Being seen and supported: Why LGBTQIA+ inclusion matters in allied health

June 6, 2025

Being seen and supported: Why LGBTQIA+ inclusion matters in allied health


Every person deserves to feel safe, understood and valued—especially in the spaces where they seek support. For many LGBTQIA+ Australians, however, healthcare and support settings can be places of misunderstanding, misgendering or exclusion.


At helpz, we’re committed to changing that.


Why inclusion matters in allied health


Healthcare and therapy should be safe spaces—but for LGBTQIA+ individuals, they too often are not. Research shows that LGBTQIA+ people are more likely to avoid or delay seeking medical or allied health care due to fear of discrimination or past negative experiences.


When care is not inclusive or affirming, people may feel unsafe, unsupported or unseen. And for LGBTQIA+ individuals living with disability, neurodivergence or mental health challenges, this compounds layers of vulnerability.


That’s why affirming care is not optional—it’s essential.


Our commitment to inclusive practice


At helpz, we recognise that people bring many parts of themselves into the room. Gender identity, sexuality, neurodivergence, cultural background, trauma history, disability—all of these are part of the whole person. Our clinicians are trained in neuroaffirming and trauma-informed approaches and are committed to ongoing learning around inclusive practice.


We support LGBTQIA+ participants with a wide range of goals, from exploring independence and communication to managing anxiety or navigating relationships. That might mean a psychologist offering gender-affirming mental health support, or an occupational therapist helping someone feel more confident in everyday activities.


Our commitment includes:

  • Respecting pronouns and preferred names
  • Creating visibly inclusive spaces (e.g., rainbow badges, inclusive language)
  • Continual staff education and reflective practice
  • Partnering with LGBTQIA+ organisations where relevant


Understanding intersectionality


We work with many participants whose identities sit at the intersection of LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and disabled experiences. For example, an autistic non-binary young person may experience sensory overwhelm, social anxiety, and fear of discrimination all at once.


Our job is to listen deeply, collaborate respectfully, and co-design supports that empower—not pathologise. By acknowledging the unique experiences of each person, we create space for genuine connection and progress.


What inclusive care can look like


Inclusive allied health is more than a set of policies. It’s a practice of compassion and curiosity, of checking our assumptions and leading with respect.


For example, our practitioners might:

  • Ask and confirm someone’s pronouns, then use them correctly
  • Understand how dysphoria might affect sensory needs or social situations
  • Help a young person rehearse coming out conversations in a supportive space
  • Work with families to create affirming environments at home
  • Respect and support someone’s journey—wherever they are on it


Looking ahead: support that celebrates every person


This Pride Month, and every month, we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ people we support—and the courage it takes to show up as yourself in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.


We believe in building systems of support that truly reflect the diversity of the people they serve. That means listening, learning, and growing—together.



Further information & support:

References:

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia. (2021). Snapshot of mental health and suicide prevention statistics for LGBTIQ+ people.
Hill, A. O., Bourne, A., McNair, R. et al. (2021). Private lives 3: The health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people in Australia. La Trobe University.

News & Insights

Check Our Latest Resources

New helpz Webinar: Love, Rights, and Relationships: Supporting People with Disability to Thrive

