comprehensive multi-disciplinary COST team of Psychiatrists, Addiction Medicine Specialists, (03) 9429 4688 There is a cost for Mental Health Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, Dietitians, and other Allied Health staff. @ Through site services. Contact to find out more SERVICES Mental Health programs (inpatient and day) for people experiencing difficulty with any mental h ealth condition Referral service to psychiatrists with a special interest in working with people from the LGBTI+ www.themelbourneclinic.com.au community. MIND EQUALITY COST AGE Fees vary by practitioner type, Age 16 to 65 but are competitively priced – contact CENTRE the centre for full details.

A safe, healing place in Fitzroy North for Medicare rebates may be available to clients with a referral and people of the LGBTIQ community and their mental health care treatment plan from families providing psychological and allied a GP or other clinician. Some services are NDIS fundable. health counselling services. LOCATION They also welcome privately funded clients. Session fees can be claimed from 366 St Georges The Mind Equality Centre’s qualified and your private health insurance fund if Road, Fitzroy experienced practitioners all identify as cover allows North members or allies of the LGBTIQ community. They really understand what it’s like, so clients can focus on the issues that matter to them. HOURS SERVICES Psychological counselling for individuals Appointments are CONTACT available from Family relationship counselling Monday to Saturday, 1300 054 284 Couples counselling including some after Occupational therapy hours availability @ mindequalitycentre Sex therapy @mindaustralia.org. au Suicide prevention support

www.mindaustralia.org.au/mind-equality-centre AGE LOCATION NORTHSIDE CLINIC Any age

370 St. Georges Road, Fitzroy North

Northside Clinic is a General Practice owned and Accessible to people who staffed by a number of GPs with years of experience identify as LGBT or people who live in 3068 postcode COST working in Melbourne's inner North.

Fee for services, The clinic is open to all, but has a particular focus on depending on the Sexual Health, as well as providing quality medical care length of the in a safe and friendly environment for the Lesbian, Gay, appointment. Reabtes available Bisexual, Trans and HIV positive communities in HOURS Melbourne’s North. They are committed to providing an environment that is safe and inclusive for people of all Monday – 8:30am-6pm sexual orientations, sex and gender identities. Tuesday – 8:30am-6pm Wednesday – 8:30am-6pm Thursday – 8:30am-6pm CONTACT SERVICES Friday - 8:30am-6pm Testing for and management of Sexually Saturday - 9am-12pm (03) 9485 7700 Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV Counsellors – (generally charge a gap payment) @ info@northside Family therapist clinic.net.au

Osteopath

www.northsideclinic.net.au MONASH HEALTH GENDER CLINIC LOCATION AGE

17 Plus The Monash Health Gender Clinic (MHGC) is a state-wide service that 352 South Rd, provides individualised, consumer centred care for trans, gender Hampton East diverse and non-binary people, their families and partners. Their principle aim is to improve the health outcomes and wellbeing of all clients. The MHGC accept all referrals for individuals who are aged 17 and above and reside in the state of Victoria. COST

They also provide support and information for health care providers Free with a GP as well as community and advocacy groups. The MHGC welcomes HOURS referral sistergirls and brotherboys from indigenous communities. Clients need to complete a General Information Form, and get a referral from Monday - 8:30am–5pm a medical practitioner, such as a GP or medical specialist. Tuesday - 830am–5pm Wednesday - 8:30am–5pm SERVICES Thursday - 8:30am–5pm Provide a safe space to explore gender identity Friday - 8:30am–5pm CONTACT Assess experiences of gender dysphoria in accordance with international guidelines 03 9556 5216 Explore various medical and social interventions relevant to transgender health @ Identify other mental or physical health issues that need to be managed prior to genderclinic@ medical interventions monashhealth.org Refer, where appropriate, to experienced private or public clinicians

Provide additional social work support or connecting with relevant social services when required Support the gender transition process Advocate for access to health services www.monashhealth.org/services/services-f-n/gender-clinic

