We wanted to use this space say more about LGBTQ+ inclusivity because we believe it’s important that LGBTQ+ survivors don’t feel silenced about what’s happened to them or what support they need. It is important that LGBTQ+ people see their identities, experiences and issues reflected in information about sexual violence. LGBTQ+ people who experience sexual violence know what an impact it has on them and how they see themselves.

LGBTQ+ 

LGBTQ+ is an inclusive term that reflects the wide range of sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions that exist within our communities. It commonly refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning people, while the “+” recognises that no single acronym can fully capture the diversity of people’s identities and experiences. This includes people who are intersex, as well as those whose identities may not be represented by the letters alone.

We use LGBTQ+ as an inclusive term because it acknowledges that everyone deserves to be seen, respected and affirmed. Language continues to evolve, and we are committed to using terminology that reflects people’s lived experiences, honours self-identification, and supports equity, dignity and belonging for all.

LGBTQ+ People

LGBTQ+ people are people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, cultures, languages and backgrounds. LGBTQ+ people are disabled people, people of faith, people who speak languages other than English, people who are immigrants and asylum seekers, people who sex work, people of different income levels, people of all ages, people with and without strong family ties, carers and people with children. LGBTQ+ people live everywhere.

Although ‘LGBTQ+’ covers a wide range of people, the one thing LGBTQ+ people have in common is the lived experience of prejudice and discrimination for their sexuality and/or gender.

Whether direct or indirect, current or in the past, all LGBTQ+ people know what it means to have to make daily micro-decisions about safety; about when, how and to what extent it is OK to be fully yourself; about what you can show and what you must hide. And it is this lived experience that interacts with the experience of sexual violence and the choices LGBTQ+ people make when considering whether to speak up or keep quiet.

Gender Based Violence and LGBTQ+ Relationships

Gender-based violence can occur in LGBTQ+ relationships, yet it is often overlooked because of harmful stereotypes and assumptions about who experiences abuse and who causes harm. People of all genders, sexual orientations and relationship structures can experience domestic, family and sexual violence. LGBTQ+ survivors may face additional barriers to recognising abuse, seeking support or being believed, including fear of being “outed”, concerns about discrimination, previous negative experiences with services, social isolation, limited access to inclusive support, or threats linked to gender identity, sexual orientation or HIV status. For trans and gender-diverse people, abusive behaviours may also include deliberately misgendering, controlling access to gender-affirming healthcare, clothing or identity documents, or using a person’s identity as a means of coercion and control. We recognise the impact of these intersecting experiences, we prioritise safety, choice and collaboration, affirm each person’s identity and relationships, and provide support that is culturally safe, inclusive and free from assumptions.

For those LGBTQ+ people who experience sexual violence from another LGBTQ+ person, it can be hard to acknowledge that the person who’s hurting them is someone from their own community, someone who may also experience discrimination and violence as an LGBTQ+ person. LGBTQ+ people might worry about additional negative consequences if they speak up, such as being outed or ostracised from their community or exposed to a dismissive or discriminatory response. If the service response isn’t LGBTQ+ aware, then it can potentially make the situation more unsafe for the survivor.

 

We believe that LGBTQ+ survivors deserve dignity, respect, understanding and validation as LGBTQ+ people. We believe that LGBTQ+ communities will be stronger if survivors feel able to speak out about sexual violence. We encourage all LGBTQ+  survivors to get in touch. You deserve equal access to support and the right to be heard.  Where we can’t provide support we will help you find the right support for you.

We believe you, we listen to you and we will help you find your own way forward.