February 15, 2026
Over the weekend, many people celebrated Valentine’s Day, a time that highlights love, connection and belonging. While the flowers and cards may fade, the deeper message remains: relationships and intimacy are central parts of being human. For people with disability, however, these areas of life are often surrounded by misunderstanding, stigma and unnecessary restriction. The truth is simple: people with disability have the same human rights to sexuality, relationships, safety and self‑determination as anyone else. This includes the right to have relationships, express affection, explore identity, seek connection, and make informed choices. Yet in practice, many people with disability continue to face barriers. From limited access to education, to overprotection, to environments where their needs are misunderstood or overlooked. As professionals in the field, we play a crucial role in ensuring people with disability are supported with dignity, respect and clear information. That’s why this month, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re excited to highlight our online training Relationships & Sexuality for Adults with a Disability . A practice‑focused session designed to equip carers and professionals with the knowledge and confidence to support individuals safely, ethically and respectfully. What the Webinar Covers 1. The Rights of People with Disability: Understanding rights is the first step in upholding them. 2. Assessment of Sexual Knowledge: Many people with disability simply haven’t been given clear, accessible education. We discuss respectful ways to explore what a person knows, identify gaps, and plan education that builds independence and safety. 3. Identifying Relationship Types and Boundaries: From friendships to romantic relationships to professional boundaries, people need simple, concrete ways to understand different types of relationships. Our webinar shares tools and visuals that support this learning. 4. Traits of a Healthy Relationship: Kindness, respect, choice, trust and safety. We break down these ideas that help people recognise what healthy relationships look and feel like. 5. Teaching Consent and Pro‑Social Behaviours: Consent is more than “yes” or “no.” We cover: how to teach consent step‑by‑step how to model respectful interactions how to support people to communicate their own boundaries how to recognise the boundaries of others 6. Supporting the Need for Privacy: Privacy is a right , not a privilege. We discuss strategies to teach privacy in ways that keep people safe, empowered and respected. 7. Internet Dating Safety: Online platforms can provide connection, inclusion and opportunity, but also risks. We provide practical strategies for: teaching online safety recognising red flags supporting safe communication navigating photos, profiles and personal information 8. Exploring Personal Needs Through Accessing Sex Workers: A sensitive but important topic. We approach this area with professionalism; this discussion helps workers feel confident navigating a topic that often arises but is rarely talked about openly or respectfully. Why This Matters For people with disability, opportunities for connection are often controlled by others. Overprotection, even when well‑intentioned, can unintentionally limit autonomy, confidence and emotional wellbeing. By improving support around sexuality and relationships, we help people: build self‑advocacy form safe, meaningful relationships understand consent reduce vulnerability to abuse improve mental and emotional wellbeing experience the joy and connection they deserve Valentine’s Day is a reminder that love, belonging and intimacy are not luxuries, they are part of human life. Our role is to ensure people with disability are empowered to navigate these areas safely and confidently. Join Us for the Webinar Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen your practice, this webinar will leave you with practical tools, deeper understanding and greater confidence to support people with disability in one of the most important areas of life: relationships, identity and human connection. Let’s work together to ensure every person, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to experience safe, fulfilling relationships rooted in respect and autonomy.

Disability Awareness Hub: Understanding Frontal Lobe Dementia

February 15, 2026
What is Developmental Coordination Disorder—and Why Does It Matter?

From bronze to Milano: Ben Tudhope and Australia’s road to the 2026 Winter Paralympics

February 15, 2026
From 6–15 March 2026, the world will turn its eyes to Milano Cortina for the Winter Paralympic Games. And Australia is heading there with a powerful, determined team across four disciplines: para-alpine skiing, para-snowboard, para-cross country and para-biathlon. Leading the charge is dual Paralympic medallist Ben Tudhope, alongside team captain Sean Pollard. For many Australians, the Winter Paralympics are about elite sport. But they are also about representation, resilience and reimagining what’s possible. A team built on grit and talent Australia’s 2026 Winter Paralympic team features a strong mix of experience and emerging talent. Para-snowboard Ben Tudhope (2022 Paralympic bronze medallist) Sean Pollard Amanda Reid Aaron McCarthy Blair Rosser Para-alpine skiing Josh Hanlon (World Cup medallist) Georgia Gunew (with guide Ethan Jackson) Liana France Sam Tait Para-nordic (biathlon and cross-country) Lauren Parker Dave Miln Lynn-Maree Cullen With Chef de Mission Ben Troy and captain Sean Pollard providing leadership, the team heads into Milano Cortina with both confidence and clarity of purpose. Backed by more than $2 million in Australian Government funding to support preparation, training and performance, these athletes are not just participating. They are competing to win. Why this matters beyond the podium When athletes like Ben Tudhope line up at the start gate, something bigger happens. Young people with disability see someone who looks like them in a high-performance environment. Families see possibility. Communities see strength, skill and dedication rather than limitation. Sport can be transformative. It builds confidence, independence, community connection and physical wellbeing. It challenges stereotypes and expands what society believes is achievable. At helpz, we see this same transformation every day in different ways. Whether through allied health support, behaviour support, occupational therapy, speech pathology or creative therapies, our work is about enabling people to participate fully in life. For some, that might mean the Paralympics. For others, it might mean joining a local sports club, learning a new skill, returning to school with confidence or navigating everyday challenges with greater independence. Every goal matters. The road to Milano Cortina Preparation for the Winter Paralympics is intense. It requires physical endurance, mental resilience, technical precision and strong support networks. Behind every athlete is a team of coaches, clinicians, families and supporters. Behind every run is years of training. As we head towards March 2026, we’ll be cheering for Ben and the entire Australian team. Not just for medals, but for what they represent. Courage. Capability. Community. And a powerful reminder that disability does not define potential We can’t wait to see what they achieve on the snow.