LGBTQI+ carers

Carers provide care and support to a family member or friend living with disability, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail. They can find themselves providing emotional and practical support for that person. They may not realise that, as carers, there is specialist support available for them.

Anyone in life can find themselves in the role of a carer. Some research indicates that people who identify as sexuality or gender diverse are more likely to take on a caring role, and that they may take on caring responsibilities earlier in life than other carers who do not identify.

Sexuality and gender diverse carers face the full range of challenges that all carers experience, but they may also face a number of additional issues that impact on their caring role.

Carers NSW has information available about the experiences of LGBTQI+ carers from the National Carer Survey a survey conducted every two years with the support of the other State and Territory Carer Organisations.

Information and resources

Carers NSW has developed a series of resources for LGBTQI+ carers which can be accessed below or via the Carers NSW Resources page.

Information sheets

Useful resources

Taking Control: LGBTQ+ Toolkit for Palliative Care and End of Life Decisions (ACON)

NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy, Implementation Plan and Summary of Evidence (NSW Government)

LGBTQIA+ Families carers (Mental Health Carers NSW)

Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (My Aged Care)

Mental health statistics for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Intersex people (LGBTIQ+) (Beyond Blue)

Dementia and LGBTI (Dementia Australia)

LGBTI and Dementia - Understanding changes in behaviour (Dementia Australia)

Useful services

Carer Gateway - 1800 422 737 (Monday to Friday). Access to supports and services for carers.

QLife - 1800 184 527 or webchat (7 days, 3.00pm to 12.00am). Anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral.

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia - 02 7209 6301 (Monday to Friday). Programs to help LGBTIQ+ people manage their health and access inclusive health services.

ACON - 02 9206 2000 (Monday to Friday). Information, counselling and support.

Twenty10 - 02 8594 9555 (Tuesday to Friday, 1.00pm to 3.00pm). Specialist support for young people aged 12-25 years.