Having LGBTQI Individual or Relationship Issues?
Our counsellors will accept and support you.
Find acceptance and support for your individual and relationship issues.
Be heard by counsellors who support the LGBTQ+ community.
Learn the skills that will work for you to overcome the challenges that you are facing.
While Australia is celebrated for its vibrant and diverse culture, significant challenges remain for the LGBTQI+ community. Despite advancements in rights and legal protections, many individuals still face discrimination, violence, and social isolation. This page seeks to shed light on these issues and encourages a dialogue for change.
Studies highlight that LGBTQI+ individuals face up to twice as much abuse or violence as people outside this community. Discrimination can be blatant or subtle, permeating various aspects of life – from the workplace to social settings, causing distress and fear.
Due to the pressures and prejudice faced, LGBTQI+ Australians experience higher mental illness and distress rates than others. The fear of discrimination, societal pressure, and internal struggles with self-acceptance can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Queer young people in Australia face disproportionate educational, health, and employment barriers. The lack of understanding and acceptance can result in lower academic performance, higher unemployment rates, and poorer health outcomes.
Accessing healthcare that understands and respects the unique needs of the LGBTQI+ community can be challenging. Misunderstandings and stigma can lead to inadequate or discriminatory care, discouraging individuals from seeking necessary medical attention.
While Australia has made progress in recognising same-sex relationships, there are still gaps in legal protections for the LGBTQI+ community. Transgender and non-binary individuals often face difficulties regarding legal recognition of their gender identity.
Counselling offers a safe space for LGBTQI+ individuals to express their feelings, navigate through their struggles, and work towards personal growth. StartPoint Counselling is committed to providing this supportive environment. Our experienced, understanding, and compassionate counsellors specialize in LGBTQI+ issues and are here to help.
A large number of LGBTI people hide their sexuality or gender identity when accessing services (34 per cent), at social and community events (42 per cent) and at work (39 per cent).
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Young people aged 16 to 24 years are most likely to hide their sexuality or gender identity.
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LGBTI young people report experiencing verbal homophobic abuse (61 per cent), physical homophobic abuse (18 per cent) and other types of homophobia (9 per cent), including cyberbullying, graffiti, social exclusion and humiliation.
80 per cent of homophobic bullying involving LGBTI young people occurs at school and has a profound impact on their well-being and education.
Transgender males and females experience significantly higher rates of non-physical and physical abuse compared with lesbians and gay men.
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are three times more likely to experience depression than the broader population.
Around 61 per cent of same-sex attracted and gender-questioning young people said they experienced verbal abuse because of their sexuality, while 18 per cent reported experiencing physical abuse.
Young men (70 per cent) and gender-questioning young people (66 per cent) were more likely than young women (53 per cent) to experience verbal abuse.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex People
The challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Australia are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By fostering understanding, advocating for equal rights, and providing supportive services, we can work towards a more inclusive society where everyone can be themselves.
For more information or to schedule a counselling session, don’t hesitate to contact us at StartPoint Counselling on 07 3458 1725 or request a complimentary 15-minute phone session by clicking the link above.
We are here to help you navigate your journey.

Then this is how we work with you.
We will start with an initial session to take a close look at where you are now, where you want to be and we will make a plan together for how to get you there.
Next, we will introduce our proven strategies to your personal life or relationship.
Finally, we will work with you to transform your situation.
