Everyone has the right to feel safe to be their true self.
Families all look a little different and they all need help at some stage in their kids’ development.
Sometimes kids, young people and adults need a safe place to talk about their worries or find information.
For people who have questions about gender diversity, have come out as LGBTIQA+, or want to understand how to support their loved ones, it can help to talk to someone who understands their experiences, or to help them learn more about themselves.
Whatever your family looks like, ASK can help.
ASK uses the term LGBTIQA+ to mean Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more. This is an evolving acronym, because the words and terms we use evolves as our understanding of people and ourselves evolves.
ASK recognises that some people will use terms other than LGBTIQA+, and that terms like “queer” will be seen as derogatory by some people, especially older community members. ASK respects the language that all people use to describe their gender, sexuality, or bodily diversity.
Information for you
The Australian Institute of Families has published a glossary of common terms for the LGBTIQA+ community which can help you to use the right words with your family and friends.
Trans Health SA website was developed by transgender people in South Australia. It contains information about trans-inclusive health and support services, as well as a range of written resources for transgender people and workers.
The Rainbow Owl provides a comprehensive reading list for young people and their parents who are trans or gender diverse, as well as materials for educators, mental health professionals, and sporting association.
Minus18 website provide social inclusion, education and advocacy, and youth empowerment for LGBTIQA+ young people across Australia.
Rainbow Families coordinate networks, events, and advocacy for parents in the LGBTIQA+ community.
Raising Children Network provides ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts
Free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help you and your family grow and thrive together, including:
Department of Human Services has a page of links to information and forms for common questions, including birth certificates, driver’s license, registering relationships, adoption, and discrimination.
Parenting rights in Australia for same-sex parents - Australian Human Rights Commission details the arrangements for separating parents.
Services for you
LGBTIQA+ support services and activities can be found via Rainbow Directory SA.
Black Rainbow support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Sistergirl and Brotherboy (LGBQTI+SB) people through community projects and initiatives.
Women’s and Children’s Hospital Gender Diversity team is the main referral point for transgender young people who are seeking medical or mental health support.
Sexual Health Information Networking and Education SA (SHINE SA) is a LGBTIQA+ friendly sexual health service.
Gender Wellbeing Service is for people within the metropolitan area of Adelaide who are 12 years old and over.
It provides:
- psychological therapies
- peer support
- general information and support
Gender Connect Country SA provides peer support to anyone living in country SA with questions about being or supporting those who identify as transgender, gender diverse or gender questioning.
Bfriend provides free peer support to LGBTIQA+ people of all ages in South Australia. Bfriend’s community workers can provide a safe place to talk about gender or sexuality, information about community groups, and can connect people with peer volunteers who are able to meet with people to talk or attend LGBTIQA+ events together. Bfriend can also respond to enquiries from service providers and offers workplace training to help other organisations support the LGBTIQA+ community.
Phone 1800 615 677
Email Bfriend@unitingcommunities.org
The Catalyst Foundation hosts social groups for LGBTIQA+ people over 50 and provides LGBTIQA+ inclusion training for workplaces, including specialist training about LGBTIQA+ domestic violence.
Phone 8168 8776
Email information@catalystfoundation.com.au
Someone to talk to
Qlife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
Parents of Gender Diverse Children works hard to give a voice to parents and those parenting transgender and gender diverse children.
Phone 03 9663 6733
Email info@pgdc.org.au
Beyond Blue gives you information and referrals to services for depression and anxiety. Cost of a local call.
Phone 1300 22 4636 (24-hour service)
Learn about parenting and mental health
Lifeline provides counselling for lots of different issues and referrals to services in your local community. Mobile phone calls are free. Online chat is available.
Phone 13 11 14 (24-hour service)
Text Lifeline (12 noon to 12 midnight)
Lifeline Online Chat (7.00 pm to 12 midnight)
If life is in danger, phone 000 (triple zero)
Kids Helpline provides help and support for young people aged 5 to 25 years (and their parents/caregivers) and is staffed by professional counsellors. Online chat is available.
Phone 1800 55 1800 (24-hour service)
If life is in danger, phone 000 (triple zero)
ASK was built for you so we welcome your feedback and suggestions. Use the contact us form to let us know of new services or changes. Services can also request to be added to the ASK Service Directory, or have their listing updated.