Working with lesbian and same-sex attracted women

'Go Girls' health forum

“There is no really visible GLBTI [gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex]community in the West, nor is there much access to information or safe places, especially for young people. For many women, the dilemma is how to identify as proudly same-sex attracted, while still being able to work positively and respectfully within their own religion, culture and community.” – Jemma Mead, convenor of Generation Q, the West’s first group for same-sex attracted youth.

Jemma helped us plan Go Girls! in May 2003, the Western region’s first ever health forum for lesbian and same-sex attracted women. “The main health issue for lesbians is not sexuality, but living in a homophobic society,” says Dr Ruth McNair, GP, lesbian health activist and a speaker at the forum. Homophobia can lead to depression and isolation. Fear of encountering homophobia stops many women from consulting or speaking openly with health practitioners.

Go Girls! aimed to provide the 50+ women who attended with health information and a safe space to meet, talk and strengthen their sense of community. Go Girls! Also helped us learn more about the health needs of lesbian and same-sex attracted women, and opened up many possibilities for working with others on these issues. We have since helped run STEP training, for example – a statewide training program for education, health and community workers which explores issues for same-sex attracted youth including homophobia, coming out and the increased risks of drug and alcohol abuse, suicide and self-harm.

Women's Health West has identified lesbian and same-sex attracted women as a target community for future health promotion work, in particular issues around the intersections of sexual and cultural diversity.