Lesbian Health Action Group

 

 

Welcome to the Lesbian Health pages of the QAHC website.

Here you will find information, resources and research on health issues for lesbians and other same sex attracted women.  You'll also find info on the QAHC Lesbian Health Action Group, which is leading on lesbian health for QAHC.  As we expand our health work with lesbians we'll add more to these pages, so please visit regularly to check out any updates.

Contents


Lesbian Health Issues Paper

This paper has been written to inform the work of the QAHC Lesbian Health Action Group  (LHAG) in developing a Queensland Lesbian Health Strategy. The paper does not seek to be a comprehensive academic literature review of all issues relating to lesbian health, but rather seeks to highlight current, urgent and relevant health issues pertinent to Queensland Lesbians. 

The paper is designed to be brief and user-friendly so that it is readily utilised in raising awareness of lesbian health issues. Evidence used in the paper is from an Australian (preferably Queensland) context and has been selected based on currency, relevance, and on the significance of the health issues that impact on the lesbian community. 

Whilst we have conducted an extensive search of the literature related to lesbian health over many months, we apologise in advance for any omissions. Our aim has been to present the most important and relevant evidence at hand. Further, we acknowledge that research on lesbian health issues is difficult to compare and analyse due to the wide variances in methodological preparations of study populations (Mravcak, 2006). Some studies use three categories (homosexual, bisexual or heterosexual) whereas others use large scales of up to seven categories to classify sexual orientation.  This means more or less women may be captured in the various studies. This methodological phenomenon has been taken into account when reviewing the evidence presented herein.

Download the LHAG Lesbian Health Issues paper prepared by Kate Allen in 2009

 

Lesbian Health Action Group

The Lesbian Health Action Group (LHAG) was formed by Healhty Communities in 2008 to lead on the development of health initiatives for lesbians and other same sex attracted women. 

The goals of the group are:

  1. to improve the health and wellbeing of lesbians and same sex attracted women in Queensland
  2. to build on past and current initiatives and the existing strengths and resources of women
  3. to develop new and innovative responses to lesbian health using evidence-based practice

Membership of the Action Group is open to all those who support the goals of the Group and are willing to work to achieve them.

The term ‘Lesbian', for the purpose of the work of the Lesbian Health Action Group refers to all people who identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer and same sex attracted and trans women in Queensland.

This group includes, but is in no way limited to, lesbians, gay women, dykes, women who have sex with women (WSW), queer women, women-partnered women (WPW), trans women, lezzos, SSAW, lipstick lesbians, sporty dykes, of Sapphic inclination, butch lesbians, bull dykes, stone butches, femmes, lesbian transwomen, gender queer people, diesel dykes, baby dykes, stealth dykes, transdykes, bicurious women, non-heterosexual women, fluid, androdykes, bois, bulldaggers, vagitarians and anyone who is on this side of the fence, on our team or one of us.

So all of our activities and events are open to anyone who may identify with any of the above!

Over the coming months the Group will:

  • build and gather literature and research on lesbian and SSAW health issues
  • develop a Queensland Lesbian Health Strategy
  • secure resources to implement the Lesbian Health Strategy
  • engage with women about their health and wellbeing issues in an inclusive, ongoing and consistent manner

Dowload the Action Group Terms of Reference

 

LHAG Meetings

Meetings of the Action Group are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month, 6.30pm at QAHC Brisbane. 

All are welcome to attend

If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact QAHC on 3017 1777 or email womenshealth@qahc.org.au

LHAG December Minutes 2012

 

LHAG Volunteers

LHAG is always looking for women who are interested in volunteering.

Volunteer activities include:

  • Outreach at womens events
  • Panning and facilitating drug and alcohol free social events
  • Planning and facilitating physical activities
  • Planning festivals and community events
  • Supervising stalls and distributing informaiton at community events

Contact LHAG to register your interest in becoming a volunteer.

 

 

LHAG would like to thank a number of businesses and organisaitons that help us deliver our work to the community:

  • The Wickham Hotel
  • Earth Awakening
  • Scarlet and City Lickers

 

What has LHAG Done?