LGBTIQ+ SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

There are a number of services and programs which provide a range of supports, information, workshops, legal advice, safe spaces, and events for LGBTIQ+ young people in or close to the Inner Eastern region of Melbourne. ADDRESS THE DRUM 100 Drummond St, Carlton AGE The drum delivers youth services in Carlton, Kensington, North 12 to 25. Polaris and A Place at the Melbourne, the Melbourne CBD, as well as the Richmond and Table are accessible to all ages Collingwood public housing estates. The drum is situated within CONTACT drummond street services (ds), a community and family mental health Phone: 03 9663 6733 and wellbeing service provider. Their work seeks to be; inclusive, Email: Through site supportive and to provide safe and affirmative spaces for young COST people to connect, as well as providing individual support and All services are free advocacy. The drum offer the following programs to LGBTIQ+ young WEBSITE - www.thedrum.ds.org.au people. Queerspace Youth Invisible Rainbow International Polaris (individual) & A Place at the Regular activities, Regular activities and Students table (family) Mentoring projects events and events for QTPOC Supportive environment LGBTQI+ mentoring projects support groups (Queer / Trans, person for LGBTQIA+ that aim to build resilience in for LGBTQIA+ (and of colour) identified international students, the community. These programs questioning) young people. Invisible such as regular English include mentorship relationships young people to aims to provide classes and social that are based on ‘stages’ rather increase social autonomous spaces events. than ages. Anyone can be a connection and for QTPOC young mentor regardless of age, and capacity. people. anyone can get mentored. MINUS 18 ADDRESS 81 Rupert St,Collingwood Minus18 is Australia's largest youth-led organisation for same sex AGE attracted and gender diverse youth. Minus18 aims to improve the 13 to 25 health and wellbeing of, and provide a safe environment for, same- CONTACT sex attracted and gender diverse young people in seeking to Phone: 0478 098 540 empower them to grow as happy, healthy individuals. Email: [email protected] COST SERVICES - Event, workshops, resources, volunteer opportunities Events are free WEBSITE - www.minus18.org.au Workshops incur a fee

AREA COVERED SWITCHBOARD Victoria wide AGE Switchboard Victoria is a community-based not for profit organisation that All ages provides a peer based, volunteer run support service for LGBTIQ+ people and CONTACT their friends, families. They provide national telephone and web chat, as well Phone: 1800 184 527 as information and referrals on 1800 184 527 from 3pm to midnight every day. Online: Chat here SERVICES - Phone and web counselling, Referral service, Projects, COST Free Events, Suicide prevention WEBSITE - www.switchboard.org.au DCSS AUSTRALIA INC. AREA COVERED Remote work throughout all of Victoria. Diverse Community & Social Services is a NFP Community Justice Melbourne cbd office opening 2020 Organisation, assisting people with infringement financial debts AGE under the Infringement Act of Victoria. They are the only dual- Predmonantly 18+, but younger accredited Diversity and Inclusion organisation within the clients considered Community Justice Program in Melbourne and Victoria. CONTACT Email: [email protected] SERVICES - Community Justice Program, Peer support and basic COST WEBSITE - www.dcssaustralia.org case management Free PROUD 2 PLAY AREA COVERED Victoria wide Proud 2 Play (P2P) focus on increasing LGBTI+ engagement in sport, exercise and AGE active recreation. To do this, they work with all levels of the sporting community, All ages from individual participants and grassroots communities, to state and national CONTACT sporting organisations. P2P seek to encourage LGBTI+ people to participate and Online: Through site engage in sport and exercise by providing structured opportunities and pathways. COST SERVICES - Events, Education, Policy, Research Free WEBSITE - www.proud2play.org.au TRANSCEND AGE All ages Transcend is the first parent led peer support network for parents of CONTACT trans kids in Australia and has provided information, advocacy, Email: [email protected] parent support and community networking since it began in 2012. SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES - Peer support, Community connection, Resources and www.facebook.com/transcendsupport1 information, Fundraising, Advocacy. COST Free WEBSITE - www.transcendsupport.com.au

PARENTS OF GENDER DIVERSE CHILDREN

PGDC provides peer support to parents and those parenting trans and gender AREA COVERED diverse children of any age. PGDC also provide support, referrals, advocacy, 100 Drummond St, Carlton education, and information to professionals, organisations, schools and the wider AGE community. They are available to conduct information sessions, policy advice, Parents of any age transition/affirmation planning and support and a range of other services. CONTACT SERVICES - Peer support, One on One peer support, Monthly social catch-ups, Email: [email protected] Australia-wide network of parents, Training and education sessions COST Free WEBSITE - www.pgdc.org.au VICTORIA POLICE GLLO PROGRAM

Victoria Police has appointed over 300 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex Liaison Officers (GLLOs) across the state in metro and rural LOCATION areas. The GLLOs provide a contact point for LGBTIQ community members Various Police Stations and provide advice, assistance and recommendations to Victoria Police on AGE the policing needs of LGBTIQ people. Victoria Police currently has one full All ages time GLLO and more than 230 portfolio GLLOs across the state. CONTACT LOCAL LOCATIONS WITH GLLO'S - Collingwood, Melbourne East, Email: gllocoordinator-ops-oic Melbourne North, Richmond, Southbank, Caulfield, Malvern, Prahran, @police.vic.gov.au St Kilda, South Melbourne WEBSITE - link here FITTED FOR WORK ADDRESS Fitted for Work Transgender Program supports Transwomen and Gender Diverse Level 1, 210 Lonsdale St (she/ her/ they/ them) jobseekers on their journey to finding employment. The AGE program offers a suite of employment-related services, tailored for Transwomen 15 years plus and Gender Diverse jobseekers, to help increase work readiness and confidence. CONTACT Phone: 03 9662 4289 SERVICES - Peer support, Personal Outfitting, Resume and Interview Prep, Job Email: info@fittedfor Prep, Presentation Workshops, Group Makeup and Styling Workshops. work.org WEBSITE - www.fittedforwork.org/transgender-program

