Today, we’re diving into an important and sensitive topic—how we can better support the LGBTQIA+ community within the NDIS. Joining us for this discussion is Tanya from The Identity Clinic, an organisation dedicated to providing affirming care, including LGBTQIA+ counselling and therapy services, for individuals across Australia.

Understanding Rainbow Realities

One of the key resources shaping our discussion is the Rainbow Realities report, a meta-analysis conducted by La Trobe University. This comprehensive study examined data from over 20,000 Australian participants, providing valuable insights into the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly those who are trans or gender diverse.

A major takeaway from this research is that individuals from these communities prefer to receive services from providers who either have lived experience or are openly gender-affirming. This includes something as simple as acknowledging and respecting pronouns—a small yet significant step in affirming a person’s gender identity and improving LGBTQIA+ mental health outcomes.

What Does Gender Affirmation Look Like?

Gender affirmation takes many forms. As Tanya explains, we affirm our gender in everyday ways—whether it’s through our clothing choices, hairstyles, or how we present ourselves to the world. For trans and gender-diverse individuals, this can also involve:

• Social affirmation – Using preferred pronouns and names, and respecting how someone wishes to be addressed.
• Legal affirmation – Updating identification documents to reflect a person’s gender identity (a process that varies by state in Australia).
• Medical affirmation – Accessing hormone therapy, top or bottom surgery, or other medical interventions as needed.
• Psychological affirmation – Providing mental health support that minimises gender dysphoria and promotes well-being, which is essential in addressing LGBTQIA+ health issues.

The Role of NDIS Providers in Gender-Affirming Care

For NDIS providers, gender-affirming care means being flexible and adaptive to each participant’s needs. One of the simplest yet most impactful actions a provider can take is ensuring that a participant’s preferred name and pronouns are recorded correctly and used consistently. Deadnaming—using a trans person’s former name—can be deeply distressing, and it is essential for organisations to have systems in place to prevent this from happening.

Moreover, providers should strive to create a safe and inclusive environment. This means ongoing education, implementing policies that support LGBTQIA+ individuals, and ensuring that staff members are trained to work respectfully with gender-diverse participants. These approaches contribute to strengthening LGBTQIA+ support services across Australia.

Calling In vs. Calling Out: A Supportive Approach

A common concern for both participants and providers is how to handle mistakes in gender-affirming interactions. Tanya highlights the importance of a “calling in” rather than “calling out” approach. When someone misgenders a person or uses the wrong name, it’s best to:

• Apologise briefly and sincerely.
• Correct the mistake.
• Move forward without making a big deal of it.

For those witnessing misgendering or other disrespectful behaviour, “calling in” means addressing the issue in a constructive and supportive manner, rather than publicly shaming the individual who made the mistake. This encourages learning and fosters a more inclusive culture in LGBTQIA+ support services.

Where to Access Resources and Training

Many NDIS providers may feel unsure about where to access training or resources to improve their inclusivity. The Identity Clinic offers tailored training programs that cover:

• Pronoun usage and inclusive language.
• Working with gender-diverse participants.
• Creating a safe and affirming space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

These sessions are designed by professionals with both clinical expertise and lived experience, ensuring they are practical, relevant, and supportive. Such training is invaluable in creating effective LGBTQIA+ support groups in Melbourne, Brisbane, and across Australia.

Services Offered by The Identity Clinic

The Identity Clinic provides a range of services tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community, including:

• Psychology services exclusively for queer individuals.
• Support for families of transgender or gender-diverse individuals.
• General mental health services for LGBTQIA+ people.
• Autism and ADHD assessments with no waitlist.

Currently, they offer face-to-face services in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as telehealth services nationwide (and even internationally!). Their commitment aligns with broader LGBTQIA+ rights movements, including LGBTQIA+ pride events like the Sydney Mardi Gras and LGBTQIA+ pride marches worldwide.

Final Thoughts

Providing gender-affirming care isn’t just about policy changes—it’s about fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and support. By educating ourselves, listening to lived experiences, and making conscious efforts to be inclusive, we can create a more affirming and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals within the NDIS.

For those looking for more information or support, Tanya and her team at The Identity Clinic are available to assist. You can reach them via email at tanya@theidentityclinic.org or admin@theidentityclinic.org.

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please check the links and phone numbers provided below for access to professional LGBTQIA+ support services, including mental health resources.

A massive thank you to Tanya for sharing her insights, and to all those working towards a more inclusive and affirming future for the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia.

Listen to our podcast on Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/066oIqeUbiEV8BswyeHInY?si=f9RAQzzJS5CFztY5tQQKQg

You can also watch the full interview video on YouTube:

Don’t forget if you want a personal plan manager, call 1300 199 960 and talk to one of our plan managers, or write to us at enquiries@planmanageassist.com.au to learn more!