Since 2008 LHAG has undertaken a range of activities to assist in the improving of the health and wellbeing of lesbian, bisexual and same-sex attracted women in Queensland.  Our activities have included

Health Promotion

  • Contributed $8000 to the wages of a LGBTI Health Promotion worker at Healthy Communities to support the promotion of Lesbian and Transgender health.
  • Boobalishious Calendar in 2010 with health information about breast health and breast care for lesbians
  • In the Persuit of Pappiness Calendar in 2011 with health informaiton about HPV and pap smears for lesbians
  • Ads in LGBTI community magazines to bring awareness to lesbian health needs, such as mental health, STI's, drug use, safe sex, etc.
  • Radio interviews on Dykes on Mykes (4zzz) about lesbian health issues

Survey of Community Needs

  • Since 2009, each year LHAG has conducted a snapshot survey of the self identified needs of the lesbian community. This helps LHAG to direct our activities to match the needs of the community.

Community Events

  • Outreach volutneers at Scarlet and City Licker events promoting safe drinking and safer sex
  • Facilitating International Lesbian Day in 2011 and 2012, and supported City Lickers in the event in 2009 and 2010
  • Production of the Vagina Monologues that funded the development of the 'Queer Without Fear' resouce and safety card about domestic violence in LGBTI relationships.
  • Information stalls at LGBTI community events (such as Pride, Queer Film Festival, etc.) providing information about lesbian health including breast care, pap smears, mental health, healhty relationships, STI's and safer sex

Physical Health

  • Yoga classes for lesbians that were subsidised to make them more affordable and accessible that encourage good physical health and mental health
  • Touch football (Lez Touch) games held weekly througout winter as a fun social game and opportunity for improving physical fitness

Social Activities

  • Regular brunches, lunches, coffees and dinners that allow women to meet and socialse with others without alcohol.
  • Bunnings women's skills night at Rocklea 
  • Picnics during Pride month or around other signifiant LGBTI community events.
  • The development of a Lesbian Social Calander

 We would like to thank all those who have donated their time and money to LHAG to make these activities possible!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also have plans for the future including:

  • The development of a Lesbian Health resouce covering coming out, relationships, mental health, physical health, pap smears, breast health, etc.
  • A mini expo showcasing social and community groups
  • Workshop on relevant Lesbian health needs

We have a Planning Day scheduled for January 19th 2013 for those who would like to contribute to the direction and planning of activities for 2013. Please contact womenshealth@qahc.org.au for details.  2012 Planning Day Facebook Event

 

 

LHAG Social Events for Lesbians

To join the mailing list please email lhageventsl@gmail.com for regualar updates on events

You can also keep up to date by joining the LHAG Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/QAHC.LHAG

Lesbian and Trans* Community Groups Showcase - SAT 25th May
FREE ADMISSION AND BBQ LUNCH (Vegan Friendly)

https://www.facebook.com/events/549121631794737/556160787757488/?comment_id=556896481017252&ref=notif&notif_t=like



FREE BARBEQUE AND NO ENTRY FEE - The showcase is open to the whole community!


The Lesbian Health Action Group in conjunction with QAHC are hosting a
community groups showcase extravaganza and putting on a free barbeque
for all who attend. The 2012 Lesbian Snapshot Survey provided evidence
which highlights the need to foster community connectedness and get more
lesbian and trans* people participating in group events and outings.

The program for the day includes short presentations
from a variety of community groups and a series of small work-shops run
by group organisers who have experience and skills to share. The
organisers of this event have researched far and wide and navigated
through the sometimes very confusing world wide web to identify as many
groups that are active and inclusive of the lesbian and trans* community
as possible.

To register your group or find out more information please contact Amelinda via email acope@qahc.org.au
or call the QAHC office between 10am – 3pm on (07) 3017 1777. For more
information, or to share this event, use the search term ‘Lesbian and
Trans* Community Groups Showcase’ through facebook events.

This project has been funded by the Ian Potter Foundation http:// www.ianpotter.org.au/

 

Yoga for Lesbians


Calendar of Events February to April 2013

 

Did You Know? Lesbian Health Facts

LESBIANS NEED PAP SMEARS!

