Australian Research on LGBTIQ+ Mental Health and Suicidality
Tracks
Diamond Ballroom 3: In-Person Only
| Thursday, June 5, 2025 |
| 11:05 AM - 11:35 AM |
Overview
Terence Humphreys, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
Presenter
Terence Humphreys
Acting Executive Director, National Learning and Capacity Building Programs
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
Australian Research on LGBTIQ+ Mental Health and Suicidality
Abstract
Although many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer people and other sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTIQ+) people live healthy and happy lives, a disproportionate number experience poorer mental health outcomes compared with the broader population. These adverse outcomes are directly related to stigma, prejudice, discrimination and abuse experienced due to being part of diverse LGBTIQ+ communities.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) partnered with researchers, LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations and government to expand knowledge on LGBTIQ+ mental health in Australia.
In April 2024, LHA launched Rainbow Realities: In-depth analyses of large-scale LGBTQA+ health and wellbeing data in Australia. Led by LHA and funded by the Australian Government, Rainbow Realities was an extraordinary partnership between the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, University of Sydney, Telethon Kids Institute and University of Western Australia.
The report provides new insight into mental health and suicidality, as well as the broader determinants affecting LGBTIQ+ mental health and wellbeing. It synthesises pre-existing research and presents new analyses from six surveys, Private Lives 3, Writing Themselves In 4, SWASH, Trans Pathways, Walkern Katatdjin (Rainbow Knowledge), and Pride and Pandemic. Research questions were developed in consultation with LHA’s Full Members, Australia’s LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations providing LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing services.
In late 2024, LHA launched a set of State and Territory-based briefing papers on LGBTQA+ mental health and suicidality. Funded by the Australian Government, in partnership with ARCSHS, the papers are based on Private Lives 3, Writing Themselves In 4, and Pride and Pandemic.
LHA released its first Snapshot of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Statistics for LGBTIQ+ People in 2016, updated in 2020 and 2021. The new 2025 update builds on this with recent research.
This presentation will provide an update recent research, explore emerging themes and outline recommendations for action.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) partnered with researchers, LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations and government to expand knowledge on LGBTIQ+ mental health in Australia.
In April 2024, LHA launched Rainbow Realities: In-depth analyses of large-scale LGBTQA+ health and wellbeing data in Australia. Led by LHA and funded by the Australian Government, Rainbow Realities was an extraordinary partnership between the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, University of Sydney, Telethon Kids Institute and University of Western Australia.
The report provides new insight into mental health and suicidality, as well as the broader determinants affecting LGBTIQ+ mental health and wellbeing. It synthesises pre-existing research and presents new analyses from six surveys, Private Lives 3, Writing Themselves In 4, SWASH, Trans Pathways, Walkern Katatdjin (Rainbow Knowledge), and Pride and Pandemic. Research questions were developed in consultation with LHA’s Full Members, Australia’s LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations providing LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing services.
In late 2024, LHA launched a set of State and Territory-based briefing papers on LGBTQA+ mental health and suicidality. Funded by the Australian Government, in partnership with ARCSHS, the papers are based on Private Lives 3, Writing Themselves In 4, and Pride and Pandemic.
LHA released its first Snapshot of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Statistics for LGBTIQ+ People in 2016, updated in 2020 and 2021. The new 2025 update builds on this with recent research.
This presentation will provide an update recent research, explore emerging themes and outline recommendations for action.
Biography
Terence Humphreys is the Acting Executive Director: National Learning and Capacity Building Programs at LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA). He brings over 16 years’ experience delivering and managing programs and services in the not-for-profit sector, specialising in mental health and suicide prevention, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. Terence is passionate about creating inclusive, effective, and compassionate support systems by championing intersectional diversity and enhancing the capacity of the LGBTIQ+ community-controlled sector.
