Rainbow

Question 1

Discuss different outcomes

Answer 1

LGBTQIA+ individuals tend to experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide due to societal stigma and discrimination, including within the healthcare system.

Question 2

Discuss discrimination

Answer 2

• Harming: Treating as if heterosexual or cis-gendered
• Intrusive questioning: Although some questions are essential and okay to ask
• Expressing judgement: Projecting one’s own morals and values
• Making negative, clichéd assumptions
• Exacerbating family estrangement
• Refusing to acknowledge trans identity and pronouns

Question 3

Discuss key queer and health organisations

Answer 3

• Canberra Sexual Health Centre
• Meridian:
  
  • Peer-led, community-controlled organisation
  • Provides sexual health education, prevention, and targeted health promotion activities
  • Offers low and no-cost counselling and mental health support

Other Key Organisations:
- A Gender Agenda (AGA)
- Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire
- Parentlink
- Qlife
- ReachOut
- SpringOut

Question 4

Discuss general tips, STI testing advice and special considerations

Answer 4

General Tips for the Clinic
- Never assume someone’s gender or sexual orientation
- Be comfortable asking questions: It’s okay to ask

STI Testing Advice
- Ensure correct pronouns and names are used
- Offer screening based on anatomy and sexual practices
- E.g., people with a neovagina (surgically created vagina) should be offered first-pass urine testing over vaginal swab

Special Considerations for Different Populations
- Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse People:
- Awareness of terms like cis and trans gender, top surgery, and bottom surgery
- Limited data on STI rates; screening should be based on anatomy and sexual practices

• Women Who Have Sex with Women (WSW):
  
  • STI rates are similar but vary depending on sexual practices
  • BV is more common in WSW
  • Mental health concerns are more prevalent
• Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM):
  
  • Higher rates of STIs; frequent testing is important
  • Awareness of PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention