About Us
National LGBT Health Alliance
Our Vision
Healthy lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse people and communities throughout Australia.
We view health in a holistic way, encompassing physical, social and emotional wellbeing. In line with the World Health Organisation, we regard the health of individuals and communities to be determined to a significant degree by social factors.
Who we are
We are a coalition of organisations from across Australia which provide health-related programs, services and research targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse people (LGBT).
We acknowledge and value diversity. While not seeking to speak 'for everyone', we understand "LGBT" as an abbreviation, inclusive of all sexuality, sex and gender diverse people, and will work with any organisation that shares our objectives and wishes to engage with us.
Find out more about our understanding of "LGBT".
Meet our current members. Find out more about membership of the Alliance.
What we do
We work collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBT people by
- advocating with one voice for greater recognition of LGBT health needs as well as the provision of adequate funding for program delivery and research. We work with national legislators and policy-makers, non-government organisations in the health and human rights sectors, the corporate sector, and individuals
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building the capacity of our members to work with and for LGBT people and communities. We facilitate the sharing of information and resources, as well as collaboration on specific activities. We also provide a framework to access national funding sources.
Our Strategic Goals
Our goals are to facilitate:
- a national agenda for LGBT health and wellbeing
- advocacy with one voice on LGBT health needs at a national level
- political commitment to the support of LGBT health
- access to national funding for LGBT health projects
- the sharing of information and resources to build capacity in the LGBT health sector
- the identification of social determinants that have health implications for LGBT communities.
Our work on the above strategic goals and our priority areas for action will be defined in our strategic plan, which will form the basis for our detailed operational planning and our assessment of progress.
Members will be working together to develop the strategic plan over the coming months.
Download our Strategic Framework.
Why we do it
There is evidence of significant differences in the health and wellbeing of Australians according to their sexual orientation and gender identities. LGBT people tend to have disproportionately negative health outcomes. Research suggests that this is related to social determinants, such as experience of discrimination, which is also related to reduced access to appropriate health care.
How we do it
We work collaboratively to improve LGBT health in different ways, including:
- developing evidence-based policy papers and position statements through national working groups and networks
- using these to lobby federal politicians and other decision-makers, and to advocate for changes in public health policy and greater resources for LGBT health
- helping members of the Alliance to share resources and implement programs and activities in their communities that will improve the health and wellbeing of LGBT people
Our Current Focus
We work across a broad range of health areas, including
- ageing and issues facing older LGBT Australians
- sexual health, including HIV and sexually transmitted infections
- drug, alcohol and tobacco use in LGBT communities
- the mental health of LGBT Australians
- violence and homophobia
- health and wellbeing of people living with HIV/AIDS
- researching LGBT health
- recognising LGBT relationships and removing discrimination
- the link between health and human rights
Where we have come from
Originating out of community-based organisations with an HIV/AIDS focus, the Alliance is one of the first organisations of its kind in the world. We formally launched at Australia’s Parliament House in August 2007.
Our founding members have played a key role in LGBT health in their respective states and across Australia, particularly leading the community aspect of Australia’s successful response to HIV/AIDS. Each of these organisations holds high brand recognition and strong goodwill within the communities in which they work.
In 2008 we began to put in place legal, organisational and personnel structures to establish an independent, national membership-based organisation. The Alliance is now a not-for-profit public company, governed by a constitution and a Board of Directors.
In July 2009 we opened membership to other non-government organisations working within LGBT health and broader LGBT issues, not-for-profit and corporate supporters, and individuals. Prior to that, however, we were already working collaboratively with a range of partner organisations to pursue our objectives.
As a learning organisation, we strive to continually develop to assist our members to better pursue our shared objectives.
Download Alliance information sheet
Founding members of the Alliance:
JOIN THE ALLIANCE!
Access up-to-date information and resources on LGBT health and wellbeing from the GLHV clearing house
