LGBTIQ+ in the workplace
LGBTIQ+ persons may be more susceptible to discrimination in the workplace, which may contribute to their willingness to be out about their sexual orientation or open about their gender identity at work. In a recent survey about LGBTIQ+ adults and the workplace, less than 40 percent said that they were out to everyone within their workplace, and just over half said that they felt accepted and confident at work. Each year, the Australian Human Rights Commission receives hundreds of complaints regarding the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, which covers complaints relating to discrimination based on a person’s sex, gender identity, intersex status, and sexual orientation, among other things.Mental health impacts
LGBTIQ+ people face unique challenges related to their identities which may have detrimental impacts on their mental health. Non-LGBTIQ+ employees in Australia were more likely to feel mentally well than LGBTIQ+ employees, according to a survey conducted in the country in 2022. Studies have found that this population group faces disproportionately higher rates of mental health conditions than those who do not identify with diverse gender, sex, or sexual orientations. Diagnoses of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety are common among the LGBTIQ+ community, and LGBTIQ+ people may face barriers and stigma when accessing healthcare services. Recent public discussion has focused on improving the health and well-being of minority groups, including the LGBTIQ+ community. One recently established initiative is the New South Wales ‘LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022-2027’, which aims to improve health outcomes for LGBTIQ+ people.A wide range of dedicated services and organizations operate in Australia to support and improve the rights, health, and livelihoods of the LGBTIQ+ community. Nonetheless, there are ongoing challenges faced by this minority group requiring ongoing efforts from both the Australian government and the wider community to reach equality.
