Young LGBTIQ+ people are part of an intergenerational Australian rainbow culture – made up of diverse communities that haves constructed their own language and identifying cultural norms throughout history and across societies.
Members of these communities continue to face challenges such as stigma, isolation and discrimination, which can lead to mental distress.
To build safe, affirming clinical practice in mental health settings for LGBTIQ+ young people, it helps to understand their history, current identities, language and understandings of self.
Understanding acronyms and definitions
Understand the terms and language used throughout this guide and within LGBTIQ+ communities.
LGBTIQ+ history
Understanding the history of LGBTIQ+ people in NSW provides valuable insights for supporting young people in clinical practice today.