Research study participants needed

PARTICIPANTS are being sought for a WA-first study exploring the impact of discrimination on people who identify as both Indigenous and LGBTIQ .

Led by ECU equity and Indigenous Pro-Vice Chancellor Braden Hill and funded by Healthway, the study is titled Breaking the Silence: Being Indigenous and Identifying LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer).

“Currently there is next to no research about what it’s like to be both Aboriginal and LGBTIQ, yet many young people from both communities are suffering mental health concerns and the highest rates of suicide in Australia,” Professor Hill said.

“This project aims to open up conversations to inform the development of evidence-based, inclusive mental health, health, social, community and family support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who also identify as LGBTIQ.”

The first phase of the research project involved interviewing staff from health and community organisations and services.

Now Professor Hill is seeking participation from LGBTIQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals over 18 years of age.

“This is an opportunity for LGBTIQ Aboriginal people to have their say and help inform services that should not only be accessible but very much in tune with their needs as a community,” he said.

“We want to find out what factors – individual, familial and cultural, organisational or systemic – enable or prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQ people accessing appropriate health, wellbeing and community services.

“Ultimately we are really hoping that health and community services, whether they be Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal organisations, will find this research a useful evidence-based tool to support the work they are already doing to become as inclusive as possible.”

To be part of confidential research survey, visit bit.ly/2X3P4V8.

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