Mapping the state of lesbian, bisexual and queer women's health in Australia

An estimated 4.5% of people in Australia aged 16+ identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+). Women make up a substantial portion of LGBTIQ+ communities, yet both women’s health and LGBTIQ+ policy and research can often neglect the specific needs and experiences of this population.

This briefing paper brings together key findings from major Australian studies, alongside other national health data, and international research, to provide an evidence-based overview of lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women’s health outcomes.

Current research highlights significant disparities in mental health, reproductive health, substance use, and violence. It is important to acknowledge that these poorer health outcomes are not caused by LBQ women’s sexual orientation or gender, but are driven by external factors related to stigma, discrimination and marginalisation. In many instances it is not that LBQ women are more likely than heterosexual women to experience a specific health condition (although sometimes they are), but that there are significant barriers to them accessing safe, knowledgeable and affirming healthcare to address the health issues that matter to them.