LGBTQ+ people
![Document](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/worksheet%20.png?itok=NPPkN65Y)
This information is about the mental health of people who identify as LGBTQ+.
It has information on
![LGBTQ+ rainbow](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/LGBTQ%2B.png?itok=FcsVS8Nb)
- Key points for people who identify as LGBTQ+
![Worried person](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/worry.png?itok=M9OMq-lN)
- Worries you might have when getting help for your mental health and what you can do
![Person providing support](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Peer%20Support%201c.png?itok=hk8LKGXh)
- Services and supports
![LGBTQ+ rainbow](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/LGBTQ%2B.png?itok=FcsVS8Nb)
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning.
![Two women holding hands](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Lesbian.png?itok=LSLcIvVx)
Lesbian means women who are attracted to women.
![Two men holding hands](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Felix%20sebastian%206.png?itok=IhXWpqCj)
Gay means men who are attracted to men.
![A man and a woman hugging sitting down.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Couple%20hug2_0.png?itok=2KlOdj2q)
Bisexual means people who are attracted to both men and women.
![Transgender](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Gender%20Transgender.png?itok=92Ki3Wl-)
Transgender means people who are now a different gender to the one that they were given when they were born.
![Person confused](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Confused.png?itok=CPZyT0J2)
Questioning is if you feel that you might not be heterosexual but you are not sure.
![Two people in a relationship](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Irene%20Ivan%202.png?itok=9NZw870d)
A heterosexual person is
- A woman who is attracted to men
or
- A man who is attracted to women
![Person reading](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/journal.png?itok=lbjUPP_I)
It is OK if you do not know what your gender or sexual identity is.
But it is important to learn about it.
Gender and sexual identity are part of who you are.
![Male and female gender](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Gender%20Male%20Female.png?itok=bWzS5sz_)
Your gender identity is about if you feel like a man or a woman.
![Do not know gender](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/gender%20identify%20crossed.png?itok=1imuZzWv)
Some people do not feel like they are a man or a woman.
It is OK to not feel like a man or a woman.
![A man and a woman hugging sitting down.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Couple%20hug2_0.png?itok=2KlOdj2q)
Your sexual identity is about who you like and want to have sex with.
![Two men holding hands](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Felix%20sebastian%206.png?itok=IhXWpqCj)
For example a person might identify as being heterosexual or LGBTQ+.
![Not communicating](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/talk%20and%20listen%20%20crossed.png?itok=sc_KU8fV)
Health workers and support networks are not always good at talking to people about their gender or sexual identity.
![No information](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/journal%20crossed.png?itok=pzAbAZMp)
People with intellectual disability might not get to learn about
- Sex
- What a healthy sexual relationship is
- Their gender or sexual identity
![Two people in a relationship](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Irene%20Ivan%202.png?itok=9NZw870d)
A relationship is a type of connection you have with people you enjoy spending time with.
![No mental health support](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/mental%20health%20support%20crossed.png?itok=BbMCu8gN)
People with intellectual disability might not know it is OK to communicate about
- Gender
- Sexual identity
- Relationships
![Communication](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Communication%201_0.png?itok=Km_5tLKD)
To communicate is how you understand and share your feelings or information.
![Man in jumper. Left hand raised above head height. Palm of hand facing towards viewer.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Michael%206.png?itok=4FA3amkn)
People with intellectual disability might not know that they can ask for help if
- They are confused about their sexual identity
- They are in a relationship that is stressful
![Communication aid](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Communication%20Aid%201.png?itok=Moy6Nwc-)
It is OK to communicate about your sexual identity and relationships.
![Document](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/worksheet%20.png?itok=NPPkN65Y)
You can learn more about healthy relationships and different LGBTQ+ words in the information sheets below
![Easy Read sheet](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Easy%20Read%20Info%201.png?itok=K4Db007e)
- Family Planning Australia's All About Sex factsheets https://www.fpnsw.org.au/
factsheets/individuals/disability/all-about-sex
- CHANGEs LGBTQ+ Easy Read guide https://www.changepeople.org/
our-work/lgbtq-an-easy-read-guide
![Worried person](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/worry.png?itok=M9OMq-lN)
Below are some worries you might have when you try to get support for your mental health.
![Idea](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Idea.png?itok=jlTl0xe5)
We include some ideas for what you can do.