LGBTIQ+ SUPPORT GROUPS

LGBTIQ+ support groups play an important role, especially for young people who, initially, may find it difficult to come out.

The following support groups may be peer led, and offer a safe space for young LGBTIQ+ people to understand that they are not alone in experiencing the various challenges they face. AGE GLEN EIRA PRIDE 14 to 25 COST The Glen Eira Pride program is run by Glen Free Eira Youth services and gives young people CONTACT the chance to meet like-minded people, Email: [email protected] whilst promoting LGBTIQ awareness and Phone 03 95243676 WHEN inclusion. It is a safe, supportive, inclusive Wednesday 4pm to 5:30pm. and confidential group. W HERE Glen Eira Youth Services WEBSITE - Glen Eira Pride

AGE 18 Plus BISEXUAL ALLIANCE VIC COST Gold coin donation welcomed Bisexual Alliance Victoria Inc. is a non-profit CONTACT volunteer-run organisation dedicated to promoting Email: [email protected] the acceptance of bisexuals in LGBTIQ and SOCIAL MEDIA mainstream society, providing a fun, safe space www.facebook.com/BiAllianceVic WHEN where bisexuals can meet, make friends, and talk 4th Tuesday of the month about their experiences. WHERE WEBSITE - www.bi-alliance.org 100 Drummond Street, Carlton AGE TRANSFAMILY 18 plus COST Transfamily is a peer support group that meets Gold coin donation welcomed monthly for parents, siblings, extended family CONTACT and/or friends of a trans and gender diverse Email: [email protected] person. The group offers a warm and supportive Phone: 0423 132 819 environment and regularly runs workshops and WHEN hosts guest speakers. Fourth Saturday of every month except December and January CONVENORS - Carolynne and Sally WHERE WEBSITE - www.transfamilysite.wordpress.com Carlton

AGE 18 Plus INC COST Free Transgender Victoria is a leading body for trans CONTACT and gender diverse advocacy. Working to Email: [email protected] achieve justice, equity and inclusive service Phone: 03 90204642 provision for trans and gender diverse people, WHEN their partners, families and friends. TGV also 2nd Wednesday evening of each runs a support group that meets twice monthly. month and 4th Saturday morning WHERE 100 Drummond Street, Carlton WEBSITE - www.tgv.org.au

AGE YGENDER 25 and under Ygender is a peer support and advocacy COST Free organisation run by, and for trans/gender CONTACT diverse young people. It offers a regular social Email: [email protected] events, create resources about trans rights and Social: www.facebook.com/Ygender gender diversity, as well as workshops and WHEN training sessions on trans inclusive practices. Event list here WHERE WEBSITE - www.ygender.org.au 100 Drummond St, Carlton

AGE 14-25 FULL SPECTRUM COST Free Run by Bayside Council's Youth Services, Full CONTACT Spectrum is a social group for young people who Email: [email protected] are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The group Phone: 03 9599 4622 provides an opportunity to meet like-minded WHEN people in a safe and supportive environment. Once a month WHERE WEBSITE - www.bayside.vic.gov.au/full-spectrum Peterson Youth Centre, Highett PRISM - HEADSPACE AGE 12 to 25 Delivered by headspace Bentleigh, Prism is a COST peer support group for all questioning, Free LGBTIQA+ or outside the box young people aged CONTACT Phone: 03 9076 7400 16-25. It offers a safe space to connect with other WHEN young people, the Rainbow community, Once a week on Thursday afternoons resources, and further support. WHERE WEBSITE - www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/bentleigh 973 Nepean Highway, Bentleigh LGBTIQ+ ONLINE & PHONE SUPPORT

As immediate face to face support is not always available, phone and online supports offer LGBTIQ+ youth more immediate ways to deal with the questions and challenges they may face. Stats suggest that more than 60% of LGBTIQ+ youth use the Internet to connect with each other, often finding support and friendship online.

