What can I do to help the people who have come to me for support?

 The best thing anyone can do when others come to them to talk about this is to listen respectfully, and support their decision to speak to trained professionals if they or you think that the person has been seriously impacted on by these experiences. It is also very useful to be aware of what formal and informal support services exist, and to be able to direct others to them. People need to feel that they are free to raise and discuss these experiences and that they can talk about what they are feeling without having the experience dismissed out of hand. 

What support is out there for people?

 Surveys of the community show that the majority of LGBT people who have experienced prejudice from the LGBT community have spoken to their friends and family for support over accessing formal counseling and support services.  Most people felt that they didn’t need this level of support. However, some people do consider accessing formal support services. 

These are some of the services which you can access, over the phone and in person, to talk about your experiences. 

Men’s Sexual Health Line - (for support) 1800 155 141

Open Doors - (young people can access one on one counselling)  (07) 3257 7660

GLWA (Gay and Lesbian Welfare Line (07) 3017 1717   1800 184 527  - 7pm to 10pm everyday day

Lifeline - (07) 3250 1900

Indigo House - (07) 3358 1311  860 Brunswick Street New Farm 4005  www.indigohouse.com.au  

• Indigo House is a private counselling, healthcare and wellbeing provider which specialises in working with the lesbian and gay community.

Australian Transgender Support Association Queensland (ATSAQ) - (07) 3843 5024/ trans.atsa@pacific.net.au  

• ATSAQ provides support to Queensland's transgender population and their families and friends, information on medical and health services for transgender people and addresses problems of legal recognition and human rights for transgender people 

Changeling Aspects – (07) 3286 9155/ 0417 738 941/ knoble@iinet.net.au

• Changeling Aspects is a support organisation for all transgendered people including transgender and transsexual. Changeling Aspects is for transsexual people before, during and after transitioning.

Queensland Positive People (QPP) - 07 3013 5555 or 1800 636 241

Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland Ltd (ECCQ) - 07 3844 9166/ health@eccq.com.au

• ECCQ is a voluntary, not-for-profit, community-based State peak organization representing the interests of the people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds who are part of the broad social community of Queensland.

There are a number of more informal community and social support services.  These include; 

Men in the Middle – a six weeks support workshop for gay men.  Contact QAHC for more information.  info@qahc.org.au

Out&About – An informal social group for men and women of all ages.  Contact Ash Denley for more information.  adenley@qahc.org.au

Open Doors – A support service for young LGBT people and their family, including counselling and a social drop in service.  Open Doors: (07) 3257 7660

Certain types of discrimination and prejudice can be a crime.  For more information contact the Anti-Discrimination Commission - QLD on 1300 130 670