LGBTIQA+ communities
Discover a range of programs, services, and information for LGBTIQA+ people in the ACT.
Your human rights
Discrimination law reform
It's against the law for anyone to treat you unfairly based on your LGBTIQA+ status. Organisations must actively prevent such discrimination. Learn more about your rights.
Protecting the rights of LGBTIQA+ Canberrans
The ACT Human Rights Commission helps resolve complaints about discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or variations of sex characteristics. Find out more.
Sexuality and gender identity conversion practices
It is illegal to try to change someone’s sexuality or gender identity. If this has happened to you in the ACT, seek support.
Protecting the rights of people with variations of sex characteristics
The new laws protect people with variations in sex characteristics, allowing them to make their own decisions about deferrable medical treatments. Learn more.
Your rights as a victim
The Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime requires justice agencies to address your diverse needs, including related to your gender identity, sex, or sexuality.
Advocacy and representation
Public health services for LGBTIQA+ people
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
Provides free STI/HIV testing and treatment, PrEP and PEP medication, immunisation, and gender-affirming care to people aged 16 and over. Medicare not required.
Variations in Sex Characteristics Psychosocial Service
Supports for children and young people born with variations in sex characteristics aged up to 17 years of age.
Abortion
Can be accessed by people living in the ACT for free, without Medicare. Services also include medications, tests and counselling.
LGBTIQA+ Health
Find more information about services and resources for LGBTIQA+ people on a range of health issues.
Mental health support
QLife
Offers free, anonymous peer support and referrals for LGBTIQ+ people in Australia. Call 1800 184 527, 7 days a week, 3pm to midnight.
Meridian Wellbeing Services
Provides LGBTIQA+ peer support tailored to individual needs. They provide access to trauma-informed, sex-positive counsellors and psychologists.
Lifeline
Offers free 24/7 crisis support for anyone feeling overwhelmed, distressed or thinking about suicide. Call 13 11 14 for help. You’re not alone.
Access Mental Health
Provides information and referrals for people who have concerns about their own or someone else’s mental health. Call 1800 629 354 any time.
Community support
Meridian
Provides a range of peer-led health and social support services for LGBTIQA+ people. Explore their services.
A Gender Agenda
Provides peer support, training, resources, and events for intersex, trans, and gender diverse people, their families and supporters. Explore their services.
Rainbow Mob
Peer-led organisation for and by LGBTIQA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT. Find out more.
Forcibly Displaced People Network
Supports LGBTIQA+ people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants in Australia by offering capacity building and connections to these communities and other services. Find out more.
Seahorse Playgroup
Join a social gathering for LGBTIQA+ parents, carers and your children aged 0-3. Find out more.
Bit Bent
A safe space for LGBTIQA+ young people aged 10 to 25 to socialise and make new friends at the Belconnen Youth Centre. Find out more.
Women with Disability ACT
Disabled people’s organisation advocating for the rights of women, girls, and gender diverse people with disabilities in the ACT. Find out more.
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT
Provides sexual and reproductive health services with a focus on youth, LGBTIQA+ people and those with low income. Find out more.
Pride Festival
SpringOUT
Canberra’s annual pride festival is on each November, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of people in the ACT. Explore a range of events on offer.
Fair Day
Everyone is invited to celebrate LGBTIQA+ communities on Saturday 2 November at Glebe Park. Enjoy entertainment, browse market and community stalls, and sample the finest local food.
Capital of Equality Grants Program
Funding to promote connections for LGBTIQA+ people
Supports projects which create a sense of community, belonging and togetherness for LGBTIQA+ people.
Funding to grow community organisations to support LGBTIQA+ people
Helps grow community organisations in the ACT to better support LGBTIQA+ people. Find out more.
Funding to develop LGBTIQA+ leaders
Supports LGBTIQA+ people who want to develop their leadership skills and contribute to LGBTIQA+ communities. Find out more.