![Communication](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Communication%201_0.png?itok=Km_5tLKD)
You do not know how to communicate with a mental health worker about your sexual identity
This is what you can do.
![Two people sitting on different sides of a desk. One is a doctor and the other is a patient. Both look happy.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/GP%20Doctor%208.png?itok=YX4lKEkx)
Mental health workers are people who work to help you with your mental health.
![Person confused](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Confused.png?itok=CPZyT0J2)
You might have questions about your
- Gender identity
- Sexual identity
- Relationships
![Talking to someone you trust](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Social%20work.png?itok=FeHvPhZw)
You can communicate with someone you trust about these questions.
There are many people you might trust.
For more information about who you might trust go to https://www.idmhconnect.health/
someone-trust
![Woman stressed](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Stress%20.png?itok=7ZXWRkVN)
You might feel stressed if people ask you questions about your gender or sexual identity.
You might want to communicate your stress to your mental health worker.
![Person giving advice](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Advice%20.png?itok=RK9l8kfI)
You might not know how to communicate that the questions cause you stress.
You might not know what words to use.
![Document](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/worksheet%20.png?itok=NPPkN65Y)
You can learn how to communicate about your gender and sexual identity.
You can use the information sheets below
- Family Planning Australia's All About Sex factsheets https://www.fpnsw.org.au/
factsheets/individuals/
disability/all-about-sex
![Easy Read sheet](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Easy%20Read%20Info%201.png?itok=K4Db007e)
- CHANGEs LGBTQ+ Easy Read guide https://www.changepeople.org/our-work/lgbtq-an-easy-read-guide
![Appointment](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/appointment%20.png?itok=MC4csJai)
You could ask the mental health worker to read the factsheets with you.
![Health worker giving information](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Give%20information.png?itok=e5-rIB0m)
This might support you to start the discussion about your gender or sexual identity.
![Two people pointing and talking about another person](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Gossip%202.png?itok=loW57eF9)
You are worried the mental health worker will not want to help you because you are LGBTQ+
This is what you can do.
![No appointment](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/appoinment%20crossed.png?itok=WH2uuxxW)
You might be worried that the mental health worker does not want to help you because of your gender or sexual identity.
![No](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/No%204%20%281%29.png?itok=DokhkNRy)
It is not OK for a mental health worker to say they cannot help you because of your gender or sexual identity.
![Seeing a health worker](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/GP%20%28visiting%20your%20GP%29%20.png?itok=ZcdyuJXI)
You can communicate with your GP about this.
A GP is the doctor that you see when you
- Are sick
- Need a health check
![Choosing between many options](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/You%20choose2.png?itok=2dxxnta3)
Your GP can give you more than one option of mental health worker who you can see.
![A person complaining to someone else](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/complaint%20.png?itok=-sBE4_x3)
If your mental health worker treats you badly you have a right to make a complaint.
A complaint is when you let someone know you are not happy with someone.
Rights are rules about how everybody should be treated fairly.
A right is something everyone has.
![Person working on a computer](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Office%20Work%20%281%29.png?itok=Dkyy5KpO)
For more information about your rights go to https://www.idmhconnect.health/your-rights/ER
![Talking to someone you trust](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Social%20work.png?itok=FeHvPhZw)
You can communicate with someone you trust about your worries with the mental health worker.
![Communication](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Communication%201_0.png?itok=Km_5tLKD)
You can communicate your worries with the mental health worker if you feel OK about it.
![Like](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Like%20Emoji%20.png?itok=wXzOCon8)
It is OK if you do not feel OK about it or do not want to communicate with the mental health worker.
![Woman pointing finger in mans face.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Complain%20%281%29.png?itok=3FB_i5cW)
You can ask to discuss the problem with the mental health workers boss.
![Help to fill in form](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/fill%20in%20form%20together.png?itok=IiRdpFGq)
You can complain to other people like the Health Care Complaints Commission.
For more information about the Health Care Complaints Commission go to
![Person working on a computer](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Office%20Work%20%281%29.png?itok=Dkyy5KpO)
For more about how to make a complaint go to https://www.idmhconnect.health/i-am-not-happy-service/ER
![Not listening to someone who is talking](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Ignored.png?itok=UjPvf__n)
You are worried mental health workers will not understand you and your worries because they are not LGBTQ+
This is what you can do.
