As a Rainbow Tick accredited organisation, WA Primary Health Alliance is aware of some of the unique issues impacting the LGBTI community during COVID-19. This includes a reduction in social opportunities (including less opportunity to see one’s ‘chosen family’ who may be different from their biological family) and, for young people especially, being forced to stay home in an environment that may not accept/affirm their sexuality and/or gender identity.
While this is currently less of an issue in WA than within other states, it does still have an impact.
It is also important to consider the prevalence of smoking in the LGBTI community, higher rates of HIV and cancer, and barriers to healthcare that prevent LGBTI people from seeking medical treatment.
Interested GPs can find more about how they can support their LGBTIQ patients through resources including:
- Equality Australia’s Australian LGBTIQ+ Communities and COVID-19 report
- ACON online portal for COVID-19 information relevant to LGBTIQ+ communities
- Gay Rights in Ageing information and resources useful to older LGBTI people