Share the following support services and resources with LGBTIQ+ young people, their parents and carers, along with the specific resources throughout this guide.
Services
Twenty10
This service supports young LGBTQIA+ folks (aged 12 to 25) across NSW. Twenty10 offers intake and referrals, housing and case management, affirmative counselling, and both online and in-person social support programs.
The Gender Centre Inc
The peak statewide multidisciplinary centre supporting trans and gender expressive people. The centre offers a broad range of specialised services enabling the exploration of gender identity and assistance with the alleviation of gender dysphoria, including a youth group as well as online meet-ups.
Headspace LGBTIQA+ services
Headspace provides early intervention mental health services to support young people aged 12 to 25. Headspace offers support for LGBTIQA+ young people online and through local services, as well as guidance and resources for families and carers, including the Outspoken video series.
QLife
This national LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral service offers confidential, anonymous support through phone and web chat. They provide a safe space for LGBTIQ+ individuals, their families, and carers to discuss issues related to sexuality, gender, identity, and mental health.
Interlink
Interlink offers mental health and wellbeing services to people with innate variations of sex characteristics and their families across Australia, including one-on-one and group counselling services.
Intersex Peer Support Australia (IPSA)
IPSA is an intersex peer support, information and advocacy group for people born with innate variations of sex characteristics and their families.
PFLAG+
PFLAG+ supports parents, guardians, carers and friends of the LGBTQIA+ community across Australia. Their peer-support networks strive to empower families and friends to support their LGBTQIA+ loved ones with knowledge, acceptance, love and pride.
Rainbow Families
This organisation supports LGBTIQ+ parents and their children by working to reduce discrimination and disadvantage faced by children of LGBTIQ+ parents. Includes stories showcasing joys, challenges, and unique aspects of rainbow family dynamics.
Resources
The Gender Sphere: Consumer Resource Package (PDF 1.5 MB)
This guide was developed by the Campbelltown Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Unit. Gender Sphere is a starting point for information for young people and their families, ranging from LGBTIQ+ definitions to safe people in our rainbow community.
Source: South Western Sydney Local Health District
The Gender Sphere: Parent Resources (PDF 2.2 MB)
Information for families and carers of LGBTIQ+ young people, including a list of support groups, trans and gender diverse medical affirmation care services, and allied health professionals in NSW.
Source: South Western Sydney Local Health District
Minus18
This leading youth-driven organisation is dedicated to supporting LGBTIQ+ young people through life-affirming events, education and advocacy. They empower young people with resources and community connections while also providing families and carers with tools and education to foster understanding and acceptance.
Articles for parents and carers:
- What to do when your child comes out
- How to educate when your child is LGBTQIA+
- How to support and celebrate your LGBTIQA+ child
Local Regional Community Info Guides
Local directories listing LGBTIQ+ services and support groups from ACON, the leading health organization for the LGBTIQ+ community.
Source: ACON
InterAction for Health and Human Rights
An organisation (formerly known as Intersex Human Rights Australia) promoting the health, human rights, self-determination and bodily autonomy of intersex people in Australia, and offers resources for parents.
TransHub
ACON’s digital information and resource platform for all trans and gender diverse (TGD) people in NSW, their loved ones, allies and health providers.
Source: ACON
LGBTIQ+ families
Inclusive information tailored to the needs of LGBTIQ+ young people and their families, helping parents and carers navigate the unique challenges of raising LGBTIQ+ children.
Source: Raising Children
Transforming Families
This academic and community collaboration supports parents of gender-diverse children by offering online, evidence-based research, resources, and guidance to help families on their journey. Includes advice on what to do when your child tells you they are gender diverse.
Source: The Kids Research Institute Australia
Map of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health/medical services
Finder for local health services around the country.
Source: Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet
LGBTQ+ inclusive kids books mega list
Book suggestions for families and children from babies to late teens.
Source: Rainbow Families
The Rainbow Shoelace Project
The project aims to show support to the LGBTIQ+ community by wearing Pride coloured beads on your shoelaces. It was developed by 12-year-old Abbie Jane who, with her friend Max Dawnn started giving out Rainbow Shoelace beads in their hometown of Broken Hill.