LGBTIQA+
LGBTIAQ+ stands for Lesbian (L), Gay (G), Bisexual (B), Trans and Gender Diverse (T), Intersex (I), Asexual/Aromantic (A), Queer/Questioning (Q) and plus (+ refers to the many additional related identities)
We recognise and acknowledge that man, men, maleness, masculinity extend beyond cisgender, assigned male at birth bodies. We also recognise the severe exclusion, violence, and discrimination that many trans and gender diverse people and people with intersex variations experience throughout their lives due to cisgenderism present within our society. Additionally, we also recognise the exclusion, violence, and discrimination that people of diverse sexual orientations such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and queer groups experience due to heteronormativity.
For more information about understanding, supporting, and celebrating LGBTIQA+ people, please visit*:
PROGRAM FOCUS
Why have LGBTIQA+ people not been included in this program?
We recognise the importance of not homogenising the unique experiences of trans and gender diverse people with that of cisgender people, nor the unique experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual+ and queer people with that of heterosexual people.
In this particular program of research, our focus is on exploring the intersections of cisgenderism and heterosexuality, and how these shape experiences of sex, intimacy, sexual health and well-being, desirability, bodies, and consent and sexual communication practices for cisgender, heterosexual men. While such men remain a privileged group in society, there is an absence of work that explores these issues with this population group.
We also note that it is often cisgender, heterosexual men who perpetuate the overwhelming majority of sexual violence towards not only cisgender women and trans women/women with trans histories, but also towards trans men/men with trans histories and gender diverse people, and people of diverse sexual orientations. The focus on cisgender, heterosexual men in this program of research is to better understand why this occurs, and to better inform relationships and sexuality education, and gendered violence prevention programs.
INCLUSION POSSIBILITIES
Is there a way LGBTIQA+ people can be included?
Yes! We are inviting submissions concerning programs and research happening outside of M-SEX for our guest blog series. If you’d like to write about a research or community program or initiative concerning masculinity, bodies, sexuality, and desirability, please head over to our guest blog submissions page.
Additionally, we are also looking to pull together a page of resources that link up to community programs and research initiatives focusing on topics such as masculinity and bodies, sexuality and desire. Please get in touch with us at m-sex@latrobe.edu.au or visit our contact page if you are interested in having a resource link on the website.
PROJECTS
The project team has been involved with a number of projects that have explored the health and well-being of LGBTIQA+ people. These include (and not limited to):
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Trans and gender diverse peoples’ experiences of crisis support services
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Older lesbian women and gay men's perceptions on young people
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Lesbian, gay, and bisexual+ experiences of crisis support services
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The Story of Us (bisexual and pansexual experiences of relationships)
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LGBTIQ+ young people's experiences of higher education and lateral violence
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LGBTQ+ young people's experiences of health and sexual well-being in higher education
For copies of these publications, please do not hesitate to get in touch at m-sex@latrobe.edu.au.
EXTERNAL SUPPORT
If you need support, please visit one of the following support services*
QLife
1800 184 527
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Crisis and Support Phone Lines
Rainbow Door
1800 729 367
Rainbow Door is a free service for all Victorian LGBTIQA+ people, their friends and family during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
Crisis and Support Phone Lines
The Gender Centre
(02) 9519 -7599
The Gender Centre counselling service provides a high quality professional counselling service to the transgender and gender questioning community.
Mental Health
*This is not an exhaustive list.