![Appointment](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/appointment%20.png?itok=MC4csJai)
It can still be helpful to communicate with your mental health worker even if the mental health worker is not LGBTQ+.
![Advocate talking to two people](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/advocate%20.png?itok=50JnaZfv)
You can ask your GP if they know any mental health workers who
- Work with LGBTQ+ people with intellectual disability
- Are an LGBTQ+ ally
![Two people writing down notes](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/citizen%20advocate%20.png?itok=ilI6jZ8-)
An LGBTQ+ ally is someone who supports LGBTQ+ people and speaks up for them.
![Reading together in a group](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Reading%20Group.png?itok=31inFNp4)
You could get support from services such as Family Planning Australia.
For more information about the service go to
![People with disabilities](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/disabilty%20.png?itok=IF0lvEIU)
They can support the sexuality needs of people with intellectual disability.
![Support group](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/support%20group%20.png?itok=cczIX9uJ)
You can join community or support groups if you want to communicate with other LGBTQ+ people.
A support group is a small group of LGBTQ+ people you meet with to communicate.
![Facebook](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Facebook.png?itok=s2l_gWHO)
You can join a group like the Sydney Queer and Disability Community
![Seeing a health worker](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/GP%20%28visiting%20your%20GP%29%20.png?itok=ZcdyuJXI)
You can also ask your mental health worker or GP if they know any groups you can join.
![Person providing support](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Peer%20Support%201c.png?itok=hk8LKGXh)
Below is a list of services and supports to support people who identify as LGBTQ+.
![Reading together in a group](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Reading%20Group.png?itok=31inFNp4)
Family Planning Australia can support people with disability with their sexual health and relationships.
For more information go to
![Easy Read sheet](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Easy%20Read%20Info%201.png?itok=K4Db007e)
Family Planning Australia also has Easy Read information about
- Relationships
- Sexual health
- Sexual identity
To read the information go to https://www.fpnsw.org.au/
factsheets/individuals/disability/
all-about-sex
![Person holding Easy Read](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Easy%20Read%20Logo%202.png?itok=Rxi8tj8m)
CHANGE has an Easy Read guide on being LGBTQ+.
CHANGE is a group that is not in Australia but the information might still be helpful.
For more information go to https://www.changepeople.org/our-work/lgbtq-an-easy-read-guide
![LGBTQ+ rainbow](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/LGBTQ%2B.png?itok=FcsVS8Nb)
Twenty10 helps people in NSW between 12 and 25 years old who identify as LGBTQ+.
The services are for everyone not just people with intellectual disability.
For more information about Twenty10 go to https://www.twenty10.org.au/
![Communicating with a health worker](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/talk%20and%20listen_0.png?itok=YeYN_c8i)
Twenty10 provides
- Counselling
![Two people sitting on different sides of a desk. One is a doctor and the other is a patient. Both look happy.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/GP%20Doctor%208.png?itok=YX4lKEkx)
- Mental health support
![Support bubble](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Support%20Bubble%203_0.png?itok=YQwMsy2K)
- Support for social skills
![Talking on the phone and looking happy](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Phone%201%20Happy%20.png?itok=Y3XKYlZL)
QLife is a chatline that provides free LGBTQ+ peer support and referrals.
You can
- Call QLife on 1800 184 527 between 3pm and 12am midnight every day
- Chat to QLife online https://qlife.org.au
![A doctor is sitting across a table from a person. The doctor is holding a book in his left hand and writing on a note pad with his other hand.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/GP%20Doctor%209.png?itok=4g6eMe72)
A referral is when someone suggests you see a worker who can support you.
![Facebook](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Facebook.png?itok=s2l_gWHO)
Sydney Queer and Disability Community is a group on Facebook that raises awareness for LGBTQ+ people with disability.
For more information about the community group go to
![Speaking up](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Advocate%20Independent_0.png?itok=PKbgzbRT)
Rainbow Rights and Advocacy is a self-advocacy group.
A self-advocate is someone who speaks up for themselves.
Rainbow Rights and Advocacy is run by and for LGBTQ+ people with intellectual disability.
For more information go to https://rainbowrights.com.au/
![Screen capture of the Wordlist on the Intellectual Disability Mental Health Connect website.](/sites/default/files/styles/easy_read/public/media-image/Wordlist.png?itok=nAL2D_c3)
There are some tricky words on this Easy Read page.
For more information about these words go to