  • Even if you have never had sex with a man, you could still have Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is responsible for cervical cell changes which can lead to cervical cancer. A third of lesbians surveyed have not had a PAP smear in the last three years or ever. 1

LESBIANS GET STIs TOO!

  • Same-sex attracted women are just as likely to have had a sexually transmissible infection (STI) in their lifetime, as their heterosexual counterparts. 2

LESBIANS SUFFER FROM MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES!

  • Same-sex attracted women are significantly more likely than other women to report being depressed (38%), have high levels of anxiety (17%) and have tried to harm or kill themselves (12%). 3

LESBIANS ‘USE’ MORE THAN THEIR FAIR SHARE!

  • Lesbians and other WSW are significantly more likely than the general population to report higher use of alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs, including injecting drug use. 4

LESBIANS NEED TO BE BREAST AWARE!

  • Lesbians may have a higher risk of breast cancer because they are less likely to have ever given birth, more likely to be obese, smoke and drink alcohol at harmful levels. While breast cancer in lesbians has not been researched thoroughly, current literature suggests that these factors are predictive of a breast cancer diagnosis. 5

LESBIANS NEED TO LOOK AFTER THEIR HEALTH!

  • Lesbians are less likely, than heterosexual women, to seek routine health care due to stigma and discrimination, which means that cancers, such as breast and cervical, are likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited.

References:

  1. Richters, F., Song, A., Prestage, P., Clayton, S. &Turner, R. ‘Health of Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women in Sydney: The 2004 Sydney Women and Sexual Health Survey, National Centre in HIV Social Research, UNSW. Sydney, 2005.
  2. McNair, R. ‘Risks and Prevention of Sexually Transmissible Infections Among Women Who have Sexual with Women.’ CSIRO, vol. 2, 2005.
  3. Pitt, M., Smith, A., Mitchell, A. & Patel, S. ‘Private Lives: A report on the health and wellbeing of GLBTI Australians’. ARCSHS, La Trobe University, Melbourne. March 2006.
  4. Hillier, L., Dempsey, D., Harrison, L. et al. Writing Themselves In: a national report on the sexuality, health and wellbeing of same-sex attracted young people. Australian Research Centre in Sex Health & Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 1998.
  5. Breast Cancer in Australia: An Overview, 2006, (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and National Breast Cancer Centre, 2006).

QAHC Resources for Lesbians and Women Who Have Sex With Women

Queer Without Fear

Healthy Communities and Brisbane Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (BDVAS) an activity of Micah Projects are proud to present an important new resource for the LGBTIQ Community - “Queer without Fear – LGBTI Domestic and Family violence and its Impacts”.


Domestic and family violence occurs at similar rates in the LGBTIQ community as it does in the broader community, but is hidden.  Many people do not access support services through fear of the lack of knowledge by services or discrimination based on their sexuality or gender identity.
This resource aims to assist both community members experiencing domestic and family violence as well as the people who are supporting them
If you would like a print copy of the resource please contact BDVAS on 3217 2544

Lesbians and Breast Cancer Factsheet provides information on breast cancer, self-examination techniques, having mammograms and risk factors for Lesbians regarding breast cancer.

Lesbians and Sexual Health Factsheet provides information on sexual health, sexually transmissible infections and sexual health check ups for lesbians.

Looking After Your Cervix: HPV and Pap Smears Factsheet provides information on Pap smears, HPV and risk factors relating to Cervical Cancer for lesbians.

Other Lesbian Health Resources

ACON - www.acon.org.au/womens-health/Resources 

  • The Birds and The Birds - This Lesbian sex workbook contains important and helpful information about sex between
    women, and how to look after your sexual health and wellbeing as well as your
    partner/s. (2011)
  • Be Breast Aware
    provides information on the potential increased risks of breast cancer
    for lesbians and what can be done to reduce risks and detect breast
    cancer.  (2006.)
  • Quit Smoking Now highlights
    the benefits of quitting, provides tips on how to quit and provides
    info on rates of smoking in among lesbians. 2006.
  • Opening the Window to Lesbian Health
    provides an overall look at lesbian health, from accessing services to
    taking care of yourself and your body. (2003)
  • I Love Claude - Claude is an initiative of the Lesbian and Same Sex Attracted Women’s Sexual
    Health Project at ACON. Through Claude we aim to reach sexually adventurous
    women across different ages, geographical locations, cultural backgrounds and
    sexual identities in the BDSM/Swingers/Kink communities. www.iloveclaude.com

