Healthy Communities is now offering a consultancy service to support organisations and businesses to become lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusive, for not only their clients and customers but also their employees.

The Healthy Communities Training and Development Program has been providing practical support to health and community services to help build open and inclusive rapport with (LGBT) clients in Queensland since 2005.

Over the past few years many large corporations have become more LGBT inclusive: Telstra, IBM, Lend Lease, most of the major banks, some universities and many smaller organisations. The corporate closet is one of the final frontiers to be tackled; research shows that many people who may be out in other areas of their life are not out at work, due to either a perceived or lived experience of homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism in the workplace.

Healthy Communities LGBT Inclusivity Consultancy can provide: advice around inclusive policies, procedures, processes, marketing and environment, support to establish an LGBT and Allies network, professional development for staff and assistance in initiating community participation.

Please find attached a brochure about the LGBT Inclusivity Consultancy and  LGBT Awareness training.

To discuss your inclusivity needs in further detail contact the Training and Development Coordinator at training@qahc.org.au

Source: QAHC email 29/4/13

Healthy Communities has released a discussion paper on Risk Reduction Strategies used by gay and other men who have sex with men, to guide HIV prevention efforts in Queensland.

The paper summarises the evidence of effectiveness for common Risk Reduction Strategies and outlines how Healthy Communities will approach working with gay men on this issue.

“Behavioural research shows that more gay men are sometimes having sex without condoms, but that a lot of the time they are taking other measures to reduce their risk” said Paul R Martin, Executive Director.

“Condoms remain the safest and easiest form of safe sex, especially for casual sex.  However in situations where men do not use condoms, there are still things they can do to reduce, but not eliminate risk.”

Risk reduction strategies are most effective if:

• men accurately know their current HIV status
  
• they can disclose their HIV status to partners, without stigma or discrimination
  
• men regularly test for and treat sexually transmitted infections
  
• partners openly and honestly negotiate the sex they want
  
• men have access to accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information to inform decision making
  

The discussion paper was developed in consultation with gay men and HIV service providers and uses current, reputable research.

The discussion paper can be read at www.qahc.org.au/riskreduction and people can join the conversation at www.facebook.com/RiskReductionQld  

Men interested in learning more about Risk Reduction Strategies can visit the risk reduction websites of:

ACON - www.knowtherisk.org.au
VAC/GMHC - www.top2bottom.org.au

Queer stories: A survey for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQI) young people, aged 16-27 years. This study is funded by the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), Australia. The survey research is being conducted by a group of researchers from the University of Western Sydney. Results from this survey will contribute information that will lead to greater awareness of the needs of queer youth in the wider Australian community.

Are you between 16 and 27 years of age, living in Australia, and identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning or Intersex (LGBTQI)? If yes, the University of Western Sydney is interested in hearing about your experiences and any issues impacting your life. These include:

a) Your use of the internet and other support services
b) Your experiences of homophobia, transphobia, and harassment (both in school and out of school)
c) Your experiences of telling others about your sexuality and gender identity, and their level of support
d) Questions about sexuality, gender, health and well being.

The survey takes around 15-20 minutes to complete and is anonymous.

For more information and to complete the survey, click here.

SOURCE: NTYAN Enews and @yawcrc on twitter viewed 11/1/13

 Following resignations, there are now three vacant positions on our Board of Directors.  We are currently seeking expressions of interest from people to fill the Northern Region Member position and 2 x General Member positions.  You will need to become a financial member of Healthy Communities (if not already a member).

The Board is interested in people who will bring additional skills, experiences and contacts to that of the current Board members.  In particular we encourage people to come forward who fulfil one or more of the following criteria:

•     business development skills and contacts
•     experience in working with government and navigating changing political landscapes
•     knowledge of and networks within any of the following communities:  
•     women, transgender, bisexual, culturally & linguistically diverse, young people