In order to provide some specific advice to our LGBTIQ+ communities, we have brought together a list of links and resources you may find useful.
The lockdown and restrictions introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19 can make life difficult, and it is important that you reach out for help when you need it.
Important ACT Government Links
Access to ACT Health Facilities
Mental Health Support for LGBTIQ+ Canberrans
LGBTIQ+ specialist organisations in Canberra
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing for people with a disability
Legal support
ACT COVID-19 website (covid19.act.gov.au)
- This website provides the latest updates on COVID-19 in the ACT. It includes current restrictions, information on vaccinations and where to get tested for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Hotlines
- Call the ACT COVID-19 helpline on (02) 6207 7244, or the National COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080.
Easy English Resources
- The key COVID-19 information explained in easy to read English on the ACT COVID-19 website.
- You can also access easy English videos and resources produced by Advocacy for Inclusion.
Has access to health care facilities in the ACT changed?
- Information on accessing health care facilities in the ACT is available here: Visitors at ACT Health Facilities | Health
What mental health support is available in the ACT ?
- Information on supporting mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19 is available here: Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19 | Health (act.gov.au)
It is important to maintain your health and wellbeing by keeping active and taking care of your mental health. Feelings of increased anxiety, stress or loneliness are normal during this time and it’s important that you reach out to others or seek help through the services below if you are not feeling yourself.
- QLife - 1800 184 527
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. There is also a webchat function available. - BeyondBlue - 1300 22 4636
All calls and chats are one-on-one with a trained mental health professional, and completely confidential. Although we may ask for your first name and some general details, you can let us know if you’d like to remain anonymous. - Beyond Blue provides a Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. Phone: 1800 512 348.
- Australian Government is providing access to an extra 10 Medicare-subsidised psychological therapy sessions. Speak with your GP about how to start or update your mental health care plan.
- Westlund Counselling – 6257 2855 or 0412 882 855 email counselling@westlund.org.au. Westlund is the ACT’s leading community-based counselling service for LGBTIQ people, their families and their allies.
The following LGBTIQ+- inclusive support services are available for young people.
- Kids Helpline offers private and confidential phone and online counselling services for young people aged five to 25. Phone: 1800 551 800.
- Headspace Canberra - (02) 6113 5700 headspace Canberra is a free or low-cost confidential service for young people between 12-25.
Meridian
- A breakdown of the status of each of Meridian’s current services and supports is available on their website.
A Gender Agenda
- A breakdown of the status of A Gender Agenda’s current services and supports is available on their website.
Can I get tested if I don’t have a Medicare card?
- If you are not eligible for Medicare, or you don’t have health insurance, you can get free Rapid Antigen Tests. Find out more on the Where to get tested in the ACT page.
- If you don’t have health insurance, public hospitals in the ACT will cover the cost of your diagnosis and treatment if you have COVID-19.
- These arrangements are in place to support people in the community who have no private health insurance or have no way to pay for healthcare for COVID-19.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe if I am trans or gender diverse, and receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
- Yes. People who are taking all forms of hormone therapy can safely get a COVID-19 vaccine.
- The extremely rare blood clotting condition associated with the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is not associated with hormone use.
- If you have questions about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, please speak with your doctor.
How much is the COVID-19 Vaccine?
- COVID-19 vaccines are free. For more information, including how to book, eligibility and where to get your vaccination, visit the COVID-19 vaccines page.
What impact will COVID-19 have on me if I am HIV positive?
- While every Canberran is at risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19), underlying illnesses make people more likely to become very sick with the condition. These conditions include people with low or suppressed immune systems, such as those living with HIV. It's important to note that being undetectable does not mean that your immune system is not impaired.
- LGBTIQ+ Canberrans with pre-existing health conditions such as HIV are encouraged to monitor them and seek healthcare if required, as they usually would. People should also keep important scheduled medical appointments and take medications that their doctor has prescribed.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe if I am on pre-exposure prophylaxis medications (PrEP) or receiving HIV/AIDS treatments?
- Yes. People who are taking PrEP or receiving treatments for HIV/AIDS can safety get a COVID-19 vaccine.
- COVID-19 vaccines are free. For more information, including how to book, eligibility and where to get your vaccination, visit the COVID-19 vaccines page.
- If you have questions about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, please speak with your doctor.
What arrangements are in place to help people with disability access COVID-19 vaccinations? Are there in-reach vaccination options for people who cannot travel to a vaccination clinic?
- Information on accessing COVID-19 vaccination for people with disability is available on the Disability page - COVID-19 (act.gov.au).
The following services provide varying options for legal support, and are not intersex, transgender and gender diverse specific.
- The ACT Human Rights Commission: The ACT Human Rights Commission works closely with the intersex, transgender and gender diverse communities in Canberra. The Commission is able to take complaints about services in the ACT if you feel you have been discriminated against for any reason (including your gender identity and/or intersex status): http://hrc.act.gov.au/
- Legal Aid ACT: provides legal services for those experiencing social or economic disadvantage. Phone (02) 6243 3411, email legalaid@legalaidact.org.au, http://www.legalaidact.org.au/.
- Women's Legal Centre ACT & Region: The Women's Legal Centre provides legal assistance to women. The Centre's main areas of practice are family law, victims of crime, employment and discrimination. Phone advice line: from Canberra: (02) 6257 4377, from outside Canberra: 1800 634 669. Website: http://womenslegalact.org/
- The Women's Legal Centre Aboriginal Women’s Program is available if to support Aboriginal women. Phone: (02) 6257 4377. Email for referrals: referral@womenslegalact.org