Media Release 28 February 2003

Community Forum on Lesbian Health in the West

The first ever lesbian/same-sex attracted women's health forum in Melbourne's West will take place on Saturday 22 March, 9.45am to 4pm at the Maribyrnong City Council Church Hall, Footscray.

Go Girls! is presented by Women's Health West, organised with strong input from a reference group of lesbian/same-sex attracted women in the West. It includes speakers and workshops on topics including sexuality, health and relationships, youth, lesbian families, sporty dykes and building social networks.

"Lesbians need a space to identify their own health needs - physical, emotional or social," says organiser Samantha McGuffie. "Women's Health West takes a very broad view of the term 'health': one that recognises not just the physiological aspects of health, safety and wellbeing, but also the social and political."

Growing up in the West can bring up some specific issues for lesbians and same-sex attracted women, says Jemma Mead, convenor of Generation Q - Melbourne's first group for same-sex attracted young people in the West and a speaker at the forum. "The broad range of cultural backgrounds and religions in the Western region can raise some issues. How can they identify as and be proud of being same-sex attracted, while still being able to work positively and respectfully within their own religion, culture and community?"

"There is no really visible GLBTI [gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex] community in this region," Ms Mead continues. "Nor is there much access to information or safe places for these young people." This is one of the main reasons for the forum, says Samantha McGuffie, who hopes it will provide women with both accurate and useful information and a space to meet and strengthen their sense of community in the West.

Go Girls! topics include 'Lesbian Health Issues', 'Lesbians and Menopause', 'Drugs and Alcohol', 'Sexuality', 'Body Image', 'Nurturing Ourselves' and 'Tim Tams, ice-cream and violins: relationships and intimacy'. At least two speakers will deal specifically with issues for lesbian families, and free childcare is available.

Recent research has demonstrated the need for health providers to better understand the specific needs of lesbians/same-sex attracted women. According to the 'Women's Health and Wellbeing Strategy' report on lesbian health by Philomena Horsley, Ruth McNair (both speakers at Go Girls!) and Marian Pitts, invisibility and lack of understanding can reduce the quality of care lesbians may receive. For example, lesbians tend to delay or avoid treatment and under-use services such as breast screening and pap smears because of a perception that services are not lesbian-friendly. Other issues highlighted include depression and other mental health issues exacerbated by the stress of coming out and discrimination, and the lack of affordable, appropriate services including those addressing family breakdown and homelessness.

Women's Health West will draw on key issues identified by Go Girls! participants to inform the development of training materials and workshops for health and community service providers.

Entry is free, all food, entertainment and childcare is provided. Go Girls! is on Saturday 22 March from 9.45 to 4pm at Maribyrnong City Council Church Hall, cnr Hyde St and Lawsons Pl Footscray.

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