Family Planning Queensland and Women's Health Queensland Wide

University of Melbourne

  • Outs and Ins - Women can use this information to become better informed about their own health
    and health care (2010)
  • Lesbian Health: Health and Health Care for Lesbian, Bisexual and same sex attracted women including sexuality and parenting.
    www.dialog.unimelb.edu.au

Pap Screen Victoria and Cancer Council of Victoria

  • Lesbians Need Pap Tests Too - Remember that lesbians need pap tests too!  A common misconception by some lesbians and health professionals is
    that lesbians don't need Pap tests. Some believe that being a lesbian is
    protection against problems like cervical cancer and sexually transmitted
    diseases. Unfortunately it isn't! (2008)

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT

South Australia (Mulligan and Heath)

  • Lesbian Zest shares the stories of 27 lesbians who tell where they get their support from and what supports them flourish. (2007)
  • Thriving as a Queer or Bisexual Woman - This document brings together stories from 20
    Australian women who identify as bi or queer and who are leading thriving lives.
    They agreed to be interviewed and to share their wisdom about how to thrive as a
    queer or bi woman: sharing some of the ways they find fulfilment, support, joy
    and sustenance for themselves. (2009)

Southern Womens Community Health Centre (SA)

  • Stress in a Lesbian Health Issue - This leaflet is wriiten specifically for lesbians.
    It offers advice and information on how to deal with stress and the impact it
    can have on health and well being. (2008)

Gay and Lesbian Foundation (UK)

  • Beating Around the Bush - A Guide to Sex and Sexual Health for Women who have sex with Women
  • Thanks for the Mammaries - Getting to know yours, and her breasts can be fun and also very important and
    knowing how your breasts look and feel can help in the early detection of breast
    cancer.
  • Girls Go Pop - In this resource we take a look at why women like to drink, the effects of
    alcohol on our health and behaviour, where to get support, alternative ways to
    be social without getting worse for wear, and much more.

 

Lesbian Research Reports & Strategies

The Health and Well-Being of Lesbian and Bisexual Women in Western Australia report provides an insight into the health outcomes, inequalities and community connectedness of women who have sex with women in Western Australia. Produced by the Western Australian Centre for Health Promotion Research, WA, 2007.

Health of lesbian, bisexual and queer women in Sydney: The 2004 Sydney Women and Sexual Health Survey provides an insight into the sexual health, practices and partners, as well as drug use and knowledge of health risks for LBQ women in Sydney. Published by National Centre in HIV Social Research, NSW, 2005.

Turning Point: ACON Lesbian Health Strategy 2008-1011 a guiding document to inform ACON’s whole-of-organisation approach to service and program delivery to lesbians and same-sex attracted women, and to equip ACON with an effective lobbying and fundraising tools

Lesbian Accessible Services

DocLIST is an online list of doctors recommended by lesbian and bisexual women, administered by Alliance member the Australian Lesbian Medical Association. DocLIST is a free service to lesbian and bisexual women within the community. www.doclist.com.au

Women's Health Queensland Wide is a not-for-profit health promotion, information and education service www.womhealth.org.au

Family Planning Queensland provides sexual and reproductive health services to the Queensland population www.fpq.com.au

Brisbane Domestic Violence and Advocacy Service (BDVAS) is a community based organisation that provides a free and
confidential advocacy and support service for women, children, family members
and individuals affected by domestic and family violence in the Brisbane
Metropolitan area. www.dvrc.org.au

 

 

CONTACT LHAG

Brisbane - Speak to Sally Morris or Ricki Menzies on womenshealth@qahc.org.au or by calling 3017 1777

Cairns - lhagcairns@qahc.org.au.

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/groups/QAHC.LHAG

Brisbane LHAG Social Events - lhagevents@gmail.com