LGBTIQA+ Mental Health Steering Group

Background

The LGBTIQA+ Mental Health Steering Group was established to provide advice to the College Board on priorities, initiatives and approaches to better support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer/questioning and asexual (LGBTIQA+) members, staff and consumers. 

Its formation recognises the ongoing health disparities, barriers and inequities experienced by LGBTIQA+ communities, and the need to foster cultural change.

The Group will run from November 2025 - November 2026.

Purpose

The College Board has convened the Steering Group to explore and address the needs of LGBTIQA+ people within our own community.

Anchored to RANZCP Position Statement 83: Recognising and addressing the mental health needs of the LGBTIQ+ population, this work is in recognition of the broader health risks faced by LGBTIQA+ people, and strengthened advocacy for the reduction of health disparities and the mental health sector’s responsiveness to this group’s needs.

This is part of the RANZCP's Strategic Plan commitment to cultivate a thriving psychiatric profession and trusted partnership with communities by fostering a strong sense of belonging, enhancing the health and wellbeing of our members and challenging stigma and discrimination.

Work

Reporting to the College Board, the Steering Group will review and provide strategic advice on the College’s positioning as it relates to LGBTIQA+ equity and inclusion. 

Activities include: 

• identify and define the College’s role, scope and prioritisation of short and long-term work to better support LGBTIQA+ people within the College and broader community 
• inform the co-design of a future, dedicated LGBTIQA+ group within the College structure
• complete an environmental scan of the role and work of similar medical organisations and colleges, and beyond in the fields of human rights and social justice; 
• survey and seek insights from College members, using an intersectional lens, about LGBTIQA+ inequity and health disparities, and the impact of these experiences personally and/or professionally;
• identify existing educational and advocacy opportunities, web-based content, information and other material relevant to College members; and
• provide advice on how the College can advocate for the reduction of health disparities in the broader LGBTIQA+ community, and represent an anchor of safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQA+ members, staff and consumers as part of its core identity.

Executive Committee

Chair of the Steering Group - Dr Warren Kealy-Bateman

Related College position statements

• Sexual orientation change efforts
• Recognising and addressing the mental health needs of the LGBTIQ+ population
• The role of psychiatrists in working with trans and gender diverse people

Related submissions

• Prohibition of ‘conversion practices’ in WA
• Current and emerging threats to trans and gender diverse human rights
• Consultation into banning LGBTIQ+ conversion practices in New South Wales
• Births, Deaths and Marriages (Sex or Gender Changes) Registration Amendment Act 2024