However, the benefits of online interactions are not without their limits, with harassment and discrimination also taking place. Many of the organisations and services previously mentioned will have online information available, however each of the following focuses on providing trusted, safe, youth friendly digital and phone services for LGBTIQ+ youth to turn to. If you require immediate help for your safety, or the safety of others, contact 000. LIFELINE 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au

Lifeline provide 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services in every state and territory via a telephone crisis helpline Lifeline also offers a nightly one-on-one online Crisis Support Chat service, which supports people who may feel more comfortable contacting them online, rather than over the phone.

QLIFE 1800 184 527 www.qlife.org.au QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTIQ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. QLife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTI community members across the country. Services are for LGBTIQ individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals.

TOUCHBASE www.touchbase.org.au Run by Thorne Harbour, Touchbase provide a range of information to LGBTIQ Australians on Sexual Health, Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug use, as well as providing toolkits, a story board, and a reach out service for people to locate services. RAINBOW NETWORK www.rainbownetwork.com.au

Rainbow Network provides a comprehensive list of all the available support groups for LGBTIQ young people across Victoria. It also aims to empower health and human services that work with young people to provide safe, welcoming and inclusive services for young LGBTIQ Victorians.

KIDS HELPLINE 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au

Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Kids Helpline has been operating for 26 years assisting kids and young people via their professional, specialised counsellors, who are willing to talk about any issue inclusive of LGBTIQ.

JUSTICE CONNECT - LGBTQI LEGAL RESOURCES View here

Justice Connect aims to close the justice gap by connecting people and community groups with the legal help they need. Part of their service offers free legal resources to LGBTIQ young people which helps them to navigate their rights and the legal system. STAY CONNECTED

The following media outlets offer ways for young LGBTIQ+ people to be connected to their community. Following these is a list of local and international events and days of celebration for the LGBTIQ+ community.

JOY RADIO - 94.9 MAGAZINE JOY is Australia’s LGBTIQ+ radio station broadcasting to The Star Observer is a free monthly magazine 589,000 monthly listeners in Melbourne, and many more and online newspaper with social media around the world online. JOY also offer a range of channels that caters to the lesbian, gay, volunteering opportunities, from being on air, to podcasting, to office administration, to working with tech and IT. bisexual, and intersex communities in Australia. WEBSITE - www.joy.org.au WEBSITE - www.starobserver.com.au LGBTIQ+ CELEBRATED DAYS AND EVENTS

MIDSUMMA INTERNATIONAL MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL IDAHOBIT FESTIVAL TRANS DAY OF QUEER FILM LESBIAN DAY OF The International VISIBILITY FESTIVAL (MQFF) VISIBILITY Day Against is Victoria's premier Celebrating transge Melbourne Queer International Homophobia, LGBTQIA+ cultural nder people and Film Festival (MQFF) Lesbian Day Transphobia and festival, made for raising awareness engages the celebrates lesbian Biphobia aims to and by communities of discrimination community with a culture. Mainly coordinate who live with shared faced by program of the best celebrated in New international events experiences around transgender people LGBTIQ content Zealand and that raise diverse gender and worldwide, as well that aims to Australia, the day is awareness of sexuality (DGS). as a celebration of educate, entertain marked with lesbian LGBTIQ rights WHEN: 23 days their contributions and celebrate community events. around the world. between January to society. diversity. and February WHEN: 31st March WHEN: March WHEN: 26th April WHEN: 17th May

JANUARY MARCH APRIL MAY LGBTIQ+ CELEBRATED DAYS AND EVENTS

PRIDE MARCH WEAR IT PURPLE BIVISIBILITY DAY INTERSEX WORLD AIDS DAY AWARENESS DAY Pride parades and Wear it Purple Day is Bi Visibility Day, also World AIDS Day marches are Intersex Awareness an annual LGBTIQA+ known as Celebrate Day aims to raises awareness outdoor events awareness day Bisexuality Day, has celebrate the across the world and celebrating lesbian, especially for young been marked each intersex community, in the community gay, bisexual, people, based in year since 1999 to whilst highlight about the issues transgender, and Australia. Supporters surrounding HIV and recognise and human rights issues queer (LGBTIQ+) wear purple to AIDS. It is a day to celebrate Bi+ faced by intersex social and self celebrate diversity show support for history, community people such as acceptance, and young people people living with and culture, and all secrecy and achievements, legal from the LGBTIQA+ HIV, commemorating the Bi+ people in unwanted genital rights, and pride. community. cosmetic surgeries those people who their lives. WHEN: Last Friday of on intersex children. have died. WHEN: June August WHEN: 23 September WHEN: 1st December WHEN: 26th October

JUNE AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER DECEMBER This resource was created by THE INNER EASTERN LOCAL LEARNING AND EMPLOYMENT NETWORK

03 9510 5444 www.iellen.org.au

1/107 Wellington St St Kilda, VIC, 3182

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